Mission Management & Support Guidelines

In accordance with CAPR 60-3, Incident Commanders (ICs) are expected to support various types of missions using a wide array of resources. This requires significant training and experience. ICs represent CAP and take on additional responsibilities for customer agencies. They must make prudent decisions to execute missions safely, document objectives and accomplishments, request additional support when necessary, and guide mission operations from start to finish.

IC Accessibility and Supervision

• The IC must remain accessible and focused solely on the mission. They should avoid distractions unrelated to the incident and cannot participate in active mission sorties (air or ground) while serving as IC, except for transport or relocation purposes.

• ICs should operate from a location where they are easily reachable and have access to communication resources, such as phone, internet, or radio.

Mission Facilities and Personnel Briefings

• Most missions will involve remote operations from personnel's home bases. The IC must evaluate the need for mission bases or temporary facilities, though ICs are not authorized to contract for space or services.

• Comprehensive briefings for all personnel are crucial. Aircrews must be briefed using CAPF 104, and ground teams with CAPF 109. The person providing the briefing must be noted on the forms, even though signatures are not required.

Debriefing Procedures

• Debriefing air and ground crews immediately after sorties is essential. The results of each sortie should be provided to the Air Operations and Ground Branch Directors, as well as the Planning Section. CAPF 104 and CAPF 109 should document these debriefings, with the person conducting the debriefing noted on the forms. In most cases, these should be documented in WMIRS.

Information Consolidation and Situation Map

• Leads and objectives should be consolidated and posted on a situation map (electronic or physical). Ensure backup procedures are in place if electronic systems are unavailable. The situation map should include:

  • Critical briefing items

  • Hazards in the search area (terrain, weather, obstacles)

  • Weather updates (current and forecast)

  • Base facilities, hazards, and communications details

  • Airfields in the search area (location, type, facilities)

  • Communications procedures (frequency designators, call signs)

  • Mission progress and status

  • Status of restricted areas

Monitoring Non-CAP Resources

• ICs should monitor the activities of non-CAP resources, especially aircraft operating in the area. While CAP does not restrict non-CAP personnel, the IC should ensure they are aware of CAP operations and request that they avoid the area. If conflicts arise, safety must be prioritized, and CAP forces may be withdrawn until issues are resolved.

Engaging Relatives and Friends of Search Targets

• Relatives and friends of a search target may visit the mission base. While they should be discouraged from participating in operations, they should be kept informed of progress. The mission chaplain (or a designated staff member) can assist in providing pastoral care and managing communications with families, especially in cases of injury or loss of life.

Updates to Controlling and Partner Agencies

• Provide periodic updates to controlling and partner agencies (e.g., every 4 hours). Submit a summary report of the day’s activities at the end of the day or when the mission is closed or suspended. These updates are usually in the form of a CAPF 122 or Situation Report (SITREP) and are typically uploaded to the WMIRS Mission Files as well.

Cooperation with Other Agencies

• ICs must ensure close cooperation with both primary and secondary agencies, whether military, civilian, or foreign. Liaison with these agencies prevents duplication and confusion. Operational plans, procedures, and agreements should be pre-planned to ensure coordination during missions. CAP units should also participate in joint training exercises with these agencies when possible.

Incident Action Plans (IAPs)

• For missions where CAP is the lead agency, an Incident Action Plan (IAP) must be published. The IAP provides direction for tactical objectives and includes:

  • Statement of Objectives: Align with the overall incident goals.

  • Organization: Details the ICS structure for each operational period.

  • Assignments: Lists strategy, tactics, and resources for divisions or groups.

  • Supporting Materials: Includes maps, communications plans, medical plans, etc.

  IAPs are typically based on operational periods (up to 24 hours). For shorter missions, an ICS Form 201 or local document containing the above information may suffice, but longer missions require a full IAP using ICS Forms 202-206 with attachments.

Span of Control

• ICs must maintain an effective span of control over their resources and personnel. The ideal ratio is 1-to-5 reporting elements, though a range from 3-to-7 is acceptable depending on the mission’s complexity.

Mission and Sortie Documentation in WMIRS

• All missions and sorties must be properly documented in the Web Mission Information Reporting System (WMIRS). This should be done prior to sortie release unless extreme circumstances prevent it.