Which ICS section is responsible for developing the IAP?

• A. Command
• B. Operations
• C. Planning
• D. Tactical

Answer: (C)

The Planning Section is responsible for developing the Incident Action Plan because this document is the incident’s roadmap for the next operating period. It outlines objectives, strategies, specific tasks, and resource needs, so it takes input from across the incident—Operations, Logistics, Finance, and others—and synthesizes it into a coherent plan. The Planning Section Chief leads this effort, ensuring the plan aligns with the overall incident objectives set by Command and is ready for approval and execution. While Command provides direction and Operations carries out the plan, the actual creation and coordination of the IAP happen in Planning. Note that Tactical is not a separate ICS section; tactical actions are executed within Operations under the guidance of the IAP.