Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) Practice Test

Which term refers to the first decisions to be made in forming an incident action plan?

1. Objectives

2. Strategies

3. Tactics

4. Logistics

The correct answer is: Objectives

The term that refers to the first decisions made in forming an incident action plan is objectives. Objectives are the specific, measurable goals that an incident management team aims to achieve during a response operation. They serve as the foundation for the entire planning process, guiding subsequent decisions and actions. When setting objectives, the team considers the overall mission and desired outcomes for the incident response. These objectives help prioritize tasks and allocate resources effectively. Once objectives are established, strategies and tactics can then be developed to meet these goals. Strategies outline the general approach to achieving objectives, while tactics involve the specific actions or techniques employed to execute those strategies. Logistics pertains to the support and resources required to facilitate the incident response but is not part of the initial decision-making process for forming an action plan. Therefore, understanding that objectives are the starting point in the planning process is crucial for effective incident management.