Purpose Statement

1. The Manage Division section within the Command Module enables incident commanders to create, organize, and supervise multiple operational divisions during complex emergency incidents. This feature allows for structured delegation of command responsibilities, independent resource management, and coordinated multi-division operations while maintaining centralized oversight and accountability.
   

Background Information

1. Division management is essential for large-scale or complex incidents that require segmented operational control. The Command Module's division functionality allows incident commanders to create separate operational areas, each with their own supervisor, resources, communication frequencies, and PAR timers. This hierarchical command structure follows established incident command system (ICS) principles and enables effective span of control management. Divisions can represent geographical areas, functional specialties, or operational sectors depending on incident requirements and departmental protocols.
   

The Command Board User can make edits and changes to any section, Division, assignment etc. of the Command Board.

Division Supervisors are NOT ABLE to make edits to any section or Division of the Command Board except the Division they are assigned within the Command Board.

Required Permissions

1. 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
  

1. Additional permissions may be required for specific functions like messaging and roster access based on integrated modules.
   

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

Creating Divisions

1. Click the "Add Items" dropdown menu on the command board and select "Divisions" from the dropdown options
   
   
   
   
2. Search existing divisions from Command Setup.  Select multiple divisions simultaneously (e.g., Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta). Users can also create a custom division by typing the complete name of the new custom Division iNto the search bar and select "Create. Divisions appear next to the Incident Command area on the far left of the division section
   

Organizing Division Layout

1. Rearrange Divisions: Select the vertical ellipses (three dots) on any division and then drag and drop the Divisions to the desired position within the division section.
   
   
   
   
2. Toggle Detail View: Use the toggle in the top left to hide or display detailed division information
   

Configuring Division Details

1. Assign Division Supervisor: Select supervisor from dropdown list of system users, then click "Assign Now" to assign supervisor without requiring acceptance.
   
2. Set Radio Frequency: Choose frequency from list established in Command Setup
   
3. Monitor PAR Timer: Each division has independent PAR timer matching main board threshold and Reset individual division PAR timers independently as needed.
   

Managing Division Icons and Functions

1. Eye Icon: Click to view division's command board (changes board selector automatically)
2. Pencil Icon: Click to edit or change the division name
3. Trash Can Icon: Click to delete division (reassigns all units to main unassigned area)
   
   
   
   
4. Board Selector: Use dropdown to switch between division views from any location
   

Moving Assignments Between Divisions

1. Switch to Assignments View: Select the "Assignments" tab in the division section
2. Select Assignment: Click on the assignment you want to move (e.g., Fire Attack),  Drag the selected assignment from main board to target division. Assignments can also be moved between Divisions. If Units are attached to a Assignment, they will be transferred to the Division with the Assignment.
   

Creating Division-Specific Assignments

1. Click "Add Items" dropdown while in manage divisions, choose "Assignments" from the options
   
   
   
   
2. Choose Target Division: Select specific division for the new assignment, find an existing assignment from the list or create a custom assignment. Click "Add" to create assignment within the selected division
   

The Division dropdown is only visible when Incident Command is selected within the Division Selector. If any other Division is selected within the Division Selector the new assignment will be created within that selected Division.

Moving Unassigned Units Between Divisions

1. Switch to Unassigned View: Select the "Unassigned Units" tab in division section
2. Move Units: Drag unassigned units from Incident Command Board to any division or move Unassigned Units between Divisions as needed.
   

1. Add New Units: Use "Add Items" → "Unassigned Units" to create additional units. Unassigned Units can only be added to the Incident Command Board when in Managed Divisions, then moved to the desired Division(s).

Assignment and units cannot be deleted from the manage division section, nor can unassigned units be assigned to assignments. To make any additional changes or edits, the command board user will have to enter the command board for that specific division. 

Best Practices

Do's

• Create divisions based on geographical areas, functional specialties, or operational complexity
• Assign qualified supervisors to each division before deploying resources
• Configure appropriate radio frequencies for each division to maintain communication
• Use consistent naming conventions for divisions (Alpha, Bravo, etc. or geographical names)
• Monitor PAR timers for all divisions and reset as needed
• Document all division assignments and changes in the incident log
• Maintain span of control by limiting the number of divisions per incident commander
• Train division supervisors on their specific command board permissions and limitations

Don'ts

• Don't delete divisions with active assignments without first reassigning resources
• Don't create more divisions than can be effectively supervised
• Don't assign supervisors to divisions without ensuring they understand their role limitations
• Don't forget to set appropriate radio frequencies for division communication
• Don't move critical assignments between divisions without clear operational justification
• Don't ignore PAR timer alerts from any division
• Don't create custom divisions without following departmental naming protocols

Tips

• Use the board selector dropdown for quick navigation between division views
• Take advantage of drag-and-drop functionality for efficient resource allocation
• Monitor all division PAR timers from the manage divisions overview
• Use the eye icon for quick access to individual division command boards
• Regularly review the log section to track all division-related activities
• Consider creating divisions preemptively for large or complex incident types
• Practice division management during training exercises to ensure proficiency

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why can't I see the division option when creating new assignments?
A: The division option is only visible when the command board selector is set to "Incident Command." If it's set to a specific division, the assignment will be created within that division automatically.

Q: What happens to units and assignments when I delete a division?
A: All assignments are deleted, and all units are moved to the unassigned units section of the main incident command board. This action cannot be undone.

Q: Can division supervisors edit the main incident command board?
 A: No, division supervisors have read-only access to the main incident command board and can only edit within their assigned Division.

Q: How do PAR timers work across multiple divisions?
A: Each division has its own independent PAR timer that mirrors the main board's threshold but can be reset individually. All timers function with the same yellow/red warning system.

Q: Can I move assignments between divisions after they're created?
A: Yes, assignments can be moved between divisions and the main board using drag-and-drop functionality in the manage divisions section.

Q: Why can't I edit assignments from the manage divisions section?
A: The manage divisions section is limited to moving and organizing resources. To edit assignment details, you must access the specific division's command board view.

Q: Can division supervisors communicate with the main command?
A: Division supervisors retain access to quick links and communication features, but operational changes must be coordinated through proper command channels.

Q: How do I switch between different division views quickly?
 A: Use the board selector dropdown at the top of the interface, or click the eye icon next to any division in the manage divisions section.