Pantex Blog

Firefighters recently completed training using a large maze to solve complex challenges and reinforce problem-solving skills.

The task seems simple — to complete the training, firefighters must maneuver a ball through a maze without touching the ball. It’s like a life-sized game of labyrinth, but instead of knobs that move the board, the first responders manipulate a large table using various emergency response tools. Throughout the exercise, the height of the maze is adjusted and firefighters “crib” the table, or stabilize it, at the new height. Cribbing uses wooden or plastic blocks to create a solid support structure and is commonly used during rescue operations.

“This training better prepares members when it comes to lifting thousand-pound vehicles while ensuring safe operations,” Captain Joshua Brown said. “It reinforces the need to crib as you lift and sparks creativity in problem-solving. It’s more than just a maze, it is interactive training designed to reinforce and build upon essential firefighting principles in a practical and engaging manner.”

Groups of firefighters navigate complex paths in the maze to continuously improve on lifting techniques, stabilization skills, and the use of diverse tools. Firefighters communicate and coordinate with multiple team members to accomplish the mission.

“A core principle of this training approach is that learning is most effective when it is enjoyable and engaging,” Brown said. “The maze, with its challenging scenarios and timed competition, transforms routine drills into enjoyable experiences. This element of ‘fun’ in training is not merely a byproduct; it is intentional. When individuals are invested and find enjoyment from their training, retention of knowledge and skill development are significantly enhanced.”

The maze training encourages critical thinking and creative problem-solving among peers. Each team adopted a different approach and used various tools to complete the exercise. Some teams spent over an hour completing the maze due to trial and error, but with each passing minute, skills were sharpened, equipment proficiency gained, and obstacles overcome. The timed element of the training added a sense of urgency to adjust and persevere.

“This training underscores the value of recognizing and adapting effective training methodologies within the Pantex Fire Department,” Brown said. “PXFD exemplifies a culture where imagination is embraced and tailored to accomplish a specific need that directly addresses training objectives.”

Life isn’t a game, but the skills learned from this puzzle could save lives. Interactive, hands-on training like this fosters proactive skill building and encourages enhanced safety and effectiveness during emergency response.

Pantexan Jason Trosen’s role with the American Welding Society demonstrates the welding knowledge and experience he shares with his colleagues.

In the 2008 blockbuster “Iron Man,” the titular character found himself in an Afghan cave with a chest full of shrapnel and surrounded by terrorists. He had limited options, but he possessed a keen intellect and no shortage of scrap metal.

That character, Tony Stark, had one additional skill that facilitated his freedom — he was a master welder.

Pantex, of course, is not Afghanistan. Employees leaving for the day aren’t dodging shrapnel as they head for BN5A, and the plant’s Protective Force stands ready to ensure any terrorist foolish enough to set foot on the site would have a very, very bad day.

But, Pantex does have an Iron Man of sorts, a welding expert who shares his knowledge with others and who has now garnered recognition and leadership among an industry standards group.

“Jason Trosen is a world-class welding engineer who could have his pick of jobs anywhere in the world,” explained his supervisor, Projects Engineering Manager Billy Baker. “He has helped bring on three additional welding engineers since joining the team. The current welding team is a group of young engineers who love what they do and are dedicated to making the welding program and the mission of Pantex successful. Jason is an integral part of that success.”

Just as Tony Stark was no loner-type action hero, Trosen credited others for his involvement with the American Welding Society (AWS).

“In 2023, Rich Campbell, who was a vice president and lead of the welding program at Bechtel, performed a parent-company audit of our welding program,” he explained. “Rich is very involved in various code committees and encouraged Pantex to get involved as well. He invited me to attend the next AWS D1 meeting that fall. I got involved with writing some code updates. Last fall, I was asked to serve as the vice chairman of the Materials Task Group.”

Trosen went on to explain the D1 Committee is responsible for establishing welding standards for structural integrity. It comprises numerous subcommittees, each with an assigned area of responsibility. The group Trosen helps lead includes engineers, scientists, metallurgists, manufacturers, and fabricators. His group is responsible for adding new materials to welding codes and recategorizing materials within existing code. While Trosen’s involvement is an undeniable feather in his cap, he continued to focus on those who’ve shared his career adventures and guided him along the way.

“My dad has always been a big encouragement to me in my career,” Trosen said. “He started his career as a welding engineer as well, so we have a lot in common.”

Trosen’s role with the AWS promotes awareness of Pantex, too.

“Jason’s involvement in the AWS D1 Committee brings national visibility to the mission of Pantex within the welding industry and provides him — and, subsequently, the plant — valuable insight into where the welding industry is going and how we can better prepare for changes that may come from developments in the code,” Baker said.

Trosen agreed.

“Involvement in code committees allows Pantex to have visibility of upcoming changes to the codes to which we work as well as a voice in those changes,” he said. “It also gives us great contacts to leaders in the industry. In one meeting I attended, we had recently been through a Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board audit where a code interpretation question had come up and I was able to talk with the chairman of the committee that wrote that code and get very valuable insight that helped address DNFSB’s concerns.”

In the end, what makes Trosen a Pantex Iron Man is not swooping in to save the day like Tony Stark; instead, it’s sharing what he’s learned so both he and his peers go home each night happy and healthy.

“We have six classes and computer-based trainings where we share knowledge about welding and welding program requirements,” he said. “We regularly work with groups all around the plant to help them understand welding requirements and ensure we meet welding code requirements that are in place to ensure our safety.”