Advisers fight fire with knowledge

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Randy Redman
  • 321st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGHDAD (AFNS) --  Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air advisers provided critical training to Iraqi firefighters at New Al-Muthana Air Base Jan. 24.

The class, spearheaded by NAMAB's Base Transition Team - Det. 3, taught 24 Iraqi firefighters how to safely handle a fire aboard an Iraqi C-130 Hercules.

The class is part of the detachment's ongoing effort to advise, mentor and train Iraqi partners toward self-sustainment as Operation New Dawn approaches its Dec. 31, 2011, drawdown deadline.

"I've concentrated my efforts toward aircraft firefighting and aircraft familiarization since airfield operations and the flying mission are the (top) priorities," said Tech. Sgt. Todd Barnett, an ITAM-Air adviser.

"Without regular training exercises and familiarization classes, skill sets can diminish and missions can fail," he added. "I'm trying to instill the importance of regular proficiency training to my Iraqi firefighter brothers."

The event was the fourth major training opportunity with Iraqi firefighters since Sergeant Barnett arrived in country more than two months ago. 

Sergeant Barnett recently coordinated a joint exercise between Iraqi and American contract firefighters at Sather Air Base and neighboring NAMAB.

This training provides basic firefighting concepts, aircrew extraction and response measures, said Captain Deville, an ITAM-Air adviser.  

The training, which has grown from initial concept to four classes in two months under Sergeant Barnett's leadership, is critical for Iraqi firefighters who have had minimal experience with air force aircraft following Operation Iraqi Freedom, the captain said.

In addition to aircraft fire training, Sergeant Barnett and the NAMAB base transition team trained the Iraqi air force firefighters how to use recently purchased TI-1500 Osh Kosh fire trucks.

Tech. Sgt. Amy Everhard, a NAMAB BTT teammate, said she's been very impressed by the enthusiasm her Iraqi partners demonstrated throughout the course, which was designed to give Iraqi firefighters insight on how U.S. Airmen operate.

"The (Iraqi air force) 'fire dawgs' are invested in learning how the U.S. Air Force responds to aircraft fires and are eager for more knowledge," Sergeant Everhard said.

The NAMAB team plans to quench the Iraqi firefighters' thirst for knowledge with future exercises and classes on structural firefighting strategies and tactics.