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D-311, Initial Attack Dispatcher (ILT)

Course Description

This course is designed to provide a consistent knowledge and skill base for the Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP). The concepts taught in this course will help an IADP perform at an acceptable level on a national basis without regard to geographic boundaries. The course is a mix of lecture/discussion, group exercises, and simulation. Students will have the opportunity to practice new skills in the exercise and simulation portions of the class.

Course Objectives

Dispatch multiple resources to an incident using standard procedures.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Qualified as Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC).

Prerequisite Training

Successful completion of Basic Firefighter (S-130) and Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190).

Alternate Delivery Mode

Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Training Required For
IADP 310-1 Training Path 01
Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
The lead instructor must be either an assistant center manager with initial attack experience or an Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher (EDSP) with initial attack experience.
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructors must be qualified as Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP).
Business Steward
National Coordination System Committee NCSC
Course Level
Area, State, Regional
Format
Instructor Led
Course Number
D-311
Course Title
Initial Attack Dispatcher (ILT)

Special Delivery Considerations

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.

Development History

Qualifications changed in 10/02; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #34. Course will be combined with D-312 and number changed to D-313 upon revision; reference NWCG Curriculum Issue Paper #130.

Version Date

2005

Previous Certification Dates

N/A

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