STANDARDS FOR 

VETERAN CREW 

OPERATIONS

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

February 2024
CHAPTER 1

STANDARDS FOR VETERAN CREW 

OPERATIONS DEFINITION, POLICY AND

MISSION STATEMENT

DEFINITION

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) veteran crews are a unique resource within wildland 

fire, and they are configured as Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC), Type 2 Initial

Attack (T2IA), or Fire Suppression Module (FSM). Veteran crews are comprised 

primarily of veterans and serve a dual mission of providing highly skilled hand crews for 

all aspects of wildland fire management while recruiting, employing, and training veterans 

as wildland firefighters and promoting individual career development for placement 

throughout all disciplines within the BLM. The BLM Fire and Aviation Directorate 

(FAD) financially supports crews in each of the following states: Arizona, California, 

Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Wyoming as identified in the Interagency Standards for 

Fire and Fire Aviation Operations, Chapter 2, BLM Veteran Crews. The Standards for 

Veteran Crew Operations applies only to those crews.

POLICY

BLM states that host a BLM veteran crew shall provide direction, support, and review 

processes that ensure veteran crew operations are safe, effective, and meet the veteran 

crew mission and standard as outlined in this document. Veteran crew base funding 

additions to Arizona, California, Montana, Nevada, Oregon/Washington, and Wyoming 

must be maintained by the states, less appropriate indirect costs. Indirect support costs are

limited to 10 percent. The BLM Veteran Fire Program Committee will facilitate any 

proposed revisions to these standards under the direction of the BLM Fire and Aviation 

Directorate (FAD).

OBJECTIVE

The Standards for Veteran Crew Operations provides the standards for crew operations

and will be adhered to by crew members, crew leadership, fire managers, and agency 

administrators. It provides the basis for planning, administration, and crew operations. The

standards are used as a measure of crew qualifications, and to ensure that crews are 

meeting the individual crewmembers’ development goals, and overall development of the 

modules.

MISSION STATEMENT

Provide a safe, professional, and highly skilled hand crew comprised primarily of 

veterans, for all functions within wildland fire operations that has an emphasis on career

development within all disciplines of the BLM.

PROGRAM EMPHASIS

Veteran crews can be utilized to meet management objectives other than the primary

mission of wildland fire operations. Veteran crews place specific emphasis on individual 

veteran development, with the intent of creating better qualified and well-rounded 

employees, in preparation for a successful career within the BLM. Veteran crews are 

expected to perform within the specific crew type classification (TI, T2IA, FSM) while
also highlighting the strengths and skillsets brought forth and expanded upon from a 

previous background in military service. The BLM recognizes that experience and 

situational maturity gained during military service (e.g., leadership, communication skills, 

aviation skills, medical skills) is of great value to the agency and should be acknowledged 

and integrated into crew operations. These skills should also be evaluated when placing a 

veteran to best capture the individual strengths and areas of interest, and to prepare the

individual veteran for future employment opportunities within BLM. Veteran crew use 

includes:

• Wildfire Operations

• All Hazard Operations

• Resource Management

• Training Cadre Members

• CISM/Peer Support Training

• Advanced Medical Training

• UAS Operations

• Aviation Training

• Communications Training

• Vehicle/Heavy Equipment

Training Operations

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

Veteran crews acknowledge the responsibility to uphold the highest standard of ethics as a 

professional wildland fire resource as well as the responsibility to adhere to agency policy. 

Veteran crews will set the example and exhibit the highest standard of professionalism 

when representing our program and agency. Veteran crews continually strive to diversify 

their skillset portfolio, and crew members will only perform duties that they are fully 

qualified, trained, and equipped to accomplish safely. Veteran crews embody a workplace 

free of harassment and will always provide support, guidance, training, and mentorship to

the rest of the fire community. It is the intent of all the veteran crews to build a 

professional reputation based on duty, respect, and integrity. The basic tenets are:

Duty – Get the job done quickly and correctly the first time.

