Command: Assignments
Purpose Statement
- The assignments feature in the command module enables incident commanders to organize tactical operations into specific groups or tasks, providing structured resource deployment and progress tracking throughout emergency response operations. This system supports comprehensive incident management by offering assignment timing, completion tracking, and flexible organization capabilities that adapt to both template-based and custom operational needs.
Background Information
- Assignments represent the tactical organizational structure of incident operations, functioning as containers for grouped resources working toward specific objectives. The system maintains both template-driven assignments configured in command setup and dynamic assignments created during active operations. Each assignment operates with independent timing capabilities while contributing to overall incident completion metrics. The assignment structure supports division-based organization and provides comprehensive logging for post-incident analysis and accountability.
Required Permissions
Users must have the appropriate level of
the Incident Commands 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
Additional permissions may be required for specific
functions like messaging and roster access based on integrated modules.
Video
Step by Step Guide
1. Assignment are tracked at the top of the assignment area. A ratio of open completed to open assignments is displayed and updated as assignments are added, deleted and completed.
2. Assignments are arranged within the assignment area as configured in Command Setup. However, assignments can be reordered as needed.
3. Each Assignments has an individual timer that starts when the first unit is placed into the assignment. This timer continues until the assignment is deleted or completed. A threshold time limit can be designated in Command Setup.
3A. The timer will be highlighted in grey if the timer has not reached it's designated threshold time or does not have a designated threshold time.3B. The timer will be highlighted in Yellow when it is within one (1) minute of its designated threshold time.3C. The timer will be highlighted in RED when it has past its designated threshold time. It will stay highlighted in RED until it is marked complete.3D. The timer can be reset by selecting the reset button.
4. When a Unit is placed into an assignment the Unit's timer will start and be independent from the assignment timer. If the unit is moved to another assignment the Units timer will start over.
5. When Units are placed in an Assignment, the Unit menu gains the additional Menu feature of Make Lead. This allows the Unit within the Assignment on the Command board to be designated as the Lead Unit for that Assignment. It also places a Blue banner across the Unit to designate the unit as the Lead Unit of that Assignment. Only one unit per Assignment can be made the lead but can be changed between units at will.
6. To edit an Assignment, select edit from the Assignment Menu, make the desired changes and select Save.
7. To delete an Assignment, select delete from the Assignment Menu and the select Confirm.
8. To complete an Assignment, select complete from the Assignment Menu and the following actions will occur.
- Confirmation of the Assignment completion will appear at the Top.
- Assignment Ratio will change to reflect a completed assignment.
- Any Units that were in the Assignment will be returned to the Unassigned Units Area.
- A green Checkmark will appear within the Assignment and the timer will stop. After a few moments the completed assignment will be removed from the Assignment area.
9. To view the Log History of the Assignment, select Log History from the Assignment Menu. The Log Section will then open into a filtered view for that Assignments Log Entries.
10. To duplicate an Assignment, select duplicate from the Assignment menu, and the duplicate Assignment will appear within the Assignment area.
11. To Add Notes to an Assignment, select Add Notes from the Assignment menu, enter the desired information and select Create.
12. Add Assignment, allows the user to create additional Assignments chosen from a list or a custom Assignment. Assignments can also be designate to a specific Division
13. Complete All will mark all Assignments as complete, and all the same actions when completing an Assignment (8-8D) will occur for each Assignment.
Best Practices
Do:
- Monitor assignment timers and address threshold warnings promptly
- Use descriptive assignment names that clearly indicate tactical objectives
- Complete assignments systematically as tactical objectives are achieved
- Utilize log history feature for assignment-specific documentation review
- Rearrange assignment fields to match operational priorities
Don't:
- Delete assignments unnecessarily during active operations
- Ignore timer thresholds and warning indicators
- Complete assignments prematurely before tactical objectives are met
- Reset timers without operational justification
- Remove assignments that may be needed later in operations
Tips:
- Organize assignment layout to reflect tactical priorities and operational flow
- Use assignment completion to track overall incident progress
- Leverage individual unit timers for accountability and resource management
- Reset assignment timers when significant operational changes occur
- Review assignment log history during operational periods for decision support
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: Why do the unit timers show different times within the same assignment?
A: Individual unit timers track only the time each unit has been in their current assignment, not total incident time. Units added later will show less elapsed time.
Q: What happens to units when I delete an assignment?
A: All units within the deleted assignment are automatically returned to the unassigned units area.
Q: Can I reset an assignment timer without completing the assignment?
A: Yes, each assignment has a reset timer button that restarts timing without marking the assignment complete.
Q: How does the assignment completion ratio work?
A: The ratio shows completed assignments out of total assignments, including both original template assignments and any custom assignments created during the incident. Deleted Assignments do not count toward the ratio of completed assignments.
Q: Why can't I rearrange assignment fields?
A: Assignment fields should be draggable. Verify you have appropriate permissions and try refreshing the interface if drag-and-drop isn't working.
Q: What's the difference between assignment timers and unit timers?
A: Assignment timers track the overall duration of the tactical assignment from first unit assignment. Unit timers track individual unit time within their current assignment only.
Q: How do I access assignment-specific log entries?
A: Use the Log History option in the assignment menu, which filters the log section to show only entries related to that specific assignment.
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