Task Force Management

1. Unit 3: Command & Control IC/IMT Interface Task Force Management

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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!”

5. But It Can BeAccomplished By • Working together • Training, training, and more training • Following sound ICS principles

6. It’s all about teamwork and building relationships!

7. 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

8. Expanded Organization

9. Task Force Organizational Structure • Modeled after FEMA & State USAR • Common Positions & Responsibilities • Similar Organizational Structure • Common Language

11. General Guidelines • Org charts are intended to: • Be flexible and adapted to the incident or situation • Provide consistency within the USAR community • Utilize basic ICS principles i.e. span of control, unity of command, etc.

12. PositionRoles & Responsibilities • FEMA USAR Position Descriptions • National USAR FOG • General & Position Checklists • Field Operations Guides

13. 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

14. 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.

15. Technical Information Specialist Responsible for documenting, tracking and retrieving all pertinent information for the TF during operations. Reports to the Plans Manager. • Responsible for gathering Information • Creating, displaying, providing and compiling documentation • Accountability, maintenance, and minor repairs for all planning equipment • Other duties as assigned

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. Safety Officer • Oversees all safety aspects for the task force from mobilization until return home • Coordinates efforts with the Incident Safety Officer • Completes required forms • TF 208 • ICS 215A

19. 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)

20. Search Team Manager • Manages Search Operations • Supervises • Search Squad Officers • Technical Search Specialists • K9 Search Specialists • Structures Specialists • Rescue Team Manager • Manages Rescue Operations • Supervises: • Rescue Squad Officers • Heavy Equipment & Rigging Specialists

21. Squad Formation • Squads may be organized and named by function or geographic area. • Squad size varies by assignment and available resources. • Typical functions • Recon • Search • Rescue

22. 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

23. Task Level Positions • K9 Search Specialist • Technical Search Specialist • Rescue Specialist • Heavy Equipment & Rigging Specialist • Structures Specialist – Building Engineer • Hazardous Materials Specialist • Logistics Specialist • Communications Specialist • Medical Specialist

24. 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.

25. Squad Officer The 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

26. Who Do Squad OfficersReport To?Make sure you know!

27. Canine Search Specialist

28. 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

29. Rescue Specialist Description 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

30. Heavy Equipment & Rigging Specialist

31. Structures Specialist

32. 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.

33. Medical Specialist The 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.

34. 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 constraints • Heavy equipment versus cans of marking paint • Follow established guidelines • Document in detail • Be specific