What term describes the tactical resources that report directly to the incident commander or operations section chief?

The term that describes the tactical resources reporting directly to the incident commander or the operations section chief is "single resources." In the context of the Incident Command System (ICS), single resources refer to an individual piece of equipment or a crew that can be used on its own to effectively address an incident.

Single resources are significant because they provide flexibility in incident management, allowing for detailed control and deployment in various operational strategies. This enables the incident commander or operations section chief to have direct oversight and command over these resources, ensuring that they are utilized optimally based on the needs of the incident.

In contrast, task forces consist of a combination of resources working together to achieve a specific goal, while strike teams involve a set number of resources of the same kind working together. Support units generally refer to resources that assist with logistical or administrative tasks rather than direct tactical operations. Each of these categories serves a specific function within the ICS structure, emphasizing the importance of knowing how to categorize resources appropriately for effective incident management.