WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Firefighters in the 445th Civil Engineer Squadron bundled up in layers of protective clothing during the February unit training assembly.
The firefighters trained with the protective gear to ensure their readiness to save lives, protect property and critical assets, and fight fire, even in a compromised environment. The specialized suit, which includes some traditional elements of mission-oriented protective posture gear and provides thermal, chemical and physical protection, allows the firefighters to seamlessly transition between breathing pressurized oxygen and the filtered air canister.
The Airmen suited up in multiple pairs of pants, heavy-duty gloves and special helmets then worked through a functional obstacle course which incorporated traditional duty tasks like dragging a hose in a kneeling position, raising ladders, squatting, pivoting and carrying objects.