Joint Partner Spotlight: Fire Training through the Eyes of Master Gunnery Sgt. Terrail Dickerson
17th Training Wing Public Affairs
Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas – As a joint center of excellence, Goodfellow Air Force Base hosts both the signals intelligence schoolhouse and the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, training every branch of the United States Armed Forces. Among the many exhibits on display at the fire academy is a wealth of history, showcasing gear and photos from various branch-specific fire academies from before the 1995 conversion into a joint training operation.
U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Terrail Dickerson, Marine Corps Detachment Goodfellow Air Force Base Fire Company senior enlisted advisor, has dedicated his career to firefighting, and his story is one of growth, perseverance, and leadership. With a career spanning 30 years and assignments across the globe, Dickerson has seen major changes in training and the 7051 career field as a whole.
From his early days as a Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) student to his enlistment in the Marine Corps, Dickerson's journey was marked by determination and a strong sense of purpose. After graduating from boot camp in 1994, he attended firefighter training at Naval Air Station Millington in Memphis, Tennessee, where he became a 7051 Crash Fire Rescue Marine.
Dickerson's experiences as a firefighter were not without their challenges. He faced opposition and prejudice as one of the first African American firefighters in his unit, but he overcame these struggles with determination and hard work. His deployments to Afghanistan were marked by adversity, including losing friends and fellow Marines, but he continued to serve honorably, working daily with a strong sense of purpose.
Throughout his career, Dickerson has seen significant changes in firefighting training and equipment. The 9/11 attacks highlighted the need for better equipment and training, leading to a rapid expansion of the firefighting community. Dickerson has witnessed the development of new equipment designed for firefighter safety and efficiency, and he has seen firsthand the impact of these changes on the career field.
As Dickerson approaches retirement, he reflects on the importance of remembering the history of where he comes from. He wants the Marines of today's Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) to learn from the past and not forget the sacrifices and struggles of those who have come before them.
In his final piece of advice, Dickerson stressed the importance of leadership philosophy: "Regardless of what your rank is, people are looking at you, and your actions matter to everyone that you come in contact with throughout your career... Be intentional in what you do, and you're going to be successful."
Dickerson's story is one of inspiration and leadership, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. As he leaves the Marine Corps and closes this chapter of his career, he leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
