FEMA Training at Camp Bondsteel

Photo By Ardian Nrecaj | Albert Buja, force protection operation center supervisor for Dyncorp Force Protection, participates in incident command training under the National Incident Management Command System at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, April 10. The training was conducted by instructors from U.S. Army Europe headquarters.  

CAMP BONDSTEEL, KOSOVO

04.09.2015

Story by Ardian Nrecaj 

KFOR Regional Command East

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - Instructors from U.S. Army Europe headquarters conducted incident command training under the National Incident Management Command System at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, April 10.

Robert Patrick, the emergency management program manager for U.S Army Europe headquarters, out of Wiesbaden, Germany, and an instructor, said they had three classes that culminated in a large classroom exercise.

“Over the last five days we have conducted incident command training under the NIMCS, where the program is designed to talk about the concepts of incident command in the immediate and advance level,” said Patrick.

Department of Defense and U.S. Army operate under the same structure, explained Patrick.

“This is important because it’s the way we operate under contingencies, but we can also use it for events,” added Patrick. “It is structured to use standardized systems, a standardized language, and standardized principles to affect command and control for crisis.”

“There are several U.S. laws that require us to operate under a structure,” continued Patrick.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Doug Schletz, first sergeant of the MEDEVAC team with Multinational Battle Group-East, participated in the training.

“Level of information that they presented, gave me a greater outlook on how a big incident should be handled,” said Schletz. “It was the first time for me to attend an incident command level class and the experience level was a little lower for me, but they presented in a way it could be understood.”

Shletz explained that one important thing he gained from the training was the amount of interaction and support that is required between the incident command level and the higher levels to help get resources to a scene of the accident.

Albert Buja, force protection operation center supervisor for Dyncorp Force Protection said that it was a really good training for anyone in a management position.

“Some of the things we learned here we have already done informally in our jobs, but this actually puts everything into perspective on how everything should function,” said Buja. “If resources are available I would recommend having at least each force protection supervisor to take this class.”

Patrick explained that there are plans to work with [FYROM institutions] in the future.

“We are looking at working with them in the future as a NATO partner to help them advance their incident command program so there will be further engagements in the future,” added Patrick.

• Date Taken: 04.09.2015
• Date Posted: 04.15.2015 10:29
• Story ID: 160027
• Location: CAMP BONDSTEEL, ZZ
• Hometown: WIESBADEN, HE, DE
• Hometown: DENVER, CO, US