AF revamps emergency management program: McChord takes major steps towards new system

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  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Base officials are in the process of transforming the current emergency management program to a new presidentially- mandated program that improves the efficiency and effectiveness of incident management, coordination and response activities when emergencies and disasters arise. 

The effort entails the rewrite of Air Force directives and instructions to align guidance and procedures consistent with the National Incident Management System and National Response Plan, according to the Air Force's guide to implementing and sustaining the new plan. 

The new Air Force Incident Management System will help Air Force and civilian agencies better communicate during a disaster response, said Maj. Stephen Polomsky, 62nd Airlift Wing chief of plans and programs. 

"The new plan just aligns our emergency management program to the same structure that is used on the civilian side," Major Polomsky said. "That way if something happens, we don't have to make a translation -- that translation is already done. We're all talking in the same language." 

The change to AFIMS also helps place tactical control of the situation in the hands of the most qualified expert on the scene, as opposed to the Airman with the highest rank, Major Polomsky said. 

"It allows us to better allocate the expertise to the right areas," he said. "It lets senior leaders focus on strategic decisions and how the incident will affect the base and the mission, as opposed to getting bogged down in aiding the tactical response." 

"AFIMS will ensure our military unique command and control requirements remain sound to execute critical mission-oriented operations while simultaneously meeting with the intent of National policy and guidance," said Michael Wynne, secretary of the Air Force, in a memo within the guidance plan. 

Base officials have already created an Emergency Operations Center on base and are working hard to become proficient with the new system before the Dec. 31 deadline, Major Polomsky said. There are also plans to test AFIMS before the deadline with several no-notice practice exercises, he said.