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Field Leadership Assessment Course (FLAC)

photo of Observer/Controller with Team in action in 4x4 walk station.The purpose of this feature is to provide support to facilitators in the planning, development, and execution of a Field Leadership Assessment Course (FLAC) portion of the L-280 course. The FLAC is intended to provide an opportunity for the students to practice the leadership, communication, and teamwork concepts covered during the first day classroom portion of the L-280 course. A well planned FLAC is essential for a successful course.

The FLAC is where it all starts to come together for L-280 students-where theory meets application. The FLAC provides an opportunity for cadre and students to have fun while providing a learning and self-discovery environment in the context of what firefighters do every day. The FLAC is a series of problem solving events where students, working in small teams, practice the concepts that were presented in their reading assignment and classroom session.

The intent of the FLAC is to give students the opportunity to apply lessons from the classroom instruction in order to do some self-assessment regarding their positive and negative leadership traits. The FLAC also is intended to help fire managers develop quality leadership in their workforce by providing a method to assess individual competence for handling small teams that have been charged with accomplishing a task under conditions of stress.

The FLAC was adapted from the Leadership Reaction Course used at the U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidate School. In 2001 and 2002, when the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program was first being established, about 150 wildland firefighters were invited to attend a series of leadership development workshops hosted by the Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia. In these workshops, wildland firefighters had the opportunity to experience a number of leader development techniques used by the Marines. These techniques included their Professional Reading Program, Tactical Decision Games and Sandtables, Staff Rides, and the Leadership Reaction Course (LRC). All these techniques have since been adapted for use by the wildland fire service. In 2003, when L-280 was being designed, the project team members were individuals that had been to the Marine Corps University leadership workshops and determined that a portable wildland fire version of the LRC could be developed. The FLAC is the result of that effort.

The following documents and links will aid in the planning and delivery of your session:

Forms

Example FLAC Coordinator Plans

References for Designing New FLAC Stations

  • Field Initiatives
    Collection of team building exercises put together by the Maine Civil Air Patrol.
  • Team Building Activities
    Website for commercial team building retreats that may provide you with some creative ideas. (Wilderdom)

Other Resources

  • National Weather Service
    Provided as a reminder to consider the weather the day before running your session.
  • Google Maps
    Useful for previewing and mapping a course location.

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

New! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 16, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The module is available now in NWCG's RT-130, WFSTAR Catalog.

References:

WFSTAR Catalog

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee