In the context of incident management, what term describes transitioning resources out of active use?

• A. Demobilization
• B. Standdown
• C. Recovery
• D. Decommissioning

Answer: (A)

In incident management, transitioning resources out of active use is called demobilization. This is the formal process of releasing personnel, equipment, and other resources from the incident once they’re no longer needed to meet incident objectives, and returning them to their home units or normal duties. It’s planned and coordinated so that resources are accounted for, equipment is secured, and redeployment or redeployment orders are clear.

Standdown, by contrast, is a temporary scaling back of operations or a pause in active response, rather than a formal release of resources from the incident. Recovery focuses on restoring normal operations and services after the incident’s immediate objectives are met, not specifically on releasing resources. Decommissioning involves retiring assets from service entirely, which is broader than the incident-specific release process.