Skip to main content

Delivering Tactical Decision Games Using Sand Table Exercises, PMS 468

Image
tactical decision games header

Delivering Tactical Decision Games Using Sand Table Exercises, PMS 468, is developed and maintained by the Leadership Committee (LC), an entity of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).

While they may contain current or useful information, previous versions are obsolete. The user of this information is responsible for confirming that they have the most up-to-date version. NWCG is the sole source for the publication.

Comments, questions, and recommendations shall be submitted to the appropriate agency program manager assigned to the LC. View the complete roster.

The following videos provide specific instructions on how Tactical Decision Games are conducted using sand tables.  Use these videos in conjunction with Design and Delivery of Tactical Decision Games, PMS 468-1.

USWDS Paragraphs
Remote Video

Introduction (5:45)

Download the .srt file.
Download the video .mp4 file (Size 440.913 MB).
Download the video .zip file (Size 432.910 MB).

Remote Video

Engaging the Participants (6:36)

Download the .srt file.
Download the video .mp4 file (Size 503.299 MB).
Download the video .zip file (Size 495.674 MB).

Remote Video

The Facilitator Role (9:00)

Download the .srt file.
Download the video .mp4 file (Size 685.612 MB).
Download the video .zip file (Size 675.258 MB).

Remote Video

After Action Review (3:07)

Download the .srt file.
Download the video .mp4 file (Size 232.692 MB).
Download the video .zip file (Size 228.858 MB).

Videos are available for download as individual .mp4 and .zip files, as are the .srt files for closed captioning (you may need to right click and Save As). For information on how to add closed captioning to a video, see this how to page.  

Note: For Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, right click the word download and select Save Link As; For IE, right click and select Save Target As.

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) provides national leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, Tribal, territorial, and local partners. NWCG operations standards are interagency by design; they are developed with the intent of universal adoption by the member agencies. However, the decision to adopt and utilize them is made independently by the individual member agencies and communicated through their respective directives systems.

Last Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

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