Lieutenant Col. Virgil Cole and Tech. Sgt. Curtis Cross place rolled up fire hoses onto a stretcher during a fire muster competition March 21 at an air base in Southwest Asia. Participants in the fire muster got a small taste of the training Air Force firefighters use to keep their skills sharp and save lives. Colonel Cole is from the from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Safety Office, and Sergeant Cross is assigned to the 380th AEW anti-terrorism office. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco)
Technical Sgt. Lee Kvittem and Airman 1st Class Heather Bennett take part in the bucket brigade competition during a fire muster challenge March 21 at an air base in Southwest Asia. For this challenge, competitors had to throw buckets of water on a simulated roof, which would run down a gutter and fill a garbage can. Once the water reached the correct level, the challenge was complete and the team's time was recorded. Both were from the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron fire muster team. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco)
Members of the 380th Expeditionary Mission Support Group fire muster team don protective suits during the "midnight fire alarm" challenge of a fire muster challenge March 21 at an air base in Southwest Asia. A total of 56 Airmen made up 14 teams who competed in events such as a dummy carry, bucket brigade and fire hose roll-up. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco)
by Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
3/27/2009 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Airmen and Soldiers were put to the test in the air and space expeditionary force rotation 7/8 fire muster March 21 here.
A fire muster is a fire department competition consisting of several different events from a dummy drag, putting out a "fire" using a bucket brigade, rolling up a hose, and litter carry; all activities that resemble training the Air Force firefighters use to keep their lifesaving skills sharp.
"We hold a fire muster once every rotation to raise awareness among the base populace about what our firefighters go through and to provide a small taste of their experience," said Lt. Col. Mark Sloan, the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron commander. "It still doesn't equate to the unusually challenging physiological adjustments they go through requiring both strength and stamina at the same time, in high heat, and while breathing oxygen on a tank."
Each challenge is just a sample of the complex and vital job for military firefighters and first responders. The fire muster is an opportunity to "walk" in a different career field's shoes.
"I have a new appreciation for the fire department," said Staff Sgt. Christian Johnson, a 380th Expeditionary Mission Support Group knowledge manager and member of the EMSG fire muster team. "I knew that it was a tough career field, but trying what they do on a daily basis definitely opens your eyes."
The AEF 7/8 fire muster continues an AEF fire emergency services tradition that lets everyone on base an opportunity for good spirited physical competition and morale building regardless of rank, Air Force specialty code or athletic ability, said Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Orona, the 380th ECES fire chief.
"The participation level was outstanding," said Staff Sgt. Nathan Elkins, a 380th ECES fire protection company officer. "All the participants showed great team work, which is what we as firefighters depend on."
This rotation, 14 teams participated for a total of 56 competitors. The wing staff agency team took first place in a head-to-head final match up against the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron team. With a 10 second difference in their overall times, the winner took home the prize.
