Incident Commanders' Course

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt Isaac Garden
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs Office
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron Emergency Operations Flight held an Incident Commanders' course here May 21 to 24 to teach new commanders about their role at the scene of a major accident.

Attendees came to Barksdale from several Air Force Global Strike Command bases for the training opportunity to learn about responsibilities as on-scene commanders both on and off base.

"As an incoming commander, I think this course was invaluable because now I truly understand what an incident commander goes through, as well as standing up an Emergency Operations Center, and what the different functions bring to the table," said Maj. Chad Ellsworth, incoming 90th logistics readiness squadron commander at F.E.
Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.

It is mandatory for any response agency to abide by Homeland Security Presidential Directorate Five, which mandates that the National Incident Management System is used. The NIMS ensures consistent training in command and control reactions to major
accidents or disasters.

This local course has set the stage for a new age in dealing with emergency situations such as aircraft mishaps, or situations where the local populous may be in danger. The course is open to several different career fields and duty positions.

"The course is actually the Air Force Incident Management Course. It is designed to prepare key personnel in the management of an incident involving an installation and its resources," stated Tech. Sgt. Sean Danford, NCO in charge of Emergency Management.

"It is open to first responders such as firefighters, explosive ordnance disposal, security forces, medics, other emergency responders, and leadership such as the group or deputy commanders."

During the training, two scenarios were created to place students in the role of the commander, conducting a press conference with local media. One scenario dealt with an aircraft crash, the other an active shooter.

Without the right guidance and planning, a press conference could be a commander's worst nightmare. With public affairs experts on hand, each commander was briefed on what he or she is able to say to the media.

Equally important topics covered in the course included familiarizing commanders with the EOC and the Emergency Support Functions that provide front line support from the EOC.

As training slots become available, openings can be coordinated through the organization's Unit Training Managers, given all prospective students meet the prerequisites and need for training.