What are typical Command Staff positions in ICS?

• A. Public Information Officer, Safety Officer, and Liaison Officer.
• B. Operations Chief, Planning Chief, Logistics Chief
• C. Medical Officer, Legal Counsel, Budget Officer
• D. Public Affairs Director, Risk Manager, Procurement Officer

Answer: (A)

In ICS, the Command Staff are the roles that focus on external communications, safety oversight, and coordination with other agencies, supporting the Incident Commander. The three positions that fit this function are Public Information Officer, Safety Officer, and Liaison Officer. The Public Information Officer handles media and public communications to keep the public informed. The Safety Officer monitors safety hazards and ensures incident safety protocols are followed. The Liaison Officer serves as the point of contact for cooperating and assisting agencies, helping to coordinate resources and information.

The other groupings reflect different parts of the organization. Operations, Planning, and Logistics are General Staff roles that drive the field response and support functions. Roles like Medical Officer, Legal Counsel, or Budget Officer aren’t standard Command Staff in the basic ICS structure; they may be specialized staff or advisors attached as needed, but they don’t constitute the core Command Staff. Similarly, while “Public Affairs Director” resembles the Public Information Officer, and terms like Risk Manager or Procurement Officer aren’t standard ICS Command Staff titles, they aren’t the canonical trio that makes up the Command Staff.