Clutch Training Builds Skill and Teamwork for MCLB Albany Fire & Emergency Services

Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany Fire and Emergency Services held new equipment familiarization training on recently received CMC rescue clutches, a key piece of equipment for technical rescue and rappelling operations, Sept. 19.

According to Craig Collins, assistant fire chief of training, Fire and Emergency Services, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, this training is part of the department's ongoing commitment to professional development and is vital for maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational readiness.

Collins said that by focusing on this new piece of technical rescue gear, the team was able to build confidence and enhance team cohesion through hands-on, practical application.

The CMC clutch is an advanced, multi-purpose device that streamlines rope management in high-stakes situations. Unlike older, traditional descenders, the clutch provides a self-locking mechanism and offers a high degree of control for lowering, hauling, and rappelling. This capability is essential for safely managing a load, whether it’s a person or equipment, during a rescue.

The training provided MCLB Albany firefighters with the opportunity to practice with this new technology, ensuring they are fully proficient in its use before deployment in a real-world emergency.