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Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

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The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) is embarking on a transformative journey to modernize wildland fire incident position management through the development of a performance-based training system. This improved system will develop a Performance Support Package which includes Incident Position Standards, a Next Generation Position Task Book, essential training when needed, and relevant job aids. These tools will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators. The outcome of this effort is to develop professional wildland firefighters, build a sustainable workforce, and create effective performance-based training that can be updated and maintained more efficiently. NWCG intends to analyze over 130 incident positions in the next 5 years.

NWCG is modernizing its training development system as part of the larger Systems Improvement effort, intended to support NWCG’s core mission of enabling interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. The Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort is a key element of Systems Improvement and is comprised of three components:

  • Incident position management
  • Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs)
  • Performance-based training-moving to as much on the job training as possible

In 2023, NWCG began work on multiple positions. In the following years, NWCG will increase the number of positions worked on until completing all 130 positions in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

 

Goals of IPTM

  • Develop a modern integrated performance-based training system to support a safe and effective wildland fire workforce.
  • Move as much training as appropriate to on-the-job through the support of Incident Position Standards and Next Gen PTBs.
  • Ensure incident position specific training is necessary, relevant, and efficient to update and maintain.
  • Build Performance Support Packages and qualifications from Incident Position Standards to better support trainees, evaluators, and qualified individuals.

 

Components of IPTM

The IPTM effort focuses on the positions in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1. Along with day job knowledge and individual skills, professional wildland firefighters critically need clearly defined Incident Position Standards and training. As NWCG analyzes each position through the IPTM process, it will create a Performance Support Package. The Performance Support Package will include the Incident Position Description, Incident Position Standards, a Next Gen PTB, and any related training materials or other supporting products. Under this new system, the field will have the ability to easily notify NWCG when material is out of sync.

Performance Support Package

Incident Position Descriptions

Essential duties and responsibilities for each position are identified to develop Incident Position Descriptions. The Incident Position Description is the baseline for the Performance Support Package, describing what a position does on an incident.

Incident Position Standards

Incident Position Standards are the “how to” for each position and guide how a position performs on an incident. Incident Position Standards promote safe, efficient, and effective operations in support of agency goals and objectives and should serve as a guide to encourage consistent and successful on-the-job training.

Next Generation Position Task Books

The format of Position Task Books is being updated in the Next Gen PTBs. These Next Gen PTBs will establish a direct correlation with Incident Position Standards and Incident Position Descriptions. This connection aims to enhance alignment between Incident Position Standards, position qualification requirements, and the PTB, ultimately providing improved support for optimal performance in the position. In addition, Next Gen PTBs will allow evaluators to provide more constructive feedback on performance, to better support trainees, and to ensure that PTBs are effective training and evaluation tools. The Next Gen PTBs will work within a system that supports responsive changes in position duties.

Performance-Based Training

The performance-based training approach is centered on preparing individuals to effectively perform specific tasks or job functions. It aims to cultivate practical skills and competencies through moving as much learning to on-the-job training.  When formalized training is necessary, a performance-based learning approach will be used, such as simulations or scenarios.

IPTM Timeline

The following positions have Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use:

  • Aircraft Base Radio Operator (ABRO)
  • Aircraft Dispatcher (ACDP)
  • Crew Boss, Single Resource (CRWB)
  • Demobilization Unit Leader (DMOB)
  • Documentation Unit Leader (DOCL)
  • Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)
  • Expanded Dispatch Coordinator (CORD)
  • Expanded Dispatch Recorder (EDRC)
  • Expanded Dispatch Supervisory Dispatcher (EDSP)
  • Expanded Dispatch Support Dispatcher (EDSD)
  • Felling Boss (FELB)
  • Initial Attack Dispatcher (IADP)
  • Medical Unit Leader (MEDL)
  • Operations Branch Director (OPBD)
  • Operations Section Chief Complex (OSCC)
  • Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)
  • Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, Type 2 (RXB2) – only Next Gen PTB
  • Resources Unit Leader (RESL)
  • Safety Officer, Field (SOFF)
  • Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN)

NWCG is currently working on the following positions:

  • Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM)
  • Engine Boss (ENGB)
  • Faller 2 (FAL2)
  • Faller 3 (FAL3)
  • Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)
  • Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN)
  • Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB)
  • Fixed Wing Base Manager (FWBM)
  • Helicopter Crewmember (HECM)
  • Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM)
  • Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5)
  • Long Term Analyst (LTAN)
  • Procurement Unit Leader (PROC)
  • Public Information Officer, Type 3 (PIO3) – new NWCG position
  • Public Information Officer, Technician (PIOT)
  • Radio Operator (RADO)
  • Resource Advisor, Fireline Qualified (REAF) – new NWCG position
  • Time Unit Leader (TIME)
  • Unmanned Aircraft System, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot (UASP)
  • Unmanned Aircraft System, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft System, Manager (UASM)

Subject Matter Experts

Creating incident position standards and training that is relevant and specific to each position requires subject matter experts (SMEs) with recent experience working in the position. Engaged SMEs are key to success of the IPTM effort. They will work directly with NWCG Training staff to develop the performance support packages for each position, to include incident position standards, Next Gen PTBs, and any training material or products necessary to support the position. The input of SMEs with current knowledge of each position is critical to ensuring the performance support packages are useful and relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

SMEs will be chosen by the Committee responsible for the position being worked on, with an emphasis on diversity of geographic regions, agencies, experience, and other factors. SMEs are expected to be fully qualified and have been assigned as or directly supervised the position within the last three years.

Be able to commit up to 20 hours per month, with more work during the first 4 – 6 weeks of the project. There will be material to review and the expectation to provide feedback even during fire season – it is imperative that SMEs are able to provide feedback in a timely manner (within two weeks of the request) during fire season. There is the potential for one week of in-person travel at the kick-off stage of each position. The estimated duration of work on each position is one year.

NWCG is currently working on 29 positions, the number will increase in the following years. The goal is to complete all 130 positions within 5 years. NWCG is generally addressing positions in a foundational order, emphasizing a bottom-up approach.

If you are a trainee, evaluator, training officer, etc. with questions about a Next Generation PTB you can contact NWCG Training.

NWCG Latest Announcements

ETC Bulletin 25-001: Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2025 Field Season

Date: April 16, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

Due to spout failures and the associated risk of burn injuries, manufacturers have retrofitted the Hot/Cold Beverage Kits using a heat-shrinking band to secure the black spout at the insertion site. The updated kits feature a fluorescent label on each full kit assembly for easy identification. Catering units are encouraged to confirm the clear heat-shrinking bands are intact around each spout before filling.

ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions

Date: April 9, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
RMC Member Eric Fransted

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) serves as the position steward for all Safety Officer incident positions and continues to improve position standards, training, and naming conventions. The implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) required changes to position titles. RMC collaborated with the NWCG Incident Position Standards Committee (IPSC) to propose and implement these updates. 

References:

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions 

NWCG Position Catalog

Updated, NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412

Date: April 8, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee

PMS 412 provides guidance for wildland fire investigations. This guide outlines recommended procedures, practices, techniques, and methods to promote a systematic approach. The last update to this publication was in 2016.

References:

NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination PMS 412