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S 230 Crew Boss Single Resource Instructor Led

This is a classroom course designed to produce student proficiency in the performance of duties associated with the single resource boss position from initial dispatch through demobilization to the home unit. Topics include operational leadership, preparation and mobilization, assignment preparation, risk management, entrapment avoidance, safety and tactics, offline duties, demobilization, and post incident responsibilities.

S-230 Course Components

  • Pre-course work - 2 hours
  • Instructor-led training - 24 hours

S-230 Course Materials

Introduction

  1. Introduction of the course coordinator and instructors
  2. Introduction of the students
  3. Schedule of events
  4. Course Process
  5. Measuring performance for this course
  6. Expectations
  7. Crew boss traits
  8. Course overview

Unit 1: Operational Leadership

Objectives:

  1. Describe the values and principles of operational leadership
  2. Identify the qualities of good leadership

Unit 2: Mobilization

Objectives:

  1. Identify the readiness and special equipment items that are required for the Crew Boss.
  2. List eight pieces of information to request from dispatch prior to departure.
  3. Identify five key elements of information needed to complete a Passenger/Cargo manifest.
  4. Explain the importance of evaluating crew readiness and establishing crew organization.
  5. Provide examples of appropriate travel procedures and conduct.

Unit 3: Arrival at the Incident

Objectives:

  1. Describe the intra-crew coordination considerations for the incident check-in process.
  2. List five key pieces of information that should be gathered when receiving an assignment or briefing.
  3. Describe the components of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) and how the components relate to the Crew Boss role in planning for safe and effective fire suppression activities.
  4. Assess crew logistical needs based upon the operational period assignment.
  5. List the essential items that must be covered during a crew briefing prior to assignment.

Unit 4: Fireline Operations

4A: Risk Management

Objectives:

  1. Identify the five steps of the risk management process.
  2. Apply the five step risk management process to given scenarios.

4B: Entrapment Avoidance

Objectives:

  1. Describe the role LCES has in the risk management process.
  2. Describe a protocol for negotiating a perceived unsafe assignment.
  3. Given a set of fireline conditions, identify valid trigger point(s).
  4. Define levels of engagement.
  5. Describe a procedure for recognizing escape routes and safety zones when engaging a fire.
  6. Given a set fireline condition, estimate minimum safety zone size using the Missoula Fire Lab model.
  7. Identify human factors that contribute to fireline decision errors.
  8. Given a fire scenario, determine the appropriate level of engagement as conditions change.

4C: Safety and Tactics

Objectives:

  1. Demonstrate the proper use of LCES in the fire environment in relation to the Crew Boss role.
  2. Organize, plan and describe the actions that are required when a crew is deployed for fireline suppression activities.
  3. Given an Incident Response Pocket Guide, safely complete a simulated fireline assignment.
  4. Describe safety precautions that should be addressed by the Crew Boss in downhill and indirect fireline construction.
  5. Describe applicable methods to employ in fireline construction that will facilitate rehabilitation.
  6. List the items to check when inspecting a completed fireline.
  7. List crew procedures used in staging areas.
  8. Describe Crew Boss responsibilities for accidents, injuries, and near misses.
  9. Identify supply needs and explain the process for re-supplying a crew while on the fireline.
  10. Complete an After Action Review (AAR).

Unit 5: Off Line Duties

Objectives:

  1. Describe the responsibilities the Crew Boss considers prior to returning to the incident base from a tactical assignment.
  2. List the key responsibilities of the Crew Boss following tactical assignments while at the incident base or camp.
  3. List the key responsibilities of the Crew Boss when the crew is out of service.

Unit 6: Demobilization and Post Incident Responsibilities

Objectives:

  1. Describe procedures for re-supply of fire expended items.
  2. List the steps necessary for the demobilization of a crew from an incident.
  3. List the key responsibilities of a Crew Boss prior to disassembly of crew at the initial mobilization point.

Final Exam Information

Objectives:

  1. Obtain 70% or higher on the final examination to pass the course.

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

2025/2026 Leadership Campaign Quarter 2 Now Available!

Date: February 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the Quarter Two materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available! This annual initiative invites all leadership and wildland fire management students to engage with essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

  • Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM)
  • Compensation/Claims Unit Leader (COMP)
  • Cost Unit Leader (COST)
  • Crew Representative (CREP)
  • Deck Coordinator (DECK)
  • Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO)
  • Field Observer (FOBS)
  • Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)
  • Ordering Manager (ORDM)
  • Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM)
  • Staging Area Manager (STAM)

Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1