Respect – You get what you give and treat everyone the way you wish to be

treated. 

Integrity – Uphold agency policy, and be accountable with local units, incident 

management teams, adjacent resources, and your own crew.

NATIONAL ROLES AND EXPECTATIONS

Veteran crews should work with their district and state management to make sure there is 

a unified and coordinated statewide strategy that is aligned with the national mission of the

veteran crew program. There is an expectation that managers at all levels will support the 

recruitment, retention, and career development of all veteran crew members.

BLM HAND CREW COMMITTEE

The BLM Hand Crew Committee (HCC) is formed under the authority of the BLM Fire 

Operations Group. The mission of the HCC is to provide the BLM Interagency Hotshot 

Crews (IHCs) and BLM Veteran Hand Crews a conduit for consistent information flow 

between state and national fire operations programs, local fire managers, and local agency 

administrators. 
CHAPTER 2

STANDARDS FOR VETERAN CREW OPERATIONS 

STANDARDS AND QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM VETERAN CREW LEADERSHIP STAFFING

Veteran crews will be staffed to accomplish veteran crew missions and objectives. Veteran

crews should strive to maintain a minimum of seven permanent/career seasonal positions, 

five permanent/career seasonals for FSM and have a long-term plan that works towards a 

100 percent veteran crew. States that host a veteran crew should have a succession plan in 

place for veteran and non-veteran crewmembers as they progress on the crew and look to 

move off the crew.

Minimum veteran crew leadership will include the following positions as part of the table of 

organization:

T2IA Leadership:

One Superintendent OR One Superintendent

One Assistant Superintendent/Captain Two Assistant Superintendent/Captain

Three Squad Leaders Two Squad Leaders

Two Senior Firefighters Two Senior Firefighters

FSM Leadership:

One Superintendent OR One Superintendent

One Assistant Superintendent/Captain One Assistant Superintendent/Captain

Two Squad Leaders One Squad Leader

One Senior Firefighters Two Senior Firefighters

POSITION DESCRIPTIONS

While specific job descriptions of leadership personnel may vary among veteran crews,

each crew will provide the positions to perform the following functions:

Superintendent

The superintendent is a permanent employee with administrative and supervisory skills to 

conduct training and sufficient fire experiences to provide capable leadership to the crew. 

The superintendent is responsible for all crew program management activities including

certification that the crew is available for incident assignments. This position recruits and 

develops veteran employees within the wildland fire crew environment. The 

superintendent should work with management at the local and state level to formulate 

developmental plans for crew members to meet the BLM Fire Veteran program mission of

developing career opportunities for our nations’ veterans. This is a career position.

Assistant Superintendent/Captain

Assists the superintendent in all aspects of crew management and fills the role of acting 

Superintendent. This is a career position.
Squad Leader

Provides day-to-day leadership for squad members. Keeps crew superintendent and 

assistant superintendent/captain informed on all aspects related to safe and effective crew

operations. This is a career position.

Senior Firefighter

Serves as a senior wildland firefighter on a hand crew, or on a wildland or prescribed fire 

module. Performs all aspects of wildland and prescribed fire operations including 

preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop up. Collects fire weather data, fuel

and/or soil moisture samples, maps projects, and maintains records. Performs the duties of

a chainsaw operator and performs chainsaw maintenance and minor repair. May on 

occasion serve as driver of a crew carrier. Veteran crews will strive to fill these positions 

with veteran crew members whenever possible.

Firefighter

In effort to maintain a high level of capability and experience level, no more than 40

percent of the crew should be first-year firefighters.

REQUIRED AND EXPECTED STANDARDS FOR BLM VETERAN CREWS

In support of the BLM Veteran Crew program’s dual mission of providing a highly skilled

and mobile wildland firefighting force and providing veterans with career developmental 

opportunities, BLM veteran crews will be expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Veteran crews shall strive for 100 percent veteran staffing.

