When responders understand each other's roles and responsibilities and have a plan for working together, they are more likely to be able to reach consensus on response strategies and tactics.

From OSHA.gov

The key to successful implementation of an Incident Command System/ Unified Command is planning and exercising at the regional and area levels. Practice using an ICS/UC prior to an incident will help responders understand their roles and responsibilities and prepared them to work together in the ICS.

According to the National Contingency Plan (NCP), the area contingency planning process, which brings together appropriate representatives from local, state, and federal agencies to enhance contingency planning, is the forum for working out the details of how the ICS will be applied in each area. When responders understand each other's roles and responsibilities and have a plan for working together, they are more likely to be able to reach consensus on response strategies and tactics.

The On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) and the Area Committee are responsible for developing, adopting, and implementing a response management system, such as ICS/UC, through the Area Contingency Plan (ACP). Use of a National Interagency Incident Management System (NIIMS)-based ICS/UC as the model for response management in the ACP can be helpful in ensuring an effective response.

• Four Keys to Successful Implementation
• Scenario-Based Planning and Exercises
• Organizational Components
• On-Scene Coordinator (OSC)'s Planning Roles and Responsibilities
• Regional Response Team (RRT)'s Planning Roles and Responsibilities