Tactics, command, leadership

orientation of both the individual response operation and the sys-

tem at large are not sufficiently fast or effective.

It is necessary in dynamic situations, and sometimes only on

the basis of unclear indications or indistinct signals, to take, or

at least initiate, measures before the problem arises. In add ition,

ability is required to reflect over the more transparent patterns in

the course of events, as well as those that are difficult to gain an

overall view of. Even signals indicating possible developments in

the situation need to be evaluated. Depending on the context, dif-

ferent terms are used to express an ability to take measures before

the problem arises. ’Proactivity’ and ’to act instead of parry’ are

examples of these. This is also what control through feedforward

concerns – to act on the basis of a plan without having received

any concrete signals on the actual course of events. When it co-

mes to finalising a response operation, this must be based on solid

grounds. To act only on the basis of indications in this situation

can result in resources being withdrawn too soon.

The capacity to read a course of events needs to per meate the cul-

ture of the organisation. This is a part of tactical approach ­ to

in an anticipative manner handle variations in the risk situation

Time

Damage /

injury

Decision on

measures

Measure applied Measure takes effect

Present

situation

Overv

iew^ of^

course^ o

f^ events

Control entails creating
models, being able to
visualise the whole
course of events and
then applying the right
measure at the right
time in order to achieve
the goal. The overall
purpose of executing
emergency response
operations is to gain
and maintain control.