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Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader

UASL decorative banner: photos depicting UASL position.

 The Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL) is a higher-level position that involves overseeing multiple unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) resources during an assignment. This individual is responsible for coordinating and managing agency/bureau UAS resources as well as coordinating with unassigned UAS resources using the Hazard Relief Participant process. The UASL works closely with the Incident Management Team (IMT) to ensure that the UAS resources are meeting incident goals and objectives. This role requires strong leadership, communication, organizational skills, and advanced policy knowledge to effectively manage a diverse range of UAS resources. The UASL reports to the Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD), Incident Commander (IC), or other assigned supervisor. The UASL works in the Air Operations functional area.

All UAS missions shall be conducted in accordance with the NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515, and applicable federal/state policies (e.g., Federal Aviation Administration [FAA], Department of Interior [DOI], United States Forest Service [USFS]).

USWDS Paragraphs

Unmanned Aircraft System, Pilot (UASP) Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager (UASM) Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist (UASD) Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader (UASL)

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 2026

Added:

Required Training

  • ICS-300, Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
  • RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR)
  • S-215, Fire Operations in the Wildland Urban Interface

Required Experience

  • Satisfactory performance as an Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager (UASM)

UASL Maintain Currency for These Positions

  • Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager (UASM)

Other Training Which Supports Development and Knowledge and Skills

  • L-380, Fireline Leadership
  • S-219, Firing Operations
  • S-270, Basic Air Operations

Removed:

Required Experience

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Pilot (UASP)
Date: Feb 2026

Added:

  • NWCG Position Task Book for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL), PMS 311-128
    • Replaces NWCG Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader Position Task Book, PMS 311-79
  • NWCG Incident Position Standards for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader, PMS 350-128
Date: Oct 2021

Added: Satisfactory performance as any Single Resource Boss position (CRWB, ENGB, FELB, FIRB, HEQB, HMGB) to Required Experience.

Date: Nov 2018

Position created.

  • Current qualified UASL with a Single Resource Boss (SRB) qualification meet the new 2021 PMS 310-1 requirement and will continue as qualified UASL.
  • All current qualified UASL that do not meet the SRB requirement will be put into unqualified status until they become SRB qualified.
  • All current UASL trainees that do not meet the SRB requirement will be put into unqualified status until they become SRB qualified.
  • UASL trainees with a Single Resource Boss (SRB) qualification meet the new 2021 PMS 310-1 requirement and will continue as a UASL trainee.
  • Read the complete 2021 UASL Transition Plan.
USWDS Paragraph Bundles

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025/2026 Leadership Campaign Quarter 2 Now Available!

Date: February 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the Quarter Two materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available! This annual initiative invites all leadership and wildland fire management students to engage with essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

  • Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM)
  • Compensation/Claims Unit Leader (COMP)
  • Cost Unit Leader (COST)
  • Crew Representative (CREP)
  • Deck Coordinator (DECK)
  • Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO)
  • Field Observer (FOBS)
  • Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)
  • Ordering Manager (ORDM)
  • Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM)
  • Staging Area Manager (STAM)

Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1