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Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

Ready to share your expertise and shape the future of wildland fire?

Fill out the SME Interest Sign-Up!

IPTM aims to create a performance-based training system that includes comprehensive Performance Support Packages for each NWCG incident position. Backed by national leadership, IPTM seeks to establish a robust foundation for interagency training and qualifications in wildland fire management. Through collaborative efforts, NWCG is refining systems and modernizing tools, all focused on cultivating a skilled, adaptable, and sustainable workforce to meet both current demands and future challenges. 

This effort targets 111 positions listed in the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map presentation screenshot.

Explore the IPTM Story Map to discover how NWCG is transforming wildland firefighter development through incident position management and training modernization. 

NWCG established the following IPTM goals to address the evolving needs of wildland fire personnel and to support its mission of enhancing interoperability across wildland fire operations.

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 Generation Position Task Books.
  • Build Performance Support Packages and qualifications from Incident Position Standards to better support trainees, evaluators, and qualified individuals.
  • Ensure incident position specific training is necessary, relevant, and efficient to update and maintain.

Key Components of IPTM

  • Incident position management
  • Performance Support Package (includes the Incident Position Description, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Book, and job aids, or training, as needed)
  • Performance-based training (emphasizing on-the-job training whenever possible)

Performance Support Package

The Performance Support Package helps trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators by facilitating ongoing professional development and provide flexible training tailored for wildland firefighters.

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.

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)

Ready to share your expertise and shape the future of wildland fire?

Fill out the SME Interest Sign-Up!

The NWCG Training Program is looking for qualified wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as SMEs for the IPTM effort. SMEs work closely with NWCG staff to update incident positions by building effective Performance Support Packages. Their experience helps keep the training tools practical, useful, and relevant for today’s wildland fire workforce.

Resources

IPTM Frequently Asked Questions

How are SMEs chosen?

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.

How much work are SMEs expected to do?

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.

When will my position be worked on?

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.

Who should I contact if I have questions about a next generation PTB?

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

NWCG Latest Announcements

2025/2026 Leadership Campaign Quarter 2 Now Available!

Date: February 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

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

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

  • Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM)
  • Compensation/Claims Unit Leader (COMP)
  • Cost Unit Leader (COST)
  • Crew Representative (CREP)
  • Deck Coordinator (DECK)
  • Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO)
  • Field Observer (FOBS)
  • Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)
  • Ordering Manager (ORDM)
  • Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM)
  • Staging Area Manager (STAM)

Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1