Command Competence designs simulation systems and scenario-based training environments that support deliberate practice in complex, time-pressured operational settings.
This service focuses on creating realistic decision environments where fire officers and incident commanders can practice size-up, strategy selection, tactical prioritization, coordination, and adaptation to rapidly changing conditions.
Why Simulation and Scenario-Based Training Matters
Operational experience alone is not sufficient to develop high-level command competence. Many critical incidents are rare, highly dynamic, and unforgiving of error.
Simulation and scenario-based training allows organizations to:
- Practice complex incidents repeatedly
- Expose decision-makers to rare but high-risk conditions
- Examine how cues are perceived and interpreted
- Develop anticipation and contingency planning
- Strengthen coordination across units and command roles
- Improve decision-making under uncertainty and time pressure
Well-designed scenarios make cognitive work visible and trainable.
Areas of Development
Command Competence supports the design and implementation of:
- Tactical Decision Games (TDGs)
- Scenario libraries for company and command officers
- Computer-supported fireground simulations
- Multi-company and multi-alarm command exercises
- Progressive scenario curricula
- Assessment scenarios for promotional processes
- After-action learning scenarios based on real incidents
Scenarios are built to reflect realistic fire behavior, resource constraints, information flow, and operational tradeoffs.
Methods and Tools
Simulation systems may incorporate:
- Fire Studio 7 computer based simulations
- Custom scenario scripting and simulation controller flow charts
- Time-based information release (“injects”)
- Visual and map-based representations
- Building and neighborhood models
- Audio and written dispatch information
- Role-based command structures
- Facilitated discussion frameworks
- Tactical worksheets
Fire Studio 7 is commonly used as a simulation platform; however, tools are selected based on training objectives rather than technology preference.
What Simulation Training Looks Like
Simulation systems are designed to represent operational environments with sufficient realism to support meaningful decision-making, while remaining practical for repeated training use.
The example below illustrates a typical command-level simulation environment used to practice size-up, strategy selection, information management, and coordination across units.
The goal is not visual realism for its own sake, but functional realism that supports realistic command behavior.
Appropriate Levels of Simulation Fidelity
Before discussing applications, it’s important to understand what appropriate simulation fidelity looks like and why it matters for effective training. Effective simulation does not require photorealistic graphics. It requires fidelity in the elements that drive operational decision-making.
For incident command training, this includes:
- Accurate representation of building layout and access
- Realistic fire behavior and smoke movement
- Credible resource availability and response times
- Time pressure and information flow
- Command and communication structure
- Consequences of decisions
For simulations to be effective they must have an appropriate level realism or fidelity. There are multiple types of fidelity that can impact training effectiveness..
- Physical Fidelity: Does the simulation “look real”.
- Functional Fidelity: Does the simulation “act real”
- Psychological Fidelity: Does the simulation evoke realistic psychological responses?
- Cognitive Fidelity: Does the simulation require realistic decisions and judgments?
It might seem that maximizing all aspects of simulation fidelity would provide the greatest benefit. However, this is not always the case. It is essential to consider the purpose and intent of the simulation.
Command Competence emphasizes appropriate levels of fidelity based on the purpose and intent of the training or assessment designing simulations that reproduce the cues, constraints, and tradeoffs that incident commanders actually use to assess conditions, select strategies, and adapt plans as incidents evolve.
Integration with Training Programs
Simulation and scenario development is commonly integrated with:
- 10-Minute Training Tactical Decision Games
- Officer development programs
- Command training workshops
- Assessment centers
- Organizational learning initiatives
- Fire dynamics education
This integration supports a progression from short individual exercises to complex multi-unit command problems.
Applications
Organizations commonly use simulation systems for:
- Initial officer development
- Continuing command training
- Promotional preparation
- Command team coordination
- Evaluation of decision-making processes
- Identification of organizational constraints
- Training system modernization
Engagement Models
Support may include:
- Scenario and curriculum design
- Simulation system configuration
- Development of custom scenario libraries
- Instructor and facilitator training
- Advisory support during program rollout
- Long-term training system development
Related Services
This service is closely integrated with:
- Fireground Decision-Making and Incident Command Consulting
- Fire Dynamics Education
- Assessment Center and Promotional Process Design
- Serious Injury and Line-of-Duty Death Review Support
Discuss Simulation and Training System Development
If you would like to explore how simulation and scenario-based training can support your organization’s command development or training objectives, please get in touch.
For engagements that integrate cognitive training with simulation design, see Fireground Decision-Making & Incident Command Consulting.