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Sgt Al Hadfield (AFCO Manchester) and SAC Davies (RAF Brize Norton) train Iraqi Fire Service in dual team tactics such as how to surround a fire. [Picture: CPL Tony Stinson(RAF)]
Members of the IFS put their training into practice. [Picture: CPL Tony Stinson(RAF)]
Sgt Al Hadfield with a member of the Iraqi Fire Service, in front of a Mercedes Rosenbauer Fire Engine. [Picture: CPL Tony Stinson(RAF)]

RAF firefighters stationed at Basrah International Airport (BIAP) have been training their Iraqi counterparts to provide an airfield crash and fire cover service for the airport.

The man in charge of the fire section at Basrah, Warrant Officer Alan Pittock, and his 36-strong team, have set up a comprehensive fire and rescue training programme to prepare members of the Iraqi Fire Service who will eventually replace them in what is a vital task. 

Seven Mercedes Rosenbauer fire engines, together with associated support equipment have been provided by the Multi National Force as part of the ongoing programme for Iraq.  The engines will be delivered by October 2005 and, along with the Iraqi crews, will eventually take over from the RAF fire crews in providing the airfield crash and fire cover for the airport.

Sergeant Al Hadfield, responsible for the training and implementation programme, has been impressed with the progress being made by the Iraqis:

"Although they are experienced, they aren't used to working with such modern equipment. However, they are  an extremely enthusiastic bunch who are clearly delighted to get their hands on kit like the Mercedes Rosenbauer Fire Engines and they are making great progress." 

Sgt Hadfield's team began the training programme on 21 August 2005. The rate of progress has been such that the first Iraqi crews will start to shadow the RAF crews by late September 2005.  It is envisaged that the first Iraqi Fire Service crews will be fully trained and ready to start providing full crash and fire coverage by early December 2005, thereby allowing the first RAF crews to return to the UK. 

The event has led to mixed emotions for the RAF firefighters, many of whom have served at Basrah before and have a lot in common with the Iraqi Fire Service.

"Despite the language barriers there is a growing sense of camaraderie between many of the RAF and Iraqis," explained Sgt Hadfield, who normally works at the Armed Forces Careers Office in Manchester. "We’re all firemen after all and there have been some genuine friendships formed."

This programme is yet another step forward, with the Iraqis increasingly taking control of their own affairs.  Providing an indigenous fire coverage for BIAP is the next stage in the ongoing development of  the airport, which saw its first ever civilian international flight on 22 August 2005, and now hosts regular flights between various airports in Iraq and Dubai.

Related articles:

• RAF Regiment open new school in Basrah
• British Forces handover basic training in southern Iraq
• RAF Leeming personnel lead groundbreaking Force Protection role in Iraq

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