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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

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2026

Date:  September 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Health and Wellness Subcommittee

The NWCG Health and Wellness Subcommittee (HWSC) and Safety/Risk Management Committee (SRC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The HWSC and SRC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2026 Letter from Leadership

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Health and Wellness Subcommittee

Safety and Risk Management Committee

2025 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  August 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

The NWCG Qualifications Management Committee (QMC) and Leadership Development Subcommittee (LDSC) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Hunter Bell, U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Shannon Deane, U.S. Wildland Fire Service— Initiative and Innovation
  • Chris Delaney, U.S. Wildland Fire Service — Motivation and Vision
  • Sean Peterson, U.S. Forest Service — Mentoring and Teamwork

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Development Subcommittee

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species – Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

Date:  July 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics and Equipment Management Committee (LMC) issued Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels, reminding the wildland fire community that aquatic mussels continue to be a problem. 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 (with a pen or your hand for size reference) and location details.”

Read the complete LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001, to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

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

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

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

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91