News United States Air Force
 Inside the 908th AW: Fire ProtectionPublished Oct. 8, 2022
                        
                        By Airman 1st Class Juliana Todd
                        
                        
                        908th Airlift Wing
                **MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS)  --**
                two put extinguish a simulated fireTech. Sgt. Tramel Bailiff, 908th Civil Engineer Squadron station captain, and Staff Sgt. Travis Jackson, 908th CES crew chief, extinguish an internal aircraft fire during a training exercise, Aug. 4, 2022, Fort Benning, Ga. Once a fire has been extinguished, firefighters clean up the scene, while preserving evidence to aid with after-action report and further investigation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Todd)
            
            
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Being responsible for lives and mitigating tasks in a chaotic environment can put the average person in distress. However, the **908th Airlift Wing** doesn't seek out average.
If you possess a stellar attitude paired with a desire to serve and protect, then you should consider becoming a fire protection specialist with the 908th Civil Engineer Squadron.
To become a fire protection specialist or firefighter for the United States Air Force, you must initially meet the basic entry qualifications, complete 7.5 weeks of basic training and 68 days of technical training at **Goodfellow Air Force Base**, Texas.
“For someone interested in this career field, I would tell them to come in mentally prepared,” said Senior Airman Coryan Carter, 908th CES firefighter. “About 80% of firefighting is knowingly going into dangerous situations and not letting the stress of it overwhelm you.”two firefighters stand on top of a fire truckSenior Airman Coryan Carter, 908th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, and Tech. Sgt. Tramel Bailiff, 908th CES station captain, flat load a water hose onto a fire truck after a training exercise Aug. 5, 2022, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Fire departments can vary in how they load hose on their trucks, either using the flat load, the reverse horseshoe, or the minuteman load. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Todd)
            
            
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Generally, a firefighter’s priority is to protect people, property and the environment from fires and disasters. They could deal with anything from brush fires to hazardous material fires to providing emergency first aid to victims. They also complete a substantial amount of training, studying, and administrative work such as writing incident reports, staying up to date with policy and protocol changes, reviewing fire prevention plans, or taking advancement courses for promotions.
Firefighters are expected to know a wealth of information relating to the field and their respective fire departments. They need to know their department’s mission, safety requirements and objectives, as well as rank structure and incident command system. Additionally, firefighters are qualified on the proper use of equipment, fire hose appliances, safe ladder procedures, forcible entry and ventilation tactics, and proper wear of personal protective equipment.
Firefighters are also trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation rescue, basic emergency medical technician knowledge, and other means of rescue. Some examples where this training may be needed are in traffic incidents, gas leaks, elevator malfunctions, or aircraft fires. While a firefighter’s priority is to protect people, property and the environment, it would not be possible if firefighters did not prepare beforehand.
On a typical day when firefighters are not responding to a call, they could be inspecting and maintaining their equipment, vehicles, and PPE, ensuring they will be capable of executing the mission when the time comes. Routine checkups help firefighters keep track of inventory and what needs to be repaired or cleaned around the fire station.a man advances a fire hoseTech. Sgt. Tramel Bailiff, 908th Civil Engineer Squadron station captain, advances a hose line from a fire truck during a training exercise, Aug. 5, 2022, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. Firefighters who operate the nozzle are responsible for controlling the direction and stream pattern of the water. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Todd)
            
            
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“One of the biggest responsibilities as a firefighter is checking out the truck,” Carter said. “It's vital to our job that we have enough water supply, enough gas, and equipment that operates the way it’s supposed to. It's a small thing many people may not think about, but it's crucial.”
Firefighters also engage with the local community, providing safety briefs and demonstrations, or promoting fire awareness, safety and prevention.
Some helpful attributes to possess are discipline, stamina, and a sense of motivation to carry out each operation.
“I believe that joining the military as a firefighter gives an invaluable resource for starting a career because of the knowledge, certifications, and training you receive,” said Senior Master Sgt. Aaron Bebernitz, 908th CES fire chief. “When we all put this uniform on, we serve the same country, fight the same enemy and are all united as one.”LR 



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