TASK FORCE MANAGEMENT

Unit 3:

Command & Control

IC/IMT Interface

Unit Goal

Upon completion of this unit, participants will be able to describe the task force organizational structure and position responsibilities, as well as incident management interface issues.

Unit Objectives

Review TF organizational structure and position responsibilities.

Identify the lines of authority and functional responsibilities of an Incident Management Team.

Identify critical interface points between the IC/IMT and TF management personnel.

Command & Control

The command & control of a large group of Type A personalities from different agencies under stressful conditions while making sure they all

return home safe is a big responsibility.

“It Ain’t An Easy Job!”

But It Can BeAccomplished By

Working together Training, training, and more training Following sound ICS principles

It’s all about teamwork and building relationships!

Basic IMT Org Chart Each Homeland Security

Region currently has at least one Basic IMT of 9 members. (Command and General staff plus a Comms unit leader)

Members come from EM, Fire, LE, EMS, PH, PW, Hospitals, CO/City Gov, Private Industry, Education, Volunteer

IncidentCommander

Operations SectionChief

Planning SectionChief

Logistics SectionChief

CommunicationsUnit Leader

Finance/AdminSection Chief

Liaison Officer Safety Officer

Public Information

Officer

Expanded Organization

Task Force Organizational Structure

Modeled after FEMA & State USARCommon Positions & ResponsibilitiesSimilar Organizational StructureCommon Language

General Guidelines

Org charts are intended to:Be flexible and adapted to the incident or

situationProvide consistency within the USAR

communityUtilize basic ICS principles i.e. span of

control, unity of command, etc.

PositionRoles & Responsibilities

FEMA USAR Position Descriptions National USAR FOG

General & Position ChecklistsField Operations Guides

Task Force Leader Manages the operational and administrative issues

of the task force May report directly to the IC or other positions as

designated by the IC i.e. Ops Chief, Rescue Branch, etc.

If an IMT is in place, the TFL will likely report to the Operations Section Chief

Responsible for developing tactical objectives for the task force

Supervises: Plans Manager - Logistics Manager Medical Team Manager - Safety Officer Search Team Manager - Rescue Team Manager

Plans Manager Responsible for the planning aspects of the

task force. Develops the Tactical Action Plan (TAP) Ensures forms and reports are processed

following TF and incident guidelines Gathers information for Situation Report

(TF209) Typically supervises the Technical Information

Specialist & Structures Specialist Coordinates efforts with the Plans Section Chief

or other members of the incident planning staff.

Technical Information Specialist

Responsible for gathering Information Creating, displaying, providing and compiling

documentation Accountability, maintenance, and minor repairs for

all planning equipment Other duties as assigned

Responsible for documenting, tracking and retrieving all pertinent information for the TF during operations. Reports to the Plans Manager.

Logistics Manager

Coordinates logistical support for the task force

Completes resource request forms Supervises the Logistics Specialists and

Communications Specialist Coordinates efforts with the Logistics Section

Chief or other members of the incident logistics staff.

Logistics Specialist

The Logistics Specialist is responsible for ensuring the preparation and maintenance of the task force equipment cache. The Logistics Specialist reports directly to the Logistics Manager.

The Logistics Specialist is responsible for:

Coordinating the packaging, transporting, distribution, and maintenance of the Task Force equipment cache prior, during, and subsequent to mission assignments.

Ensuring accountability and security of the task force equipment cache.

Maintaining accurate and timely records and reports. Adhering to all safety procedures. Maintains and repairs the task force equipment cache. Assist with over-all management of task force facilities and fleet. Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned.

