Proving that duty for airmen in Southwest Asia is often two-fold, USAF firefighters of the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, not only ply their main task of fire support to Kirkuk Air Base in Iraq, but also teach Iraqis first aid and basic firefighting skills. Many of the Iraqis they train will work to protect Iraq’s oil pipelines. According to the 506th’s TSgt. Clifford Snyder, the interaction has shown him many Iraqis are eager for help and “want the opportunity to work and earn a living just like anybody.”
The Air Force plans to have its new Integrated Capabilities Command stood up by the end of 2024, Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin said May 2, offering new details of one of the signature reforms announced by the service earlier this year. Allvin said around 500-800 Airmen will…