Evidence-based training, tactical decision games, and consulting for fire service professionals operating in high-risk, time-critical environments.
But your original is perfectly fine.
Bringing science to the street!
Start with Practical, Scenario-Based Training
Command Competence’s 10-Minute Training Tactical Decision Games (TDGs) provide short, realistic scenarios designed to strengthen size-up, strategy and tactics, and command decision-making.
The 10-Minute Training System: These TDGs are based on real incidents and includes recommended additional learning activities for individual or group training.
- 10-Minute Training – Basic information about 10-Minute Training TDGs
- Training Overview – Overview of the TDG concept and how to use these training materials
- Training Library – Searchable database of 10-Minute Training TDGs
- Topic Based Training Collections – Collections of TDGs focused on important topics such as Maydays, wind influenced fires and hazmat incidents.
How 10-Minute Training Works
10-Minute Training TDGs present progressively revealed incident information under realistic time constraints. Participants identify critical cues, assess risk, select strategy, and prioritize tactics as conditions evolve.
- Review the scenario and initial size-up information
- Identify key cues, risks, and decision points
- Select strategy and identify your incident action plan
- Take command and communicate your plan in the form of tactical orders.
- Review your answers and reflect on your strategic and tactical thinking
- Extent your learning with recommended training options to reinforce key lessons
This approach builds recognition-primed decision making and strengthens command competence through deliberate practice.
Shared Learning and Command Development
10-Minute TDGs can be completed individually; however, their greatest value is realized in small-group or company-level discussion. Working through scenarios collectively helps develop shared mental models related to risk management, strategy selection, tactical priorities, and command decision-making. This shared understanding improves coordination and performance when similar conditions are encountered on actual incidents.
Research-Informed, Operationally Grounded
Command Competence is led by Ed Hartin, MS, EFO, FIFireE, CFO, retired fire chief and fire service instructor with five decades of operational experience. Command Competence blends fire dynamics research, decision-making science, and real incident experience to help fire officers improve size-up, strategy, and command performance. Training content reflects real-world fireground conditions and emphasizes decision-making under uncertainty, time pressure, and resource constraints.
Build Command Competence Before the Next Alarm
Deliberate practice improves performance when conditions are uncertain and consequences are high. Explore the 10-Minute Training system or learn how Command Competence can support your department’s training program.