Skip to main content

S-300, Extended Attack Incident Commander (ILT)

Course Description

This course is designed to meet the training needs of the Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3). The focus is on the lessons of leadership and command as they relate to the ICT3 position. It is presented in participative lecture format with multiple tactical decision games for students to practice new knowledge. The seven instructional units cover Foundation Skills, Situational Awareness, Command and Control, Managing the Incident, Transitional Activities, Post-Fire Activities and a Final Simulation. There is also an optional Staff Ride Activity (Unit 8) if instructors choose to include it.

Course Objectives

Demonstrate effective command and control over a quickly assembled team in a time constrained and rapidly changing incident environment.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Qualified as Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) and Task Force Leader (TFLD).
OR
Qualified as ICT4 and Strike Team Leader and any two single resource boss positions – one must be Crew (CRWB) or Engine (ENGB).

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Training Required For
ICT3 310-1 Training Path 01
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and Unit instructors must be qualified Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3) or Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS).
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and Unit instructors must be qualified Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3) or Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS).
Business Steward
Incident and Position Standards Committee IPSC
Course Level
Area, State, Regional
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
S-300
Course Title
Extended Attack Incident Commander (ILT)
Pre-course Work (PCW) Hours
6-8

Special Delivery Considerations

These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).
Sand tables
Radios for Tactical Decision Games (TDGS).

Course Updates
2008 Version
Both the Fireline Handbook, PMS 410-1, and the Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide, PMS 210, are now discontinued. Existing references to these documents will need to be removed from course materials and exams. Any existing paper copies of exams are now outdated. Course Coordinators, Lead Instructors, or Unit Training Officers may request access to the final exam and answer key by emailing blm_fa_nwcg_training@blm.gov. All emailed requests must come from an official NWCG partner email address.

The following update is suggested for the S-300 final exam:

Question #1: Describe three sources the Type 3 IC should use for the development of situation awareness: (3pts)
Answer: The fourth suggested answer in the answer key is: "Utilize references such as IRPG, Red Book, and Fireline Handbook." Delete the reference to the Fireline Handbook. The revised answer should now read: "Utilize references such as the NWCG IRPG and Red Book."

All radio equipment and radio frequency use for the course (classroom simulations, field exercises, course logistics, etc.) requires specific authorization and must be coordinated and assigned through the local agency frequency coordinator or the Communications Duty Officer at the NIFC National Interagency Incident Communications Division, as appropriate. Radio equipment and frequencies for training should be requested well in advance of course start date (at least two months) and shall be released/returned to the issuing entity upon course conclusion.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Risk and Complexity Assessment, PMS 236, replaced the NWCG Complexity Analysis and NWCG Organizational Needs Assessment. The following table illustrates the changes to this course.

Optional materials have been developed to enhance the students understanding of the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) relative to the Extended Attack Incident Commander position. Instructors who choose to use the optional materials to enhance the course should be familiar with the lesson and its contents and determine how it will be used in the course. The materials are available here: http://wfdss.usgs.gov/wfdss/WFDSS_NWCG_WFDSS.shtml.

Development History

Name changed in 2/08; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #92. Name change approved upon next revision; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #133.

Version Date

2008

Previous Certification Dates

1997-02
1986-03

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module