Skip to main content

Display Processor

NWCG Committee Realignment Website Updates: Content will continue to be updated over the coming days as we work through final reviews and adjustments, and all publications and products are currently under revision.

DPRO Incident Position Description

The Display Processor (DPRO) is responsible for the display of incident status information obtained from Field Observers (FOBS), aerial and ortho photographs, and infrared data. The DPRO reports to the Situation Unit Leader (SITL) and works in the Planning functional area.

Leadership Level 1, Follower (Provide Action)

  • For additional information review Level 1 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Obtain necessary electronic account access prior to the start of fire season.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and check in at assignment.
  • Obtain a list of products to be delivered and determine delivery timelines and locations.
  • Obtain briefing, objectives, and leader’s intent from the SITL.
  • Determine if DPRO will be supporting other functions of the Incident Management Team (IMT).

Build the Team

  • Identify and anticipate DPRO staffing needs and request additional resources and/or replacements as needed.
  • Coordinate with SITL and other functional areas to obtain resources for workspace.
  • Establish a common operating picture with appropriate contacts in all functional areas.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.
  • Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Ensure daily DPRO objectives and performance standards are met.
  • Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships.
  • Complete daily review of staffing requirements and ensure adequate personnel are ordered to meet the DPRO needs.

Perform Display Processor-Specific Duties

  • Configure unit with personnel to support incident needs.
  • Coordinate with section chiefs and Command staff to verify status and pending DPRO requests.
  • Coordinate with Incident Technology Support Specialist (ITSS) and Public Information Officers (PIO) on planning needs.
  • Brief replacement DPRO as needed.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Develop and maintain communication with expanded dispatch.
  • Attend incident operational briefings and meetings as directed.
  • Participate in and provide facilitation support for functional area briefings as directed.
  • Compile unit documentation for pre-planning and strategy meetings.
  • Attend planning and strategy meetings as directed.
  • Ensure relevant information is exchanged during briefings and debriefings.
  • Coordinate with Command and General Staff (C&G) and expanded dispatch regarding availability of resources for re-assignment.
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
  • Account for location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety practices and procedures for yourself and all personnel within the Planning section.

Document

  • Prepare and submit completed original documents as appropriate for each operational period.
  • As appropriate, ensure recordings of meetings/briefings are filed in eDoc box.
  • Compile necessary documentation and submit to Documentation Unit Leader (DOCL).
  • Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:

Demobilize

  • Prepare to remove all products from display at incident and recycle as appropriate.
  • Coordinate an efficient transfer of the position duties and complete the transition document or the closeout report at the end of the assignment. Outline any issues, or any unresolved items.
  • Brief subordinate staff on the demobilization procedures and responsibilities.
  • Upon demobilization, report your status to your home unit and incident supervisor, including estimated time of arrival (ETA) to final destination.

Return to top

USWDS Paragraph Bundles

Please Provide Feedback

Indicates required field

If you would like to provide feedback, NWCG values your constructive input.

Would you like a response?
CAPTCHA
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Last Modified / Reviewed:

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