In Pierce County, a chain of command is established on all SAR missions. The responsible agency, the Sheriff or the police department, in some cases the National Park Service, establishes an Incident Command Structure for management of the large numbers of people and equipment that Search operations can generate.

Incident Commander

This is the law enforcement officer in charge of the entire operation.

Incident Command Operations Chief

This is the law enforcement officer responsible for coordinating all search and rescue units being utilized on the mission.

Incident Command Plans Chief

The Law Enforcement officer responsible for creating the plan of action for the SAR mission, determining who to call, how and where to use them.

Incident Command Logistics Chief

The law enforcement officer responsible for sheltering, feeding and operation of the base camp.

The ESAR command is a substructure under the Incident Command Structure

Operations Leader - OL

The OL reports to the Incident Command Operation Chief for assignment and is the liaison for ESAR to the LE command post for all activity.

Field Leader - FL

Reports to the OL for assignment and is responsible for directing multiple teams in the field within a geographic area.

Team Leader - TL

Responsible for a group of searchers formed into a team and tasked to carry out assignments from the FL or OL.

Brushmonkey - B

Responsible for working as a team, following team leader directions to accomplish a given task.

Operations Director

Receives page from DEM to activate unit.
Gets search information to determine nature of search, and what is being requested.
Contacts on duty ESAR OL.
Determines the rendezvous location and time in cooperation with OL.
Activates the callout process.
Coordinates the movement of the unit equipment and personnel to the mission site before leaving town.

Operations Leader

Proceeds to mission site and or rendezvous.
Contacts responsible agency Incident Commander and receives briefing and unit assignments.
Briefs base support staff, field leaders (FL) and team leaders (TL) on assignment and tasks.
Gives direction and control through the FL and TL's who direct the teams in the field.
Maintains close liaison with responsible law enforcement agency and other search and rescue units on site.
Forwards requests to ESAR communications center for additional manpower, equipment, support etc.
Assists the Incident Commander as needed.
Ensures proper debriefing of all teams upon return from field.
Coordinates the demobilization of the unit and resources at end of mission.
Ensures adequate rest for all drivers prior to release.
Files paper work and reports with Operations Director after each mission.

Assistant Operations Leader

Reports to the Operations Leader.
Responds to page and assists with organization at rendezvous.
Oversees sign in and team assignments.
Assumes duty of OL if OL leaves or as directed.
Assists with tracking of team activities and locations.
Assists with documentation of mission.

Base Advisor

Reports to Assistant OL.
Responds to page and assists with organization at rendezvous.
Stays informed of operations activity.
May assume OL or AOL duties as needed.
Coordinates the set up of base camp and all support activity.
Coordinates transportation to and from search site.
Works with and is responsible for additional base camp support staff.
Other duties as assigned.

Field Leader

Reports directly to the Unit OL.
Co-ordinates and directs one or more teams in the field in a geographical search area.
Maintains contacts with all teams assigned to him and with field base.
Recommends changes in the movement of the teams in the field.
Directs teams in the field as appropriate to meet the established search plan.
Evaluates the effectiveness of the search plan and tactics being utilized.
Makes recommendations' regarding additional search resources and different tactics.
May assume command of subject find if appropriate.
Maintains FL log of all major events.

Team Leader

Is assigned by the OL or his/her designee.
Receives team assignments from base camp.
Receives mission briefing from OL to include area of responsibility, method of search, search data, communications plan and chain of command.
Receives team equipment, radio, map, and special gear.
Gathers team and perform equipment and personnel check.
Makes team assignments.
Briefs team on mission assignment.
Ensures team proceeds to field in timely manner.
Maintains control of team, monitors conditions and ensures safe practices are followed.
Makes regular contact with FL or base as appropriate.
Reports directly to FL or OL as appropriate.
Tracks movement and location of team at all times.
Directs team activity and assigns tasks while in field.
Assumes command at subject or object find until relieved by appropriate authority (FL or Law Enforcement).
Maintains TL log of major search activities.