JP 3-28, page 96

Appendix A A-4 JP 3-28 (4) In this framework, the term incident includes actual or potential emergencies and disasters, resulting from all types of threats and hazards, ranging from accidents and natural disasters, to cyberspace intrusions and terrorist attacks. The NRF’s structures and procedures address incidents where federal support to state and local governments is coordinated under the Stafford Act, as well as incidents where USG departments and agencies exercise other authorities and responsibilities. (5) Nothing in the NRF is intended to alter or impede the ability of any state and local or USG department or agency to carry out its authorities or meet its responsibilities under applicable laws, EOs, and directives. See https://www.fema.gov/media- library/assets/documents/148019 for additional information on NIMS, and for additional information on the NRF, see https://www.fema.gov/media- library/assets/documents/32230. 4. The Incident Command System a. ICS is a standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of on- scene incident management that provides a common hierarchy within which personnel from multiple organizations can be effective. ICS specifies an organizational structure for incident management that integrates and coordinates a combination of procedures, personnel, equipment, facilities, and communications. Using ICS for every incident helps hone and maintain skills needed to coordinate efforts effectively. ICS is used by all levels of government, as well as by many NGOs and private-sector organizations. ICS applies across disciplines and enables incident managers from different organizations to work together seamlessly. This system includes five major functional areas, staffed as needed for a given incident: command, operations, planning, logistics, and finance/administration. (1) Incident command is responsible for the overall management of the incident. A single incident commander or unified command conducts the command function on an incident. Command and general staff support the incident command to meet the incident’s needs. (2) The incident command organizational structure develops in a top-down, modular fashion that is based on the size and complexity of the incident, as well as the specifics of the hazard environment created by the incident. The basic ICS organization is comprised of: (a) Four general staff sections: 1. Operations, 2. Planning, 3. Logistics, and 4. Finance and administration. (b) Three command staff sections: