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L-480, Organizational Leadership in the Wildland Fire Service (ILT)

Course Description

This is a leadership development recommendation that will provide mid- and upper-level organizational leaders and future Incident Management Team leaders (Command and General Staff) with the leadership tools to provide strategic direction and influence others to achieve team goals.

Course Objectives

The intent of this training recommendation is to develop personal leadership skills and command presence to increase effectiveness in the workplace and during incident management operations.

Prerequisite Training

Successful completion of L-380, Fireline Leadership
OR
Successful completion of L-381, Incident Leadership
OR
Successful completion of L-180, Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service; plus completion of 40 hours in any supervision or leadership training course(s)

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
For instructions on how to become a course provider, including course design criteria, minimum instructor qualifications, and certification process, refer to Reference Materials for Becoming an NWCG L-Course Provider.
Business Steward
Leadership Committee LC
Course Level
Area, State, Regional
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
L-480
Other Training Which Supports
PSCC Planning Section Chief Complex, CORD Expanded Dispatch Coordinator, SOFC Safety Officer Complex, ICCI Incident Commander Complex, LSCC Logistics Section Chief Complex, LOFR Liaison Officer, FSCC Finance/Administration Section Chief Complex, OPBD Operations Branch Director, AOBD Air Operations Branch Director, OSCC Operations Section Chief Complex
Course Title
Organizational Leadership in the Wildland Fire Service (ILT)

Special Delivery Considerations

THIS IS NOT A COURSE PACKAGE AVAILABLE FROM THE NWCG PUBLICATIONS SYSTEM.

The NWCG Leadership Committee has oversight and maintenance responsibility for the L-480 criteria and evaluation process. However, the delivery process used to meet this training recommendation will need to be determined by the hosting agency. Specific course information can be found at the Wildland Fire Leadership website at https://www.nwcg.gov/wfldp.

Selected course materials should address these topics:

Communication skills
Command presence
Situational awareness, vision and change
Leadership skills within a team environment
Recognition and reward
Mentorship, coaching and delegation

Special Cadre Considerations

https://fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-06…

Development History

Course is maintained by the Leadership Committee and contracted at the Geographic Area level; materials maintained by NAFRI. Reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #35 (course number and name assigned/amended). Reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #104 (course name amended).

Version Date

2015

Previous Certification Dates

2014-01

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