Command Mindset: Thinking Like an Incident Commander
In ICS, the Command Mindset isn’t about being the boss—it’s about ensuring that leadership exists when it’s needed most. In the prepper world, that can be the difference between order and chaos.
The Heart of the Command Mindset
Thinking like an Incident Commander comes down to three core traits:
- Stay calm. When others panic, your steadiness creates stability.
- See clearly. The IC must understand the situation without distractions.
- Decide deliberately. Choices don’t have to be perfect—just timely and informed.
The best Incident Commanders are not loud. They’re not demanding. They don’t bark orders. Instead, they:
- Ask questions.
- Pay attention.
- Delegate wisely.
- Keep their team safe.
- And maintain emotional control when conditions turn stressful.
Setting Clear Objectives
Every ICS operation begins with a simple, direct objective. A good IC always asks:
“What must be accomplished in the next hour?”
This keeps everyone focused. Clear objectives prevent teams from spinning in circles or taking on tasks that don’t matter.
Examples in a prepper scenario:
- During a storm: “Account for all households on the street.”
- During a power outage: “Establish a communication check-in every two hours.”
- During a wildfire threat: “Prepare vehicles for evacuation and clear defensible space.”
An objective turns a group’s anxiety into action.
The Commander’s Responsibility: Safety First
In ICS, the Incident Commander has one responsibility they can never hand off: the safety of their people.
This means:
- Knowing the hazards.
- Watching for fatigue and cold stress.
- Ensuring instructions are understood—not just spoken.
- Stopping unsafe actions immediately.
The command mindset always asks: “Is this safe?” And if the answer changes, so does the plan.
Thinking Three Moves Ahead
The best ICs stay aware of what’s happening now, but they also look ahead. This doesn’t require special training—just practice. Ask yourself:
- “If this gets worse, what will we need?”
- “Who is most at risk?”
- “What supplies do we burn through fastest?”
- “Who can I delegate to so I can stay focused?”
Preparedness isn’t about predicting the future—it’s about anticipating the next problem before it hits.
The Power of Emotional Control
One of the strongest traits of a good IC is emotional discipline. Fear spreads. Anger spreads. Panic spreads. But so does calm.
If the IC remains steady, others find strength in that steadiness. Even in a family setting, a parent who is calm, focused, and clear creates confidence.
Example: The Gas Smell at 2 A.M.
A Plains family woke to the smell of gas in the middle of the night. Instead of panicking, one parent immediately took command:
- Moved everyone outside to safety.
- Shut off the house gas valve.
- Called the utility emergency line.
- Assigned one person to gather flashlights (no sparks inside).
- Kept everyone calm until help arrived.
Five minutes of clear leadership prevented a potential disaster.
Developing Your Own Command Mindset
You don't need a crisis to practice being an IC. Try these steps now:
- Run scenarios: Talk through “what if” events with your family or group.
- Practice delegation: Don’t do everything yourself—assign tasks.
- Say your objectives out loud: Clarity begins with your words.
- Do small drills: Even a 5-minute exercise sharpens your thinking.
- Watch leaders you respect: Steady leadership is learned through repetition.
Takeaway
The Command Mindset isn’t about control—it’s about clarity, calm, and responsibility when others need it most.
📘 This article is part of the Prepper ICS Training Series.
View the full schedule and resources at the ICS Training Home Page.
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