CommandPlan as a Training Tool

CommandPlan is designed to offer the individual Incident Commander training challenges with good applicability to Type 1 through Type 4 incidents. An integrated authoring tool allows the training developer to select a local or target incident area.

Because CommandPlan simulates participants under your command the scenarios are available on-demand whenever the IC has an opportunity to exercise and sharpen their command skills. Like a chess simulator, CommandPlan can be used to develop and exercise advance cognitive processing and recall skills. We recreate the "fog of war" by immersing the trainee in a dynamic environmental model of the incident and integrating that with simulated resources and civilian populations.

Incident Types

Type 5 incidents would commonly include vehicle fires, motor vehicle accidents, typical structure fires, dumpster fires and in some cases fire alarm activations.

The incident can be handled with one or two single resources with up to six personnel.
Command and General Staff positions (other than the Incident Commander) are not activated.
No written Incident Action Plan (IAP) is required.
The incident is contained within the first operational period and often within an hour to a few hours after resources arrive on the scene.

Examples include a vehicle fire, an injured person, or a police traffic stop.

Type 4 incidents would typically include a major structure fire, a multiple vehicle crash with multiple patients, or a hazmat spill.

Command and General Staff functions are activated only if needed.
Several resources are required to mitigate the incident, possibly including Task Forces or Strike Teams.
The incident is usually limited to one operational period in the control phase, usually in a few hours after resources arrive on scene.
The agency administrator may have briefings, and ensure the complexity analysis and delegation of authority are updated.
No written Incident Action Plan (IAP) is required but a documented operational briefing will be completed for all incoming resources.

Examples include a building fire or large protest/rally.

Type 3 incidents include those where capabilities exceed initial attack and the appropriate ICS positions should be added to match the complexity of the incident. Examples include a tornado touchdown, earthquake, flood, or multi-day incident. When capabilities exceed initial emergency response, the appropriate ICS positions should be added to match the complexity of the incident.

Some or all of the Command and General Staff positions may be activated, as well as Division/Group supervisor and/or Unit Leader level positions
A Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) or incident command organization manages initial action incidents with a significant number of resources, an extended attack incident until containment/control is achieved, or an expanding incident until transition to a Type 1 or 2 team.
The incident may extend into multiple operational periods.
A written IAP may be required for each operational period.

Examples include a chemical leak with evacuation, tropical storm/hurricane or a hostage stand-off.

Type 2 incidents include the type of incident that extends beyond the capabilities for local control and is expected to go into multiple operational periods. A Type 2 Incident may require the response of resources out of area, including regional and/or national resources, to effectively manage the operations, command and general staffing. These incidents typically involve incidents of regional significance.

Most or all of the Command and General Staff positions are filled.
A written IAP is required for each operational period.
Many of the functional units are needed and staffed.
Operations personnel normally do not exceed 200 per operational period and total incident personnel do not exceed 500 (guidelines only)
The agency administrator is responsible for the incident complexity analysis, agency administrator briefings, and the written delegation of authority

Examples include a devastating flood or earthquake.

Type 1 Incidents are the most complex, requiring national resources to safely and effectively manage and operate. These incidents are of significance to the country and are managed by a nationally qualified team.

All Command and General Staff positions are activated
Operations personnel often exceed 500 per operational period and total incident personnel will usually exceed 51,000.
Branches need to be established.
The agency administrator will have briefings, and ensure that the complexity analysis and delegation of authority are updated.
Use of resource advisors at the incident base is recommended.
There is a high impact on the local jurisdiction, requiring additional staff for office administrative and support functions.

Examples include a major terrorist attack, or a Katrina, Japan, Haiti level disaster.