Who is the 1IC?

“1iC” is the designation given to the overall team leader in a tactical response. The “1iC” is the one in charge of all elements deployed to resolve a critical incident. I first heard the term at the Direct Action Resource Center aka DARC where I received my initial training in law enforcement counter terrorism. The SWAT team I led at the time adopted the designator for all of our tactical operations.

When I began teaching emotional intelligence in 2018 I designed my course around actionable protocols that were easily practiced with the application of daily self discipline. The 1iC concept was applied to this approach because we are all the 1iC, the one on charge, of our own lives.

In our leadership courses and or tactical training courses we recognize that it is rarely possible for the 1iC to accomplish the mission alone. At DARC and at every successful tactical operation in my 15-year SWAT career I was supported by my 2iC and a highly trained team of officers filling vital roles. When discussing leadership we strongly support a structured mentorship process that values discipline and creativity. We strive to turn our 2iC’s into 1iC’s.

Civil Unrest