"About Us" - WFLDP

(Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay)

When most people think of the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP), they think of the L-courses (L-180, L-280, L-380, L-381, L-480, L-481, and L-580). Did you know that the curriculum is only one of three components that make up the WFLDP? 

WFLDP Components

 A quick search of the WLFDP website (www.fireleadership.gov under "Program Components") reveals a short description of the three components: 

• Formal curriculum path that provides leadership skills training at all stages of an individuals career. In conjunction with this training curriculum, leadership skills will be integrated into the NWCG position task book performance assessment system.
• Value set that supports principle-centered leadership actions in a high-risk work environment. 
• Non-traditional leadership development opportunities that allow individuals to strive for a higher performance level as a leader through self-directed continuous learning.

A few weeks ago Monica Morrison shared the value set (Duty, Respect, and Integrity) and the principle-centered leadership actions that make use a better wildland fire service. The best way to understand our value set is to read Leading in the Wildland Fire Service. 

In April and May, we will dive into the formal curriculum patch. Our Curriculum Management Leads (CMLs) will showcase each course with our followers. Be the first to know what changes are coming to a course near you.

The third and one of the most overlooked components is self-directed continuous learning (a.k.a. lifelong learning or self-development). You can have a set of values and attend a bunch of training, but if you don't put both into action and continuously seek to improve, you are not reaching your full potential. The Leadership Toolbox (accessible via the navigation menu on the left side of the WFLDP website) and our social media platforms provide avenues to help followers develop their leadership art. 

Over the next couple of weeks, we will get a good grasp of the social media platforms and our blog (I mean "your" blog; yes, you can write, too.) These are forums where we can come together and share our opinions, expertise, and knowledge. We don't subscribe a specific line of thought; however, we encourage our followers to know about the different arts and let the leader adapt to their specific style and needs. We will endorse certain philosophies, but never dictate or judge an idea.

Who manages the WFLDP?

The WFLDP is sponsored by the participating agencies of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group and could not survive without the dedicated servants in charge of program elements. For agency representatives, curriculum suggestions or recommendations, or self-development tool assistance see the contact rosters below:

• NWCG Leadership Committee (LC) - made up of one representative per agency, a NWCG Branch Manager, and committee support
• Leadership Curriculum Management Subcommittee (LCSC) - made up of one or two fire professionals for each course
• Ad hoc/Program Coordinators - members from the field or the LC/LCSC with functional responsibility and oversight of the leadership development tools.