Fire muster challenges Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
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. 

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