The two-week training, which supports NATO Standardization Agreements and international safety regulations, was designed to enhance rescue mission capabilities and included fire scenarios inside and outside an aircraft fire simulator.
For more than 30 years, this training was conducted annually at Teesside, United Kingdom.
"However, COVID-19 travel restrictions prompted a shift to on-base training using a mobile aircraft fire simulator from Frankfurt International Airport in 2021,” said NATO Fire Chief Marcus Kauffeld.
Following the pandemic, NATO Firefighters returned to Teesside in 2023 in accordance with the existing contractual commitment. With that agreement expiring in 2024, Frankfurt International Airport was reinstated as an interim training provider.
“By using our own newly procured aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, we were able to improve our efficiency,” said Kauffeld. “Conducting training on-site also allowed personnel to remain available for operational duties.”
A Frankfurt International Airport Firefighter guides NATO Firefighters on how to approach an oil fire during a live-fire training at NATO Air Base Gielenkirchen, Germany, January 23, 2025.
Photo by Staff Sgt. (OR-5) Andrew C. Hummel
The training was guided by NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen's in-house NATO Fire instructors and members from Frankfurt International Airport. Additionally, in an effort to strengthen interagency cooperation, the Volunteer Fire Department in Geilenkirchen and German Air Force firefighters from Norvenich, home to Eurofighter operations, were also invited out to participate in exercises focusing on fuel and interior firefighting.
“This collaboration strengthens our ability to respond to emergencies and enhances familiarity with Eurofighter aircraft,” said Kauffeld. “Our firefighters must be proficient in handling equipment under high-pressure scenarios where lives are at stake and recurrent training is key to ensuring the safety and confidence needed to succeed.”
For those interested in joining the NATO Fire Department, vacancies are open via the link below:
VACANCIES