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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

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

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Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552