Module 8:

Transfer of Command,
Demobilization and
Closeout

Module 8 Objectives
Upon completion of this module, participants
will be able to:
1. Describe the process of transfer of
command;
2. List the essential elements of information
involved in transfer of command;
3. Describe
the
importance
of
demobilization planning;

MODULE 8 OBJECTIVES
4. Identify the impact of agency specific policies,
procedure and agreements upon demobilization
planning;
5. Identify the ICS titles of personnel who have
responsibilities in developing and implementing
the demobilization plan and list their duties ;
6. List the major sections in a demobilization plan;
and
7. Identify the process involved in a closeout
meeting.

Transfer of
Command

Transfer of Command
. . . the process of moving the responsibility of
incident
command
from
one
Incident
Commander to another.

Transfer of Command may take place when:

1. A jurisdiction or agency is legally required to
take command;
2. It is necessary for effectiveness or
efficiency;
3. Incident complexity changes;
4. There is a need to relieve personnel on
incidents of extended duration;
5. Personal emergencies (e.g., Incident
Commander has a family emergency); or
6. Agency administrator/official directs a
change in command.

When a More Qualified

Person Arrives
The arrival of a more qualified person does
NOT necessarily mean a change in incident
command. The more qualified individual may:
Assume command according to DRRMC/
Agency guidelines.
Maintain command as it is and monitor
command activity and effectiveness.
Request a more qualified Incident Commander
from the DRRMC/ Agency with a higher level of
jurisdictional responsibility.

Transfer of Command
Procedures
Whenever possible, transfer of command
should:
o Take place face-to-face; and
o Include a complete briefing.
The effective time and date of the transfer
should be communicated to the personnel.

Transfer of Command
Briefing Agenda

Situation Status
Incident objectives and priorities based on the IAP.
Current organization.
Resource assignments.
Resources ordered and en route.
Incident facilities.
Incident communications plan.
Incident prognosis, concerns, and other issues.
Introduction of Command and General Staff
members.

Documentation:
ICS form 201
Useful Tool
for
Initial Incident
Commander

The initial Incident Commander

can use the ICS 201 to
document
actions
and
situational information required
for transfer of command.
For more complex transfer of
command situations, every
aspect of the incident must be
documented and included in the
transfer of command briefing.

Demobilization

Demobilization
This refers to the release and return of
resources that are no longer required for the
support of an incident/event.
The release and return of resources may
occur during an incident/event or after the
incident/event is over.

Demobilization Planning
Benefits
Demobilization planning helps to:
Eliminate waste.
Eliminate potential fiscal and legal
impacts.
Ensure a controlled, safe, efficient, and
cost effective release process.

Agency Policies and

Procedures
Demobilization policies and procedures
depend on the size of the incident and may
involve:
Fiscal/legal policies and procedures.
Work rules.
Special license requirements.
Other requirements.

Who does what in demob?

Command: Approves
resource orders and
demobilization.

Operations
Operations
Section
Section

Operations: Identifies
operational resources that
are, or will be, excess to the
incident and prepares list
for Demobilization Unit
Leader.

Incident
Incident
Commander
Commander

Planning
Planning
Section
Section

Logistics
Logistics
Section
Section

Planning:
Develops and
implements the
demobilization
plan.

Finance/Admin:
Processes claims,
time records, and
incident costs, and
assists in release
priorities.

Finance/Admin
Finance/Admin
Section
Section

Logistics:
Implements
transportation
inspection program
and handles special
transport needs.

Demobilization Plan Information Needs

What Information Is Needed?

Who Provides?

Excess resources; release priorities

All Supervisors and Managers

Plan development; resource information;

demobilization process

Planning Section

Continuing needs for tactical resources

Operations Section

Transportation availability;
communications; maintenance

Logistics Section

Claims, time records, and costs of

individual resources that are a factor in
release

Finance/Administration Section

Agreements regarding other agency

resources

Liaison Officer

Physical condition of personnel; physical

needs; adequacy of transportation

Safety Officer

Return and reassignment of resources

Agency Dispatch/Ordering Centers

Demobilization Plan
Sections
Release
Release
Priorities
Priorities
Release
Release
Procedures
Procedures

Responsibilities
Responsibilities

Demobilization
Demobilization
Plan
Plan
Demobilization
Demobilization
Process
Process

Directories
Directories

Close out

Stabilizing or De-escalating
Incidents
When an incident stabilizes or de-escalates :
Incident management is returned to the
original level of incident command.
A transfer of command occurs.

Close Out
The Incident Commander will stay with the
incident until its conclusion and the closing
out.

Close out Agency Briefing

The DRRMC / Agency officials and staff receive
a closeout briefing with the following information:
Incident Summary
Major events that may have lasting
ramifications
Documentation, including components that
are not finalized
Opportunity for the agency officials to bring
up concerns
Final evaluation of incident management by
the DRRMC / agency executives/officials

Preparing for the DRRMC/

Agency Briefing
Planning Section Chief
prepares an agenda and
accompanying handouts.
Incident Commander
approves the agenda.

Team Closeout Meeting

Incident Management
Teams or other teams
may hold a closeout
meeting to discuss
team performance.
These meetings may
result in a lessons
learned summary
report.

Module 8 Objectives
Upon completion of this module, participants
will be able to:
1. Describe the process of transfer of
command;
2. List the essential elements of information
involved in transfer of command;
3. Describe
the
importance
of
demobilization planning;

MODULE 8 OBJECTIVES
4. Identify the impact of agency specific policies,
procedure and agreements upon demobilization
planning;
5. Identify the ICS titles of personnel who have
responsibilities in developing and implementing
the demobilization plan and list their duties ;
6. List the major sections in a demobilization plan;
and
7. Identify the process involved in a closeout
meeting.

QUESTIONS???