The Incident Commander directly handles _______ level(s).

The Incident Commander is responsible for both strategic and tactical levels during an incident. At the strategic level, the Incident Commander sets the overall objectives and priorities for the incident response, providing the vision and direction needed to manage the situation effectively. This includes making high-level decisions that affect the entire operation, such as resource allocation, establishing priorities, and coordinating with various agencies and stakeholders.

On the tactical side, the Incident Commander directs the specific actions taken to achieve the strategic goals. This involves the day-to-day management of the incident response, implementing strategies through tactical units, and ensuring that the operational response is aligned with the overall objectives. The Incident Commander must be adept at transitioning between these levels, understanding how to adjust tactics based on changing conditions on the ground while staying focused on the bigger picture.

This dual responsibility distinguishes the Incident Commander’s role, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive and integrated approach to incident management, where both strategic and tactical aspects are cohesively addressed.