The NIMS Management Characteristic of Chain of Command and Unity of Command means that each person:
?A. ?Reports to only one ICS supervisor.
?B. ?May receive work assignments from multiple supervisors in the organization.
?C. ?Continues to report directly to their day-to-day supervisor.
?D. ?May be assigned to multiple jurisdictions.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: A. Reports to only one ICS supervisor.
Explanation:
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) is a standardized framework used to coordinate responses to emergencies and disasters. One of its core principles is the Chain of Command and Unity of Command, which ensures clear and effective communication and coordination during incident management.
Under the principle of Chain of Command, authority flows in an orderly and hierarchical manner from the top of the organization to lower levels. This allows for clear lines of responsibility and accountability, ensuring that tasks and decisions are carried out in an organized way.
The principle of Unity of Command further reinforces that each individual involved in the incident response reports to only one designated supervisor. This avoids confusion, conflicting instructions, or duplication of effort that could arise if multiple supervisors provided directions to the same individual.
For example, in an Incident Command System (ICS), if a firefighter is assigned to a task under the supervision of a specific Division Supervisor, they will receive all instructions and report progress only to that supervisor. This clarity helps maintain order and ensures that resources are effectively utilized without overlap or gaps in responsibilities.
Option A is correct because it aligns with the principle of Unity of Command. Each person has a direct reporting relationship to a single ICS supervisor, which helps maintain discipline and prevents miscommunication during critical incidents.
The other options are incorrect:
- B contradicts Unity of Command, as receiving work from multiple supervisors creates confusion.
- C does not apply in ICS because daily supervisors may not be part of the response structure.
- D refers to jurisdictional responsibilities, which are managed under other NIMS principles, not Unity of Command.
By adhering to this characteristic, NIMS ensures streamlined communication, accountability, and efficient incident management.