Operations and Planning Section Chiefs coordinate tactical execution and incident planning to ensure safe, effective, and organized incident management. This course strengthens leadership, supervision, and coordination skills required to manage both the Operations and Planning Sections during Type 1, 2, or 3 incidents.
Course Overview
Course Code: 502321 / 502322
ICS-430/440 Operations and Planning Section Chiefs is a five-day, position-specific training designed to meet the training needs of both the Operations Section Chief (OSC) and Planning Section Chief (PSC). The course focuses on the duties and responsibilities of each position as they relate to supervision, coordination, and management of the Operations and Planning Sections during complex incidents.
Who is This Course Is For?
- Personnel assigned or preparing to serve as Operations Section Chief
- Personnel assigned or preparing to serve as Planning Section Chief
- IMT members seeking deeper understanding of Operations and Planning coordination
- Responders preparing for Type 1, 2, or 3 incident leadership roles
Course Objectives
- Explain the roles and responsibilities of the Operations and Planning Section Chiefs during incident operations.
- Apply strategies for supervision and coordination of section personnel.
- Describe interaction with Command and General Staff.
- Identify information gathering processes to support operational decision-making.
- Explain strategies used to guide section objectives and tactical execution.
- Describe meeting structures, briefings, and daily schedules for OSC and PSC roles.
- Demonstrate understanding of Incident Action Plan (IAP) development, forms, and documentation requirements.
- Identify common errors in Incident Action Plans during planning exercises.
- Explain demobilization responsibilities for Operations and Planning Sections.
Delivery Format
Activities may include instructor-led, in-person training supported by realistic scenario-based learning, group discussion and facilitated instruction, planning exercises, document review activities, and asynchronous activities.
Duration
5 days
Prerequisites (required)
Successful completion of ICS-300
Successful completion of ICS-400
Comparable Courses
USCG-ICS-430/440
Next Steps
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