Skip to main content

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

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

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