TASK FORCE MANAGEMENT

Unit 7:

Task Force Demobilization & After Action Considerations

Unit Goal

Upon completion of this unit, participants will be able to describe the task force demobilization process and after action activities.

Unit Objectives

Discuss demobilization considerations and responsibilities.

Review the After-Action process including on scene debriefing and formal after action reporting.

Discuss the needs for personnel and equipment rehabilitation.

DEMOBILIZATION PROCESS

Demobilization

TF begins to demobilize when directed by the IC/IMT but demobilization planning should begin before that

Actual demobilization occurs when:○ Assigned objectives have been met ○ Task force is being reassigned or ○ Task force rotates out and is replaced by another TF

Demobilization Meeting

Who attends? At least 2 from the TF Come prepared and take notes Clarify the demobilization process - Identify when and

how the task force will leave the incident Identify those tasks that need to be accomplished

prior to leaving the incident Discuss personnel and equipment rehab needs ICS 221 may be used by IC/IMT

Demobilization Timeline

Demobilization planning ensures effectiveness and efficiency

May brief the entire task force or just managers/squad officers

Maintain communications with the Sponsoring and Participating Agencies

Plans & Logistics Managers can coordinate the process

Demobilization Considerations

Remaining mission assignmentsDismantle the BoO and police the areaNotify the Food Unit (or Logistics) of your last mealEnsure drivers are restedPrepare vehicles and equipment for departureFinalize travel plans (routes, stops, etc.)

○ Don’t forget to plan the trip homeConduct a Phase I debriefing (Hot-wash)

Demobilization Considerations (cont)

Return or retrieve any loaned items○ Equipment/Supplies○ Radios, cell phones, etc.

Complete and submit required reports and documentation – Coordinate with the Incident Planning Section

Lost or damaged equipment reportsInspect facilities that were used by the TFConsider the need for Critical Incident Stress

Management (CISM)

Tailboard Briefing

Be Brief and Be Positive

Hot Wash

Phase I Debriefing – “Hot-wash”

TFL usually facilitates the debriefing Review all task force operations Consider:

○ Challenges○ Key Actions ○ Significant Impediments ○ Lessons Learned

After-Action Debriefing Forms or Checklist

Homecoming Considerations

Ensure the Sponsoring and Participating Agencies are aware of demobilization timelines

Welcome – families, media, elected officialsConsider additional support needs at homeEstablish protocols for return home – back to POD or

home jurisdictionDistribute workload – equipment rehab that wasn’t

completed on sceneConsider the need for post-mission medical screeningConsiderations prior to assuming regular shift rotation

Phase II – After-Action Debriefing

Debriefing Format Initiated by the Task Force Leader or

Program Manager Can be facilitated by the Plans Manager May be performed in small groups by function

prior to full task force debriefing Ground rules

Positive and constructiveClearly define problems and solutionsDocument comments

Phase II After-Action Debriefing

Review all facets of missionMobilizationOperationsDemobilization

Conducted shortly after return home - Should involve all TF members

Identify accomplishments and problems encountered Identify lessons learned Outline improvements for future mobilizations and

operations Identify procedures that should be altered or improved

Debriefing Contents

Safety concerns Management and coordination issues Information flow

Among task forcesWithin TF - squadsIC/IMT - TF

Debriefing Contents (cont)

Communications issues Effectiveness of planning Logistics/Supply issues Medical issues Overall performance Personnel evaluations

ICS 225

Written After Action Reports Specific to TF or Participating

Agencies Used for internal corrective actions Used for developing future training

or equipment needs Specific to State Response

SystemTo enhance future activitiesTo improve the overall response

system