Which of the following is established to divide the incident into functional areas of operation?

The correct answer is established to divide the incident into functional areas of operation is "Groups." In incident management, particularly within the Incident Command System (ICS), "Groups" are specifically created to manage resources that have similar functions or tasks. They allow for a more organized structure by consolidating operational resources that perform the same type of work, thereby enhancing coordination and efficiency during an incident response.

Understanding the roles of Groups helps to clarify the functional operations on the scene, allowing for clear commands and responsibilities. Each Group can then be directed by a supervisor who reports to the overall incident commander. This structure aids in effectively managing large-scale incidents where many activities may be occurring simultaneously, ensuring all areas of the operation are appropriately addressed.

The other terms mentioned, such as Divisions, Branches, and Sections, are also part of the ICS but serve different purposes. Divisions are used to manage geographical areas, Branches are for managing different functions if an incident is large enough, and Sections manage the overall incident command structure. Understanding these distinctions further highlights the importance of having Groups in place to streamline operations within their functional areas.