Fire muster challenges Airmen

Published March 27, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Do you have what it takes to be a fire dawg? That's what the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing fire department asked of the Airmen and Soldiers when they held the Air and Space Expeditionary Force rotation 7/8 fire muster here March 21.

A fire muster is a competition consisting of several different events from a dummy drag, putting out a "fire" using a bucket brigade, rolling up a hose, and litter carry; all activities that resemble training the Air Force firefighters use to keep their lifesaving skills sharp.

"We hold a fire muster once every rotation to raise awareness among the base populace about what our firefighters go through and to provide a small taste of their experience," said Lt. Col. Mark Sloan, 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineering Squadron commander. "It still doesn't equate to the unusually challenging physiological adjustments they go through requiring both strength and stamina at the same time, in high heat, and while breathing oxygen on a tank."

Each challenge is just a sample of the complex and vital job for military fire fighters and first responders. The fire muster is an opportunity to "walk" in a different career field's shoes.

"I have a new appreciation for the fire department," said Staff Sgt. Christian Johnson, 380th Expeditionary Mission Support Group knowledge manager and member of the EMSG fire muster team. "I knew that it was a tough career field but trying what they do on a daily basis definitely opens your eyes."

The AEF 7/8 fire muster continues an AEF fire emergency services tradition that affords everyone on base an opportunity for good spirited physical competition and morale building regardless of rank, Air Force Specialty Code or athletic ability, said Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Orona, 380th ECES Fire Chief.

Staff Sgt. Nathan Elkins, a 380th ECES fire protection company officer, stepped up to organize and run the event.

"Although the fire fighters all had a huge part in this event, Sergeant Elkins deserves most of the credit," said Sergeant Orona. "Sergeant Elkins coordinating this event, coupled with stepping up to establish the wing intramural sports program, has without a doubt, had impact to the morale of AEF 7/8."

The firefighters said that teamwork would be key to winning and it showed in the way that the Airmen came together to work at each challenge.

"The participation level was outstanding," said Sergeant Elkins. "All the participants showed great team work, which is what we as firefighters depend on."

This rotation, 14 teams participated for a total of 56 competitors. The wing staff agency team took first place in a head-to-head final match up against the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron team. With a ten second difference in their overall times, the winner took home the prize.