OTC-Request for Change Instructions and Form

Request for Change Instructions and Form

Process:

Requests for adding a new NWCG position,changes to current position qualifications, or changes to operational policy must be submitted on a Request for Change Form (RFC) to the Operations Training Committee (OTC). OTC roster is located at: http://nwcg.gov/nwcg/committees/operations-and-training-committee/roster

Change requests will only be accepted from NWCG member agencies, Geographic Area Coordinating Groups (GACG's), GATRs, NMAC, NWCG committees, and the NWCG Training Development Program.

All change requests must come through an OTC member. The OTC member will ensure the change request is interagency in scope and meets an identified need prior to submitting the request to the entire committee.

Change requests will typically be addressed at the next scheduled OTC meeting. Some decisions require coordination with other NWCG committees/groups. OTC may request a presentation at their next scheduled meeting if more information or discussion is warranted.

Once a decision has been reached, the committee will inform the requestor of the decision and document the decision on the RFC form.

Form Instructions:

Requesting Change: Check one or more boxes, indicate who is requesting the change. For GACG, State or Committee, indicate which one.
Contact Information: Please provide the name, agency, home unit, telephone number, and email address of the person initiating the request so the committee may make contact for additional information, if necessary.
Description of the Proposal: Briefly describe the proposed change in sufficient detail that the committee can understand. If you have additional information to support the proposal, attach it with the request.
Description of the Issue: Describe the issue the proposal is intended to address or reason for the change. Provide background of how the issue arose. Why is the change being requested? What problem is it expected to solve? What are the expected outcomes? Is the change safety related? Any cost savings?
Systems Affected by the Change: What ICS function, operations, information technology, etc. does the requested change address?
Is there a Training Component Related to this Request? Briefly describe the proposed change to a training component in sufficient detail so that the committee can understand it.

NWCG Latest Announcements

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form.

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025

Leadership Committee

Coming Soon! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130?
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

On June 8, 1981, the Ransom Road Fire swept across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, marking a defining moment in wildland fire management. This event led directly to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's professional fire program.

Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day.

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

WFSTAR Catalogue

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign: "Leadership Levels" Now Available

Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” 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.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

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Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader.

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments.

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.