About Command Competence
Command Competence provides training and resources focused on improving fireground decision making for firefighters, company officers, and chief officers.
Fireground Decision Making
The work integrates fire dynamics, building construction, and strategy and tactics to support better decisions under pressure. Training reflects real-world conditions, where information is incomplete, time is limited, and outcomes matter.
About Ed Hartin
Command Competence was developed by Ed Hartin, a retired fire chief with nearly five decades of fire service experience.
His background includes:
- Serving as a firefighter, company officer, and chief officer
- Fire Chief, East County Fire & Rescue (Camas, Washington)
- International instructor delivering training across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australasia
- Co-author of 3D Firefighting: Training, Techniques, and Tactics
- Member, Naturalistic Decision Making Association
- Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Commission on Professional Credentialling
- Fellow, Institution of Fire Engineers (FIFireE)
- Past President, USA Branch, Institution of Fire Engineers
In addition to operational experience, his work is informed by graduate-level academic study (M.S.) and ongoing research focused on fireground decision making in high-risk environments.
His instructional focus is on improving fireground decision making in structural firefighting through the integration of fire behavior, building construction, and command decision making.
What Command Competence Provides
Command Competence offers training and resources that support decision making at all levels of the fire service.
This includes:
- Scenario-based training exercises
- Courses and presentations
- Written analysis and case studies
- Simulation-based learning
Each component is designed to strengthen the ability to interpret conditions and make effective tactical decisions.
Tactical Decision Games (TDGs)
Tactical Decision Games (TDGs) are one of the primary training tools used within Command Competence.
These short, scenario-based exercises require participants to:
- Conduct an initial size-up
- Select strategy
- Develop and communicate an action plan
The emphasis is on decision making under time pressure using realistic conditions.
TDGs are intended to complement, not replace, other forms of training.
Instructional Focus
Training emphasizes the relationship between:
- Fire behavior and building construction
- Tactical outcomes and operational risk
- Time-sensitive decisions and their consequences
Rather than focusing only on procedures or checklists, Command Competence develops the ability to interpret conditions and act effectively in dynamic environments.
Who This Is For
Command Competence serves:
- Firefighters developing operational competence
- Company officers responsible for initial incident command
- Chief officers managing complex incidents
- Fire service instructors and trainers
The material supports both individual development and company-level training.
Why It Matters
Fireground decisions are made in uncertain and rapidly changing conditions.
Improving decision making:
- Increases firefighter safety
- Improves operational effectiveness
- Reduces risk to civilians and crews
Command Competence exists to support that improvement through practical, experience-based training.
How to Get Started
You can begin by exploring available training resources, including Tactical Decision Games and other scenario-based materials designed for immediate use.