ITAM-Air advisors fight fire with knowledge

Published Jan. 27, 2011
By Tech. Sgt. Randy Redman
321st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGHDAD -- Iraq Training and Advisory Mission - Air advisors 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," explained Tech. Sgt. Todd Barnett, an ITAM-Air advisor deployed from Joint Base Charleston, Charleston, S.C.

"Without regular training exercises and familiarization classes, skill sets can diminish and missions can fail. 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. The Columbus, Ohio-native said he 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," explained Captain Deville, an ITAM-Air advisor deployed from Langley Air Force Base, Va., who calls Ville Platte, La., his home.

The captain said 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.

In addition to aircraft fire training, Sergeant Barnett and the NAMAB base transition team trained the IqAF 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 IqAF 'fire dawgs' are invested in learning how the U.S. Air Force responds to aircraft fires and are eager for more knowledge," said Sergeant Everhard.

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