MODULE 8: TRANSFER OF

COMMAND, DEMOBILIZATION
AND CLOSE-OUT
 Module Objectives
Upon completion of this module, the
participants will be able to:
1. Explain the process of transfer of
command
2. Discuss the demobilization procedures
3. Explain the importance of close-out
meeting.

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

 Scope
1. Transfer of Command

2. Demobilization

3. Close- out

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

TRANSFER OF COMMAND
Transfer of Command

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

 Transfer of Command
Process of moving the responsibility of command
from one IC to another IC

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

 For
effectiveness or
Another agency is efficiency Incident
legally required to take complexity
command changes

When to transfer
command?

To relieve personnel in
As directed by RO incidents of extended
Personal duration
emergencies
 What if a more qualified
person arrives?

The arrival of a more qualified person does NOT

automatically mean a change in command.
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Arrival of a More Qualified Person

Assume command according to guidelines

or
Maintain current command as it is and
monitor its activity and effectiveness

or
Request another more qualified IC as needed

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

 Transfer of Command Procedures
• Should take place face- to- face

• Include a complete briefing

• Effective time and date of the transfer should be

communicated to the concerned personnel.

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

Transfer of Command Briefing
Agenda
1. Situation Status 6. Incident facilities
2. Incident objectives and 7. Incident communications
priorities based on the plan
IAP 8. Incident prognosis,
3. Current organization concerns, and other
issues
4. Resource assignments
5. Resources ordered and 9. Introduction of Command
en route and General Staff
members

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

 Documentation: ICS Form 201
The initial IC can use ICS Form 201 as
documentary reference for transfer of command.

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

 Stabilizing or De-escalating
Incidents
• When an incident stabilizes
or de-escalates, incident
management is returned to
the original level of
command.

• Another transfer of command

occurs.

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BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

TRANSFER OF COMMAND
DEMOBILIZATION
Demobilization
Release and return
of resources that
are no longer
required for the
support of the
incident/event.

Photo credits: Google Images

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

Planning for Demobilization
• Eliminates waste

• Eliminates potential fiscal

and legal impacts

• Ensures controlled and

safe release process

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

 Who does what in demobilization?

Incident Approves
Commander demobilization

Operations Planning Logistics Finance/Admin

Section Chief Section Chief Section Chief Section Chief

Identifies Develops and Facilitates Processes

excess implements transportation claims, time
resources demobilization inspection and records, and
plan handles incident costs
transport
needs
Demobilization Plan: Basic Parts
Release
Priorities

Responsibilities Release
Procedures

Demobilization
Plan

Demobilization
Directories
Process

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

CLOSE-OUT
 Close-Out
Formal meeting that shall take place with the
RO and the IMT members.

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

Things to discuss during the
Close- Out Meeting
• Incident summary and actions taken
• Major events that may have lasting ramifications
• Turnover of documentation
• Issues and concerns
• Performance evaluation

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

Preparations for the
Close- Out Meeting
• PSC prepares the
agenda and
handouts/ supporting
documents.

• IC approves the
agenda.

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

 Team Close- out Meeting
• IMT may hold a closeout
meeting to discuss team
performance.

• Results of the close-out

meeting can form part of
the “after action review”
or “lessons learned”
report.

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

QUESTIONS?
 Module Summary
• Command responsibility may be transferred,
when appropriate.

• Resources no longer needed undergo

demobilization.

• All operations should conclude with a close-

out.

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

 Module Objectives
Upon completion of this module, the
participants will be able to:
1. Explain the process of transfer of
command
2. Discuss the demobilization procedures
3. Explain the importance of close-out
meeting.

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE

Learning Insight

Photo credits: Google Images

BASIC ICS TRAINING COURSE