Returning AD Handcrew Members Rookie School Page

Important: Please do not complete any tasks if you have not been accepted into the program and have turned in Hiring Paperwork! 

To get cleared for Rookie School, you must complete all tasks outlined on this checklist. 

Returning Handcrew Member Checklist  

If you run into any issues with links or are having trouble accessing information, please email Fire Business at BLM_NV_SND_Firebusiness@blm.gov

1. Please review the 2026 AD Handcrew Standard Operating Procedures linked below. 

2. Once complete, please sign the signature page. The signature page will be one of the required documents that will need to be uploaded upon the completion of your Checklist. 

2026 AD Handcrew Standard Operating Procedures

SOP Signature Page  

The 2026 Rookie School Agenda Coming Soon! 

What to Bring on First Day Rookie School 

• Valid Drivers License (Valid ID if you don't have a Drivers License).

• Arrive in athletic apparel to complete the Work Capacity Test (WCT).  Boots are not required for the Work Capacity Test (first day of Rookie School).  However, they will be required during Rookie School.

• Water and snacks (first day of Rookie School).  Water and meals will be provided during Rookie School.

What to Bring the Week of Rookie School (Recommended)

• Rain Gear (poncho, etc.)

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Bug repellant 

• Set of civilian clothes

• Belt (to wear Nomex pants properly and safely)

• Towel and shower essentials

• Boots (must meet wildland firefighter standards)

• Hygiene products

• Sweatshirt/jacket

• Extra t-shirts

• Underwear/extra hiking socks

• Baby powder/Gold Bond powder

• Pillow

• Any medications if needed

• Cell phone charger

What the BLM will provide during Rookie School

• Nomex fire pants and fire shirt

• Fire line pack (IA pack/web gear)

• Fire shelter

• Hard hat with chin strap

• Goggles

• Ear plugs

• Leather gloves

• Headlamp with extra batteries

• Fire aid kit

• Canteens

• 14-day bag (red bag)

• Sleeping bag

• Tent

• Grey sleeping pad

If you do not make it to Rookie School, you will not be paid for any Preseason Training. 

AD Handcrew candidates will be paid for the Preseason Meeting and Preseason requirements including Rookie School.  Payment for all training will be completed after Rookie School (May). 

We will not be paying for travel for Preseason Meeting and Rookie School. All travel costs must be covered by the candidate.

Candidates will be classified as a FFT2-T (Firefighter 2 Trainee/New AD) or FFT2 (Qualified Returning AD).  

 FFT2-T is an AD-B rate = $20.24 per hour (2025 AD Rate)

*Subject to change when 2026 AD Pay Plan is updated for 2026

FFT2 is an AD-C rate = $22.60 per hour (2025 AD Rate)

*Subject to change when 2026 AD Pay Plan is updated for 2026

AD Handcrew candidates will be paid for the Preseason Meeting and Preseason requirements including Rookie School.  Payment for all training will be completed after Rookie School (May). 

We will not be paying for travel for Preseason Meeting and Rookie School. All travel costs must be covered by the candidate.

Candidates will be classified as a FFT2-T (Firefighter 2 Trainee/New AD) or FFT2 (Qualified Returning AD).  

Please refer to the NIFC Website below for the AD Pay Plans 

(Be advised the 2026 Pay Plan has yet to be posted)

AD Pay Plans | National Interagency Fire Center

Allotted Hours for Preseason Training

Preseason Meeting: Maximum of 4.5 hours (varies for each AD)

Online Fire Refresher Training:  4 Hours

CPR Online Course:  4 Hours (only if you are not already CPR/First Aid Qualified for the year)

Defensive Driving:  4 Hours (only if you need to recertify. This expires every 3 years)

Physical Fitness  

Below are the following definitions for Medical Standards Requirements:

• Baseline Physical is your initial baseline physical examination by a physician - New Handcrew Members would fall into this category. 

• Self-Certification Physical is if you have had a Physical (Baseline or Periodic) within the last 3 years or less with a status of Sufficient. 

• Periodic Physical is a physical by a physician every three years.

Fire Busines will initiate physicals for AD Handcrew members that require a periodic physical if you do not meet the timeframe requirements to self-certify. 

Please schedule/complete your physical as soon as possible.

Monitor your Junk/SPAM Folders for emails.  

All Non-Qualified determinations require a standard risk mitigation/waiver process.

Email Fire Business at blm_nv_snd_firebusiness@blm.gov if you have any questions or concerns.