• Veteran crew leadership shall coordinate with local unit to develop and implement a 

succession plan based on individual development plans (IDP) and organizational

needs.

• Succession plans shall provide for the development and advancement of all crew 

members (veteran and non-veteran), with a focus on career development opportunities

throughout the BLM.

• Local units shall consider all shoulder season work and training opportunities for

interested veterans.

• Veteran crew leadership and local units may utilize all available and appropriate

hiring authorities, and appointment types to support the program mission.
BLM Hand Crew Standards by Type

Crew Type Type 1 IHC Type 2 IA

Veteran

Type 2 IA

Standard

Fire

Suppression

Module

Veteran

Fire Suppression 

Module

Standard

Crew Size* Minimum 20

Maximum 25

Minimum 18

Maximum 20

Minimum 18

Maximum 25

Minimum 5

Maximum 10

Minimum 5

Maximum 12

Leadership

Qualifications

1 Supt.

1 Asst. Supt.

3 Squad Leaders

2 Senior 

Firefighters (FFT1)

OR

1 Supt.

2 Asst. Supt.

2 Squad Leaders

2 Senior 

Firefighters (FFT1).

1 CRWB

3 ICT5

1 Superintendent

1 Asst.

Superintendent 3

Squad Leaders

2 Senior FFT’s 

(FFT1)

OR

1 Superintendent

2 Asst. 

Superintendent 2

Squad Leaders

2 Senior FFT’s 

(FFT1).

1 single 

resource boss 

(SRB)/ICT5

2 FFT1

1 Superintendent

1 Asst.

Superintendent 2

Squad Leaders

1 Senior FFT’s 

(FFT1)

OR

1 Superintendent

1 Asst. 

Superintendent 1

Squad Leaders

2 Senior FFT’s 

(FFT1).

Fireline Capability Initial Attack – Can 

be broken up into 

squads, fireline 

construction, 

complex firing 

operations 

(backfire).

Initial Attack – Can 

be broken up into 

squads, fireline 

construction, firing 

to include burnout.

Same as

Type 1

Operates as a single 

module w/T5 

command

capability.

Same as

FSM

Language

Requirement

All senior

leadership including 

Squad Leaders and

higher must be able 

to read and interpret 

the language of the 

crew as well as 

English.

Same as

Type 1

Same as

Type 1

Same as

Type 1

Same as

Type 1

Crew Experience 80% of the 

crewmembers must

have at least 1 

season experience

in fire suppression.

60% of the 

crewmembers must

have at least 1 

season experience

in fire suppression.

60% of the 

crewmembers must

have at least 1 

season experience

in fire suppression. 

At least 50% of the 

crewmembers 

should be veterans.

Agency only 60% of the 

crewmembers must

have at least 1 

season experience

in fire suppression. 

At least 25% of the 

crewmembers 

should be veterans.

Full-Time 

Organized Crew

Yes (work and train

as a unit 40 hours

per week).

No Same as

Type 1

No Same as

Type 1

Crew Utilization National Shared 

Resource

Local unit control Local unit control Local unit control Local unit control
Communication 8 programmable 

handheld radios 

1programmable 

mobile radio in 

each truck.

4 programmable 

handheld radios.

Same as

Type 1

2 programmable 

handheld radios.

4 programmable 

handheld radios 

1programmable 

mobile radio in 

each truck.

Sawyers 4 FAL2, 50% of

crew FAL3

1 FAL2,

2 FAL3

Same as

Type 1

2 FAL3 2 FAL2, 50% of

crew FAL3

Training Asrequired by the 

Standards for 

Interagency Hotshot 

Crew Operations

OR

agency policy prior 

to assignment.

Basic firefighter 

training

OR

once red carded, 4 

hours annual 

fireline refresher 

training prior to 

assignment.

