When command is transferred, then all personnel involved in the incident should be told what?
When command is transferred, all personnel involved in the incident must be told the effective time and date of the transfer. This tells everyone exactly when the new Incident Commander's authority begins, preventing any confusion over who is in charge.
The answer
When command is transferred during an incident, all personnel involved must be notified of the effective time and date of the transfer. This single fact is what keeps the operation from breaking down at the handoff. If responders do not know the precise moment the new Incident Commander (IC) assumes authority, two people may believe they are in charge, or worse, no one does. In the Incident Command System (ICS), unity of command means every person reports to exactly one supervisor at any given time. Announcing the effective time and date preserves that clarity across the transition.
The notification is not a stand-alone announcement made in isolation. It is the conclusion of a formal transfer of command briefing delivered by the outgoing IC (or a designated representative) to the incoming IC. Once that briefing is complete and the incoming IC formally assumes command, the change is broadcast to the whole incident organization, and the effective time and date is the operative detail everyone needs.
What a transfer-of-command briefing must cover
Most sources give only the bare multiple-choice answer. The real value is knowing everything the briefing itself should include so the new IC can lead without a gap in situational awareness:
- Situation status — current conditions, what has happened, and what is likely to happen next.
- Incident objectives and priorities — the goals set in the current operational period.
- Current organization — the ICS structure in place, including activated Command and General Staff.
- Resource assignments — where crews and equipment are working right now.
- Resources ordered and en route — what is coming and its estimated arrival.
- Incident facilities — locations of the Incident Command Post, staging areas, and bases.
- Communications plan — radio frequencies and reporting channels.
- Prognosis, concerns, and other issues — safety hazards and anticipated problems.
After this briefing, the transfer is announced with its effective time and date.
Why the other common options are wrong
Typical distractors on this question include things like "the reason command was transferred," "the qualifications of the new IC," or "the location of the command post." These may be nice to know, but they are not what every person on the incident must be told at the moment of transfer. The reason for the transfer (for example, a more qualified IC arriving, a jurisdictional change, staff rotation, or the incident growing in complexity) matters to leadership but does not change how a firefighter or medic does their job. The command post location is part of the briefing, not the universal message. Only the effective time and date resolves the one question every responder needs answered instantly: as of when do I take direction from the new commander?
The bigger picture
Transfer of command can happen for several legitimate reasons: a more qualified person assumes command, the incident grows or shrinks in complexity, jurisdiction changes, or personnel need rest during a long operation. Whatever the trigger, the process is the same — a briefing, formal assumption of command, and notification of all personnel with the effective time and date. This discipline is why ICS scales smoothly from a single engine company to a multi-agency disaster response without losing accountability.
- 1
Deliver the transfer-of-command briefing
Outgoing IC briefs the incoming IC on situation status, objectives, and priorities.
- 2
Review the current organization
Cover the activated ICS structure, Command and General Staff, and resource assignments.
- 3
Cover resources and facilities
Report resources on scene, ordered, and en route, plus locations of the ICP, staging, and bases.
- 4
Share the communications plan and concerns
Radio frequencies, reporting channels, safety hazards, and anticipated problems.
- 5
Formally assume command
The incoming IC accepts command once the briefing is complete.
- 6
Notify all personnel of the effective time and date
Broadcast to the whole incident who is now in charge and exactly when the authority took effect.
Frequently asked
What is included in a transfer of command briefing?
It covers the situation status, incident objectives and priorities, the current ICS organization, resource assignments, resources ordered and en route, incident facilities, the communications plan, and any safety concerns or unresolved issues. It ends with the effective time and date of the transfer being announced to all personnel.
Why is command transferred during an incident?
Common reasons include a more qualified individual arriving to assume command, a change in incident complexity, a jurisdictional or legal requirement, staff needing rest during extended operations, or normal shift rotation. The process is identical regardless of the reason.
Who can order a transfer of command?
Transfer of command occurs under the authority of the agency or jurisdiction with responsibility for the incident. It typically happens when a more qualified person arrives, when delegated by the responsible official, or per the agency's own protocols. The outgoing IC briefs and hands off to the incoming IC.
What is an Incident Commander's scope of authority?
The Incident Commander has overall responsibility for managing the incident, setting objectives, approving the Incident Action Plan, and ordering and releasing resources. Their authority is defined by a delegation of authority from the responsible jurisdiction and lasts until command is formally transferred or the incident closes.
When should command be transferred in ICS?
Command should be transferred whenever a more qualified person assumes command, when the incident's complexity changes, when jurisdiction shifts, or when the current IC needs relief. It should always be done through a formal briefing and announced with an effective time and date.