Barksdale Airmen assist in training Iraqi firefighters

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Walston
  • 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq --  KIRKUK REGIONAL AIR BASE, Iraq - Seven Iraqi firefighters from Kirkuk City received Search and Rescue instruction in a new training structure here July 30, with the help of Airmen from the 917th Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., who are deployed to the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. 

The training structure, with its unique features, allows a valuable exchange of information about techniques between Iraqi and American firefighters. 

In construction for more than a month, this initial use of the building marks a new phase of cooperative training. 

"These are trained active [Iraqi] firefighters from Kirkuk City," said Master Sgt. Jimmy Mobley who is the assistant chief of training for the 506 ECES. "We will instruct them on how to don and use the air packs (SCBA mask - self contained breathing apparatus) safely and what to do when there is a fire and you have victims trapped inside a building." 

According to the master sergeant, who is deployed her from Barksdale AFB, La., the Iraqis will also have the added knowledge of learning American style packs along with the European style they use every day. 

"A lot of academies don't teach some of the aspects we will be [instructing] them on. The two main topics we'll cover with the [Iraqis] are search patterns and different escape [methods] while using the air pack, said Sergeant Cusenz, who is deployed here from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. "In different zones of the building they're going to be faced with different obstacles. They get tangled up in electrical wires where they have to use their teammate to try and get them out of it." 

"They have to low crawl where they might have to take their pack off," Sergeant Cusenz added. "Where some people may not know how to do that, some people might just say I don't want to go through here at all. We give them the training to say you don't have to turn around and go back, you can do something else instead." 

Due to conditions needed for effective training, which include darkness, smoke and obstacles, for some, the experience in itself can be traumatic. Although it is just training, the number one concern is the safety for both American and Iraqi firefighters.
"I am responsible for the safety of the Airmen [and Iraqi firefighters] who make up my team", said Technical Sgt. Joseph Owens, who is crew chief with the 506 ECES. "I keep my eyes and ears open so we [all] come home at the end of [training]." 

Although most buildings in Iraq are concrete, it doesn't stop firefighters from practicing the basics of their career field. 

"We also teach the half escape, where you can actually knock through a wall if you had to, instead of having to turn around," said Sergeant Cusenz, who helped design the training structure based on his experience as a volunteer firefighter in upstate New York. "You don't see a lot of wood structures [here], but it is something else that the [Iraqis] can use if they had too." 

Combined training between Iraqi and coalition firefighters isn't something new. It has actually been taking place since July 2007. The innovated aspect is the type of training that can be received using the new facility. 

Only time will tell how effective the training is for both Iraqi and coalition firefighters. The immediate result is the friendships and mutual respect between those who attend the training at the new facility. 

Sergeant Mobley, who is responsible for coordinating training for the base fire department, the Iraqi air force and Kirkuk City firefighters, said, "[this training] promotes a wonderful learning environment for [all] parties. We provide training for them; they may not otherwise get at their respective departments." 

"We also get to learn [about Iraqi] firefighting experiences, and interesting things about [Iraqi] culture," said Sergeant Mobley. "[I] see the progression and growth of firefighters from different backgrounds, which is a very rewarding experience." 

"[The Barksdale Airmen] brought a deep pool of knowledge and a can do attitude with {us to Iraq], which will carry us forward no matter where we deploy to," said Sergeant Owens, who is deployed here from Barksdale AFB, La. "I enjoy the job and the guys I work with I couldn't ask for a better crew." 

"We brought to Kirkuk a wealth of knowledge and experience. We hold key positions, and have shown an excellent work ethic, both academically as well as on the fire grounds," Sergeant Mobley said. "[Barksdale Airmen] have trained Iraqi firefighters in basic firefighting skills, wild land firefighting, aircraft egress training, flight line training, confined space rescue training and live fire exercises. The Iraqis have shown a great desire to learn American firefighting techniques; many [Iraqis have stated that the training has been very enjoyable." 

"It kind of gives [me] piece of mind to know we've learned what we can," Sergeant Cusenz said. "Now, lets teach everybody else in case that one day comes up when we all have to work together as one. At least we can fall back on each other."