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S-430, Operations Section Chief (ILT)

Course Title
Operations Section Chief (ILT)
Version Date

2006

Previous Certification Dates

1996-04

Course Number
S-430
Other Training Which Supports
Operations Branch Director (OPBD), Operations Section Chief Complex (OSCC)
Course Description

This course is designed to meet the training needs of the Operations Section Chief Type 2 (OSC2). This course is designed to be interactive in nature and contains several exercises designed to facilitate group and classroom discussion.

Course Objective

Describe the OSC role in external and internal coordination.

Prerequisite Qualifications Notes

DIVS Division/Group Supervisor

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and Unit Instructor must be qualified as Operations Section Chief Type 2 (OSC2).
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

Course Materials:
Material is available in the NWCG NFES Catalog - Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2. The catalog lists the materials needed, along with their cost. For ordering procedures and payment options, please visit Catalogs and Ordering Quicklinks page.

Business Steward
OMC Operations Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and Unit Instructor must be qualified as Operations Section Chief Type 2 (OSC2).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

Class size should be limited to 25 students, with no less than a 1:4 instructor to student ratio.

Class Size Recommendations

Class size should be limited to 25 students, with no less than a 1:4 instructor to student ratio.

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