Skip to main content

Demobilization Unit Leader

DMOB Incident Position Description

The Demobilization Unit Leader (DMOB) assists the Command and General Staff (C&G) in ensuring the orderly, safe, and efficient movement of personnel and equipment from the incident. The DMOB may supervise one or more Status/Check-In Recorders (SCKN) and facilitate resource extensions, crew swaps, reassignments, and air travel based upon incident needs. The DMOB reports to the Planning Section Chief (PSC) and works in the Planning functional area.

Leadership Level 3, Leader of People (Develop Intent)

  • For additional information review Level 3 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Travel to and check in at assignment.
  • Obtain access to current resource ordering system from hosting dispatch center.
  • Initiate contact with host dispatch center early regarding their standard operating procedures, points of contact, priority order for release of resources, and dispatch requirements for the demobilization plan.
  • Obtain a list of resources on scene and compile a list of resources ordered and their status.
  • Obtain briefing, objectives, and leader’s intent from the PSC.
  • Determine if demobilization check out will be managed electronically or by hard copy.

Build the Team

  • Assemble and validate readiness of assigned personnel and equipment.
  • Identify and anticipate Demobilization Unit staffing needs and request additional resources and/or replacements as needed.
  • Coordinate with PSC and other functional areas to obtain resources for workspace, etc.
  • Establish a common operating picture with various functional area supervisors using the demobilization plan as the baseline reference document.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

  • Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
  • Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
  • Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Communicate changing conditions to PSC.
  • Ensure daily demobilization objectives and performance standards are met.
  • Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.
  • Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships.
  • Complete daily review of staffing requirements and ensure adequate personnel are ordered to meet the Demobilization Unit needs.
  • Develop schedule/assignments based on Incident Action Plan (IAP) or relevant plan.

Perform Demobilization Unit Leader-Specific Duties

  • Develop and disseminate the demobilization plan to C&G and host dispatch center.
  • Monitor demobilization process and progress for incident personnel.
  • Document estimated time of departure (ETD) and estimated time of arrival (ETA) for all departing resources and submit to host dispatch center.
  • Coordinate and implement the demobilization plan.
  • Coordinate with Supply Unit/or expanded dispatch on status of outstanding resource orders. 
  • Coordinate with C&G to verify status and pending release of current resources.
  • Coordinate with C&G and expanded dispatch regarding availability of resources for re-assignment.
  • Coordinate with Resources Unit Leader (RESL) to provide access to resource status system and other information.
  • Ensure incident resource qualifications match incident resource assignments.
  • Monitor incident resource status (e.g., number of days worked in succession, R&R requirements, contract limitations).
  • Provide inputs for the IAP.
  • Coordinate with the SCKNs to ensure resource status system database is current.
  • Facilitate resource assignment extensions, crew swaps, and reassignments.
  • Facilitate air travel requests for incident resources. Protect and preserve all personally identifiable information (PII).
  • Brief replacement as needed.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Develop and maintain communication with expanded dispatch personnel.
  • Brief and keep subordinates informed and updated.
  • Attend incident operational briefings and meetings as directed.
  • Participate in functional area briefings as directed.
  • Compile unit documentation for preplanning/strategy meetings.
  • Attend planning and strategy meetings as directed.
  • Respond to requests for information about resources.
  • Ensure relevant information is exchanged during briefings.
  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

  • Ensure established guidelines are followed for work/rest, personal protective equipment (PPE), and communication within the Demobilization Unit.
  • Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
  • Account for location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety practices and procedures for yourself and all personnel within the Demobilization Unit.

Document

  • Prepare and submit completed original documents as appropriate for each operational period.
  • Compile unit documentation for the final incident package and provide to the Documentation Unit Leader (DOCL).
  • Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:

Demobilize

  • Prepare input to final narrative and transition plan as requested.
  • Coordinate an efficient transfer of the position duties and complete the transition document or the closeout report at the end of the assignment, including any unresolved items.
  • Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities.
  • Coordinate demobilization for incident resources:
    • Anticipate demobilization of resources.
    • Provide resource glide path, length of assignment, and last workday information to C&G for demobilization planning.
    • Prepare and post demobilization schedule.
    • Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures are followed.
  • Complete the demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
  • Upon demobilization, report your status to your home unit and incident supervisor, including estimated time of arrival (ETA) to final destination.

 

USWDS Paragraph Bundles

Last Modified / Reviewed:

Please Provide Feedback

NWCG values your constructive input and we thank you for taking the time to provide feedback.

Although contact information is optional, we hope that you provide a way for us to contact you in case we need clarification on your comment. If you would like to be contacted regarding your feedback, you must provide contact information. 

Would you like a response?
If you would like a response, you must provide contact information (name and email) below.
One file only.
2 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, eps, tif, pict, psd, txt, rtf, html, odf, pdf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx, xls, xlsx, xml, avi, mov, mp3, mp4, ogg, wav, bz2, dmg, gz, jar, rar, sit, svg, tar, zip.

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters

Date: January 15, 2025
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters. Non-specification fire shelters claiming to meet Forest Service (FS) fire shelter specification 5100-606 were first found in February of 2023. As of September 2024, non-specification shelters are again being advertised and sold on the open market.

This Safety Warning outlines details and recommended procedures to purchase FS specification shelters made with materials and components that meet performance criteria and toxicity testing requirements outlined in FS Specification 5100-606. 

For additional information on identifying non-specification shelters, please view ETC Safety Warning 23-01.

References:

ETC Safety Warning 25-001: Non-specification fire shelters

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee

ETC Safety Warning 23-01

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Awards

Date: January 14, 2025
Contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee has awarded the 2023 Paul Gleason “Lead By Example” awards to individuals in the categories of Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Sam Bowen, Superintendent of the Mark Twain Veteran Crew with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Greg Titus, Zone Fire Management Officer for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • Renae Crippen, Manager of the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Eric Carlson, Instructor with OMNA International.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Interview with Paul Gleason

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505