Wyoming Army and Air Guard Conduct Inaugural Joint Firefighting Training Exercise

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Wyoming Army National Guard and the Wyoming Air National Guard teamed up for the first-ever joint firefighting training exercise, DVIDS reports.

Held over six days in Cheyenne, the initiative brought together firefighters from Camp Guernsey Joint Training Center and the 153rd Airlift Wing to enhance their skills and strengthen inter-service cooperation.

Camp Guernsey, known for its rugged terrain and frequent military training activities, faces elevated wildfire risks due to its semi-arid environment and artillery exercises. Its Army National Guard Fire Department specializes in wildland firefighting, including techniques like prescribed burns to manage vegetation and reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires.

When the opportunity for cross-training with the Air National Guard arose, US Army Staff Sgt. Leah Urquhart, fire chief at Camp Guernsey, saw it as a valuable chance for her team to expand their expertise beyond wildland operations. Eight Army firefighters made the trip to Cheyenne to participate in what would become a historic training effort.

The exercise began with familiarization and confidence training using Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), essential equipment for structural firefighting. Though not commonly used in wildland settings, SCBA systems are crucial for interior fire operations. Firefighters navigated an obstacle course blindfolded to simulate low-visibility conditions, relying on communication, teamwork, and tactile familiarity with their gear.

“It’s as much about teamwork as it is about knowing your equipment,” said Urquhart. “Our guys were motivated and performed really well.”

Training continued with vehicle extrication exercises led by US Air Force Tech. Sgt. Beau Murphy. Using hydraulic tools commonly referred to as the “Jaws of Life,” the teams practiced safely removing victims from vehicles involved in simulated collisions. The sessions emphasized speed, efficiency, and patient care under pressure — vital skills in real emergency situations.

“We folded the Army guys right into our ranks,” Murphy said. “We were happy to have them along.”

The firefighters also toured a Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft and participated in bunker drills to improve the speed and efficiency of donning protective gear. The training culminated in a full-scale structural fire simulation using digital fire systems and fog machines to create realistic conditions. Firefighters performed search and rescue operations, navigated low-visibility environments, and practiced victim extraction procedures, all under close observation from team leaders.

To increase the challenge, scenarios included simulated emergencies such as a downed firefighter, requiring teams to adapt quickly and deploy Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) protocols.

“The goal was to see how they work through unexpected real-life situations,” said Urquhart. “We saw a lot of motivated, efficient firefighting.”

The benefits of the training became immediately clear. US Army Pvt. Cody Carr applied the skills he learned during the exercise that same week during a chimney fire response. When a mayday call came in about firefighters trapped by a collapsed chimney, Carr sprang into action, using his training to locate and rescue both individuals.

“It was all fresh in my mind,” Carr said. “I just got done doing it. I was able to put it in play.”

Looking ahead, both the Army and Air Guard plan to continue and expand this collaboration. Future training may include Air Guard firefighters receiving wildland fire certifications at Camp Guernsey, further deepening the partnership.

“This is just the beginning of a fantastic relationship,” Urquhart said. “Watching the Army and Air Guard learn from one another was amazing.”