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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 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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 release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

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. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters