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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

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NEW! S-420, Intermediate Incident Management Available Now
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Date:  October 26, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Qualifications Management Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-420, Intermediate Incident Management (Instructor-led) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal! This performance-based course is designed to prepare individuals interested in serving on a Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT).

Prior to attending S-420, students must be qualified as a Type 3 Command and General Staff, Unit Leaders, or Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS). Students will also be required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-300, Intermediate Incident Command System (ICS) for Expanding Incidents and one of the following:

  • S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams
  • O-305, Type 3 All-Hazards Incident Management Team Introduction
  • H-337, Command and General Staff Functions for Local Incident Management Teams

References:

S-420, Intermediate Incident Management (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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

Date:  October 23, 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. 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 Spring 2027 positions listed below:

  • Finance/Administration Section Chief Complex (FSCC) 
  • Incident Commander Complex (ICCI)
  • Logistics Section Chief Complex (LSCC)
  • Operations Section Chief Complex (OSCC)
  • Planning Section Chief Complex (PSCC)
  • Safety Officer Complex (SOFC)
  • Base/Camp Manager (BCMG)
  • Infrared Interpreter (IRIN)
  • Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1)
  • Situation Unit Leader (SITL)
     

Projects begin mid-January 2027. Sign up by November 15, 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)

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Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for FOBS
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Date:  October 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Planning Management Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Field Observer (FOBS).

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 Field Observer Position Page

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Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for GISS
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Date:  October 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Integration Management Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS).

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 Geographic Information System Specialist Position Page