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S-258, Incident Communications Technician (ILT)

Course Title
Incident Communications Technician (ILT)
Version Date

2022

Previous Certification Dates

None

Course Number
S-258
Other Training Which Supports
COMT Incident Communications Technician
Course Description

This course is designed to provide the prerequisite knowledge and skills necessary to perform the tasks of an Incident Communications Technician (COMT) in the Incident Command System (ICS). Topics include installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of National Incident Radio Support Cache (NIRSC) communications equipment on incidents. The course consists of classroom instruction, field exercises, a written exam, and a practical final exam.

Course Objective

Identify and describe the responsibilities of the COMT prior to, during mobilization, and demobilization.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead instructor must be a qualified Communications Unit Leader (COML).
Format
Instructor Led
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.

Business Steward
ILSC Incident Logistics Subcommittee
Prerequisite Training Notes

It is recommended that students have completed Basic ICS (ICS-200), Basic Fire Suppression Orientation (S-110),

Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit instructors must be qualified as Incident Communications Technician (COMT).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

The recommended class size is 18 students. The recommended student-to-instructor ratio is 3:1. Cadre members should be present for all instructional sessions. A minimum of six instructors should present this course; however, more instructors are required if a field exercise is incorporated. This is to enable strong mentorship by the cadre to the students.

Class Size Recommendations

The recommended class size is 18 students. The recommended student-to-instructor ratio is 3:1. Cadre members should be present for all instructional sessions. A minimum of six instructors should present this course; however, more instructors are required if a field exercise is incorporated. This is to enable strong mentorship by the cadre to the students.

NWCG Latest Announcements

Leadership Committee IAP Flyer Now Available

Date:  May 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee promotes and enables leadership development across the wildland fire service. The committee provides education, training opportunities, and support for leadership innovation and best practices throughout the community.

A new IAP flyer is now available on the committee website, offering an overview of the products, curriculum, and learning opportunities the Leadership Committee develops. This resource is ideal for posting in your office, sharing with new employees, or distributing through your incident management teams to engage new voices in the leadership journey and reinforce a culture of self‑reflection, development, and growth.

References:

Leadership Committee 2026 IAP Flyer

Incident Operations Subcommittee Updates the Next Generation Position Task Book for FFT1

Date:  May 7, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

The NWCG Incident Operations Subcommittee (IOSC) has updated the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14. The FFT1 Position Task Book transitioned to the Next Generation (Next Gen PTB) format in June 2025 through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. Since then, IOSC has received feedback from the wildland fire community regarding coding for one of the tasks. Task #13 has been updated to include the option of evaluation in a simulation.

See IOSC Memorandum 26‑01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14 for more information.

References:

IOSC Memorandum 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Postion Task Book for Firefighter Type 1

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page 

NEW! S-212, Intermediate Faller (Online) Course Available Now 

Date:  April 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S‑212, Intermediate Faller (Online), course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). This second course in the series provides students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of an Intermediate Faller (FAL2), as described in the FAL2 Incident Position Description. This course is intended for individuals seeking to advance from Basic Faller (FAL3) to FAL2.

S‑212, Intermediate Faller is a fully online, self‑paced training program consisting of 13 units. Learners will engage with interactive, scenario‑based content designed to progressively build foundational skills and knowledge essential for the FAL2 role.

Students must be qualified as a Basic Faller (FAL3) prior to enrolling in S‑212, Intermediate Faller course.

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 2027.

References:

S-212 Intermediate Faller (Online)

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

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