During which phase should the demobilization process be planned according to NIMS?

The demobilization process should indeed be planned during the operational periods transition phase. This phase is crucial for ensuring that resources used during the incident respond effectively as operations evolve and begin to wind down. Planning for demobilization at this stage allows for a systematic approach to withdrawing resources, releasing personnel, and returning equipment to a state of readiness. It helps prevent confusion or delays in the transition to recovery and ensures that all actions taken are coordinated, minimizing risks associated with premature or uncoordinated demobilization efforts.

By integrating demobilization planning into operational periods, incident commanders and support staff can make informed decisions about when and how to scale back operations, ensuring that essential services continue while non-essential personnel and resources are released appropriately. This enhances efficiency and safety during incident management.

The other phases may involve important activities, but they do not specifically focus on the nuances of resource demobilization as the operational periods transition does.