What level of command does the Incident Commander operate at in a major incident?

The Incident Commander operates at the strategic level during a major incident. This role is crucial as it involves overseeing the entire operation and making high-level decisions that dictate the overall approach to managing the incident. The strategy encompasses resource allocation, coordination among various agencies, and ensuring that the incident objectives align with the organization's goals and policies.

At the strategic level, the Incident Commander sets the priorities and establishes the incident objectives that guide the tactical and operational teams. This allows for a structured response to complex incidents, ensuring that all actions taken are consistent with the overall incident management strategy. The strategic level goes beyond immediate tactical maneuvers and looks at broader outcomes, long-term impacts, and the necessary phases of incident response.

Other levels, such as task and tactical, focus more narrowly on specific missions or operations within defined parameters. While important, these levels are subordinate to the strategic overview needed for comprehensive incident management. The operational level typically refers to the execution of plans initiated by the strategic level; hence, the Incident Commander’s responsibilities clearly align with strategic management during a major incident.