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L-480, Organizational Leadership in the Wildland Fire Service (ILT)

Course Title
Organizational Leadership in the Wildland Fire Service (ILT)
Version Date

2015

Previous Certification Dates

2014-01

Course Number
L-480
Other Training Which Supports
Planning Section Chief Complex (PSCC), Expanded Dispatch Coordinator (CORD), Safety Officer Complex (SOFC), Incident Commander Complex (ICCI), Logistics Section Chief Complex (LSCC), Liaison Officer (LOFR), Finance/Administration Section Chief Complex (FSCC), Operations Branch Director (OPBD), Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD), Operations Section Chief Complex (OSCC)
Course Description

This is a leadership development recommendation that will provide mid- and upper-level organizational leaders and future Incident Management Team leaders (Command and General Staff) with the leadership tools to provide strategic direction and influence others to achieve team goals.

Course Objective

The intent of this training recommendation is to develop personal leadership skills and command presence to increase effectiveness in the workplace and during incident management operations.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
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.
Format
Instructor Led
Special Delivery Considerations

THIS IS NOT A COURSE PACKAGE AVAILABLE FROM THE NWCG PUBLICATIONS SYSTEM.

The NWCG Leadership Committee has oversight and maintenance responsibility for the L-480 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 at the Wildland Fire Leadership website at https://www.nwcg.gov/wfldp.

Selected course materials should address these topics:

Communication skills
Command presence
Situational awareness, vision and change
Leadership skills within a team environment
Recognition and reward
Mentorship, coaching and delegation

Business Steward
QMC Qualifications Management Committee
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Special Cadre Considerations

https://fs-prod-nwcg.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2023-06…

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