Safety Officer

Oversees all safety aspects for the task force from mobilization until return home

Coordinates efforts with the Incident Safety Officer

Completes required formsTF 208ICS 215A

Medical Team Manager Oversees the medical care of victims

encountered during task force operations Oversees the medical care of task force

members Supervises the Medical Specialists – may be

the senior Medical Specialist Develops the Task Force Medical Plan

(TF206) Responsible for maintaining illness & injury

logs (TF206V & TF206V-TF)

Search Team ManagerManages Search OperationsSupervises

○ Search Squad Officers○ Technical Search Specialists○ K9 Search Specialists○ Structures Specialists

Rescue Team ManagerManages Rescue OperationsSupervises:

○ Rescue Squad Officers○ Heavy Equipment & Rigging Specialists

Squad Formation

Squads may be organized and named by function or geographic area.

Squad size varies by assignment and available resources.

Typical functionsReconSearchRescue

Squad Formation (cont) Each squad must have a supervisor – Squad

Officer or boss Each squad may have a Medical Specialist Each squad should assign someone to monitor

hazards – Hazardous Materials Specialist Other positions may depend on function or

assignment The number of squads or complexity of

assignments may determine if additional levels of supervision are needed, i.e. Search Manager or Rescue Manager

Task Level PositionsK9 Search SpecialistTechnical Search SpecialistRescue SpecialistHeavy Equipment & Rigging SpecialistStructures Specialist – Building EngineerHazardous Materials SpecialistLogistics SpecialistCommunications SpecialistMedical Specialist

While all positions may not be filled, task force management must ensure that the responsibilities are assigned and met.

Example: While there may not be a Hazardous Materials Specialist on the

squad, someone still needs to be responsible for monitoring air quality.

Squad OfficerThe Squad Officer is responsible for:

Directly supervising the squad and other assigned personnel (local responders)

Adhering to all safety procedures Implementing the assigned component of the Tactical Action

Plan Determining organizational and logistical needs for the squad

and work site Providing periodic progress reports to the designated

supervisor Maintaining records and reports (214) Preparing performance evaluations for assigned personnel Ensuring accountability and maintenance for all issued

equipment

Who Do Squad OfficersReport To?

Make sure you know!

Canine Search Specialist

Technical Search Specialist

Description of Duties

  The Technical Search Specialist is responsible for: Searching structures in US&R environments or other locations

indicated in the mission assignment, utilizing appropriate technical search equipment and techniques.

Documenting locations of alerts and, if possible, triaging the status of victims for rescue.

Adhering to all safety procedures. Cooperating with and assisting other search and rescue

resources. Providing accountability, maintenance, and minor repairs of all

issued equipment. Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Rescue SpecialistDescription of Duties

  The Rescue Specialist is responsible for: Implementing technical skills and operating equipment

necessary for completing the rescue portion of the action plan Performing rescue operations under the direct supervision of a

Rescue Squad Officer and providing periodic progress reports as needed

The operation and routine field maintenance of rescue tools and equipment

Adhering to all safety procedures Ensuring accountability and maintenance for all issued

equipment Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Heavy Equipment & Rigging Specialist

Structures Specialist

Hazardous Materials Specialist

Description of Duties

  The Hazardous Materials Specialist is responsible for:

○ Providing an initial and ongoing survey (detection, monitoring and sampling) for and identification of the presence of hazardous materials at search and rescue sites.

○ Directing decontamination procedures for any task force member or victim.

○ Performing mitigation operations when indicated.○ Providing assistance and information to medical personnel

regarding chemical exposure and injuries.○ Documenting all related information.○ Adhering to all safety procedures.○ Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned during a

mission.

Medical SpecialistThe Medical Specialist is responsible for:

The general health considerations of and delivery of medical care to all task force personnel and victims encountered during task force operations.

Implementing the medical action plans specified by the Medical Team Manager.

Adhering to all safety procedures. Accountability, maintenance, and minor repairs

for all issued equipment. Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

during a mission.

Important Points For TF Members to Remember Regarding Finance $$

Stay on task with the mission or assignment you are given or get approval to deviate

Understand the process for requesting and receiving resources including time constraintsHeavy equipment versus cans of marking paint

Follow established guidelines Document in detail

Be specific