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Ground Support Unit Leader

GSUL Incident Position Description

The Ground Support Unit Leader (GSUL) is responsible for managing, organizing, and supervising the Ground Support Unit on wildland fire incidents and provides support functions for transportation, fuel, and equipment repairs to all sections on the incident. The GSUL supervises Equipment Manager(s) (EQPM), contractors, and driver(s) and reports to the Logistics Section Chief (LSC) or Support Branch Director (SUBD). The GSUL works in the Logistics functional area.

Leadership Level 3, Leader of People (Develop Intent)

  • For additional information review Level 3 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and check in at assignment.
  • Check in with incident supervisor and/or dispatch when arriving at the incident.
  • Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.
  • Obtain briefing from previous shift/assignment position as necessary.

Build the Team

  • Assemble and validate readiness of assigned personnel and equipment.
  • Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, unit ordering protocols (who can order for the unit), risk management processes, and radio frequency management.
  • Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships.
  • Establish a common operating picture with supervisors and subordinates.
  • Participate in operational briefings as directed.
  • Brief assigned personnel.
  • Identify assigned resources and maintain accountability.
  • Review and understand agreement/contract language and scope of work.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • 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.
  • Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.
  • Ensure incident objectives and performance standards are met.
  • Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.

Perform Ground Support Unit Leader-Specific Duties

  • Coordinate with Logistics Section Chief (LSC) and/or Facility Unit Leader (FACL) on unit location and facilities, including:
    • Ground Support Unit work area
    • Equipment Inspection area
    • Fueling location – at basecamp or offsite
    • Heavy equipment staging area
    • Noxious weed washing station
  • Provide support for assigned resources, including fuel, equipment inspections, mechanical services and repairs, transportation and drivers, and rental vehicles.
  • Communicate changes in operations for ground support to incident resources.
  • Coordinate with Planning section and FACL to develop an incident transportation plan and map.
  • Establish a numbering system to track equipment, e.g. rental vehicles.
  • Coordinate with Operations section for placement of drop point signs.
  • Ensure signage is placed along transportation routes, drop points, staging areas, water sources, road junctions, and service locations.
  • Coordinate with other unit leaders on any equipment and support service needs necessary for the incident.
  • Coordinate with Finance/Administration section on incident facility contracts/agreements for services, equipment, and personnel.
  • Collect and record information on rental, contract, and agency equipment.
  • Provide fuel, service, maintenance, and repair of vehicles and other equipment.
  • Coordinate with home unit(s) regarding vehicle repairs for agency and cooperator equipment.
  • Coordinate maintenance and repair of incident roads.
  • Ensure pre- and post-use vehicle and equipment inspections are completed.
  • Ensure that Finance/Administration section has necessary inspection documentation for assigned resources.
  • Coordinate with other unit leaders to complete required documentation, objectives, and assignments.
  • Adjust work assignments as needed to meet operational support.
  • Provide for the safety and welfare of assigned resources.
  • Coordinate with other units to manage hazardous materials (e.g. fuel, oil, foam) according to applicable regulations.
  • Coordinate with safety officer and agency representative to ensure driver familiarity with conditions.
  • Identify environmental and political constraints for service, repair, and fueling areas.
  • Plan for potential changes in incident based on current and forecasted information.
  • Monitor restrictions/work requirements for each resource to maximize safe and efficient assignments and demobilization.
  • Establish and maintain positive internal and external interpersonal working relationships.
  • Assess and order needed support staff.
  • In the absence of Equipment Manager(s), assume that role, and responsibility.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Use plain language and Incident Command System (ICS) terminology.
  • Ensure assigned resources understand procedures for radio operation.
  • Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
  • Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across ICS functional areas and chain of command.
  • Establish communications and exchange necessary briefings/information with the following:
    • Support resources
    • Adjacent resources
    • Supervisor
    • Other ICS functional areas
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461:
    • Identify Hazards
    • Assess Hazards
    • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions
    • Implement Controls
    • Supervise and Evaluate
    • Ensure work rest protocols are adhered to
  • Plan for medical emergencies. Ensure that assigned resources are prepared to execute the Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF). Ensure familiarity with medical responders, communication procedures, and transportation plan. Manage the medical emergency based on procedures stated in the IAP, Medical Incident Report, or other relevant guidelines.
  • Monitor personnel for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
  • Identify potential conflicts and resolve within the same operational period, if possible.

Document

Demobilize

  • Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, coordinate with Operations to prepare demobilization schedule, and communicate with supervisor.
  • Coordinate with Resources Unit and Demobilization Unit to assign demobilization times for personnel and vehicles, engines, crew carriers, and equipment to avoid congestion of inspection areas.
  • Plan for demobilization. Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures and work/rest driving standards are followed.
  • Return equipment and supplies to appropriate unit.
  • Ensure all documentation is provided to incoming team or documentation leader.
  • Complete demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
  • Upon demobilization, report status to home unit including reassignment or estimated time of arrival (ETA) to home unit.
  • During transfer of command:
    • Ensure continuity of operations.
    • Exchange critical safety information.
    • Communicate transfer of authority through established chain of command.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

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:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC 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 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage