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OTC-Request for Change Instructions and Form

Request for Change Instructions and Form

Process:

Requests for adding a new NWCG position,changes to current position qualifications, or changes to operational policy must be submitted on a Request for Change Form (RFC) to the Operations Training Committee (OTC).  OTC roster is located at:  http://nwcg.gov/nwcg/committees/operations-and-training-committee/roster

Change requests will only be accepted from NWCG member agencies, Geographic Area Coordinating Groups (GACG's), GATRs, NMAC, NWCG committees, and the NWCG Training Development Program.

All change requests must come through an OTC member.  The OTC member will ensure the change request is interagency in scope and meets an identified need prior to submitting the request to the entire committee.

Change requests will typically be addressed at the next scheduled OTC meeting.  Some decisions require coordination with other NWCG committees/groups.  OTC may request a presentation at their next scheduled meeting if more information or discussion is warranted.

Once a decision has been reached, the committee will inform the requestor of the decision and document the decision on the RFC form.

Form Instructions:

  1. Requesting Change:  Check one or more boxes, indicate who is requesting the change.  For GACG, State or Committee, indicate which one.
  2. Contact Information:  Please provide the name, agency, home unit, telephone number, and email address of the person initiating the request so the committee  may make contact for additional information, if necessary.
  3. Description of the Proposal:  Briefly describe the proposed change in sufficient detail that the committee can understand.  If you have additional information to support the proposal, attach it with the request.
  4. Description of the Issue:  Describe the issue the proposal is intended to address or reason for the change.  Provide background of how the issue arose.  Why is the change being requested?  What problem is it expected to solve?  What are the expected outcomes? Is the change safety related? Any cost savings?
  5. Systems Affected by the Change:  What ICS function, operations, information technology, etc. does the requested change address?
  6. Is there a Training Component Related to this Request?  Briefly describe the proposed change to a training component in sufficient detail so that the committee can understand it.

NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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 2026.

References:

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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 2026.

References:

NWCG Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 NEW Aquatic Invasive Species – Golden Mussels

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-004, notifying the wildland fire community about a newly discovered invasive species and actions to take if found. Golden mussels, a highly invasive species recently identified in California, pose a significant risk to native ecosystems, infrastructure, and fire equipment. These mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos and location details.

Read the complete ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for ICT5 and FFT1

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Command Subcommittee
Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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 2026.

References:

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page