GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 312th Training Squadron unveiled new training facilities during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, May 21.
“It’s very momentous that we are here today and reopening these six facilities,” said Col. James Finlayson, 17th Training Wing vice commander. “With these new trainers, we are training the best firefighters in the world, not just for the Air Force, but for the Department of Defense.”
The $6 million modernization project enhances the training environment through integrated technology, creating more realistic and streamlined real-world scenarios. The new facilities include on-site training, built-in smoke machines, climate-controlled rehabilitation rooms, and expedited emergency shut-off valves. These new features provide extra safety measures to prevent heat-related injuries while training.
“The 2018 National Defense Strategy instructs for us to be an agile and innovative force, constantly adapting to the world around us,” Tech. Sgt. Charles Schatzle, 312th Training Squadron basic course fundamentals fire protection instructor. “With these new trainers, we are incorporating more modern technology to better the fighting force for our mission as firefighters and the mission across the DoD.”