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Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader

UASL Incident Position Description

 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]).

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Leadership Level 2, New Leader (Convey Intent)

  • For additional information review Level 2 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 the assignment.
  • Check in with incident supervisor and/or dispatch when arriving at the incident.

Build the Team

  • Identify UAS resources and modules assigned or unassigned and establish accountability.
  • Validate the readiness of UAS modules and other unassigned UAS resources.
  • Establish a common operating picture.
  • Brief all participating UAS resources.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Supervise and manage assigned and unassigned UAS resources.
  • Model leadership values and principles.

Perform Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader-Specific Duties

  • Coordinate assigned UAS resources based on operational and data objectives.
  • Engage with unassigned UAS resources based on requested missions.
  • Ensure appropriate airspace authorizations are in place.
  • Verify safe travel to and from the area of operations for UAS resources.
  • Confirm Launch and Recovery Zone (LRZ), if applicable.
  • Provide oversight of assigned and unassigned UAS resources.
  • Engage with the Incident Management Team (IMT).

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Communicate using plain language and Incident Command System (ICS) terminology.
  • Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within the chain of command.
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AARs).

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process and Safety Management System (SMS).
  • Plan for and respond to aviation mishaps. 

Document

  • Complete, authorize, ensure the timeliness of, and route required forms and documents.

Demobilize

  • Assist in the development and implementation of the demobilization plan for assigned UAS resources.
  • Prepare for and implement demobilization. 
     

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NWCG Latest Announcements

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

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RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

NEW! D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder Course Available Now

Date:  May 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Dispatch Position and Curriculum Management Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder (Instructor-led) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the National Coordination System Committee, this course introduces the structure and function of expanded dispatch, the qualities of an effective dispatcher, and provides hands-on experience with the Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC) system. 

The D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder course aligns with the competencies and duties outlined in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Expanded Dispatch Recorder, PMS 350-59, and is designed for individuals with no prior experience who may be called upon to support dispatch operations.

References:

D-110, Expanded Dispatch Recorder (Instructor-Led)

Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC), Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Expanded Dispatch Recorder, PMS 350-59

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Leadership Committee IAP Flyer Now Available

Date:  May 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee promotes and enables leadership development across the wildland fire service. The committee provides education, training opportunities, and support for leadership innovation and best practices throughout the community.

A new IAP flyer is now available on the committee website, offering an overview of the products, curriculum, and learning opportunities the Leadership Committee develops. This resource is ideal for posting in your office, sharing with new employees, or distributing through your incident management teams to engage new voices in the leadership journey and reinforce a culture of self‑reflection, development, and growth.

References:

Leadership Committee 2026 IAP Flyer

Incident Operations Subcommittee Updates the Next Generation Position Task Book for FFT1

Date:  May 7, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

The NWCG Incident Operations Subcommittee (IOSC) has updated the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14. The FFT1 Position Task Book transitioned to the Next Generation (Next Gen PTB) format in June 2025 through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. Since then, IOSC has received feedback from the wildland fire community regarding coding for one of the tasks. Task #13 has been updated to include the option of evaluation in a simulation.

See IOSC Memorandum 26‑01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1), PMS 311‑14 for more information.

References:

IOSC Memorandum 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementation of Updates to the NWCG Position Task Book for Firefighter Type 1

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page