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Field Leadership Assessment Course (FLAC)

photo of Observer/Controller with Team in action in 4x4 walk station.The purpose of this feature is to provide support to facilitators in the planning, development, and execution of a Field Leadership Assessment Course (FLAC) portion of the L-280 course. The FLAC is intended to provide an opportunity for the students to practice the leadership, communication, and teamwork concepts covered during the first day classroom portion of the L-280 course. A well planned FLAC is essential for a successful course.

The FLAC is where it all starts to come together for L-280 students-where theory meets application. The FLAC provides an opportunity for cadre and students to have fun while providing a learning and self-discovery environment in the context of what firefighters do every day. The FLAC is a series of problem solving events where students, working in small teams, practice the concepts that were presented in their reading assignment and classroom session.

The intent of the FLAC is to give students the opportunity to apply lessons from the classroom instruction in order to do some self-assessment regarding their positive and negative leadership traits. The FLAC also is intended to help fire managers develop quality leadership in their workforce by providing a method to assess individual competence for handling small teams that have been charged with accomplishing a task under conditions of stress.

The FLAC was adapted from the Leadership Reaction Course used at the U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidate School. In 2001 and 2002, when the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program was first being established, about 150 wildland firefighters were invited to attend a series of leadership development workshops hosted by the Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia. In these workshops, wildland firefighters had the opportunity to experience a number of leader development techniques used by the Marines. These techniques included their Professional Reading Program, Tactical Decision Games and Sandtables, Staff Rides, and the Leadership Reaction Course (LRC). All these techniques have since been adapted for use by the wildland fire service. In 2003, when L-280 was being designed, the project team members were individuals that had been to the Marine Corps University leadership workshops and determined that a portable wildland fire version of the LRC could be developed. The FLAC is the result of that effort.

The following documents and links will aid in the planning and delivery of your session:

Forms

Example FLAC Coordinator Plans

References for Designing New FLAC Stations

  • Field Initiatives
    Collection of team building exercises put together by the Maine Civil Air Patrol.
  • Team Building Activities
    Website for commercial team building retreats that may provide you with some creative ideas. (Wilderdom)

Other Resources

  • National Weather Service
    Provided as a reminder to consider the weather the day before running your session.
  • Google Maps
    Useful for previewing and mapping a course location.

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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 January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) 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 January 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page