Taji troops' Texas 'two-step' training

Photo By Capt. Monika Comeaux | Soldiers listen attentively as firefighter Doug Terrill explain them the how to use the combat convoy firefighting system. The Soldiers participated in a two-hour class prior to coming out to the exercise site, where they will practice how to put out a fire wearing their full battle gear.  

TAJI, IRAQ

04.28.2006

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP TAJI, Iraq - While most people think of dancing when they hear the words "Texas two-step," the expression gains a new meaning when participating in the Combat Convoy Firefighting System Training at Camp Taji.

"We have had fun watching the military getting accustomed to using the fire hose under high pressure," said Doug Terrill, a fireman with the Taji Fire Department. "It is a little awkward at first, and we expect and we know what is coming, they don't . . . we refer to it as the Texas two-step."

The one-day training begins with a two-hour block of classroom instruction. Soldiers learn about the different types of fire they can use the system on, said Maj. Monte Montes, 4th Sustainment Brigade S-2. Montes has been the key figure in getting the systems and organizing the classes.

The idea of getting a firefighting system came from the site-recon conducted before the brigade deployed. The recon team saw a need for having more than fire extinguishers when Soldiers go off post on combat logistics patrols.

Since Montes was the acting S-3 at the time, he was tasked with getting the systems, and although he has changed positions since, the task remained with him.

The systems were purchased stateside. As soon as the brigade arrived in Taji in October, of last year, they got in touch with the fire department and started working on how to implement training on the systems.

The systems were ordered by several 4th Infantry Division units, who often fly their Soldiers to Taji to participate in the training, since this is the only place in Iraq where the training is currently offered.

"The fire department has been great," Montes said. "From the moment we called them and explained the concept, they were totally behind it and wanted to train. They are not allowed to go outside the wire because of their contract, and it really breaks their hearts that someone outside the wire needs fire help and they can't go do it."

Having powerful firefighting equipment on hand to extinguish fires when Soldiers are off post is vital.

Once Soldiers gain a basic understanding of fires, approach angles and the capabilities of the system, it is time for some hands-on training.

Soldiers are given a class on preventive maintenance checks and services, and are also taught how to operate the pump at the right pressure. After that, the "dancing" begins. Soldiers get the chance to put out a fire on a mock tanker at the training site.

"It is a lot harder than it looks," said Sgt. Eric Naylor, an infantryman with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-69th Armor Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. "Trying to maneuver around with your equipment can get really straining." Naylor flew in from Iskandariyah to train on the system.

"It looks easy, but from what I have heard from other people who already went through the training, it does not sound as easy as it looks," said Pfc. Jeanetta Davis, a food service specialist with Forward Support Company E, 204th Support Battalion.

Both will go back to their individual units and, with the help of the training material provided by the organizers, will train their unit members on how to properly operate the firefighting system.

"The Soldiers have a great attitude about the training," Terrill said. "They ask a lot of questions. Their enthusiasm builds as the class goes on."

"I think it is a very good idea," Naylor said. "It is good training, something that you can use not only here but also back at your home station."

• Date Taken: 04.28.2006
• Date Posted: 04.28.2006 11:26
• Story ID: 6165
• Location: TAJI, IQ