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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
CRWB Crew Boss, Single Resource, UASL Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader, FELB Felling Boss, Single Resource, PIO3 Public Information Officer Type 3, UASM Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager, ENGB Engine Boss, Single Resource, HMGB Helicopter Manager, Single Resource, FIRB Firing Boss, Single Resource, HEQB Heavy Equipment Boss, Single Resource, INCM Incident Communications Center Manager
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.

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

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