Pelletier on Three Distractions of 2022

Three Distractions of 2022
e. L. Pelletier (04/2022)

It's that time of year again, crews, modules, and engines coming together, sniffing butts, and forming cohesive teams. At least in the wildland fire world, that's what is happening on the ground level. No doubt there will be talk, questions, and rumors about a new job classification, higher pay, and whether we need to suppress every fire start immediately. Depending on where you fall in your organization's food chain, these things are just a distraction for most of us.

That said, let's acknowledge.

Forestry Technicians are firefighters, as well as mechanics, sign builders, building painters, lawnmowers, and other miscellaneous jobs we get tasked with during the fire season. The only thing we are not is "unskilled laborers." Every morning when you wake up, put on your greens, lace your puts, and go to the station; hold your head high. You are appreciated by your family, friends, colleagues, the communities you serve, and me. So, regardless of the title in your job description, be the best you can be.

Finances are a significant stressor and can impact our ability to think clearly and focus. We deserve and need to make a "living wage," but it's not something we can change as the boots on the ground. Many organizations and groups are doing great work on our behalves, bringing this injustice to light. Support those organizations on social media and by joining their mail campaigns to members of Congress and senators.

Side note to any program leads that might read this; maybe a personal finance and budgeting section should be added to the RT-130 program.

While the first two items we as crew, module, or engine members have no control over and begrudgingly have to accept, this third one might be the most difficult to get past. My first season in wildland fire was in 2006, and like you, being a student of fire, I have read and witnessed many approaches to fire and fuels management; unfortunately, the general public hasn't. In a moment of vulnerability, I'll admit that even my own family (wife and kids) do not understand that not every fire is a raging force of destruction.

We may be on the ground, hiking, or being flown in, but we are not the decision-makers. Many incident commands would agree they aren't the decision-makers either. The land managers, superintendents, rangers, or other overhead positions, are the ones who are accountable for the policy handed down to them. If you feel a decision is too risky, use page 19 in your IRPG. Otherwise, complete the task at hand as asked. Then take advantage of the AAR to voice your concerns afterward instead of sitting quietly in the circle when the question is asked, "what can we do next time."

I learned a valuable lesson early on in my career when I became very frustrated that my ideas weren't being heard. Being respectful of the chain of command, I went to my supervisor and expressed my concern. After reminding me that I was "only" a GS-3 seasonal, he helped me understand the difference between being heard and being implemented. Everyone has suggestions, some good, some bad, and just because they may be good doesn't mean they'll be enacted.

If there are any GS-3s reading this, you are not "only" a GS-3; if you're a 1039 seasonal, you aren't just a temporary employee. You have ideas and should share them, but be humble enough to know the time isn't always suitable for them to be tried at the time.

It's the beginning of the end. Before we know it, we'll have wracked up 700-1,000 hours of OT, eaten our fair share of MREs, and turned our gear back in. Be smart, safe, and strong.

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e. L. Pelletier held a career seasonal position with FWS and BIA. He left the wildland fire service to pursue other avenues but will return this season. e. L. is passionate about leadership and self-development. We appreciate e. L's willingness to share his thoughts with our audience. The thoughts are those of the author.