Beverly Bulldog 14-01 in full swing

by Airman 1st Class Ashley J. Thum
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

11/18/2013 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The peninsula-wide operational readiness exercise Beverly Bulldog 14-01 kicked off Nov. 15.

As with all exercises, this one was designed to test the adaptability and combat capability of U.S. Forces Korea personnel and pinpoint areas of readiness that could be improved upon in the future.

Col. Sean DeWitt, 51st Fighter Wing vice commander, said BB 14-01 could be a game changer for Osan.

"We're looking for surprise and flexibility," DeWitt said. "I hope that everyone has noticed that this is different from any other exercise that we've done."

Although this exercise promises to approach training from a different angle, some things never change. Practicing the tactical-level execution of higher headquarters taskings remains a cornerstone of Osan exercises.

"In our wing priorities, our maximum weight of effort goes to realistic and robust readiness," Dewitt said.

To help hone that readiness, DeWitt said exercise scenarios should be approached with a real-world mindset.

In some instances, however, it can be difficult to respond to a situation the same way one would in a real-world contingency. DeWitt said if a situation arises that requires a response that would risk harm to an Airman or damage to equipment, then Airman should work with their wing inspection team to figure out how best to simulate a safe response.

As the week looms ahead, DeWitt stressed the importance of keeping a positive attitude, no matter what.

"In the end, in any exercise you get out of it what you put into it," DeWitt said. "Have a sense of urgency, and give yourself the maximum opportunity for training."