Which of the Following Is Not a Recommended Characteristic for Incident Objectives?
If you’re studying ICS principles or preparing for FEMA exams, you’ll likely come across this question:
Which of the following is NOT a recommended characteristic for incident objectives?
A. Measurable and attainable
B. In accordance with the Incident Commander’s authorities
C. Includes a standard and timeframe
D. Stated in broad terms to allow for flexibility
The correct answer is D. Stated in broad terms to allow for flexibility.
This article explains why, how incident objectives are supposed to be written, common mistakes people make on exams, and how these principles apply during real incident management.
What Incident Objectives Are Supposed to Do
In the Incident Command System (ICS), objectives describe what must be accomplished during the operational period. They anchor the response strategy and keep everyone working toward the same outcome, especially when conditions are unpredictable.
Strong incident objectives help responders:
- Focus on critical outcomes
- Allocate resources efficiently
- Work under a unified direction
- Avoid duplication of effort
- Track progress and adjust tactics
When objectives are written correctly, they improve both speed and safety during an incident.
Recommended Characteristics of Effective Incident Objectives
ICS guidance is consistent across FEMA courses and emergency management doctrine. Good incident objectives share five essential characteristics:
1. Specific
The wording must be unambiguous. Everyone reading the objective should interpret it the same way.
2. Measurable
The objective must include a standard that shows whether it has been met. Without measurability, teams cannot evaluate progress.
3. Achievable
Objectives must reflect current resources, conditions, safety constraints, and operational limits. Unrealistic goals put responders at risk.
4. Results-focused
Objectives describe the desired result, not the steps to get there. Tactics come later in the Incident Action Plan (IAP).
5. Time-bound
Every objective must include a timeframe or operational period. Deadlines maintain structure and focus during a fast-moving incident.
These characteristics ensure that the objective guides the operation instead of creating confusion.
Why “Broad Terms” Are NOT Recommended
The option “Stated in broad terms to allow for flexibility” may sound reasonable at first, but broad objectives cause problems in the field.
1. They create different interpretations
A broad objective can lead to several teams doing different things while believing they are aligned.
2. They reduce accountability
If an objective is vague, it’s impossible to determine whether the team achieved it.
3. They break the ICS chain of direction
ICS is built around clear, shared expectations. Broad objectives erode that structure.
4. They make planning harder
Tactics depend on clear objectives. When objectives are too open-ended, planning becomes guesswork.
For these reasons, ICS training consistently teaches that objectives must be specific, measurable, and grounded in reality.
Examples of Recommended and Not Recommended Objectives
The easiest way to see the difference is to compare them head-to-head.
Recommended Objective
“Evacuate all residents from the north wing within the next 20 minutes.”
Why it works:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Time-bound
- Results-focused
Not Recommended
“Improve safety in the affected area.”
Why it fails:
- Too broad
- No measurable standard
- No timeframe
- No clear outcome
Recommended Objective
“Restore communication between command and field units before the next operational period.”
Not Recommended
“Try to fix communication issues as quickly as possible.”
Recommended Objective
“Contain the fire in Building C until additional units arrive.”
Not Recommended
“Eliminate all hazards.”
Real incidents are dynamic. Response teams need clarity, not aspirational statements.
Common Mistakes Students Make on ICS Exams
People often get this question wrong because they assume flexibility is good. It is, but flexibility belongs in tactics, not in the objectives.
Here are the most common misconceptions:
1. Flexibility should be built into objectives
No. Flexibility is built into how responders execute tactics, not what they are trying to accomplish.
2. Objectives should be high-level
High-level goals belong in strategy, not in operational objectives.
3. Objectives must cover everything
Objectives should be concise. Covering every detail belongs in the IAP.
Understanding these distinctions helps you master both exam questions and practical application.
How to Create Strong Incident Objectives
A workable method used by incident commanders involves:
- Reviewing the current situation and confirmed facts
- Identifying major problems or threats
- Prioritizing life safety, incident stabilization, and property protection
- Writing a clear, specific outcome for each priority
- Ensuring each objective passes the SMART test (specific, measurable, achievable, results-based, time-bound)
- Confirming the objectives align with the Incident Commander’s legal authorities
- Sharing the objectives clearly with all responding personnel
This structure keeps the incident response focused and reduces operational risk.
Why Clear Objectives Matter in Real Incidents
While many people encounter this topic when answering FEMA test questions, its relevance goes far beyond exams.
Strong incident objectives support:
- Faster decision-making
- Reduced misunderstandings
- Stronger coordination across agencies
- Better resource management
- More predictable outcomes
- Safer operations
- More accurate documentation for after-action reports
When objectives are vague, operations become scattered. When they are precise, teams move with discipline even under pressure.
Final Answer and Takeaway
The characteristic not recommended for incident objectives is:
D. Stated in broad terms to allow for flexibility
Effective objectives must be clear, measurable, achievable, results-focused, and time-bound. Broad objectives weaken operational control and increase confusion.
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