The Wildland Fire Technology AS degree is designed for students who want to gain certification as a wildland firefighter through the National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG). This program provides training in hand crew formation, fire line construction, and the use of wildland fire equipment. Students learn about wildland fire crews (engine crews, hand crews, hotshot crews, helitak crews, and smokejumpers), wildland fire behavior, wildland fire fighter personal protective equipment, wildland firefighter safety, helicopter safety, dozer safety, wildland fire pumps, and wildland fire tools and firing devices. This program includes arduous physical conditioning including hiking with up to 45 pounds of weight and other strenuous outdoor activities. The academy exceeds the United States Forest Service (USFS) minimum training requirements for an entry-level wildland firefighter for certification purposes.