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S-482, Strategic Operational Planning (Blended)

Course Description

This course was developed using a blended approach to learning. Students are required to complete the online training portion of the course before taking the instructor-led training portion.

S-482 is a course designed to meet the training needs of a Strategic Operational Planner (SOPL) on an incident as outlined in NIMS: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1, and the position task book developed for the position. The online component provides background (historical and foundational) information on why the SOPL position exists and the critical role the position plays in incident management. It also describes the typical responsibilities and activities a SOPL performs on an incident. In the instructor-led component, students apply the knowledge they gained in the online component (the “knowing”) to actual practice performing the typical activities of a SOPL (the “doing” or the “how-to”).

Course Objectives

Perform basic tasks commonly required of a Strategic Operational Planner (SOPL) and possess the knowledge to successfully accomplish SOPL trainee assignments.

Prerequisite Qualifications

None

Prerequisite Training

None

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Training Required For
SOPL 310-1 Training Path 01
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be a qualified Strategic Operational Planner (SOPL) and have experience in managing wildfires for the full range of protection and resource benefit objectives.
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be a qualified Strategic Operational Planner (SOPL) and have experience in managing wildfires for the full range of protection and resource benefit objectives.
Business Steward
Fuels Management Committee FMC
Course Level
Area, State, Regional
Format
Blended
Course Number
S-482
Course Title
Strategic Operational Planning (Blended)
Online Training Hours
10-16

Special Delivery Considerations

These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).
Each student needs a laptop with internet access
Each small group will need:

Agency map of area (for fire exercise in Units 3 & 4)
4 marking pens of different colors for writing on Mylar
One piece of clear (not frosted) Mylar (36 x 48 inches)
Masking tape
Ruler

Space and Classroom Requirements
The characteristics of the classroom and supportive facilities have a significant impact on the learning environment. The classroom should be chosen and viewed well in advance of the presentation.

Student Information (Blended Delivery)
These materials are for the online student portion of the blended course.
This is a blended course (estimate 34-40 hours). Additional information about the course can be found on the Overview section.

Instructions for Online Component
This Blended Course Work is available in the NWCG Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Log on as a guest to search for this course or go directly to https://wildlandfirelearningportal.net/course/view.php?id=990.

Instructions for Instructor-Led Component
Refer to the course selection letter for the location, dates, and times of the instructor-led component of the course (estimate 24 hours).

Development History

Course name and number changed in 1/10; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #107. Course name changed in 5/15; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #128

Version Date

2015

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