Which ICS structure enables different jurisdictions to jointly manage and direct incident activities with a single incident action plan?

The structure that allows different jurisdictions to manage and direct incident activities collaboratively through a single incident action plan is known as unified command. This approach is essential in situations where incidents span multiple jurisdictions or involve multiple agencies. Unified command ensures that all parties involved can contribute to the decision-making process, share responsibilities, and work together towards common objectives, enhancing overall coordination.

Unified command allows for the integration of various resources and expertise, fostering efficient communication and cooperation. By operating under a single incident action plan, agencies can establish clear objectives, prioritize tasks, and allocate resources effectively, ensuring a cohesive response to the incident.

While other options might involve coordination or management, they do not specifically embody the concept of multiple jurisdictions coming together to make collective decisions under a unified framework as effectively as unified command does. For example, an incident management team typically refers to a specific group that is responsible for managing and directing the response, but it may not inherently include representatives from multiple jurisdictions. Likewise, multi-agency coordination refers to the collaborative effort of several agencies but does not necessarily imply joint decision-making under a common incident action plan as unified command does. Operational command focuses more on the execution of strategies and tactics rather than the collaborative decision-making process essential for different jurisdictions working together.