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Incident Commander Type 3

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flow Chart, PMS 308

ICT3 Qualification Requirements

Required Training

Required Experience

  • Satisfactory performance as an Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4)
  • AND Satisfactory performance as a Task Force Leader (TFLD)
  • AND Completion and Certification of NWCG Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3) Position Task Book, PMS 311-02

OR

  • Satisfactory performance as an Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4)
  • AND Satisfactory performance as Strike Team Leader including (STCR, STEQ, STEN)
  • AND Satisfactory performance in any two Single Resource Boss positions (one must be CRWB or ENGB)
  • AND Completion and Certification of NWCG Incident Commander Type 3 (ICT3) Position Task Book, PMS 311-02

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 ICT3

  • Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS)
  • Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS)
  • Incident Commander Type 2 (ICT2)
  • Operations Branch Director (OPBD)
  • 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)
  • Strike Team Leader including (STCR, STEN, STEQ)
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)

ICT3 Maintains Currency For These Positions

  • Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS)
  • Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)
  • Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2)
  • Incident Commander Complex (ICCI)
  • Incident Commander Type 2 (ICT2)
  • Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4)
  • Operations Branch Director (OPBD)
  • Operation Section Chief Complex (OSCC)
  • Operations Section Chief Type 2 (OSC2)
  • Operations Section Chief Type 3, Wildland Fire (OPS3)
  • Single Resource Boss including (CRWB, HEQB, ENGB, FELB, FIRB)
  • Strategic Operational Planner (SOPL)
  • Strike Team Leader including (STCR, STEN, STEQ)
  • Structure Protection Specialist (STPS)
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)

Other Training Which Supports Development Of Knowledge And Skills

Note

Once qualified as a ICT3, the OPS3, PSC3, LSC3 and FSC3 qualifications may be granted by the certifying official. Certification must be documented on a “verification/certification” page of the applicable PTB.

This is an inherently wildland fire position. All-hazards Incident Commander Type 3s will need to meet the wildland fire endorsement for Incident Commander Type 4 before moving up to Incident Commander Type 3. Rationale for not endorsing is based on the complexity of the wildland fire ICT3 position. Wildland fire has Extended Attack incidents as well as Type 3 Incident Management Teams (IMTS); each requires variable skills from the ICT3 in command. With the implementation of Complex Incident Management, the path forward on the wildland fire side is still unclear.

Alternative Pathways to NWCG Qualification

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Date: May 10, 2024
Contact: IFUASS Qualification and Curriculum Board (IFUASS) 

The 2024 revision of the NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515 is now available. PMS 515 standardizes the processes and procedures for interagency use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including pilot inspections and approvals. This publication is now available as a PDF for easy use offline.

References:

NWCG Standards for Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations, PMS 515

Memorandum 24-003: Removal of Type 1 Command and General Staff (C&G) Incident Position Qualification Pathways

Date: May 10, 2024
Contact: Aitor Bidaburu 

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide NWCG direction for removal of the Type 1 Command and General Staff (C&G) incident position qualification pathways to transition to Complex Incident Management (CIM). Responders may continue to utilize available NWCG pathways to attain Type 1 C&G qualifications until December 31, 2024.

References:

Memorandum 24-003

CIM Story Map

2024 Professional Reading Program

Date: April 26, 2024
Contact: Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) 

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program is announcing the 2024 Professional Reading list! The intent of the Professional Reading Program is to promote the reading and discussion of these books throughout the year. Discussion guides are provided and the corresponding Wildland Fire Leadership Levels have been identified.

The five books chosen for this year are: Young Men and Fire by Norman Maclean, The Wisdom of the Bullfrog by William H. McRaven, The Art of Clear Thinking by Hasard Lee, Emotional Agility by Susan David, and Writing to Persuade by Trish Hall.

References:

Professional Reading Program

Wildland Fire Leadership Levels

NWCG Training Catalog now on Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Date: April 25, 2023
Contact: NWCG Training  

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) has migrated the training catalog from the NWCG website to the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP) as part of our ongoing efforts to streamline processes and improve efficiency. To facilitate this transition, the training catalog remains available on www.nwcg.gov through April 2024.

Starting May 2024, the training catalog will no longer be accessible on www.nwcg.gov. However, you can still access the complete training catalog by logging in as a guest to the WFLP.

References:

Wildland Fire Learning Portal