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RT-373, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Incident Operations Refresher (ILT)

Course Description

The UAS Refresher is available as instructor training. Course content is updated frequently and is available at: https://sites.google.com/firenet.gov/s373/courses. The course shall focus on lessons learned from previous incident responses, including review of SAFECOMs, trends in incident UAS employment, and updated policy. Additional topics such as emerging technology, data processing, and remote pilot competency shall be addressed as required.

RT-373 is designed to provide the participants with updated information for how qualified personnel will:
Safely plan and implement UAS missions.
Collect data required to derive requested incident products.
Deliver requested data products within required timeframes.
Manage vendor-provided UAS services.

Due to the complexity of this training and its instructors, this course is maintained by the National Interagency Unmanned Aircraft systems (UAS) Training program. You can navigate their page on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal @ https://wildlandfirelearningportal.net/course/view.php?id=542, for course schedule and nominations.

Course Objectives

Manage vendor-provided UAS services.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Agency remote pilot certification for Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP), Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager (UASM), and Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader (UASL). GIS expertise and experience for Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist (UASD).

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Training Required For
UASP 310-1 Training Path 01, UASL 310-1 Training Path 01, UASM 310-1 Training Path 01
Business Steward
IFUASS Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
Course Level
National
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
RT-373
Course Title
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Incident Operations Refresher (ILT)

Special Delivery Considerations

RT-373 is available as virtual training. A hybrid approach including online delivery of curriculum accompanied with in-person discussion and review of localized application and procedures is encouraged.

Special Cadre Considerations

Participation in NWCG course S-373, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Incident Operations as a lead, unit, or flight instructor may be applied as equivalency of RT-373 to meet the triennial requirement.

Development History

Name and number assigned; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #136.

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-212, Intermediate Faller (Online) Course Available Now 

Date:  April 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S‑212, Intermediate Faller (Online), course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). This second course in the series provides students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of an Intermediate Faller (FAL2), as described in the FAL2 Incident Position Description. This course is intended for individuals seeking to advance from Basic Faller (FAL3) to FAL2.

S‑212, Intermediate Faller is a fully online, self‑paced training program consisting of 13 units. Learners will engage with interactive, scenario‑based content designed to progressively build foundational skills and knowledge essential for the FAL2 role.

Students must be qualified as a Basic Faller (FAL3) prior to enrolling in S‑212, Intermediate Faller course.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2027.

References:

S-212 Intermediate Faller (Online)

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

New Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

Date:  April 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: National Coordination System Committee

A new publication from the National Coordination System Committee (NCSC) is now available. The NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249, will be used for aviation crews and dispatch to share flight information that is needed for resource tracking, and if needed, for emergency procedures.

For further details, please contact your NCSC representative. 

References:

NCSC Memo 26-01: Implementation of NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

New Glossary Term for Review

Date:  April 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Data Standards and Terminology Board (DSTB)

The Data Standards and Terminology Board is requesting feedback on a new glossary term: Resource Protection Measure (RPM).

The proposed definition is: Practical guidance provided for incident personnel in a manner in which incident objectives can be achieved while reducing impacts to identified resources across the landscape. RPMs are informed by, but not restricted to, Minimum Impact Strategies and Tactics (MIST).

Please review, share with your subgroups, and provide feedback as appropriate through the following form: Request Feedback The comment period will close May 10, 2026.

Thank you for your engagement in the NWCG glossary process – your participation is key to our success.

References:

Glossary Request Feedback

Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

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

Quarter Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee