About 40 Idaho Citizen-Soldiers attended the Idaho National Guard's first wildland firefighting training course at Gowen Field June 15-19 and June 22-26.
Although Gowen Field and the Orchard Combat Training Center fire departments have qualified wildland firefighters, this is the first time the five-day courses have been offered to non-firefighter members of the Guard, enabling them to earn an Incident Qualification Card, commonly known as a Red Card certification.
As Soldiers become certified by the Idaho Department of Lands, they can assist firefighting efforts if the governor declares a state emergency. The Guard members also learn a new skill they can use for jobs within the military or the civilian workforce.
“The Idaho National Guard is proud to offer our Soldiers the opportunity to participate in this entry-level firefighter course,” said Brig. Gen. Russ Johnson, director of the joint staff.