What is the definition of the Strategic level in ICS?

The definition of the Strategic level in Incident Command System (ICS) focuses on the overall means and plan for achieving a long-term outcome. This level is primarily concerned with setting objectives, prioritizing goals, and devising plans to ensure that an incident is managed effectively over its duration. It encompasses the larger vision and long-range strategies that guide the operational response to incidents.

At the Strategic level, leadership articulates the mission and objectives which will steer the actions of all other levels of command and support. This allows for coordination among different teams and resources, aligning them towards a common goal that goes beyond immediate response actions. By establishing a clear and coherent strategy, the organization can respond effectively to incidents and minimize their impact on the community and environment over time.

Other levels of incident management, such as operational and tactical, focus on the more immediate actions and resource management, but the Strategic level is distinctly forward-looking and concerned with achieving desired outcomes over the long term.