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Iraqi, American fire fighters trained and ready

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brian Davidson
  • 447th Air Expeditionary Group
BAGHDAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Iraq --  At a time when increasing numbers of Iraqis and Americans alike are looking towards a future with a fully trained and independent Iraq, there is one particular group of Iraqi professionals who are fully trained, equipped and ready to accomplish their mission now. 

The men charged with fire protection at Baghdad International Airport have maintained their readiness against incredible and dangerous odds, and many of them have remained dedicated to firefighting for decades. 

Today, those same Iraqi firefighters work closely with American Airmen from the 447th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department. The Iraqi firefighter's area of responsibility covers the east side of the airfield around the international airport, while the Air Force firefighters are responsible for the west side at Sather Air Base. 

Because the two airfield fire departments are only separated by the runway and taxiways, the Iraqi fire chief realized that combining their capabilities would dramatically increase their strength and ability to protect life and property at a location that is critical to his country's future. 

The American and Iraqi firefighters have proven time and time again that the quality of their training and skill can even overcome the language barrier when working together for a common goal. 

That ability to combine forces effectively was proven again Tuesday during a live burn exercise. 

"The Iraqi firefighters arranged the exercise at a training location near the airport, and invited us to participate," said Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Chrissley, 447th ECES fire chief. "While our firefighters have trained together countless times, continuing that interaction as much as possible is the only way for each of us to stay on top of our game." 

Chief Chrissley deployed to Iraq from the New York Air National Guard where he is also a full-time fire chief for the 174th Fighter Wing in Syracuse. "Because our Air Force firefighters rotate in and out every four months, a continuing, combined training program is an important part of staying mission-ready," he said. 

With the help of the American military, the Iraqi fire department presents a strikingly professional and up-to-date appearance. Modern fire trucks and equipment, as well as station offices and training rooms are kept as clean and maintained as possible in the harsh physical environment--a testament to the Iraqi firefighter's dedication to their country and mission. 

On the morning of the exercise, the American firefighters sat in the Iraqi training classroom as the host fire chief explained the scenario for the day's events and the reason they were there. "The building has multiple rooms, and many of them will be ablaze," he said in very fluent English. "Each of the Iraqi and American teams will move in through the front of the structure and work together to find and attack each fire. 

"The more we practice together in a live fire (environment,) the better we become. Each exercise will become more difficult. We start with a simple scenario, and progress from there," he said. 

Speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the dangers posed by insurgent activities that target Iraqi officials, the fire chief said that while his men can now accomplish their mission with little or no American support, the combined training is still important for over-all airfield fire protection. 

After the briefings, the American and Iraqi fire teams rolled out from the station to the training area, where they found there was no time to waste. Black smoke rolled from broken-out windows of the single-story concrete training building as flames grew quickly in size. 

"When approaching an actual fire, the responders have to make an immediate assessment of everything including wind direction, water sources, possible toxic materials and what areas of the fire take priority," Chief Chrissley explained. 

When the combined teams arrived, they immediately donned their protective gear and fire hoses snaked towards the building as the men moved in on their target. 

With the Iraqi's on the left and the American Airmen on the right, firemen pushed into the building in pairs. Under the watchful eyes of their respective fire chiefs, the teams moved from room-to-room. 

As each fire was extinguished, more firefighters followed with long poles and hooks to move large pieces of debris and ensure the fires would not flare up again. 

In a surprisingly short time, the dark smoke was replaced with huge clouds of steam. The men, still working in pairs, began to back out of the building, dragging the heavy hoses behind. 

While the new Iraqi military continues to make huge leaps forward, the Iraqi fire fighters at the Baghdad airport are way ahead. With years of experience and a dedication to their mission, the fire fighters plan to continue training along side their American counterparts as other military and civil agencies begin to catch up.