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Ali firefighters prepare Iraqis for future

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Darrell Habisch
  • 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
CAMP UR, Iraq --  Firefighters from the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron are bringing the goal of independent Iraqi operations to reality.

In a display of comradeship and hard work in December, Ali Base firefighters assisted their Iraqi counterparts toward self-sufficiency through numerous training sessions and skills tests.

With the assistance of Air Force Logistics Military Advisory Team (LMAT) personnel, Airmen from the 407th ECES Fire Department visited firefighters at Camp Ur throughout the month training them in the latest firefighting techniques and proper driving, care and maintenance of a new 46,000 pound fire truck, recently provided to them.

According to Lt. Col. Steven Ramsay, Tallil LMAT Senior Advisor, the Iraqis are eager to learn new methods and step up to the responsibility of protecting their citizens and assets.

"Their aptitude and ability are amazing," he said. "The Iraqi firefighters are closer to assuming total firefighting responsibility after coalition forces depart."

The Oshkosh T1500 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Vehicle adds immense firefighting capability to the Camp Ur Fire Department, which consisted of five older fire trucks, usually with two in operation and three awaiting repairs and parts, according to Master Sgt. Chris Sparks, 407th ECES Fire Fep Assistant Chief of Training.

The project began with a few requests for equipment and supplies, which led to a site tour of the Iraqi fire department at Camp Ur. Realizing firefighters from the 407th ECES fire department could help them; Sergeant Sparks began to formulate a training plan.
Covering basic firefighting tactics, teamwork and hardware, the training plan involved the best way to utilize what they have, he explained.

"To be the most effective, firefighters need to work as a team. That's what we constantly work on," Sergeant Sparks said.

When the truck was delivered to the Iraqi firefighters, it was missing some essential items, such as water pipe caps and other pieces that rendered it non-functional. Coalition forces did what they could and soon the truck was operational.

After the first training session, Iraqi firefighters were checking oil levels, transmission fluid and inspecting all functional areas of the machine.

The Ali Base airmen demonstrated how to drive, turn and to use spotters to back up the almost thirty-two foot long vehicle.

Soon the Iraqis were learning how to 'pump and roll,' spraying the water turrets mounted on the top of the cab and also on the front bumper while driving.

"They were working as a team," Sergeant Sparks said.

Since there is no flight line at Camp Ur, the water turrets will not be used for aircraft fires, according to Sergeant Sparks. Instead, the airmen demonstrated how to use the structural panels to suppress building fires.

The Air Force firefighters taught every position and functional area on the new fire truck, including the correct procedure to direct water from a charged hose with just the right amount of pressure.

One of the biggest challenges was a lack of firefighting gear. The Camp Ur Fire Department had no personal protective equipment or 'bunker gear.'

Before they received their 'bunker gear,' the Iraqi firemen fought fires wearing coveralls, entering burning structures without compressed air backpacks or flame retardant uniforms.

According to Iraqi Fire Chief Warrant Officer Aziz, the Camp Ur Fire Department consists of twenty firefighters, fourteen civilians and six military personnel.

"We are very happy and eager to receive the training" he said. "We thank you for the fire truck and the training."

The Camp Ur fire department was established four years ago, although many of the firefighters have been in the trade for twenty and thirty years, according to Chief Aziz.

He stressed the importance of learning how to drive the truck and use the foam and dry powder capabilities of it.

"Although we might only have some of our people available for training when the Americans are here, we conduct our own sessions and make sure everyone knows what the Americans have taught us," he said.

He explained that most of the fires on base have involved kitchen fires in the dining facility, tent fires and numerous fires at the trash facility.

"We had no experience with this type of truck and all that it can do," he said. "Now that we're learning how to use it and keep it maintained, we will have much better results. We are very grateful."

Iraqi Army General Hassan agreed that training is paramount.

"I am grateful that my staff is being trained," he said. "If something happens now, we are much more capable of handling it."

The general continued that the difference between the old military system and the new Iraqi army is better logistics support.

"We have a mix of the old and the new right now," he explained. "We are in transition. This training represents what our coalition is about. There are many opportunities for us to work together in the future."

"Cooperation will strengthen both our countries. We are grateful for the equipment and the training your firefighters have given to us," General Hassan summarized.