What is the only position that is always staffed in an Incident Command System (ICS)?

The Incident Commander is the sole position within the Incident Command System (ICS) that is consistently staffed regardless of the incident's complexity. This role is crucial as it provides a single point of control and authority at the scene. The Incident Commander has the responsibility for the overall management of the incident, making critical decisions, coordinating resources, and ensuring that all responders are operating effectively towards a common objective.

In various incident scenarios, the levels of staffing for positions like the Operations Chief, Safety Officer, and Liaison Officer may fluctuate based on the size and needs of the incident. These roles can be filled or may be expanded, but the presence of an Incident Commander is fundamental for establishing command and control of any emergency response. Therefore, having a dedicated Incident Commander ensures clarity in leadership and streamlined operations.