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Iraqi firefighters demonstrate their capabilities

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jarrod Chavana
  • U.S. Air Forces Public Affairs
BAGHDAD --  Firefighters from the Iraqi Joint Fire Training Academy displayed the abilities taught to them by U.S. Air Force and Army personnel Feb. 17, during a demonstration.

Air Force and Army instructors from the United States Air Force's 821st Expeditionary Training Squadron, the Army's 110th Chemical and 414th Civil Affairs Battalions mentor Iraqi firefighting students who assemble at the academy to receive formalized training.

The instructors at the Iraqi Joint Fire Training Academy teach six core courses; basic firefighting, rescue technician 1, incident command systems, hazardous materials, first aid and explosive ordinance disposal.

During the demonstration, the Iraqi firefighters rappelled from a fiery three-story building, and responded to a simulated vehicle borne improvised explosive device, in which pyrotechnics were used and first aid was administered to the injured.

"The Iraqi Joint Fire Training Academy is currently working to establish an internationally accepted based curriculum," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kevin Cotton, 821 ETS fire rescue advisor deployed from Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. "The future vision of the academy is to become internationally certified and become one of the premier fire training institutions in the Middle East."

In addition to responding to everyday local emergencies, the firefighters have been assigned to emergency management duties such as maintaining warning sirens, national disaster notifications, evacuations, bomb shelter maintenance, and recovery of explosive residue of war.

"We are giving these firefighters the basic foundation on how to protect their country by fighting fires and maintaining the protection of their country," said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Kimball 821st ETS, fire rescue advisor. "They will be able to build up their country a lot faster by being able to rescue and respond to any incidents that may occur."

During one class the students were taught auto extrication. The next day a bomb detonated in Baghdad, which required them to put their training to the test.

"It was amazing that these young firefighters were able to use the ideas and tools they were just taught in a real life situation," said Sergeant Kimball. "Because it showed, during a real life situation, they were able to act and respond effectively."

Because the students are picking up the information and are able to use them in real situations the academy staff uses the "train the trainer" concept; allowing students who've successfully completed the course to become future instructors.

"The Iraqis are teaching the basic firefighter course; and the hazmat course is about to be turned over to them," said Army Spc. Michael Burris, 414th Civil Affairs Battalion assistant instructor, deployed from Fort Bragg. "I'm very proud of what they've achieved."