Frequently Asked Questions about USFA's Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) Technical Assistance Program

Where and how do we get ICS-100, 200, 300, 400, and other foundation training?
Contact your State fire training agency, state emergency management agency, and/or your state forestry agency.
The All-Hazards IMT course is going to be given to members of a Type 3 IMT that is comprised of multiple agencies. Who will have control?
The local administering agency(s), as determined in mutual aid agreements, or the State(s) will be the coordinating agency(s).
Who determines equivalent training for foundation-level training?
The Local or State certifying authority will determine equivalency as it relates to Local IMTs utilizing the NIMS/IMSID 5 year training plan.
Is USFA going to certify or credential Type 3 IMTs?
No. Type 3 IMTs will be certified at the State or Regional level. Type 2 and Type 1 IMTs are established and certified within the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).
What national standards address IMTs?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes standard NFPA 1561, Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System, which addresses the components of an incident management system. NFPA 1026, Standard on Incident Management System Personnel Professional Qualifications, addresses job performance requirements for Command and General Staff functions and other incident management personnel. The Department of Homeland Security's NIMS/IMSID is facilitating the development of qualification, certification, credentialing of incident management personnel.
What NFA courses would be equivalent to ICS 100 and 200? ICS 300 and 400?
Please refer to NIMS Training Page.
What additional development should members of existing Type 3 IMTs obtain for refresher or sustainment purposes?
Most important will be exercises and drills to ensure that the knowledge, skills, and abilities gained during the initial IMT development is not lost. These can consist of tabletop exercises, functional simulations, or full-scale drills, including utilizations during the exercising of the local Comprehensive Emergency Management Plans (CEMP). In addition, training such as NFA's Command and Control of Fire Department Operations at Natural and Manmade Disasters and Executive Analysis of Fire Service Operations in Emergency Management will serve as excellent refresher or sustainment training.
Is there a place for EMTs or Paramedics on an IMT?
IMTs are typically multi-discipline entities comprised of the Command and General Staff members of an incident organization. On certain types of incidents, EMS officers may serve as part of an IMT, either as part of the Unified Command Team, a Deputy Operations Section Chief, or a Deputy Planning Section Chief. Individuals who may serve in these roles as a designated member of an IMT should receive IMT training.
How do we know when and where the AHIMT classes will be held?
State and metropolitan regional team representatives (Urban Area Security Regions) may contact FEMA-AHIMT@dhs.gov.
How do we contact our State fire training agency?
A listing of State points-of-contact can be found at www.usfa.dhs.gov/pocs/
Can law enforcement personnel be part of an IMT?
IMTs are typically multi-discipline entities comprised of the Command and General Staff members of an incident organization. On certain types of incidents, law enforcement officers will be a critical part of an IMT, either as part of the Unified Command Team, an Operations Section Chief or Deputy, or a Planning Section Chief or Deputy. Individuals who may serve in these roles as a designated member of an IMT should receive IMT training.
What does field mentoring entail?
Even the best classroom training and simulation cannot be as realistic or valuable as on-the-job training. Field mentoring consists of a Type 3 IMT member being assigned to a major, significant incident somewhere in the nation, where they will follow/observe/work with an experienced member of a Type 1 or Type 2 IMT. This will allow the new member to monitor the functions, tasks, and responsibilities of that position, and to gain an understanding of the "big picture" of IMT operations first-hand.
Field mentoring will provide new IMT members with hands-on experience through meaningful tasks and assignments that will enhance knowledge of their position. Field mentoring assignments are intended to be personal/professional development opportunities and are coordinated in a preplanned manner, with agreements and understandings arranged ahead of time. Field mentoring opportunities for the Type 3 IMT program are coordinated by USFA through the National Interagency Fire Center.