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L-280, Followership to Leadership (ILT)

Course Title
Followership to Leadership (ILT)
Version Date

2025

Previous Certification Dates

2003-05

Course Number
L-280
Other Training Which Supports
Crew Boss, Single Resource (CRWB), Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader (UASL), Felling Boss, Single Resource (FELB), Public Information Officer Type 3 (PIO3), Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager (UASM), Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB), Helicopter Manager, Single Resource (HMGB), Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB), Heavy Equipment Boss, Single Resource (HEQB), Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM)
Course Description

This course, a primer on leadership, is the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. The instructional strategy of this course is:
·       Introduce students to fundamental leadership concepts and theories applicable to high-risk environments, enhancing their overall skill set and operational effectiveness.
·       To provide students with small unit leadership opportunities to assess how prepared they are to step into a leadership role.
This training course is designed as a self-assessment opportunity for individuals preparing to step into a leadership role. The course combines one day of classroom instruction followed by a second day in the field where students will work through a series of problem-solving scenarios called Field Leadership Assessment Courses (FLACs). Topics include leadership values and principles, decision-making tools, transition challenges for new leaders, situational leadership, team cohesion factors, ethical dilemmas, and briefing and debriefing techniques. Some of the course delivery may be arduous in nature.

Course Objective

Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental leadership principles.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Must be a qualified Single Resource Boss and should have had formal instructor training (such as M-410, Facilitative Instructor) or have demonstrated instructor skills.
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

<p class="MsoNormal">The second day of the course consists of a field exercise, the Field Leadership Assessment Course (FLAC), which requires significant preparation and logistical support. Radios are used by the cadre for communications on the FLAC day. Some FLAC stations may need medical support from a EMT or First Responder. The specific requirements will be determined by the exercises which are chosen for a particular course delivery.</p>

Business Steward
QMC Qualifications Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Unit and FLAC instructors should have demonstrated instructor skills and the ability to facilitate small field or classroom exercises.
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is 24 students. Instructors should maintain a 6:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.

Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is 24 students. Instructors should maintain a 6:1 ratio of students to instructors/coaches to facilitate exercises and discussion and to enable strong mentorship to the students.

Special Cadre Considerations

One member of the cadre should be identified as the FLAC coordinator.

Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP)

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2026

Date:  September 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Health and Wellness Subcommittee

The NWCG Health and Wellness Subcommittee (HWSC) and Safety/Risk Management Committee (SRC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The HWSC and SRC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2026 Letter from Leadership

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Health and Wellness Subcommittee

Safety and Risk Management Committee

2025 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  August 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

The NWCG Qualifications Management Committee (QMC) and Leadership Development Subcommittee (LDSC) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Hunter Bell, U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Shannon Deane, U.S. Wildland Fire Service— Initiative and Innovation
  • Chris Delaney, U.S. Wildland Fire Service — Motivation and Vision
  • Sean Peterson, U.S. Forest Service — Mentoring and Teamwork

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Development Subcommittee

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species – Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

Date:  July 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics and Equipment Management Committee (LMC) issued Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels, reminding the wildland fire community that aquatic mussels continue to be a problem. Mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos (with a pen or your hand for size reference) and location details.”

Read the complete LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001, to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

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