Balad Airmen teach contractors lifesaving skills
A KBR Theater Transportation Mission Recovery senior mechanic tests the strength of a combination spreader shear, or "mini Jaws of Life," tool by cutting into a test vehicle during a refresher training session on using the tools March 5 at Balad Air Base, Iraq. The class was led by 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department Airmen. The combination spreader shear can exert 20,900 pounds per square inch of force at their tips and can both cut and force apart vehicle parts. The U.S. government contracted senior mechanics are responsible for retrieving stuck, broken down and destroyed military vehicles throughout Iraq. The tools help them to cut away obstacles from stuck vehicles as well as get inside of vehicles in the event someone is trapped inside. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Heather Cabral)