What are the steps in the ABCD Model in the correct order?

• A. Assess the situation, balance your resources, communicate with others, and do and debrief the event.
• B. Assess the situation, communicate with others, balance your resources, and do and debrief the event.
• C. Do and debrief the event, Assess the situation, balance your resources, communicate with others.
• D. Balance your resources, Assess the situation, communicate with others, and do and debrief the event.

Answer: (A)

The sequence starts with assessing the situation to understand what’s happening, what risks exist, and what the mission demands. Without a clear read on hazards, priorities, and constraints, actions can miss the mark or create new risks. Next, balance your resources to make sure you have the right people, gear, time, and support to address the situation without overextending the unit. Securing the right resources before you proceed helps prevent gaps or bottlenecks during execution. Then, communicate with others to share the plan, assign roles, and ensure everyone knows their part and how information will flow. This coordination is essential for synchronized action and safety. Finally, do and debrief the event: execute the plan, monitor progress, and afterward review what happened to capture lessons learned and improve future responses. This order—assess, align resources, communicate, then act and debrief—keeps decisions informed, feasible, coordinated, and accountable.