The National Incident Management Organization is composed of seven member incident management teams with complex fire management as the primary focus of their positions. NIMO uses a wide range of methods to accomplish this goal. Essential components required for success include: a strong core of full-time Command and General Staff available year round for incident response with consistent performance expectations and standards for these positions.

In addition to complex fire management, these teams have year-round "non-incident" duties in support of Fire and Aviation Management. Among these are: training, quality assurance activities, fuels management, fuels implementation, fire and resource management support, NWCG projects, cost containment, and leadership development.