In NDA operations, which statement correctly describes command when agreements exist?

• A. The base fire department official defines and commands the NDA.
• B. The DoD facility manager marks the NDA; police command.
• C. The NDA is defined/marked by the senior DoD representative and command normally shifts to the base fire department official unless agreements say otherwise.
• D. The aircraft captain marks the NDA; ARFF commands it.

Answer: (C)

In NDA operations, the on-scene authority and the boundaries of the NDA are set by the most senior DoD representative present. This person marks the NDA and holds the initial incident command, with the usual outcome that command shifts to the base fire department official unless there are pre-existing agreements that specify a different arrangement. This setup keeps DoD oversight as the defining authority for area boundaries and ensures a clear path for coordinating with ARFF resources. Other options place the NDA definition or command under a local fire chief, police, aircraft captain, or a DoD facility manager, which isn’t the standard practice unless a formal agreement changes who has final authority.