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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.

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