Source: United States Navy
The Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) program aims to train and equip Navy Reserve personnel as a firefighting force capable of rapidly mobilizing in cases of natural or manmade disasters, as well as provide relief and support for routine base functions. It was founded in 2007.
The course runs annually. It lasts nine weeks and qualifies graduates with six major certifications: First Aid Provider, Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Awareness, HAZMAT Operations, HAZMAT Mission Specific Competent Personal Protective Equipment, Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, and Aircraft & Rescue Firefighting. These graduates will also be awarded the Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) 786B: Shore Base Airport and Aircraft Firefighter.
“This training builds the future force of Navy Reserve firefighters,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Senior Chief Anthony Pena, the CNIC F&ES Military Firefighter Program Manager. “Students enter scenarios that challenge their natural instinct to save themselves and are encouraged to focus on saving others. The skills learned during this course can be use on the first day of their operational careers.”
This year’s graduating class comprises a mixture of personnel that fall under NR F&ES. Because this year’s class was smaller in size than previous years, students received nearly one-on-one facilitation and more hands-on training time during live fire burns and practical evolutions, resulting in a distinctly high-performing and unified team.
The graduates join the more than 150 NR Sailors capable of augmenting fire stations on installations around the world. Each is assigned to one of the four detachments under the NR CNIC headquarters F&ES or the NR Europe, Africa, Central F&ES/Air Operations Unit. The unit locations were strategically chosen to best equip fleet concentration areas and support any Department of Defense (DoD) installation worldwide.
This year, nine additional students joined for the last portion of the Academy course, to participate in the Aircraft and Rescue Firefighting Course only. Many of these students were catching up on training and certification impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The certifications earned reciprocate on the civilian side, allowing NR F&ES personnel to work at both military and civilian fire stations. Graduates often attain firefighting positions in civilian fire departments throughout the U.S. during their off-duty time.
This was the 5th consecutive year for it to be hosted in Naval District Washington at Naval Support Activity Annapolis. The continued working relationship has strengthened bonds between instructors and NR F&ES leadership and allowed for both parties to better manage processes and support.
The NR CNIC F&ES program now boasts over 190 billets, with growth expected to continue, as requests for support come from around the world. Graduates stand ready to support emergency demand signals, postured to support a variety of contingent situations. NR CNIC F&ES is always searching for qualified or highly motivated personnel to join the team – to answer the call, “Ready Now. Anytime, Anywhere.”