Practice makes perfect

By Airman 1st Class Brandon May, 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs / Published December 09, 2015

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The 47th Civil Engineer Squadron prepares for structural live-fire training on Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Nov. 18, 2015. Using an offensive firefighting tactic, the goal was to estinguish the fire as quickly, safely and efficiently as possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brandon May)

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Firefighters from the 47th Civil Engineer Squadron prepare to enter the fire-training structure on Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Nov. 18, 2015. The training consisted of a first-floor fire and involved practicing multiple techniques. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brandon May)

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Tech. Sgt. Joshua Lewis, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron station captain, left, speaks to two firefighters during a training exercise on Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Nov. 18, 2015. The training was used to improve the firefighters’ techniques and promote proper safety procedures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brandon May)

Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas --

The Laughlin Fire Department conducted structural live-fire training Nov. 18, 2015, on Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas.

Firefighters were sent into the three story fire-training structure in groups to fight the fire while receiving instruction and guidance from the instructor.

“Our goal for this training was just to stay proficient with our skills,” said Olin Jensen, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of operations.

During the training, the firefighters used an offensive tactic to fight the fire. This means their objective was to enter the structure with the hose and extinguish the fire as quickly and safely as possible using various techniques.

Laughlin firefighters also practiced fundamentals such as buddy checks and hand signals.

“What we do involves a very specific skillset,” said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Lewis, 47th CES station captain. “These are skills we have to practice in order to be sure we don’t lock-up when it’s time for the real thing.”