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Task Force Leader

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

TFLD Qualification Requirements

Required Training

Required Experience

  • Satisfactory performance as Strike Team Leader including (STCR, STEQ, STEN) (see note)
  • AND Completion and Certification of NWCG Task Force Leader (TFLD) Position Task Book, PMS 311-10

OR

  • Satisfactory performance in any two Single Resource Boss positions (one must be CRWB or ENGB)
  • AND Satisfactory performance as an Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4)
  • AND Completion and Certification of NWCG Task Force Leader (TFLD) Position Task Book, PMS 311-10

OR

  • Satisfactory performance in any two Strike Team Leader positions (STCR, STEQ, STEN) (see note)

Note: The Task Force Leader (TFLD) and Strike Team Leader (STCR, STEQ, STEN) PTBs are combined. However, the positions are not combined. Strike Team Leader tasks are completed only once. The required experience for TFLD must be met before completing additional TFLD tasks.

Exception: Once qualified as a Strike Team Leader (STCR, STEQ, or STEN), any additional Strike Team Leader qualification will also qualify the individual as Task Force Leader—without having to complete the Task Force Leader PTB.​

If a TFLD meets the prerequisite experience and qualifications of a STL, the appropriate STL qualification may be granted by the certifying official. Certification must be documented on a ‘verification/certification’ page of the TFLD PTB.”

Physical Fitness Level: Arduous

Duties involve fieldwork requiring physical performance calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning. These duties may include an occasional demand for extraordinarily strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods of time. Requirements include running, walking, climbing, jumping, twisting, bending, and lifting more than 50 pounds; the pace of work typically is set by the emergency situation.

These Positions Maintain Currency For TFLD

  • Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS)
  • Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO)
  • Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3)
  • Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4)
  • Operation Section Chief Complex (OSCC)
  • Operations Section Chief Type 1 (OSC1)
  • Operations Section Chief Type 2 (OSC2)
  • Operations Section Chief Type 3, Wildland Fire (OPS3)
  • Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1)
  • Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2)
  • Safety Officer Type 3 (SOF3)
  • Strike Team Leader including (STCR, STEQ, STEN)
  • Structure Protection Specialist (STPS)

TFLD Maintains Currency For These Positions

Other Training Which Supports Development Of Knowledge And Skills

 
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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 

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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