Skip to main content

Assistant Area Commander Logistics

ACLC Incident Position Description

The Assistant Area Commander, Logistics (ACLC) is responsible for ordering, prioritizing, and allocating logistical resources among multiple Incident Management Teams (IMT) in an assigned area or on single, large-scale incidents/events, based upon Area Command priorities and objectives. Area Command may be established when oversight direction is required to ensure that resource allocation conflicts do not arise among the IMTs. The ACLC reports to the Area Commander (ACDR) and works in the Logistics functional area.

An Area Command organization is normally small with personnel assigned to the Command, Planning, and Logistics functions. Depending on the complexity of the interface between the incidents, specialists in other areas, such as aviation, hazardous materials, environment, and finance, may also be assigned to Area Command.

Leadership Level 5, Leader of Organizations (Create Vision)

  • For additional information review Level 5 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and check in at the assignment.
  • Check in with the incident supervisor and/or dispatch when arriving at the incident.
  • Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.
  • Obtain briefing from previous shift/assignment position as necessary, including the statuses of the incident, assigned resources, the existing Logistics Section, and agreements (land use, cost share, blanket purchase, water, etc.).

Build the Team

  • Assemble and validate the readiness of assigned personnel and equipment.
  • Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, and radio frequency management.
  • Establish a common operating picture with supervisors and subordinates.
  • Participate in operational briefings as directed.
  • Brief assigned personnel.
  • Identify assigned resources and maintain accountability.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.
  • Ensure incident objectives and performance standards are met.
  • Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.

Perform Assistant Area Commander Logistics-Specific Duties

  • Identify and order resources required for Area Command Logistics operations.
  • Gather intelligence from incident LSCs, coordination center, and other personnel responsible for the incidents.
  • Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships (e.g., IMT, coordination centers, expanded dispatch, agency personnel, cooperators, comptroller, Buying Team [BUYT]).
  • Determine work/space requirements, location, and procurement procedures for the Area Command team.
  • Establish procedures that facilitate communications, including Area Command frequency coordination, sharing or reallocation of resources, and problem-solving or conflict resolution.
  • Participate in briefing with Agency Administrator(s).
  • Maintain a log of strategic decisions and significant events for inclusion in the Area Command final documentation package.
  • Evaluate and share all functional information for logistics with Area Command team members.
  • Evaluate effectiveness of the current system of expanded dispatch and identify needed improvements.
  • Take appropriate action if delegated authority for expanded dispatch.
    • Provide adequate staff including Expanded Dispatch Coordinator (CORD).
    • Ensure adequate facilities.
    • Determine the scope of responsibility.
    • Identify relationship with BUYT.
  • Receive and process orders for all other Area Command functions.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Use plain language and Incident Command System (ICS) terminology.
  • Ensure personnel know radio operating procedures.
  • Keep subordinates informed.
  • Update supervisor on current accomplishments and/or concerns.
  • Ensure Logistics expectations are communicated to other functional areas during meetings and briefings.
  • Coordinate with IMT LSCs when geographic area is operating under Area Command structure.
  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across ICS functional areas and chain of command.
  • Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information with the following:
    • Support resources
    • Adjacent resources
    • Supervisor
    • Other ICS functional areas
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461:
    • Identify Hazards
    • Assess Hazards
    • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions
    • Implement Controls
    • Supervise and Evaluate
  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
  • Provide for the safety of assigned resources.
  • Identify potential conflicts and resolve them within the same operational period, if possible.

Document

Demobilize

  • Assist in developing Area Command demobilization priorities and procedures.
  • Assist the Assistant Area Commander Planning (ACPC) in developing an Area Command transition plan.
  • Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, coordinate with area IMTs to prepare demobilization schedule, and communicate with supervisor.
  • Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest driving standards are followed.
  • Return equipment and supplies to the appropriate unit.
  • Complete demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
  • During the transfer of command:
    • Ensure continuity of operations.
    • Exchange critical safety information.
    • Communicate transfer of authority through the established chain of command.

Return to top

USWDS Paragraph Bundles

Please Provide Feedback

Indicates required field

NWCG values your constructive input and we thank you for taking the time to provide feedback.

Although contact information is optional, we hope that you provide a way for us to contact you in case we need clarification on your comment. If you would like to be contacted regarding your feedback, you must provide contact information. 

Would you like a response?
If you would like a response, you must provide contact information (name and email) below.
CAPTCHA
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Last Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
  • Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
  • Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee