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L-280, Followership to Leadership (ILT)

Course Description

This course, a primer on leadership, is the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. The instructional strategy of this course is:
·       Introduce students to fundamental leadership concepts and theories applicable to high-risk environments, enhancing their overall skill set and operational effectiveness.
·       To provide students with small unit leadership opportunities to assess how prepared they are to step into a leadership role.
This training course is designed as a self-assessment opportunity for individuals preparing to step into a leadership role. The course combines one day of classroom instruction followed by a second day in the field where students will work through a series of problem-solving scenarios called Field Leadership Assessment Courses (FLACs). Topics include leadership values and principles, decision-making tools, transition challenges for new leaders, situational leadership, team cohesion factors, ethical dilemmas, and briefing and debriefing techniques. Some of the course delivery may be arduous in nature.

Course Objectives

Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental leadership principles.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Experience on incident assignments in operations or support functions.

Prerequisite Training

Successful completion of L-180, Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service.

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Must be a qualified Single Resource Boss and should have had formal instructor training (such as M-410, Facilitative Instructor) or have demonstrated instructor skills.
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit and FLAC instructors should have demonstrated instructor skills and the ability to facilitate small field or classroom exercises.
Business Steward
Leadership Committee LC
Course Level
Local
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
L-280
Other Training Which Supports
CRWB Crew Boss, Single Resource, UASL Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader, FELB Felling Boss, Single Resource, PIO3 Public Information Officer Type 3, UASM Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager, ENGB Engine Boss, Single Resource, HMGB Helicopter Manager, Single Resource, FIRB Firing Boss, Single Resource, HEQB Heavy Equipment Boss, Single Resource, INCM Incident Communications Center Manager
Course Title
Followership to Leadership (ILT)
Pre-course Work (PCW) Hours
2-4

Special Delivery Considerations

<p class="MsoNormal">The second day of the course consists of a field exercise, the Field Leadership Assessment Course (FLAC), which requires significant preparation and logistical support. Radios are used by the cadre for communications on the FLAC day. Some FLAC stations may need medical support from a EMT or First Responder. The specific requirements will be determined by the exercises which are chosen for a particular course delivery.</p>

Special Cadre Considerations

One member of the cadre should be identified as the FLAC coordinator.

Development History

Reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #35 (course number and name assigned/amended).

Version Date

2025

Previous Certification Dates

2003-05

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