AA's and IMO's Planning Cycles

 

The AA and the IMO use different types of planning cycles. The table below describes features that distinguish the two cycles. The SOPL works within both of these planning cycles to help ensure that actions taken during the 24-hour cycle are directly tied to the AA's intent for the incident and the Incident Decision (what the AA wants to accomplish).

FeaturesAA's Planning CycleIMO's Planning Cycle
Where planning decisions are documented
Incident DecisionIAP

Timeframe of planning cycle 

Variable (e.g., 3 days, 5 days, or life of the fire) 24-hour (operational period)
Name of planning cycleThere is no defined planning cycle for extended response and the process each AA uses is variable. Planning "P" (examples of steps in the cycle include conduct tactics meeting, prepare and approve IAP, and execute plan and assess progress)

 

Illustration depicting a local AA’s and an IMO’s planning cycles, as described above.