Review and Change Process for Position Standards

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

Proposed changes, including requests for new positions, will be identified on the IPSC Request for Change (RFC) Form.
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).
The package will be reviewed by IPSC and vetted through other committees to assess any impacts and gain approval.
The requesting party will be notified through official correspondence of the outcome of the request and, if accepted, the timeframe for implementation.
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:

Completed Request for Change form.
Information identifying the need for position standardization.
Draft Incident Position Standards and draft Next Generation Position Task Book.
Draft transition plan for position implementation in IQS and IQCS.
National mobilization statistics demonstrating position need and use.
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:

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

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-212, Intermediate Faller (Online) Course Available Now

Date: April 23, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S‑212, Intermediate Faller (Online), course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). This second course in the series provides students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of an Intermediate Faller (FAL2), as described in the FAL2 Incident Position Description. This course is intended for individuals seeking to advance from Basic Faller (FAL3) to FAL2.

S‑212, Intermediate Faller is a fully online, self‑paced training program consisting of 13 units. Learners will engage with interactive, scenario‑based content designed to progressively build foundational skills and knowledge essential for the FAL2 role.

Students must be qualified as a Basic Faller (FAL3) prior to enrolling in S‑212, Intermediate Faller course.

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 2027.

References:

S-212 Intermediate Faller (Online)

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

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

New Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

Date: April 17, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: National Coordination System Committee

A new publication from the National Coordination System Committee (NCSC) is now available. The NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249, will be used for aviation crews and dispatch to share flight information that is needed for resource tracking, and if needed, for emergency procedures.

For further details, please contact your NCSC representative.

References:

NCSC Memo 26-01: Implementation of NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

New Glossary Term for Review

Date: April 15, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Data Standards and Terminology Board (DSTB)

The Data Standards and Terminology Board is requesting feedback on a new glossary term: Resource Protection Measure (RPM).

The proposed definition is: Practical guidance provided for incident personnel in a manner in which incident objectives can be achieved while reducing impacts to identified resources across the landscape. RPMs are informed by, but not restricted to, Minimum Impact Strategies and Tactics (MIST).

Please review, share with your subgroups, and provide feedback as appropriate through the following form: Request Feedback The comment period will close May 10, 2026.

Thank you for your engagement in the NWCG glossary process – your participation is key to our success.

References:

Glossary Request Feedback

Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date: April 1, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.