When should teams be reorganized or demobilized in an ICS context?

In the Incident Command System (ICS), effective organization of teams is crucial for maintaining proper communication and supervision. The correct choice relates specifically to the established guidelines concerning the supervisor-to-subordinate ratio. When the ratio of supervisors to subordinates falls below 3, it indicates that there may be too many subordinates for each supervisor to effectively manage. In this situation, the risk of miscommunication, decreased oversight, and an inability to provide adequate support can increase, which can ultimately hinder the performance and efficiency of the team.

Maintaining an optimal supervisor-to-subordinate ratio is essential for effective management and ensuring that all team members receive the necessary direction and support. Therefore, reorganizing or demobilizing teams in this context is a strategic decision aimed at preserving the integrity and effectiveness of the incident management structure. This principle helps ensure that command and control structures remain effective throughout the incident.