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L-380, Fireline Leadership (ILT)

Course Title
Fireline Leadership (ILT)
Version Date

2026

Previous Certification Dates

2021
2005-01
2004-05

Course Number
L-380
Other Training Which Supports
RESL Resource Unit Leader, SOFF Safety Officer Field, STEQ Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment, UASL Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader, HEBM Helibase Manager, FDUL Food Unit Leader, COST Cost Unit Leader, EDSP Expanded Dispatch Supervisory, DMOB Demobilization Unit Leader, SITL Situation Unit Leader, TFLD Task Force Leader, TIME Time Unit Leader, SPUL Supply Unit Leader, COML Communications Unit Leader, MEDL Medical Unit Leader, GSUL Ground Support Unit Leader, STCR Strike Team Leader Crew, FACL Facilities Unit Leader, PROC Procurement Unit Leader, COMP Compensation/Claims Unit Leader, PIO3 Public Information Officer Type 3, STEN Strike Team Leader Engine, RXB2 Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2
Course Description

The L-380 training experience should provide junior leaders with a set of tools and techniques to build and maintain cohesive crews or teams. Beyond a set of tools and techniques, this training experience should be designed to make an emotional and lasting impact. Essential guiding principles for achieving this impact include enhancing the students’ understanding of the human dimension when leading others in dynamic work environments; utilizing experiential training techniques that will engage students in ways that challenge them to perform under realistic and high-stress situations; and motivating students to examine their role as a leader and their strengths and weaknesses as a leader.

Course Objective

Detect operational errors

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
All lead instructors must be certified by the NWCG Leadership Committee. The combined cadre must have career backgrounds and expertise in principle-centered leadership, emergency incident operations, human factors, and decision-making.
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

<p>THIS IS NOT A COURSE PACKAGE AVAILABLE IN THE NWCG PUBLICATIONS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. The NWCG Leadership Development Subcommittee has oversight and maintenance responsibility for the L-380 criteria 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 in the Reference Materials for Becoming an NWCG L-Course Provider. Selected course material should address these topics: Application of leadership styles, Communicating vision and intent, Team building, Detecting operational error, Managing stress.</p>

Business Steward
QMC Qualifications Management Committee
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

Low student-to-instructor ratios are necessary for successful exercise/simulation-based training delivery. A dedicated cadre of at least three instructors is recommended for a class size of 20-25 students.

Class Size Recommendations

Low student-to-instructor ratios are necessary for successful exercise/simulation-based training delivery. A dedicated cadre of at least three instructors is recommended for a class size of 20-25 students.

Special Cadre Considerations

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.

All instructors must be able to execute field simulations, role-playing, and classroom exercises.

NWCG Latest Announcements

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee