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RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR)

RT-130 Decorative banner. Group of photos depicting wildland firefighters performing various duties.

Developing Realistic Tactical Objectives

Developing realistic tactical objectives and plans is both an art and a science. For new and inexperienced incident commanders this can be a formidable task, one that is littered with pitfalls. Recognizing those pitfalls and avoiding them is a step in the right direction to becoming a successful, safe, and effective IC.
Category: Leadership
Core Component(s):
Incident Reviews and Lessons Learned, Human Factors, Communication and Decision Making
Estimated Delivery Time: 30 minutes
Video Length: 13:36

Intent

Developing realistic tactical objectives and plans can be a formidable task that is littered with pitfalls. Discuss how to avoid the pitfalls and be a successful, safe, and effective IC.

Facilitator Preparation

  • Review the video and module tools.
  • Consider additional activities and discussion questions pertinent to the location and agency.

Facilitating the Discussion

  • Show the video.
  • Facilitate a small or large group discussion using the discussion questions.

Discussion Questions

  1. What Information can you gather prior to arriving at the incident?
  2. How can you paint the picture for the land manager you are working for?
  3. What can you do if the land manager gives you conflicting objectives?
  4. Multiple resource and supply orders can be a cumbersome pitfall. What tools can you use to avoid this pitfall?
  5. What can happen if you don’t set up alternative plans? Have you experienced a bad outcome due to lack of alternative plans?
  6. What are some of the benefits of trigger points? Do you set trigger points for reassessing the plan and situation?
  7. How can you incorporate the feedback from others into your objectives and plan?
  8. Benchmarks are a valuable tool that will allow you to evaluate your progress and identify whether you need to reassess your plan. What are some examples of benchmarks that you could set?

Resources

Additional Video Information

This video is also available as a download. (150 MB)
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WFSTAR 2023 Year in Review and 2024 Core Component Module Packages Available

Date: March 6, 2024
Contact: Joe Schindel 

The 2023 Fire Year in Review module and 2024 Core Component Module Packages for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) are now available on the NWCG website. The 2024 Core Component Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

 

References:

WFSTAR 2023 Fire Year in Review module

WFSTAR 2024 Core Component Module Packages

2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter

Date: March 6, 2024
Contact: NWCG

The NWCG Executive Board is privileged to share with you the 2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter. As we look into the future and navigate an incredibly complex and dynamic environment, we must remain focused on our mission while actively engaging in national conversations regarding numerous wildland fire initiatives. In 2024, we prioritize building upon our successes and committing to continuous improvement. Key priorities and considerations for this year include: 

  • Determining Core Workload
  • Ensuring Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Success
  • Improving Efficiencies
  • Firefighter Health and Wellness
  • Engagement in National Conversations

Together we will continue to make significant strides in the challenging and vital work that lies ahead. 

 

References:

2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter

NWCG Welcomes NASA

Date: February 22, 2024
Contact: NWCG

NWCG welcomes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an associate member.

“As wildfires become larger and more frequent, NASA is working to apply our scientific and technological knowledge toward this national challenge, and integral to our approach is forging collaborative partnerships,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. 

 

References:

NASA News Release

NWCG