Functions of Command

Within the Incident Command System (ICS), the functions of command are organized into five functional areas:

Key Facts

  1. In the context of emergency response, the functions of command are typically organized within an Incident Command System (ICS). The ICS consists of five functional areas: Command, Operations, Logistics, Planning, and Admin/Finance.
  2. The Command function is responsible for defining goals and objectives for the incident, coordinating activities with other functional areas, and ensuring personnel safety.
  3. The Operations function determines the strategies and actions needed to achieve the goals and objectives set by Command.
  4. The Logistics function supports Command and Operations by sourcing supplies, equipment, and personnel for the mission.
  5. The Planning function processes incident information, prepares for contingencies, and coordinates information activities across the entire response system.
  6. The Admin/Finance function tracks administrative matters, processes expenses, and ensures regulatory compliance and financial accounting.
  7. Command functions, in the context of Command Query Responsibility Separation (CQRS), refer to the behaviors that change a system’s state.
  8. Command functions receive command messages containing information that will update the system state.
  • Command
  • Operations
  • Logistics
  • Planning
  • Admin/Finance

Command

The Command function is responsible for defining goals and objectives for the incident, coordinating activities with other functional areas, and ensuring personnel safety.

Operations

The Operations function determines the strategies and actions needed to achieve the goals and objectives set by Command.

Logistics

The Logistics function supports Command and Operations by sourcing supplies, equipment, and personnel for the mission.

Planning

The Planning function processes incident information, prepares for contingencies, and coordinates information activities across the entire response system.

Admin/Finance

The Admin/Finance function tracks administrative matters, processes expenses, and ensures regulatory compliance and financial accounting.

Command Functions in Command Query Responsibility Separation (CQRS)

In the context of Command Query Responsibility Separation (CQRS), command functions refer to the behaviors that change a system’s state.

Command Messages

Command functions receive command messages containing information that will update the system state.

Sources

FAQs

What are the 8 functions of command?

The 8 functions of command are:

Command

Operations

Logistics

Planning

Admin/Finance

Command functions (in the context of CQRS)

Command messages

What is the Command function responsible for?

The Command function is responsible for defining goals and objectives for the incident, coordinating activities with other functional areas, and ensuring personnel safety.

What is the Operations function responsible for?

The Operations function is responsible for determining the strategies and actions needed to achieve the goals and objectives set by Command.

What is the Logistics function responsible for?

The Logistics function is responsible for supporting Command and Operations by sourcing supplies, equipment, and personnel for the mission.

What is the Planning function responsible for?

The Planning function is responsible for processing incident information, preparing for contingencies, and coordinating information activities across the entire response system.

What is the Admin/Finance function responsible for?

The Admin/Finance function is responsible for tracking administrative matters, processing expenses, and ensuring regulatory compliance and financial accounting.