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Assistant Area Commander Logistics

ACLC Incident Position Description

The Assistant Area Commander, Logistics (ACLC) is responsible for ordering, prioritizing, and allocating logistical resources among multiple Incident Management Teams (IMT) in an assigned area or on single, large-scale incidents/events, based upon Area Command priorities and objectives. Area Command may be established when oversight direction is required to ensure that resource allocation conflicts do not arise among the IMTs. The ACLC reports to the Area Commander (ACDR) and works in the Logistics functional area.

An Area Command organization is normally small with personnel assigned to the Command, Planning, and Logistics functions. Depending on the complexity of the interface between the incidents, specialists in other areas, such as aviation, hazardous materials, environment, and finance, may also be assigned to Area Command.

Leadership Level 5, Leader of Organizations (Create Vision)

  • For additional information review Level 5 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and check in at the assignment.
  • Check in with the incident supervisor and/or dispatch when arriving at the incident.
  • Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.
  • Obtain briefing from previous shift/assignment position as necessary, including the statuses of the incident, assigned resources, the existing Logistics Section, and agreements (land use, cost share, blanket purchase, water, etc.).

Build the Team

  • Assemble and validate the readiness of assigned personnel and equipment.
  • Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, and radio frequency management.
  • Establish a common operating picture with supervisors and subordinates.
  • Participate in operational briefings as directed.
  • Brief assigned personnel.
  • Identify assigned resources and maintain accountability.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.
  • Ensure incident objectives and performance standards are met.
  • Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.

Perform Assistant Area Commander Logistics-Specific Duties

  • Identify and order resources required for Area Command Logistics operations.
  • Gather intelligence from incident LSCs, coordination center, and other personnel responsible for the incidents.
  • Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships (e.g., IMT, coordination centers, expanded dispatch, agency personnel, cooperators, comptroller, Buying Team [BUYT]).
  • Determine work/space requirements, location, and procurement procedures for the Area Command team.
  • Establish procedures that facilitate communications, including Area Command frequency coordination, sharing or reallocation of resources, and problem-solving or conflict resolution.
  • Participate in briefing with Agency Administrator(s).
  • Maintain a log of strategic decisions and significant events for inclusion in the Area Command final documentation package.
  • Evaluate and share all functional information for logistics with Area Command team members.
  • Evaluate effectiveness of the current system of expanded dispatch and identify needed improvements.
  • Take appropriate action if delegated authority for expanded dispatch.
    • Provide adequate staff including Expanded Dispatch Coordinator (CORD).
    • Ensure adequate facilities.
    • Determine the scope of responsibility.
    • Identify relationship with BUYT.
  • Receive and process orders for all other Area Command functions.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Use plain language and Incident Command System (ICS) terminology.
  • Ensure personnel know radio operating procedures.
  • Keep subordinates informed.
  • Update supervisor on current accomplishments and/or concerns.
  • Ensure Logistics expectations are communicated to other functional areas during meetings and briefings.
  • Coordinate with IMT LSCs when geographic area is operating under Area Command structure.
  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across ICS functional areas and chain of command.
  • Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information with the following:
    • Support resources
    • Adjacent resources
    • Supervisor
    • Other ICS functional areas
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461:
    • Identify Hazards
    • Assess Hazards
    • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions
    • Implement Controls
    • Supervise and Evaluate
  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
  • Provide for the safety of assigned resources.
  • Identify potential conflicts and resolve them within the same operational period, if possible.

Document

Demobilize

  • Assist in developing Area Command demobilization priorities and procedures.
  • Assist the Assistant Area Commander Planning (ACPC) in developing an Area Command transition plan.
  • Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, coordinate with area IMTs to prepare demobilization schedule, and communicate with supervisor.
  • Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest driving standards are followed.
  • Return equipment and supplies to the appropriate unit.
  • Complete demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
  • During the transfer of command:
    • Ensure continuity of operations.
    • Exchange critical safety information.
    • Communicate transfer of authority through the established chain of command.

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Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for DMOB, DOCL, and RESL

Date: February 28, 2025
Contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

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The Performance Support Packages for these positions, including a job aid for RESL, were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

NWCG Demobilization Unit Leader Position Page 

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Date: February 27, 2025
Contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Operations Section Chief Complex (OSCC) has a Next Generation NWCG Position Task Book for Operations Section Chief Complex (OSCC), PMS 311-108 and an updated Incident Position Description.

These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

References:

NWCG Operations Section Chief Complex Position Page 

NWCG Operations Section Chief Complex Incident Position Description 

NWCG Position Task Book for Operations Section Chief Complex (OSCC), PMS 311-108 

2025 NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, Now Available

Date: February 27, 2025
Contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the 2025 NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, is now available. Visit NWCG's website to learn about the major updates and changes in the 2025 version of the IRPG. The NWCG Guia de Respuesta de Incidente de Bolsillo (GRI), PMS 461-ES is available electronically and will be available from Great Basin Cache by early summer 2025.

All hard copy materials, including the IRPG, are ordered through the Great Basin Cache (GBK). Information on the ordering process can be found in the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) Catalog.

References:

2025 IRPG Information 

NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461 

NWCG Guia de Respuesta de Incidente de Bolsillo (GRI), PMS 461-ES 

NWCG NFES Catalog - Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2 

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Contact: Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

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References:

Professional Reading Program