What distinguishes tactics from strategy in incident management?

In the context of incident management, the distinction between tactics and strategy is fundamental for effective response and coordination. Tactics refer to the specific methods, actions, and techniques used to achieve immediate objectives during an incident. They are the "how" of a plan, detailing the practical implementation of tasks needed at a given moment.

On the other hand, strategy encompasses the broader vision and goals of the incident management process. It describes "what" needs to be done to achieve long-term objectives and outlines the overall approach or framework within which individual tactical actions are executed. This differentiation is crucial because while tactics can change rapidly in response to evolving conditions on the ground, strategies tend to remain relatively stable and focused on the overarching mission.

Understanding this relationship allows incident commanders to effectively balance immediate action with long-term goals, ensuring that every tactical decision supports the strategic vision for managing the incident.