How to become a Squad Boss

A Trainee must meet prerequisite experience, physical fitness and Required Training listed below, and complete the NWCG FFT1 Position Task Book (PTB) as a trainee on multiple fire assignments.

Prerequisite experience to qualify as a Squad Boss Trainee:

Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) or Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM)

Other Training which supports development of knowledge and skills:

Position Task Book:

Local Conservancy Burn Boss or Fire Manager may Initialize and Agency Certify the FFT1 PTB. The Fire Management Coordinator must Initialize and Agency Certify all task books for a designated Fire Manager.

Position Currency

To remain qualified as a Squad Boss:

Position Documentation

A Squad Boss is responsible for maintaining awarded training certificates, Position Task Books, fitness test documentation, and a log or record of their wildland fire experience. Typical fire experience log will contain: specific dates and locations of fire assignments; fire name, size, type and fuels; and position(s) held by the individual. The Conservancy may retain copies of these documents in a state or local office in support of a trainee's development or while maintaining a qualified individual's information in the IQCS database.

Last updated May 20, 2011.