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Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

Ready to share your expertise and shape the future of wildland fire?

Fill out the SME Interest Sign-Up!

IPTM aims to create a performance-based training system that includes comprehensive Performance Support Packages for each NWCG incident position. Backed by national leadership, IPTM seeks to establish a robust foundation for interagency training and qualifications in wildland fire management. Through collaborative efforts, NWCG is refining systems and modernizing tools, all focused on cultivating a skilled, adaptable, and sustainable workforce to meet both current demands and future challenges. 

This effort targets 111 positions listed in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map presentation screenshot.

Explore the IPTM Story Map to discover how NWCG is transforming wildland firefighter development through incident position management and training modernization. 

NWCG established the following IPTM goals to address the evolving needs of wildland fire personnel and to support its mission of enhancing interoperability across wildland fire operations.

Goals of IPTM:

  • Develop a modern integrated performance-based training system to support a safe and effective wildland fire workforce.
  • Move as much training as appropriate to on-the-job through the support of Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books.
  • Build Performance Support Packages and qualifications from Incident Position Standards to better support trainees, evaluators, and qualified individuals.
  • Ensure incident position specific training is necessary, relevant, and efficient to update and maintain.

Key Components of IPTM

  • Incident position management
  • Performance Support Package (includes the Incident Position Description, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Book, and job aids, or training, as needed)
  • Performance-based training (emphasizing on-the-job training whenever possible)

Performance Support Package

The Performance Support Package helps trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators by facilitating ongoing professional development and provide flexible training tailored for wildland firefighters.

Performance-Based Training

The performance-based training approach is centered on preparing individuals to effectively perform specific tasks or job functions. It aims to cultivate practical skills and competencies through moving as much learning to on-the-job training. When formalized training is necessary, a performance-based learning approach will be used, such as simulations or scenarios.

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

Ready to share your expertise and shape the future of wildland fire?

Fill out the SME Interest Sign-Up!

The NWCG Training Program is looking for qualified wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as SMEs for the IPTM effort. SMEs work closely with NWCG staff to update incident positions by building effective Performance Support Packages. Their experience helps keep the training tools practical, useful, and relevant for today’s wildland fire workforce.

Resources

IPTM Frequently Asked Questions

How are SMEs chosen?

SMEs will be chosen by the Committee responsible for the position being worked on, with an emphasis on diversity of geographic regions, agencies, experience, and other factors. SMEs are expected to be fully qualified and have been assigned as or directly supervised the position within the last three years.

How much work are SMEs expected to do?

Be able to commit up to 20 hours per month, with more work during the first 4 – 6 weeks of the project. There will be material to review and the expectation to provide feedback even during fire season – it is imperative that SMEs are able to provide feedback in a timely manner (within two weeks of the request) during fire season. There is the potential for one week of in-person travel at the kick-off stage of each position. The estimated duration of work on each position is one year.

When will my position be worked on?

NWCG is currently working on 29 positions, the number will increase in the following years. The goal is to complete all 130 positions within 5 years. NWCG is generally addressing positions in a foundational order, emphasizing a bottom-up approach.

Who should I contact if I have questions about a next generation PTB?

If you are a trainee, evaluator, training officer, etc. with questions about a Next Generation PTB you can contact NWCG Training.

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

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 2026.

References:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal