442d Fighter Wing
9/29/2014 - WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. -- Security forces, firefighters, explosive ordnance disposal specialists, emergency management and bioenvironmental engineers from the 442nd Fighter wing engaged in a large scale emergency response exercise here, Sept. 21.
This exercise was the first to combine these emergency responders in a single scenario.
"Hail ISIS!" yelled Senior Airman Christopher Winslow, 442nd SFS, playing the part of third country national, as he exchanged simulated gunfire with security forces to start the exercise. His character died in the shootout, and security forces began to sweep the nearby building. They found an explosive booby trap and a simulated ricin lab.
On the wall of the lab was the flag of ISIS and photos of the top targets - the 442nd FW commander and vice commander. The Airmen reported the lab and booby trap and dozens of other players began to arrive on scene. Within three minutes, the area was cordoned off and secured.
The exercise was almost exclusively comprised of reservists from the 442nd FW, and one Airman from the 509th Bomb Wing who asked to participate out of curiosity. Col. Hubie Hegtvedt, 442nd FW commander, recognized the generosity of the bomb wing in providing equipment, such as fire trucks, for the exercise and the element of authenticity it brought to the scenario.
"It was impressive," said Hegtvedt, "to roll into the mix of vehicles and equipment and personnel that filled the parking lot. I'm thankful that we have such a great relationship with our host wing and they were willing to help us out."
Among the equipment was an EOD robot named "Dora the Explorer" who helped disable the booby trap guarding the ricin lab.
The trap, set off by a trip wire near the door of the lab, was designed and built by Master Sgt. Josh Baker, from the fighter wing's EOD section, who drew on years of experience with explosive ordnance. Baker was impressed by the scope of the exercise and the opportunity to give new members a chance to understand their roles.
"In the past, we've done exercises individually [as EOD or security forces, for example] and simulated what other emergency responders would do based on our notions of their jobs. This combined exercise speaks to what they would actually do," said Baker.
Every emergency response section tasked newer, less experienced Airmen as players in the exercise.
"We wanted younger troops with no experience," said Master Sgt. James Dorl, 442nd FW security forces squad leader and wing inspection team member. "We took our aces out and didn't stack the deck."
The scenario was conceptualized by the emergency management office as a voluntary initiative intended to test a variety of capabilities that spanned several sections. It was an opportunity to build experience in fields, including those not often tested, in an exceptionally realistic way.
"Senior Master Sgt. Mo Findley [the architect of the exercise] did a phenomenal job. Our wing inspection team members have complicated roles in the wing. Mo's creativity and understanding of various tasks impressed outside observers. We expect to see this event repeated by other units in Air Force Reserve Command in the future." said Lt. Col. Todd Riddle, 442nd FW inspector general.
Baker also recognized the challenge, particularly for a young EOD Airman who recently returned from technical school and was tasked as a player in the exercise. Senior Airman Cameron Rupert controlled the robot that disabled Baker's trap.
"He's nervous because there are a lot of high-ranking eyes on him," said Baker, as the exercise began. "But who's to say in the real world you wouldn't experience the same thing?"
"It's good for Airmen to see actual, tangible results from their work. This was a chance to let our younger folks see the big picture," Hegtvedt said. "It's nuanced - but you have to give them a safe place to make a mistake."
The exercise ended within the time limit of nine hours - with a simulated hand-off of the crime scene to the FBI.
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