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Planning Section Chief Type 3

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

PSC3 Qualification Requirements

Required Training

Required Experience

  • Satisfactory performance as a Situation Unit Leader (SITL)

OR

  • Satisfactory performance as a Resources Unit Leader (RESL)
    ​OR
  • Satisfactory performance as an Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3)

OR

  • Completion and Certification of NWCG Planning Section Chief Type 3 (PSC3) Position Task Book, PMS 311-55 (see note)

Physical Fitness Level: None Required

Position does not require a physical fitness level.

These Positions Maintain Currency For PSC3

  • Demobilization Unit Leader (DMOB)
  • Planning Section Chief Complex (PSCC)
  • Planning Section Chief Type 2 (PSC2)
  • Resources Unit Leader (RESL)
  • Situation Unit Leader (SITL)
  • Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN)

PSC3 Maintains Currency For These Positions

  • Demobilization Unit Leader (DMOB)
  • Documentation Unit Leader (DOCL)
  • Planning Section Chief Complex (PSCC)
  • Planning Section Chief Type 2 (PSC2)
  • Resources Unit Leader (RESL)
  • Situation Unit Leader (SITL)
  • Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN)

Other Training Which Supports Development Of Knowledge And Skills

Note

Once qualified as SITL, RESL, or ICT3, the PSC3 qualification may be granted by the certifying official. Certification must be documented on a “verification/certification” page of the PSC3 PTB.

 
USWDS Paragraphs

This is an inherently wildland fire position and has no endorsement. All-hazards Planning Section Chief Type 3 will need to meet the wildland fire position qualification requirements.

Alternative Pathways to NWCG Qualification

USWDS Paragraph Bundles

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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

Date: June 3, 2025
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