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Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

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The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) is embarking on a transformative journey to modernize wildland fire incident position management through the development of a performance-based training system. This improved system will develop a Performance Support Package which includes Incident Position Standards, a Next Generation Position Task Book, essential training when needed, and relevant job aids. These tools will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators. The outcome of this effort is to develop professional wildland firefighters, build a sustainable workforce, and create effective performance-based training that can be updated and maintained more efficiently. NWCG intends to analyze over 130 incident positions in the next 5 years.

NWCG is modernizing its training development system as part of the larger Systems Improvement effort, intended to support NWCG’s core mission of enabling interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. The Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort is a key element of Systems Improvement and is comprised of three components:

  • Incident position management
  • Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs)
  • Performance-based training-moving to as much on the job training as possible

In 2023, NWCG began work on multiple positions. In the following years, NWCG will increase the number of positions worked on until completing all 130 positions in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

 

Goals of IPTM

  • Develop a modern integrated performance-based training system to support a safe and effective wildland fire workforce.
  • Move as much training as appropriate to on-the-job through the support of Incident Position Standards and Next Gen PTBs.
  • Ensure incident position specific training is necessary, relevant, and efficient to update and maintain.
  • Build Performance Support Packages and qualifications from Incident Position Standards to better support trainees, evaluators, and qualified individuals.

 

Components of IPTM

The IPTM effort focuses on the positions in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1. Along with day job knowledge and individual skills, professional wildland firefighters critically need clearly defined Incident Position Standards and training. As NWCG analyzes each position through the IPTM process, it will create a Performance Support Package. The Performance Support Package will include the Incident Position Description, Incident Position Standards, a Next Gen PTB, and any related training materials or other supporting products. Under this new system, the field will have the ability to easily notify NWCG when material is out of sync.

Performance Support Package

Incident Position Descriptions

Essential duties and responsibilities for each position are identified to develop Incident Position Descriptions. The Incident Position Description is the baseline for the Performance Support Package, describing what a position does on an incident.

Incident Position Standards

Incident Position Standards are the “how to” for each position and guide how a position performs on an incident. Incident Position Standards promote safe, efficient, and effective operations in support of agency goals and objectives and should serve as a guide to encourage consistent and successful on-the-job training.

Next Generation Position Task Books

The format of Position Task Books is being updated in the Next Gen PTBs. These Next Gen PTBs will establish a direct correlation with Incident Position Standards and Incident Position Descriptions. This connection aims to enhance alignment between Incident Position Standards, position qualification requirements, and the PTB, ultimately providing improved support for optimal performance in the position. In addition, Next Gen PTBs will allow evaluators to provide more constructive feedback on performance, to better support trainees, and to ensure that PTBs are effective training and evaluation tools. The Next Gen PTBs will work within a system that supports responsive changes in position duties.

Performance-Based Training

The performance-based training approach is centered on preparing individuals to effectively perform specific tasks or job functions. It aims to cultivate practical skills and competencies through moving as much learning to on-the-job training.  When formalized training is necessary, a performance-based learning approach will be used, such as simulations or scenarios.

IPTM Timeline

The following positions have Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use:

  • Aircraft Base Radio Operator (ABRO)
  • Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP)
  • Crew Boss, Single Resource (CRWB)
  • Demobilization Unit Leader (DMOB)
  • Documentation Unit Leader (DOCL)
  • Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)
  • Expanded Dispatch Coordinator (CORD)
  • Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC)
  • Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher (EDSP)
  • Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD)
  • Felling Boss (FELB)
  • Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP)
  • Medical Unit Leader (MEDL)
  • Operations Branch Director (OPBD)
  • Operations Section Chief Complex (OSCC)
  • Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)
  • Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, Type 2 (RXB2) – only Next Gen PTB
  • Resources Unit Leader (RESL)
  • Safety Officer, Field (SOFF)
  • Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN)

NWCG is currently working on the following positions:

  • Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM)
  • Engine Boss (ENGB)
  • Faller 2 (FAL2)
  • Faller 3 (FAL3)
  • Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)
  • Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN)
  • Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB)
  • Fixed Wing Base Manager (FWBM)
  • Helicopter Crewmember (HECM)
  • Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM)
  • Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5)
  • Long Term Analyst (LTAN)
  • Procurement Unit Leader (PROC)
  • Public Information Officer, Type 3 (PIO3) – new NWCG position
  • Public Information Officer, Technician (PIOT)
  • Radio Operator (RADO)
  • Resource Advisor, Fireline Qualified (REAF) – new NWCG position
  • Time Unit Leader (TIME)
  • Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP)
  • Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager (UASM)

Subject Matter Experts

Creating incident position standards and training that is relevant and specific to each position requires subject matter experts (SMEs) with recent experience working in the position. Engaged SMEs are key to success of the IPTM effort. They will work directly with NWCG Training staff to develop the performance support packages for each position, to include incident position standards, Next Gen PTBs, and any training material or products necessary to support the position. The input of SMEs with current knowledge of each position is critical to ensuring the performance support packages are useful and relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

SMEs will be chosen by the Committee responsible for the position being worked on, with an emphasis on diversity of geographic regions, agencies, experience, and other factors. SMEs are expected to be fully qualified and have been assigned as or directly supervised the position within the last three years.

Be able to commit up to 20 hours per month, with more work during the first 4 – 6 weeks of the project. There will be material to review and the expectation to provide feedback even during fire season – it is imperative that SMEs are able to provide feedback in a timely manner (within two weeks of the request) during fire season. There is the potential for one week of in-person travel at the kick-off stage of each position. The estimated duration of work on each position is one year.

NWCG is currently working on 29 positions, the number will increase in the following years. The goal is to complete all 130 positions within 5 years. NWCG is generally addressing positions in a foundational order, emphasizing a bottom-up approach.

If you are a trainee, evaluator, training officer, etc. with questions about a Next Generation PTB you can contact NWCG Training.

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2