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L-481, Advanced Leadership for Command & General Staff (ILT)

Course Title
Advanced Leadership for Command & General Staff (ILT)
Training Required For
Complex (FSCC, LSCC, PSCC) 310-1 Training Path 04, Complex (ICCI, OSCC, PIOC, SOFC) 310-1 Training Path 04, Complex (ICCI, OSCC, PIOC, SOFC) 310-1 Training Path 03, Complex (FSCC, LSCC, PSCC) 310-1 Training Path 03
Version Date

2015

Course Number
L-481
Other Training Which Supports
Liaison Officer (LOFR), Operations Branch Director (OPBD)
Course Description

This is a leadership development recommendation that focuses on leadership within the context of large/complex incident management, to include team collective tasks and functions accomplished by large Incident Management Teams (IMTs). Individual tasks include functioning as a productive member of a staff organization, being a positive contributor to staff decision-making, maintaining a common operating picture, demonstrating staff member ethos, and projecting operational culture and leader’s intent.

This course is targeted at personnel desiring to become qualified as Command and General Staff (C&G) on an Incident Management Team (IMT). The intent is to produce C&G members who can effectively fulfill their responsibilities within the IMT decision process and act as organizational leaders within their own functional areas. This course focuses on leadership within the context of large/complex incident management. This includes team collective tasks and functions accomplished by large IMTs. Individual tasks include functioning as a productive member of a staff organization, being a positive contributor to staff decision making, maintaining a common operating picture, demonstrating staff member ethos, and projecting operational culture and leader’s intent.

Course Objective

The intent of this training is to produce Command and General Staff members who can fulfill the responsibilities of an effective staff officer or section chief within an IMT, contribute effectively to an IMT’s decision-making process, and perform as an effective organizational leader in their own functional area and as a member of the IMT.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
For instructions on how to become a course provider, including course design criteria, minimum instructor qualifications, and certification process, refer to Reference Materials for Becoming an NWCG L-Course Provider.
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

THIS IS NOT A COURSE PACKAGE AVAILABLE FROM THE NWCG PRODUCTS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

The NWCG Leadership Committee has maintenance responsibility for the L-481 course package and evaluation process. However, the delivery process used to meet this training recommendation will need to be determined by the hosting agency. Specific course information can be found at the Wildland Fire Leadership website at https://www.nwcg.gov/wfldp.

Selected course materials should address these topics:

Establishing a staff value system, team culture, and command presence
Developing and maintaining a team-level common operating picture
Developing and communicating leader’s intent through a critical thinking process
Propagating intent at all levels of the incident organization
Effectively operate in the ICS system and utilize ICS products and doctrine
Promoting integration of functional areas and a high-level of teamwork into strategic planning

Business Steward
QMC Qualifications Management Committee
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Special Cadre Considerations

https://fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-06…

NWCG Latest Announcements

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

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

Quarter Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee