What are designed to be more flexible and usable by line officers and incident commanders?

Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) are intended to be more flexible and practical tools for line officers and incident commanders during operations. Unlike rigid Standard Operating Procedures, which must be followed precisely, SOGs offer a framework that allows for adaptability based on the unique circumstances of a given incident. This flexibility is crucial during dynamic situations where decisions need to be made quickly and may require deviation from established procedures to achieve the best possible outcomes.

SOGs also empower field personnel by providing clear guidance while allowing room for professional judgment, which is essential in fast-paced environments like emergency response. They promote operational effectiveness and ensure that incident commanders can manage scenarios in a way that is responsive to the immediate needs of the situation.