Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) Program Overview

In August 2003, USFA convened a focus group of stakeholders and experts from across the country to best determine the means to develop Type 3 Incident Management Teams (IMTs). The focus group agreed to stay with the basic National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Incident Command System (ICS) training and typing models for the all-hazards emergency response community.

Type 3 IMT: Local, State, Tribal or Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)

A multi-agency/multi-jurisdictional team for extended incidents formed and managed at the local, state, or tribal level. It is a designated team of trained personnel from different departments, organizations, agencies, and jurisdictions. Type 3 IMTs are deployed as a team of 10-20 trained personnel, representing multiple disciplines who manage major and/or complex incidents requiring a significant number of local, state, or tribal resources. They manage incidents that extend into multiple operational periods and require a written Incident Action Plan (IAP). These incidents can include weather-related disasters such as a tornado, earthquake, or flood; a joint law enforcement operation; public health emergency; or a planned exercise or event. A Type 3 IMT may initially manage more complex incidents that later transition to a National Level IMT.

USFA Type 3 IMTs are represented in all 10 FEMA regions.

Incident Management Team Structure

IMT Development Concept

Recommended for assigned members of Type 3 IMTs

• Appointed by local, state, or tribal Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
• ICS 100, ICS 200 (web-based or classroom) or equivalent
• ICS 300, ICS 400 or equivalent (Command and General Staff Functions for Local IMTs (O337) is equivalent, transitioned to states for delivery in 2008)
• USFA Type 3 IMT (O305) offering, customized simulation (50-hour on site); or S-420
• ICS position-specific professional development offered through the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) and coordinated with the FEMA regions and State Emergency Management and Fire Training Directors
• Field training assignments

Professional development for Type 3 IMTs is part of USFA's Type 3 IMT Technical Assistance Program, available to local, state, UASI, and tribal regions.