What are the core components of the basic Incident Command System (ICS) structure?

• A. Command Center; Response; Recovery; Coordination
• B. Incident Commander, Operations, Planning, Logistics, Finance/Administration
• C. Incident Director, Operations, Logistics, Communications
• D. Incident Manager; Field Ops; Resource Mgmt; Policy

Answer: (B)

ICS is built around five major functional areas under an Incident Commander. The Incident Commander provides overall leadership and safety oversight. The four general staff sections handle the core management tasks: Operations carries out tactical response, Planning develops the Incident Action Plan and maintains current situational awareness, Logistics provides the personnel, facilities, equipment, and services required, and Finance/Administration tracks costs, procurement, timekeeping, and contracts. This structure is scalable and standardized, promoting clear authority and efficient coordination as the incident grows or shrinks. The other options mix in elements that aren’t part of the basic structure, or omit one or more essential sections, or use terms not used in the standard ICS setup.