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Planning Section Chief Type 3

PSC3 Qualification Requirements

Required Training

Required Experience

  • Satisfactory performance as a Situation Unit Leader (SITL)

OR

  • Satisfactory performance as a Resources Unit Leader (RESL)
    OR
  • Satisfactory performance as an Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3)

OR

  • Completion and Certification of NWCG Planning Section Chief Type 3 (PSC3) Position Task Book, PMS 311-55 (see note)

Physical Fitness Level: None Required

Position does not require a physical fitness level.

These Positions Maintain Currency For PSC3

  • Demobilization Unit Leader (DMOB)
  • Planning Section Chief Complex (PSCC)
  • Planning Section Chief Type 2 (PSC2)
  • Resources Unit Leader (RESL)
  • Situation Unit Leader (SITL)
  • Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN)

PSC3 Maintains Currency For These Positions

  • Demobilization Unit Leader (DMOB)
  • Documentation Unit Leader (DOCL)
  • Planning Section Chief Complex (PSCC)
  • Planning Section Chief Type 2 (PSC2)
  • Resources Unit Leader (RESL)
  • Situation Unit Leader (SITL)
  • Status/Check-In Recorder (SCKN)

Other Training Which Supports Development Of Knowledge And Skills

Note

Once qualified as SITL, RESL, or ICT3, the PSC3 qualification may be granted by the certifying official. Certification must be documented on a “verification/certification” page of the PSC3 PTB.

 
USWDS Paragraphs

This is an inherently wildland fire position and has no endorsement. All-hazards Planning Section Chief Type 3 will need to meet the wildland fire position qualification requirements.

Alternative Pathways to NWCG Qualification

USWDS Paragraph Bundles

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Updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508

Date: March 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Airtanker Base Operations Unit

The updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508 standardizes operations and procedures at interagency airtanker bases to ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations in support of interagency goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508

WFSTAR 2025 Core Component Module Package and 2024 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date: March 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Joe Schindel at mschindel@blm.gov
 

The 2025 Core Component Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2024 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2025 Core Component Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2025 Core Component Module Package

2024 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053

Date: March 12, 2025
Contact: Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Committee

The NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053 provides mitigation practitioners at all experience levels with recommendations on the most effective and efficient ways to accomplish mitigation work in communities at risk to wildfire damage or destruction. The content in this guide was written in coordination with the NWCG Standards for Mitigation in the Wildland Urban Interface, PMS 052.

References:

NWCG Wildland Urban Interface Mitigation Field Guide, PMS 053 

Updated, NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Date: March 11, 2025
Contact: Fire Use Subcommittee
Wildland Fire Module Unit

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430 standardizes procedures and expectations for Wildland Fire Modules (WFMs). These standards are to be used by staff, supervisors, specialists, and technicians for planning, administering, and conducting WFM operations. These standards will also be used as a measure of WFM qualifications, capabilities, and expected performance, for both Type 1 and Type 2 WFMs.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430