Skip to main content

S-482, Strategic Operational Planning (Blended)

Course Title
Strategic Operational Planning (Blended)
Training Required For
SOPL 310-1 Training Path 01
Version Date

2015

Course Number
S-482
Course Description

This course was developed using a blended approach to learning. Students are required to complete the online training portion of the course before taking the instructor-led training portion.

S-482 is a course designed to meet the training needs of a Strategic Operational Planner (SOPL) on an incident as outlined in NIMS: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide, PMS 310-1, and the position task book developed for the position. The online component provides background (historical and foundational) information on why the SOPL position exists and the critical role the position plays in incident management. It also describes the typical responsibilities and activities a SOPL performs on an incident. In the instructor-led component, students apply the knowledge they gained in the online component (the “knowing”) to actual practice performing the typical activities of a SOPL (the “doing” or the “how-to”).

Course Objective

Perform basic tasks commonly required of a Strategic Operational Planner (SOPL) and possess the knowledge to successfully accomplish SOPL trainee assignments.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be a qualified Strategic Operational Planner (SOPL) and have experience in managing wildfires for the full range of protection and resource benefit objectives.
Format
Blended
Special Delivery Considerations

These materials are needed above and beyond the usual items (pens, paper, flip charts, markers, etc.).
Each student needs a laptop with internet access
Each small group will need:

Agency map of area (for fire exercise in Units 3 & 4)
4 marking pens of different colors for writing on Mylar
One piece of clear (not frosted) Mylar (36 x 48 inches)
Masking tape
Ruler

Space and Classroom Requirements
The characteristics of the classroom and supportive facilities have a significant impact on the learning environment. The classroom should be chosen and viewed well in advance of the presentation.

Student Information (Blended Delivery)
These materials are for the online student portion of the blended course.
This is a blended course (estimate 34-40 hours). Additional information about the course can be found on the Overview section.

Instructions for Online Component
This Blended Course Work is available in the NWCG Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Log on as a guest to search for this course or go directly to https://wildlandfirelearningportal.net/course/view.php?id=990.

Instructions for Instructor-Led Component
Refer to the course selection letter for the location, dates, and times of the instructor-led component of the course (estimate 24 hours).

Business Steward
OMC Operations Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be a qualified Strategic Operational Planner (SOPL) and have experience in managing wildfires for the full range of protection and resource benefit objectives.
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

The recommended class size for this course is 25 to 30 students. A ratio of one instructor to every 5 or 6 students is recommended. Students will work in small groups (5 to 6 students per group). Each group will need a coach. Instructors may also function as coaches.

Class Size Recommendations

The recommended class size for this course is 25 to 30 students. A ratio of one instructor to every 5 or 6 students is recommended. Students will work in small groups (5 to 6 students per group). Each group will need a coach. Instructors may also function as coaches.

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee