Skip to main content

IFUASS Qualification and Curriculum Board

Banner Image
QCB Hero Image. Decorative.
Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee (IFUASS) Qualification and Curriculum Board (QCB) provides strategic guidance and direction on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) training and workforce development related to performance criteria, evaluation processes, delivery methods, business requirements, processes, and operational standards.

Body

Primary Objectives

Infograph describing formula for performance success is the result of lessons learned plus qualification plus curriculum plus delivery.

  • Establish and provide leadership to position steering committees.
  • Collects seasonal updates:
  • Makes recommendations to IFUASS for implementation.
  • Reports to IFUASS.

Background

The IFUASS provides national leadership to develop and disseminate guidance on the use of UAS in wildland fire management (incident) operations. As UAS programs have become more prolific across the interagency spectrum, the need to recognize and share strategic, philosophical, and educational guidance has become clear. As UAS capacity and pilot demand continue to increase, the need for a sanctioned ‘Board’ to demonstrate transparent and collaborative leadership for UAS training and workforce development is recommended. By NWCG definition, a board is a “long-standing body of subject matter experts organized to establish performance criteria, evaluation processes, business requirements, and operational standards in specific NWCG business areas (e.g., airtankers, incident reporting, position naming).”

Membership

  • Diverse representation of philosophy, expertise, experience, and strategic relevance.
  • Seven – Nine Members:
    • CHAIR
    • Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP) Steering Committee Chair
    • Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader (UASL) Steering Committee Chair
    • Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager (UASM) Steering Committee Chair
    • Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist (UASD) Steering Committee Chair
    • Interagency Ariel ignition Committee (IAIU) Chair
    • NWCG Representative
    • Other

Supervision

  • Oversees Position Steering Committees:

Chair: Baxter, Justin

NWCG Coordinator: Schultz, Dave

Parent Committee: Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee

Meeting Schedule:

TBD

Page Last Modified or Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

Incident Business Committee Memo 26-01: Updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297

Date: January 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Business Committee

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) has released Memorandum 26-01: OF 297 and 2026 Fire Use. This memo informs the wildland fire community that the updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 is available for download and can be ordered through the Great Basin Cache.

Beginning January 15, 2026 the previous version of the OF 297 form has been discontinued.

For further details, please contact your IBC representative.

References:

Incident Business Committee Memorandum 26-01

Great Basin Cache