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Supply Unit Leader*

SPUL decorative banner: photos depicting SPUL position. SPUL Position Description: The Supply Unit Leader (SPUL) is responsible for ordering personnel, equipment, and supplies; receiving and storing all supplies for the incident; maintaining an inventory of supplies; and servicing nonexpendable supplies and equipment.

The Supply Unit Leader (SPUL) is primarily responsible for ordering personnel, equipment, and supplies for wildland fire incidents. The SPUL is responsible for overseeing and supervising the ordering and receiving process and determining the right size inventory for the incident. The SPUL may supervise a Receiving and Distribution Manager (RCDM), an Ordering Manager (ORDM), or Camp Crews assisting in the Supply Area. The SPUL reports to the Logistics Section Chief (LSC) or the Support Branch Director (SUBD) and works in the Logistics functional area.

USWDS Paragraphs

Logistics Section Chief (LSC3) Service Branch Director (SVBD) Communications Unit Leader (COML) Incident Communications Technician (COMT) Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM) Medical Unit Leader (MEDL) Food Unit Leader (FDUL) Support Branch Director (SUBD) Supply Unit Leader (SPUL) Ordering Manager (ORDM) Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM) Facilities Unit Leader (FACL) Base Camp Manager (BCMG) Ground Support Unit Leader (GSUL) Equipment Manager (EQPM) Security Manager (SECM) Radio Operator (RADO) Logistics Section Chief (LSC2) Logistics Section Chief (LSC1) Logistics Section Chief (LSCC)

The Forest Service and Department of Interior are enabled by Administratively Determined Pay Plans (AD Pay Plans) to hire persons for temporary duration for the following reasons:

  1. To cope with a sudden and unexpected emergency caused by a fire, or extreme fire potential, flood, storm, or any other all-hazard emergency that threatens damage to federally protected property, has the potential to cause loss of life, serious injury, public health risk, or damage to natural or cultural resources unless brought under immediate control.
  2. To provide emergency assistance to States under formalized agreements.
  3. To meet mission assignments issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Incident Business Committee (IBC) reviews positions annually and establishes pay rate classifications for each position.

For more information on the AD Pay Plans, visit Incident Business Committee.

Date: Jan 2024

Updated Positions Qualification Requirements as follows:

Deleted from "These Positions Maintain Currency For SPUL":

  • Service Branch Director (SVBD)
  • Support Branch Director (SUBD)

Deleted from "SPUL Maintains Currency For These Positions":

  • Support Branch Director (SUBD)
Date: Jan 2023

Added:

  • Logistics Section Chief Complex (LSCC) to "These Positions Maintain Currency For SPUL."
  • Logistics Section Chief Complex (LSCC) to "SPUL Maintains Currency For These Positions."
Date: Apr 2021

Added: Incident Position Description (IPD) approved.

Date: Oct 2019

Added: to Qualification Requirements:  Note: Once qualified as a SPUL, the LSC3 qualification may be granted by the certifying official. Certification must be documented on a “verification/certification” page of the LSC3 Position Task Book (311-35).

Date: Oct 1984

Position created.

USWDS Paragraph Bundles

Primary Committee: Incident and Position Standards Committee
Steward: Incident Logistics Subcommittee


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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.

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

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Questions?  Please contact:
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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. 

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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).

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S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

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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.

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References:

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

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552