What do you call the methods used to implement the objectives in ICS?

In the Incident Command System (ICS), tactics refer specifically to the methods used to achieve the objectives set by the incident action plan. These tactics are the actions taken on the ground to implement the strategies identified for effectively managing and responding to an incident. They are the specific steps and maneuvers that personnel carry out in the field, prioritizing immediate response actions based on the changing dynamics of the incident.

Understanding the distinction between tactics and other terms is important. Strategies encompass broader approaches to achieving the overall goals, while plans often outline the entire response effort, including logistics and resource allocation. Actions is a more general term and does not specifically denote the structured implementation phase found within the ICS framework. Thus, tactics serve as the critical execution phase that translates planning into practical, on-the-ground activities during an incident.