OPERATIONS SECTION CHIEF (OSC)

The OSC, a member of the General Staff, is responsible for the management of tactical operations directly in support of the primary mission. The OSC is normally selected from the organization with the most jurisdictional or functional responsibility for the incident.

The OSC activates and supervises ICS organization elements in accordance with the IAP (Incident Action Plan), and directs IAP implementation. The OSC also directs the preparation of operational plans, requests or releases resources, monitors operational progress, makes expedient changes to the IAP when necessary, and reports those changes to the IC/UC. The OSC may have Deputy OSC(s), who may be from the same organization as the OSC or from an assisting organization. Deputy OSCs must have the same qualifications as the person for whom they work, as they must be ready to take over as OSC at any time. During a complex incident response the OSC may assign a Deputy OSC to supervise on-scene operations (major responsibilities (D) through (K) listed below) while the OSC participates in the incident planning process (major responsibilities (L) through (W) listed below).

The major responsibilities of the OSC are:

1. Obtain briefing from IC.
2. Evaluate and request sufficient Section supervisory staffing for both operational and planning activities.
3. Supervise Operations Section field personnel.
4. Implement the IAP for the Operations Section.
5. Evaluate on-scene operations and make adjustments to organization, strategies, tactics, and resources as necessary.
6. Ensure the RESL is advised of changes in the status of resources assigned to the Operations Section.
7. In coordination with the SOFR, ensure that Operations Section personnel execute work assignments while following approved safety practices.
8. Monitor the need for and request additional resources to support operations as necessary.
9. Assemble and/or demobilize Branches, Divisions, Groups, and task force/strike teams as appropriate.
10. Identify and use staging areas.
11. Evaluate and monitor the current situation for use in next operational planning period.
12. Convert operational incident objectives into strategic and tactical options, which may be documented on a Work Analysis Matrix (ICS 234-CG).
13. Coordinate and consult with the PSC, SOFR, Marine Transportation System Recovery Unit Leader (MTSL), THSPs, modeling scenarios, trajectories, etc., on selection of appropriate strategies and tactics to accomplish objectives.
14. Identify kind, type, and number of resources required to support selected strategies.
15. Determine the need for any specialized resources.
16. Divide work areas into manageable units.
17. Implement air space de-confliction plans as required.
18. Determine the need for an Air Branch Director.
19. Request Captain of the Port (COTP) Safety or Security Zone or FAA Temporary Flight Restriction declaration around/over the incident response zone when warranted.
20. Develop work assignments and allocate tactical resources based on strategic requirements using the Operational Planning Worksheet (ICS 215-CG).
21. Coordinate the development of the Operational Planning Worksheet (ICS 215-CG) with the SOFR to mitigate safety risks.
22. Participate in the planning process and the development of the tactical portions of the IAP, including the Assignment List (ICS 204-CG) and Air Operations Summary (ICS 220-CG).
23. Review and approve final ICS 204-CG(s) prior to IAP approval.
24. Assist with development of long-range strategic, contingency, and demobilization plans.
25. Develop recommended list of Operations Section resources to be demobilized and initiate recommendation for release when appropriate. AA. Receive and implement applicable portions of the incident Demobilization Plan. BB. Participate in operational briefings to IMT members as well as briefings to the media and visiting dignitaries. CC. Maintain Unit Log (ICS 214-CG) and forward to DOCL for disposition.