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Command Setup: Command Staff

Purpose Statement

Command Staff management in the Command Module allows departments to create and maintain standardized incident command positions that can be utilized on the command board during emergency incidents. This feature ensures proper organizational structure and role assignment during incident response operations.

Background Information

Command Staff positions represent the various leadership and specialized roles within the Incident Command System (ICS) structure. These positions are essential for maintaining clear chain of command and responsibility allocation during emergency operations. The Command Setup feature provides centralized management of these positions, allowing administrators to create, edit, archive, and reactivate command staff roles as operational needs change.

Required Permissions

Users must have the appropriate level of the Incident Commands Templates permission configured in their role:

  • Read: View command boards in read-only mode
  • Update: Modify command board settings and information
  • Create: Initiate new command boards and add custom items
  • Delete: Remove command board elements and complete incidents

Video 

Step-by-Step Guide

1.  Navigate to Command Staff
  • Open the Main Menu
  • Select Response
  • Select Command Setup

 
2.  In Command Setup, select Command Staff.

 
 
3. Search for Existing Command Staff Positions
  • Use the search field at the top of the page
  • Enter a keyword or partial text
  • Review the returned search results
 

 
 
4. Customize Displayed Columns
  • Select the column management option
  • Choose:
    • Select All
    • Clear All
    • Default Columns
 

 
 
5. Columns can also be:
  • Rearranged
  • Resized
  • Sorted ascending
  • Sorted descending
  • Reset to default sorting
 
 
 
6. Create a New Command Staff Position
  • Select Create Command Staff

 
7.  Enter the name of the command staff position then Select Create

The new command staff position will appear in the active list.
 


 
8.   Edit an Existing Command Staff Position
  • Locate the position in the list
  • Select the Pencil Icon
  • Update the necessary information
  • Save the changes
     

 
 
9.  Archive an Individual Command Staff Position
  • Select the archive icon next to the position
  • Confirm the archive action

The position will move to the archived list.


 
10. Reactivate an Archived Command Staff Position
  • Switch to the archived list
  • Select the checkmark next to the desired position
  • Select Confirm

The command staff position will return to the active list.

11.   Bulk Archive Multiple Command Staff Positions
  • Select one or more checkboxes next to the desired command staff positions
  • Select the Bulk Archive button
  • Confirm the archive action

12. Bulk Add Command Staff Positions

  • Select Bulk Add

 

  • Enter multiple command staff positions into the text field
  • Place each entry on a separate line

Once complete:

  • Select Preview Import

 

During preview:

  • Entries are compared against existing command staff positions
  • Duplicate entries are marked invalid
  • Invalid entries will not import

To complete the import:

  • Select Import

All valid records will appear in the command staff list.

Best Practices

  • Use standardized ICS position names to maintain consistency across incidents
  • Create command staff positions based on your department's typical incident response structure
  • Regularly review and update position names to reflect current operational procedures
  • Archive outdated or unused positions rather than deleting them permanently
  • Maintain a comprehensive list of positions to support various incident types and scales
  • Train personnel on proper use of command staff assignments during incidents
  • Consider creating positions for both routine and specialized incident types

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why can't I see the Command Staff option in Command Setup? 
A: Verify you have the necessary Command Module permissions and administrative access rights.
 
Q: Can I create duplicate command staff position names?
 A: Duplicate position names should be avoided  to maintain clarity in the command structure.
 
Q: What happens to archived command staff positions? 
A: Archived positions are stored in the archive section and can be reactivated when needed without losing configuration data.
 
Q: How many command staff positions can I create? 
A: There is typically no strict limit, but create only the positions your department actively uses to avoid confusion.
 
Q: Can I edit a position that's currently being used in an active incident? 
A: Editing capabilities may be restricted for positions actively assigned during ongoing incidents.
 
Q: Will archiving a position affect historical incident data?
 A: Historical incident records typically retain the position information even after archiving.