The Operations Section Chief (OSC) directs and coordinates all tactical operations during an incident, ensuring resources are effectively deployed to meet incident objectives. As a member of the General Staff, the OSC translates Command direction into actionable strategies and oversees on-scene operations.
Course Overview
ICS-430 prepares emergency management and response personnel for the role of Operations Section Chief on an Incident Management Team. The course builds on ICS fundamentals and focuses on the OSC’s duties and responsibilities, including incident response, tactical coordination, and effective section management.
Who this course is for?
- Personnel assigned or preparing to serve as Operations Section Chief
- IMT members seeking deeper understanding of operational leadership
- Supervisors and leaders preparing for expanded incident responsibilities
- Public or private sector responders working within ICS environments
Course objectives
- Explain the roles and responsibilities of the Operations Section Chief (OSC) and how they support incident objectives.
- Describe how to gather, organize, and share operational information to perform effectively as an OSC.
- Explain the OSC’s role in responding to Command direction and coordinating with Incident Management Team members.
- Describe the purpose of Strategy, Tactics, and Planning Meetings and the OSC’s responsibilities for ICS Form 215 (Operational Planning Worksheet) and the Incident Action Plan (IAP).
- Apply principles of supervision, delegation, and communication to manage on-scene operations and the Operations Section.
- Identify strategies for organizing, adjusting, and leading the Operations Section during an incident.
- Explain the process for determining resource requirements and documenting actions during operations.
- Describe the OSC’s responsibilities for operational risk assessment and safety management.
- Explain the need for and process of contingency planning for all-hazard incidents.
- Describe the OSC’s involvement in meetings, briefings, planning processes, and other support activities.
- Outline the OSC’s responsibilities for demobilization and closing out operations.
Delivery format
Activities may include instructor-led, in-person training supported by realistic scenario-based learning, group discussion and facilitated instruction, operational planning exercises, problem-solving activities, and asynchronous activities.
Duration
Three days (22 hours)
Pre-requisite
Successful completion of ICS-300
Recommended: successful completion of ICS-339
Note: This course aligns with FEMA’s National Preparedness Course Catalog for the NIMS ICS All-Hazards Operations Section Chief (0958) but is not an official FEMA course and does not confer FEMA certification.
Comparable Courses
- FEMA E/L0958
- NWCG S-430
- USCG ICS-430
Next Steps
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