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Review and Change Process for Position Standards

NWCG Committee Realignment Website Updates: Content will continue to be updated over the coming days as we work through final reviews and adjustments, and all publications and products are currently under revision.

PMS 310-1

A formal revision of the PMS 310-1 occurs annually. However, the Incident and Position Standards Committee (IPSC) may review proposals, address issues, and make changes at any time as needs dictate. NWCG members may be requested to review and provide input for the proposed revision before the revision is adopted by NWCG.

Revision Process

  1. Proposed changes, including requests for new positions, will be identified on the IPSC Request for Change (RFC) Form.
  2. Required information includes reason for the change, national mobilization statistics demonstrating position need and use, a draft Next Generation Position Task Book (PTB) (if appropriate), and any specific transition or implementation plan information for individuals currently residing in the Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) and the Incident Qualification System (IQS).
  3. The package will be reviewed by IPSC and vetted through other committees to assess any impacts and gain approval.
  4. The requesting party will be notified through official correspondence of the outcome of the request and, if accepted, the timeframe for implementation.
  5. Updates to the PMS 310-1 will be made in IQS and IQCS on an annual basis. Exceptions are critical health and safety issues that need to be addressed immediately.

Requests for position consideration in the PMS 310-1 will include the following:

  1. Completed Request for Change form.
  2. Information identifying the need for position standardization.
  3. Draft Incident Position Standards and draft Next Generation Position Task Book.
  4. Draft transition plan for position implementation in IQS and IQCS.
  5. National mobilization statistics demonstrating position need and use.
  6. Training development and maintenance plan, if applicable.

Criteria for NWCG Position Consideration

The following criteria must be met for a position to be considered for inclusion in the PMS 310‑1, as determined by IPSC:

  1. The position supports the NWCG mission and is needed for national mobilization;
  2. The position is interagency in scope and is supported by the interagency community;
  3. The proposed position has been submitted by an NWCG member agency, Geographic Area Coordinating Group, or NWCG committee;
  4. A demonstrated recurring need for standardized position qualification requirements has been identified;
  5. No other position exists that can accomplish these tasks; and,
  6. The primary position qualifications are not addressed or supported by industry standards and training.

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2026

Date:  September 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Health and Wellness Subcommittee

The NWCG Health and Wellness Subcommittee (HWSC) and Safety/Risk Management Committee (SRC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The HWSC and SRC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2026 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2026 Letter from Leadership

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Health and Wellness Subcommittee

Safety and Risk Management Committee

2025 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  August 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

The NWCG Qualifications Management Committee (QMC) and Leadership Development Subcommittee (LDSC) are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Hunter Bell, U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Shannon Deane, U.S. Wildland Fire Service— Initiative and Innovation
  • Chris Delaney, U.S. Wildland Fire Service — Motivation and Vision
  • Sean Peterson, U.S. Forest Service — Mentoring and Teamwork

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Development Subcommittee

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species – Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

Date:  July 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics and Equipment Management Committee (LMC) issued Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels, reminding the wildland fire community that aquatic mussels continue to be a problem. Mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos (with a pen or your hand for size reference) and location details.”

Read the complete LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001, to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91