U.S. Forest Service National Smokejumper Training Guide 2016 CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF SMOKEJUMPING 1940-2015 U.S. Forest Service National Smokejumper Training Guide 2016 In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected]. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. i U.S. Forest Service National Smokejumper Training Guide 2016 Review This 2016 update of the U.S. Forest Service National Smokejumper Training Guide was reviewed by the following: Reviewed By Date ___/s/ Mike Fritsen _________ ___________ __6/14/2016__ _______ Mike Fritsen Date Missoula Smokejumper Base Manager ___/s/ Pete Lannan__________________ _________ __6/13/2016___________ Pete Lannan Date West Yellowstone Smokejumper Base Manager ___/s/ Chris Young______________________________ ___6/09/2016__________ Chris Young Date Grangeville Smokejumper Base Manager ___/s/ Joe Brinkley_________________ ___ ____ ___6/06/2016__________ Joe Brinkley Date McCall Smokejumper Base Manager ___/s/ Bill Selby_______ ___ ___________ ___6/14/2016_ _ ___ Bill Selby Date Redmond Smokejumper Base Manager ___/s/ Daren Belsby_____________________________ ___6/14/2016______ ___ Daren Belsby Date North Cascades Smokejumper Base Manager ___/s/ Josh Mathiesen____________________________ ___6/15/2016__________ Josh Mathiesen Date Redding Smokejumper Base Manager ___/s/ Roger Staats_____________________________ ___6/15/2016__________ Roger Staats Date National Smokejumper Program Manager ii U.S. Forest Service National Smokejumper Training Guide 2016 U.S. Forest Service National Smokejumper Training Guide U.S. Forest Service National Smokejumper Training Guide Units Unit/Chapter Description Unit 1 Program Introduction Chapter 1 History of Smokejumping Chapter 2 Smokejumper Training Plans Chapter 3 Training Evaluation System Chapter 4 Physical Conditioning Unit 2 Parachute Training Chapter 1 Smokejumper Parachute Equipment Chapter 2 Aircraft Procedures Chapter 3 Exit Procedures Parachute Malfunctions and Other Emergency Chapter 4 Procedures Chapter 5 Parachute Manipulation Chapter 6 Landing Techniques Chapter 7 Letdowns Chapter 8 Tree Climbing Chapter 9 Parachute Retrieval Chapter 10 Cargo Retrieval Chapter 11 Practical Jump Experience Unit 3 Specialized Training Chapter 1 Spotter Chapter 2 Paracargo Operations Chapter 3 Crosscut Saw Use Chapter 4 Emergency Care iii U.S. Forest Service National Smokejumper Training Guide 2016 Introduction The intent of the National Smokejumper Training Guide is to provide a broad, flexible, yet standardized, instructional package for the training of smokejumper personnel. This guide has been developed to train both the inexperienced and experienced smokejumper. Where applicable, performance-based objectives, tasks, and skill levels are defined in the lesson plans. The primary criterion for qualification as a smokejumper is individual performance as observed by an evaluator using the standards set forth in this guide. Each smokejumper base is responsible for adapting the lesson plans to fit their unique organizational, geographic, and training environment. Objectives The overall objectives of the National Smokejumper Training Guide are to: 1. Train smokejumper personnel according to the principles and policies outlined in the U.S. Forest Service Section of the Interagency Smokejumper Operations Guide (ISMOG) as well as other Handbooks and Manuals which govern the smokejumper program. 2. Improve the quality of smokejumper training and instruction by providing the best training and reference information available. 3. Develop a minimal level of competence in smokejumping and firefighting skills. 4. Standardize smokejumper training so the smokejumper can operate effectively regardless of location. Evidence of satisfactory performance will be demonstrated by the trainee’s performance at the conclusion of each lesson as measured against the specific lesson objective(s), and by the trainee’s performance on actual smokejumper missions. Use of This Guide To facilitate its use, the Training Guide has been divided into three units: (1) Program Introduction, (2) Parachute Training, and (3) Specialized Training. It can be easily updated by inserting a revised or new lesson and discarding the outdated one. In order to help standardize and improve instruction, each lesson plan is presented in a standard approved format. Each plan is in an outlined format so that each base can further develop their own materials and maintain flexibility within their unit. As you develop better techniques, equipment, and procedures, you are encouraged to share your ideas with other bases. Your input should be brought iv U.S. Forest Service National Smokejumper Training Guide 2016 to the attention of the appropriate officials through your smokejumper base, smokejumper workshops, and MTDC. Instructor Qualifications Instructors are generally drawn from squad leaders and overhead personnel with expertise in certain areas. Occasionally, non-supervisory smokejumpers with special knowledge and skills may be used as instructors. For some topics, personnel from outside the smokejumper organization may serve as instructors. v U.S. Forest Service National Smokejumper Training Guide 2016 Unit 1 – Program Introduction Chapter 1 – History of Smokejumping Lesson Plan Outline Lesson(s): History of Smokejumping Objective(s): To provide a detailed history of smokejumping. Suggested Duration: To be determined by instructor. Training Aids Needed: To be determined by instructor. Introduction This unit is intended to provide instructors and trainees a detailed outline of the history of smokejumping. The smokejumper project has been a success since its beginning in 1939 and has weathered many challenges in an effort to maintain the program’s flexibility, efficiency, and effectiveness in support of the wildland fire program. Early Experiments In 1917, the U.S. Forest Service started using aircraft in California for fire detection. This was the first use of aviation in Fire Management. The 1920’s found attempts being made to drop water and foam on fires in 5-gallon tin cans, paper bags, and in 8-gallon oak beer kegs attached to a parachute. The results were disappointing, but the dreams continued to grow with the development of technology. Aerial photography was implemented in 1925, and free-falling supplies to firefighters was first employed on fires in 1929. During this same period, non-emergency parachute jumps were occasionally being made in the military and by thrill-seeking barnstormers. In 1934, T.V. Pearson from the Intermountain Region (Region 4) of the Forest Service proposed the use of parachutes as transportation for firefighters. A professional parachutist, J.B. Bruce, made a few demonstration jumps, but the response from the Washington Office was disfavorable. 1-1-1 U.S. Forest Service National Smokejumper Training Guide 2016 In 1935, the Washington Office founded the Aerial Fire Control Experimental Project. Located in California, the project conducted experiments in dropping water and chemicals on fires from aircraft. These fire retardants proved impractical, but improvements in cargo delivery by parachute helped set the stage for later experiments with parachute jumping. David Godwin gained support for and led the inception of the smokejumper program after the Black Water Fire of 1937 killed 15 firefighters on the Shoshone National Forest. His idea was to catch fires early while small before they become a conflagration. In the spring of 1939, the Aerial Fire Control Experimental Project directed all of its efforts into parachute jumping. Led by David Godwin, the Project was moved to Winthrop, Washington. Beach Gill and Frank Derry from the Eagle Parachute Company were hired as consultants. Seven experienced smokejumpers and two local men were added to the project crew.