Manage the Chain of Command

As an administrator, you may be able to change your plan's ICS positions and the chain of command (hierarchy). You can make changes to the chain of command both during planning and during response to an incident.

You can rename the Incident Commander position and add subordinates, but you cannot delete the Incident Commander position or change its location in the hierarchy.

To access the ICS chart

Navigate to either the Planning Dashboard or the Incident Dashboard. Then, do one of the following:

  • Planning Dashboard: In the Plan Summary tab, select the correct domain or facility and plan.

  • Incident Dashboard: Select the ICS Chart tab.

To rename a position

  1. On the left, click the position. The selected position's details are shown on the right.

  2. In the Chain of Command drawer, click Rename Position.

  3. In the Rename Position window, for New Name, enter the new name for the position.

  4. If appropriate, select the ICS group.

  5. If you selected a group, enter a name for the ICS group.

  6. Click OK.

To add a subordinate position

  1. On the left, click the position that should be the new position's supervisor.

  2. In the Chain of Command drawer, click Add Subordinates.

  3. In the Add Subordinate Positions window, enter the position name for the subordinate.

  4. If appropriate, select the ICS group.

  5. If you selected a group, enter a name for the ICS group.

  6. Click OK. The new position appears on the left.

To change a supervisor

When you assign a different supervisor, the New Supervisor field shows only the appropriate positions from groups above this position in the ICS chart hierarchy.

  1. On the left, click the position you want to change. The selected position's details are shown on the right.

  2. In the Chain of Command drawer, click Change Supervisor.

  3. In the Change Supervisor window, select the new supervisor.

  4. Click OK. The updated hierarchy is shown on the left.

To delete a position

You cannot undo this action.

  1. On the left, select the position you want to delete. The selected position's details are shown on the right.

  2. In the Chain of Command drawer, click Delete Position. A window opens asking you to confirm the deletion.

  3. Click Yes.