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"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."

President John F. Kennedy

Experiential Learning - Tactical Decision Games (TDGS) / Sand Table Exercises / Staff Rides
Background Information.
Tactical decision games or TDG’s to include sand table exercises (STEX) have become a standard tool used in the delivery of many NWCG courses. In addition to use in NWCG courses STEX in particular have found widespread use as both a training tool and After Action Review (AAR) aid at the local level. The value of this training tool stems from its ability to deliver a high fidelity training experience, that is to say that the tool allows students to visualize fire situations and requires them to make decisions regarding these situations in a “high stress” environment. The success of these exercises requires that a facilitator have training in effective delivery methods.
Related links.
Tactical Decision Games Library
Sponsored by the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program, the Tactical Decision Game Library is comprised of two main categories: Fire Safety Tactical Decision Games (TDGS) and Actual Incidents TDGS.
Visit website.
Sand table exercise, with trees, slope, and stream.

Wildland Fire Training
Web site that enables access to Local Area, Geographic Area, National, and other related Interagency Wildland Fire Training information.

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program
Web site provides information which allows individuals to strive for a higher performance level as a leader through self-directed learning opportunities.

Refresher Training
The web site, updated annually, offers guidance, agency policies, emerging issues, training materials and topics to assist instructors in preparing to teach annual refresher training.

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