ICS Form 204 at a glance
What it is: The Assignment List (ICS 204) informs Division and Group supervisors of incident assignments.
Who signs: The ICS 204 is normally prepared by the Resources Unit, using guidance from the Incident Objectives (ICS 202), Operational Planning Worksheet (ICS 215), and the Operations Section Chief. The form must be approved by the Incident Commander, but may be reviewed and initialed by the Planning Section Chief and Operations Section Chief as well.
Where and when to file: All completed original forms must be given to the Documentation Unit.
A filled-in ICS Form 204 example: a Resources Unit Leader prepares an Assignment List
How to fill out ICS Form 204, box by box
Boxes 1 to 3, the incident, the operational period and the area
In Box 1 (Incident Name), enter the name assigned to the incident.
In Box 2 (Operational Period), enter the start date (month/day/year) and time (using the 24-hour clock) in Date From and Time From, and the end date and time in Date To and Time To, for the operational period to which the form applies.
Box 3 is for use in a large IAP for reference only. Write the alphanumeric abbreviation for the Branch, Division, Group, and Staging Area (e.g., "Branch 1," "Division D," "Group 1A") in large letters for easy referencing.
Box 4, Operations Personnel
In Box 4 (Operations Personnel), enter the name and contact numbers of the Operations Section Chief, applicable Branch Director(s), and Division/Group Supervisor(s).
Box 5, Resources Assigned
In Box 5 (Resources Assigned), enter the following information about the resources assigned to the Division or Group for this period.
Resource Identifier: the identifier is a unique way to identify a resource (e.g., ENG-13, IA-SCC-413). If the resource has been ordered but no identification has been received, use TBD (to be determined).
Leader: enter the resource leader's name.
# of Persons: enter the total number of persons for the resource assigned, including the leader.
Contact (e.g., phone, pager, radio frequency, etc.): enter the primary means of contacting the leader or contact person (e.g., radio, phone, pager, etc.). Be sure to include the area code when listing a phone number.
Reporting Location, Special Equipment and Supplies, Remarks, Notes, Information: provide special notes or directions specific to this resource. If required, add notes to indicate: (1) specific location/time where the resource should report or be dropped off/picked up; (2) special equipment and supplies that will be used or needed; (3) whether or not the resource received briefings; (4) transportation needs; or (5) other information.
Boxes 6 and 7, Work Assignments and Special Instructions
In Box 6 (Work Assignments), provide a statement of the tactical objectives to be achieved within the operational period by personnel assigned to this Division or Group.
In Box 7 (Special Instructions), enter a statement noting any safety problems, specific precautions to be exercised, dropoff or pickup points, or other important information.
Box 8, Communications
In Box 8 (Communications), enter specific communications information (including emergency numbers) for this Branch/Division/Group: a Name/Function and its Primary Contact, where you indicate cell, pager, or radio (frequency/system/channel).
If radios are being used, enter function (command, tactical, support, etc.), frequency, system, and channel from the Incident Radio Communications Plan (ICS 205).
Phone and pager numbers should include the area code and any satellite phone specifics.
In light of potential IAP distribution, use sensitivity when including cell phone number.
Add a secondary contact (phone number or radio) if needed.
Box 9, Prepared by
In Box 9 (Prepared by), enter the name, ICS position (Position/Title), and signature of the person preparing the form. Enter date (month/day/year) and time prepared (24-hour clock).
If your situation is different
Distribution
Once the Command and General Staffs agree to the assignments, the assignment information is given to the appropriate Divisions and Groups.
The ICS 204 is duplicated and attached to the ICS 202 and given to all recipients as part of the Incident Action Plan (IAP).
In some cases, assignments may be communicated via radio/telephone/fax.
All completed original forms must be given to the Documentation Unit.
Additional pages are needed
Multiple pages/copies can be used if needed. If additional pages are needed, use a blank ICS 204 and repaginate as needed.
Common questions about ICS Form 204
What is ICS Form 204 used for?
The ICS 204 details assignments at Division and Group levels and is part of the IAP.
Who prepares ICS 204?
The ICS 204 is normally prepared by the Resources Unit, using guidance from the Incident Objectives (ICS 202), Operational Planning Worksheet (ICS 215), and the Operations Section Chief.
Sources
[1] ICS Form 204, Assignment List (v3.1), Federal Emergency Management Agency (the Official source link on this page).