What is established to maintain span of control of multiple group tactical components?

The concept of "span of control" refers to the optimal number of individuals or groups that one supervisor can effectively manage. In the context of incident management, when multiple tactical components are operating, a Branch is established to maintain effective supervision and coordination.

A Branch can oversee several sections or units, allowing for manageable oversight of larger operations. This structure helps ensure that each component receives adequate supervision while enabling the incident commander to maintain a clear and organized approach to resource deployment and task management. Instead of having a single individual trying to control too many tasks (which can hinder efficiency and safety), the establishment of branches creates a hierarchical leadership structure that enhances communication and operational effectiveness.

In contrast, a unit typically refers to a smaller group working on a specific objective, a section consists of multiple units, and a team is often a more informal grouping focused on task completion, all of which do not directly address the overarching need for control across multiple tactical elements in a large incident scenario.