Incident Performance and Training Modernization

NWCG has already begun work on several positions, with 10 more positions scheduled to start in 2023 with the awarding of a BIL-funded contract. In following years, the number of positions worked on will increase, with the goal being that all 100+ NWCG positions will be completed within 5 years.

The modernization of NWCG’s training systems is part of the larger Systems Improvement effort intended to support NWCG’s core mission of enabling interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. The Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort is a key component of Systems Improvement and is comprised of three components:

• Incident position management
• Next Generation position task books (Next Gen PTBs)
• Streamlined training

Providing quality training to firefighters and support personnel is critical, and as such IPTM is a national effort and a top priority of the NWCG Executive Board. In 2022, NWCG received funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to complete the IPTM effort.

Goals of IPTM

• Build position training and qualifications off incident position standards to better support trainees, evaluators, and qualified individuals.
• Ensure incident position specific training is necessary and relevant, reducing current redundancies.
• Build performance support packages and qualifications off incident position standards to better support trainees, evaluators, and qualified individuals.
• Develop an integrated performance-based training system that is easier to update and maintain. 
• Move as much training to on the job (through incident position standards and Next Gen PTBs).
• Modernize training materials and operational tools.

Components of IPTM

The IPTM effort is focused on the positions in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1. Along with day job knowledge and individual skills, clearly defined incident position standards and training are critical for the professional wildland firefighter. As each position is analyzed under IPTM, a performance support package will be created. The performance support package will include the incident position description (IPD), incident position standards, a Next Generation position task book (Next Gen PTB), and any related training materials or other supporting products. Under this new system the field will have the ability to easily let NWCG know when material is out of sync.

Performance Support Package

Incident Position Descriptions

Essential duties and responsibilities for each position are identified to develop incident position descriptions (IPDs). The IPD is the baseline for the performance support package, describing what a position does on an incident.

Incident Position Standards

Incident position standards are the “how to” for each position and guide how a position performs on an incident. Incident position standards promote safe, efficient, and effective operations in support of agency goals and objectives and should serve as a guide to encourage consistent and successful on the job training.

Next Generation Position Task Books

The format of position task books are being updated in the Next Generation (Next Gen) PTBs. These Next Gen PTBs will be directly tied to the incident position standards and the IPD to improve connectivity between incident position standards, position qualification requirements, and the PTB, and to better support performance in the position. In addition, the Next Gen PTBs will allow evaluators to provide more constructive feedback on performance, to better support trainees and ensure that PTBs are effective training and evaluation tools. The Next Gen PTBs will work within a system that supports responsive changes in position duties.

IPTM Timeline

NWCG has already begun work on several positions, with 10 more positions scheduled to start in 2023 with the awarding of a BIL-funded contract. In following years, the number of positions worked on will increase, with the goal being that all 100+ NWCG positions will be completed within 5 years.

NWCG is currently working on the following positions:

• Crew Boss (CRWB)
• Faller 1/2/3 (FAL1/2/3)
• Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)
• Medical Unit Leader (MEDL)
• Prescribed Fire Burn Boss (RXB2)

NWCG will be working with a contractor on IPTM, beginning in 2023. In contract year 1 (2023) the following positions will be addressed:

Subject Matter Experts

Creating incident position standards and training that is relevant and specific to each position requires subject matter experts (SMEs) with recent experience working in the position. Engaged SMEs are key to success of the IPTM effort – SMEs will be selected by the parent committee, in conjunction with the position stewards. The selected SMEs will work directly with the contractor and NWCG Training staff to develop the performance support packages for each position, to include incident position standards, Next Gen PTBs, and any training material or products necessary to support the position. The input of SMEs with current knowledge of each position is critical to ensuring the performance support packages are useful and relevant

Frequently Asked Questions