What level involves the overall Command of an incident?

The level that involves the overall command of an incident is the strategic level. At this level, the primary focus is on the big picture and long-term objectives of the incident response. Strategic command is responsible for establishing overall goals, determining resource allocation, and guiding the incident management process to ensure safety and effectiveness throughout the operation. This level typically includes senior officials who can integrate the incident response with larger operational or organizational goals.

In contrast, the tactical level deals with specific actions needed to achieve the strategic objectives, focusing on the deployment of resources and personnel in the short term. The task level zeroes in on the individual actions or tasks that must be completed, often by front-line responders. The unit level refers to smaller, functional groups working on specific tasks but does not encompass the overall command authority of the incident. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the hierarchy of command during incident management.