Review and Change Process for Position Standards

PMS 310-1

A formal revision of the PMS 310-1 occurs annually. However, the Operations and Training Committee (OTC) may review proposals, address issues, and make changes at any time as needs dictate. NWCG members may be requested to review and provide input for the proposed revision before the revision is adopted by NWCG.

Revision Process

Proposed changes, including requests for new positions, will be identified on the Request for Change form.
Required information includes reason for the change, national mobilization statistics demonstrating position need and use, a draft position task book (PTB) (if appropriate), and any specific transition or implementation plan information for individuals currently residing in the Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) and the Incident Qualification System (IQS).
The package will be reviewed by OTC and vetted through other committees to assess any impacts and gain approval.
The requesting party will be notified through official correspondence of the outcome of the request and, if accepted, the timeframe for implementation.
Updates to the PMS 310-1 will be made in IQS and IQCS on an annual basis. Exceptions are critical health and safety issues that need to be addressed immediately.

Requests for position consideration in the PMS 310-1 will include the following:

Completed Request for Change form.
Information identifying the need for position standardization.
Draft position standards and draft task book.
Draft transition plan for position implementation in IQS and IQCS.
National mobilization statistics demonstrating position need and use.
Training development and maintenance plan, if applicable.

Criteria for NWCG Position Consideration

The following criteria must be met for a position to be considered for inclusion in the PMS 310‑1, as determined by OTC:

The position supports the NWCG mission and is needed for national mobilization;
The position is interagency in scope and is supported by the interagency community;
The proposed position has been submitted by an NWCG member agency, Geographic Area Coordinating Group, or NWCG committee;
A demonstrated recurring need for standardized position qualification requirements has been identified;
No other position exists that can accomplish these tasks; and,
The primary position qualifications are not addressed or supported by industry standards and training.

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130?
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130?
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

New! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 16, 2025
Questions about RT-130?
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The module is available now in NWCG's RT-130, WFSTAR Catalog.

References:

WFSTAR Catalog

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form.

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.