FORT CARSON, Colo. " J.R. Epps, National Firefighter planner, Bureau of Land Management, National Interagency Fire Center, teaches Soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during wildland fire suppression training led by NIFC at P... VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT CARSON, Colo. " Soldiers assigned to 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, practice opening, entering and sealing practice fire shelters during wildland fire suppression training led by the Nationa... VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT CARSON, Colo. " Private First Class William Groves (right), a military intelligence systems maintainer/integrator, and Pfc. Patrick Hessig, an unmanned aerial vehicle operator, both assigned to Company A, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Briga... VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Running, digging and sweating in 100-plus degree temperatures provided Soldiers the perfect simulated environment for creating the challenges and conditions common to firefighters.
Two task forces comprised of more than 1,000 Soldiers from 1st and 3rd Brigade Combat Teams, 4th Infantry Division, conducted introductory-level wildland fire suppression training under the instruction of firefighting professionals from the National Interagency Fire Center, June 29-July 5.
"If Soldiers deployed to assist in firefighting efforts, they would help with hand-crew operations, which involves (conducting) hand-line operations, mop-up operations and securing control lines," said Michelle Ryerson, National Wildland Safety manager, Bureau of Land Management, NIFC.
Responsible for coordinating the national mobilization of resources for wildland fire and other incidents throughout the United States, NIFC deployed a team of U.S. Forest Service military crew advisers to Fort Carson to train and prepare Soldiers in the event the Department of Defense receives a request to call on units to assist in national firefighting efforts.
Soldiers participated in practical exercises at Fort Carson training areas, focused on teaching Soldiers the basics of wildland firefighting, to prepare for the possibility of providing firefighting assistance anywhere in the nation.
Classroom training covered the academics of wildland firefighting, including organization of a firefighting squad, fire terminology, an introduction to hand tools, fire behavior, line safety and shelter.
Upon completing the classroom instruction, Soldiers advanced to a practical exercise. During eight hours of hands-on training, Soldiers gained a variety of techniques to safely and effectively fight fires.
Soldiers practiced fire-line digging and hand-line construction, which involved stripping land to create a barrier between spreading fire and organic material, or "fuel."
"If you're in the fire, you have to know where your safe points are and keep communications with your group," said Spc. Kheili Williams, communications specialist, Company B, 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd BCT. "They are teaching us how to fight a wildfire, and be safe while doing it."
Task Force Raider and Task Force Arrow then applied the same land-stripping technique to make a suitable area free from foliage and other flammable material, clearing a space to lay down a fire shelter. A fire shelter serves as a firefighter's last means of protection from a rapidly approaching fire.
"I feel that Soldiers are getting all of the necessary skills needed to set a sturdy foundation to conduct firefighting operations," said 1st Lt. Edward Olsen, executive officer, Battery A, 4th Bn., 42nd FA Reg.
The instructors have done a very good job of teaching Soldiers basic skills, along with the positive and negative consequences of their actions, he said.
"Living in the area for so long, Soldiers developed ties to the community," Olsen said. "I think Soldiers would appreciate opportunities to help and protect their home."
The pre-mobilization training created a baseline for the 4th Inf. Div. Soldiers to work from if directed by U.S. Forces Command to provide wildland firefighting support to NIFC.
"The training is extremely important with safety being our prime consideration," said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Taylor, military policeman, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd BSTB, 3rd BCT. "It is essential that we learn how to safely operate (at a wildfire) and not cause a larger hazard."
According to NIFC policy, if alerted, the task force Soldiers will deploy within 72 hours to the fire's location, and conduct the necessary follow-on training before beginning firefighting operations.
"These guys will learn a lot more when they get put on the line," said Quincy Chung, a Bureau of Land Management Boise (Idaho) Smokejumper. "There is a steep learning curve when they get out there, but the beauty of the military is they are in good physical shape and they understand command structure. I think these guys could do very well."
The 4th Inf. Div. task forces will stand ready to provide support to wildland firefighting operations on request, augmenting local, state and federal firefighting capabilities, through the month of October.
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