As required by the 

Standards for 

Veterans Crew 

Operations

OR

agency policy prior 

to assignment.

Basic firefighter 

training

OR

once red carded, 4 

hours annual

fireline refresher 

training prior to 

assignment.

As required by the 

Standards for 

Veterans Crew 

Operations

OR

agency policy prior 

to assignment.

Logistics Squad-level agency

purchasing 

authority.

Crew-level agency 

purchasing authority 

recommended.

Crew-level agency 

purchasing 

authority.

Self-sufficient for

48 hours;

purchasing

authority 

recommended.

Crew-level agency 

purchasing authority

Maximum Weight 5,300 lbs 5,300 lbs 5,300 lbs N/A 3,180 lbs.

Dispatch 

Availability

Available 

Nationally

Available 

Nationally

Available 

Nationally

Variable Variable

Production Factor 1.0 .8 Variable Variable Variable

Transportation Own transportation Need transportation Own transportation Own transportation Own transportation

Tools and 

Equipment

Fully equipped Not equipped Fully equipped Variable Fully equipped

Personal Gear Arrives with crew 

first aid kit, 

personal first aid 

kit, headlamp, 1-qt 

canteen, web gear, 

sleeping bag.

Same as Type 1 Same as Type 1 Same as Type 1 Same as Type 1

PPE All standard 

designated fireline 

PPE

Same as Type 1 Same as Type 1 Same as Type 1 Same as Type 1

Certification Must be annually 

certified by the 

local host unit 

Agency 

Administrator or 

designee prior to 

being made 

available for 

assignment

N/A N/A N/A N/A
CHAPTER 3

STANDARDS FOR VETERAN CREW

OPERATIONS TRAINING

TRAINING PLAN

Veteran crews will establish training plans that meet the mission objectives of the agency.

There will also be an increased emphasis on employee career development and individual 

training inside and outside of the fire organization. The following are the required 

National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) training courses and qualifications for 

veteran crew personnel by crew position:

BLM Veteran Crew Training and Qualification Requirements

Position

NWCG

Qualification Additional Required Fire Training

Firefighter FFT2 None

Senior 

Firefighter FFT1 S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior

Squad Leader FFT1, ICT5 None

Assistant 

Superintendent 

or Captain

CRWB, FIRB

S-260 Interagency Incident Business Management 

L-280 Followership to Leadership 

L-380 Fireline Leadership

Superintendent*

ICT4, TFLD, 

FIRB

None

*Units may deviate from qualification standards if initial recruitment/advertisement results in no 

qualified applicants. Qualification deviations require approval and concurrence from the hosting 

State Fire Management Officer and Division Chief, Fire Operations (FA-300).

ANNUAL TRAINING

All veteran crew personnel will meet the mandatory 40 hours of operational preparedness 

training as defined below. This will be a combination of classroom, field exercises and

other fire- related courses determined by the superintendent. This training must be 

completed before the crew is available for assignments. All training will be documented. 

Training will include but is not limited to fireline refresher, Occupational Safety and 

Health Administration (OSHA) and agency required safety training, firefighter safety 

training, first aid, fire behavior, and crew operating procedures. Refer to the Interagency 

Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations for required annual training.

OPERATIONAL PREPAREDNESS TRAINING

Veteran crews will put a strong emphasis on fireline training and building strong

individual foundations amongst all crew members. Superintendents will certify to

management that all required training is completed prior to being available for 

assignments. The following are suggested training and in no way exclude other crew 

specific training:
• Fire Behavior and Safety

• Leadership Development and Human Factors

• Lessons Learned

• Crew Organization

• Intra-Crew Communications

• Transportation/Driving

FIELD EXERCISES

Classroom training is not a substitute for field training. Veteran crews should spend

considerable time in the field whenever there is a sufficient opportunity. Field exercises 

give the crew an opportunity to train in real time and to simulate fireline and other all 

hazard scenarios. This will provide valuable opportunities to practice cut and scrape 

techniques as a crew, breaking up into squads, medivac procedures, fire shelter use, and

structure assessment and triage. Field exercises help build cohesion within the crew. They

also give firsthand views of best practices collectively learned by the overhead and crew

members. Field exercises give the crew members the time and opportunity to familiarize 

themselves with the individuals and tools that they will be working with.

FITNESS TRAINING

The physical ability to perform arduous labor is a critical part of the job for fire crews. 

Physical training helps build morale on modules by building a shared sense of hardship

and perseverance. It builds physical and mental fortitude and helps crew members prepare 

for situations they will face on the fireline. All crews will be required to participate in a 

minimum of 1-hour of fitness training during every workday that they are unassigned to 

an incident as outlined in the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation 

Operations, chapter 2. Crew overhead should emphasize a year-round physical training

regimen that includes off-season recovery workouts in the fall and winter, ramping up and 

building endurance in the spring, and beginning the western fire season in peak condition.

It has been proven that physical fitness benefits the mental well-being as well as the 

physical well-being of the individual. Building mental and physical fortitude should be 

the key goals of any physical fitness routine. Since many veteran crew members have 

previously endured physical injuries and hardships in the military, fitness regimes 

should focus on stretching, aerobic fitness and strength preseason, during season and

post season. Crews will work to build strong peer support programs and develop custom 

trainings that help address both physical and psychological hardships of the job.

All veteran crews will be required to pass the annual arduous work capacity test. 

Individuals should also participate the annual BLM Fitness Challenge, and crews should

strive to meet the following targets:

• 1.5 mile run in a time of 10:35

• 40 Sit-ups in 60 seconds

• 25 Pushups in 60 seconds

• 7 pull-ups or chin-up

AGENCY TRAINING

The local unit and the hosting state will work with crew overhead to develop the veteran 
crewmembers outside of the primary fire training. States should have a plan in place to

facilitate job training and career development that goes beyond traditional fire seasons.
CHAPTER 4

STANDARDS FOR VETERAN CREW OPERATIONS 

SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS

LOCAL UNIT SUPPORT

Veteran crews require management oversight, administrative support, and facilities to 

accomplish the mission. Veteran crews are available to assist the local unit with other resource 

management objectives when not assigned to incidents. Local units benefit from the skills, 

knowledge, and abilities of crew personnel. Veteran crews are available to assist with instruction 

of a variety of local, geographic area and national fire management courses. Home units should 

have plans to incorporate veteran crews into the broader structure of the agency. Home units 

should work with crew leadership to provide the training and support for individuals looking for 

alternate career routes within the agency. Home units should work with the veteran crew 

leadership to assist with the succession plan and to strive for 100 percent veteran staffing.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The host unit first line supervisor and agency administrator shall:

• Certify the veteran crew has met all required training and qualification standards prior to 

being made available for assignment.

• Collaborate with crew leadership and assist with creating developmental opportunities for 

crew members within the broader BLM.

• Ensure that crew health, safety and welfare needs are addressed.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

The host unit first line supervisor and agency administrator are responsible for providing 

administrative support such as personnel management, time and attendance, travel, purchasing 

and fleet management.

FACILITIES

The host unit is responsible for providing adequate facilities for the crew including office space, 

crew ready room, access to physical training facilities, equipment storage and fire cache.
CHAPTER 5

Standards for Veteran Crew Operations 

Crew Certification and Mobilization

ANNUAL CREW PREPAREDNESS REVIEWS

On an annual basis crews are required to complete a preparedness review. These reviews are 

conducted by either a local, state or national review team on a rotational basis. Regardless of the 

level of review, veteran crews, fire management officers, and agency administrators will 

complete the applicable national preparedness review checklists prior to crew mobilization.

National preparedness review checklists are updated annually and available at 

https://www.nifc.gov/standards/blm-preparedness-review.