Hagel Observes Full-spectrum National Training Center Exercise

By Amaani Lyle

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel yesterday lauded training efforts at the Army’s National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, where he addressed troops and observed a “full-spectrum” war exercise involving about 4,700 soldiers preparing for deployments to the Middle East.

The training on the 1,200-square-mile site included exercises in traditional tactics, political leader and citizen interactions, and cyberattacks.

Importance of Training

“It is critically important that the kind of training you're getting here continue to be refined, because … it is training that prepares you, that keeps you ready,” Hagel said. “It is training that keeps you on the cutting edge of what's coming next.”

Noting that the “unpredictable is the predictable,” Hagel championed a proactive approach to threats and challenges. He described joint efforts among Army, Navy and Air Force special operations forces as “important and essential” to the U.S. military’s future. He lauded the comprehensive training for transcending the parameters of basic soldiering with its inclusion of understanding the culture and appeal of radicalism to insurgents.

“You've got to know a little something more about the environment that you're going into -- some of the history, some of the culture, some of the human dimensions that always play out in any contest, and in any conflict,” he said.

Troops Will Gain Greater Training Control

Hagel noted the “impressive” level of coordination he observed and vowed to give commanders and their troops more latitude and flexibility in preparing for current and future challenges.

“You have to be mayors of small towns, you have to be sewer commissioners, you have to be architects,” he said. “And you have to be soldiers.”

Hagel reminded the troops that they serve as role models for society and future generations of service members.

“What you do is not just what you do here or on the battlefield or anywhere else you go,” Hagel said. “But you represent as proud a tradition and as important a job as there is in this country.”

3rd AF commander visits RAF Lakenheath

by Airman 1st Class Erin R. Babis
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

11/14/2014 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, completed his immersion tour of RAF Lakenheath Nov. 13.

Throughout his tour and during an all-call at the base theater, Roberson stressed the importance of Airmen innovating and improving systems already in place, to keep our Air Force the best Air Force in the world.

While visiting the 48th Component Maintenance Squadron, Roberson was particularly impressed with the way personnel had recently streamlined their work, maximizing efficiency and cutting costs.

Roberson paused momentarily to finds words to express his gratitude for the work the Airmen had put forth improving their methods when his wife, Cheryl Roberson, reminded him, "Light switch!"

The analogy, Roberson explained, was that people often don't think about all the hidden components that make a light switch work. The Airmen at RAF Lakenheath, and the 48th CMS specifically, are like all the inner workings that nobody sees behind the light switch. They make everything work.

"If there was one thing that I could emphasize to Airmen, I would have to say it would be to follow our core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do," Roberson said. "If you follow those core values, we're going to be able to accomplish our mission."

During his visit, Roberson frequently emphasized 'forward, ready, now.' With a forward presence and ready forces, the Air Force can accomplish its mission now. Roberson explained how this mantra applies at all levels, from the individual Airman to the greater Air Force.

"The 48th Fighter Wing's partnership here in England is critical in many ways, the most important being the relationships that each and every one of our Airmen develop with the local community that surrounds RAF Lakenheath," Roberson said. "If something were to really happen, it's going to be those relationships that are going to allow us to do things in a manner and a timeliness that cannot be accomplished from back in the United States."

Roberson stressed the critical role the 48th Fighter Wing plays in NATO and in this part of the world.

"RAF Lakenheath represents one of those strategic air power assets that is forward-based here in England," Roberson said. "Working together with our British partners and supporting all of our NATO allies, the 48th Fighter Wing stands ready every single day, 24/7, to support and defend our collective interests."

Roberson concluded the all-call by expressing how impressed he was with the Airmen of RAF Lakenheath and challenged everyone to continue striving for excellence through innovation.

"We are forward, ready, now and we are doing our nations bidding. I thank you for it," he said.

Before dismissing the all-call, Roberson rallied the Airmen with the Air Force call of "air power!"

Estonian JTACs take lead in historic training

by Senior Airman Matthew Lotz
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

11/15/2014 - AMARI AIR BASE, Estonia -- With grey clouds flooding the skies overhead and poor visibility, Estonian air force joint tactical air controllers, or JTACs, communicated coordinates for airstrikes to U.S. pilots during the first-ever Estonian-led close air support exercise, Nov. 13-14, here.

This latest round of interoperability training under the umbrella of Operation Atlantic Resolve enabled two 555th Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots to execute air-to-ground training with Estonian JTACs. While the JTACs honed their proficiency at calling in simulated precision airstrikes, the pilots leveraged this new milestone in interoperability training to enhance the readiness of NATO combat air forces.

"The U.S. is committed to international security and through this bilateral training with our NATO partners, we are able to counter a range of regional and global threats," said Maj. Benjamin Couchman, 555th FS pilot and exercise mission commander. "We will continue participating in these joint readiness training events that build partnership capacity and at the same time ensure the security of our allies and partners."

Although cloud cover restricted visibility between ground and air, according to the Estonian JTACs, the training was highly successful.

"We are training daily to stay proficient with Estonian aircraft, but the capabilities of a U.S. F-16 bring a whole new dimension to our efforts to train like we fight," said an Estonian air force JTAC. "It's so important for us to be able to work with U.S. forces and we look forward to additional opportunities in the future."

As was the case during recent exercises Platinum Eagle and Ample Strike, this deployment of Aviano's F-16s to Estonia was in keeping with America's commitment to ensuring the security of U.S. and NATO allies. While transiting to Estonia, the pilots were also able to train with a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England.

"All of the training we were able to accomplish in these two days strengthened our relationships within NATO, enhanced our interoperability and reassured our European allies of our commitment to peace and stability in the region," Couchman said. "Because we are 'forward, ready, now,' we can support our allies and quickly respond to emerging threats."

AFSOUTH Liaison Officers: A proud heritage of service, a new tradition of regional leadership

by Jessica Casserly
12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs

11/17/2014 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB, Ariz. -- (This feature is part of the "AFSOUTH Liaison Officers" series. These stories focus on a single Air Forces Southern liaison officer, highlighting their experience serving as their country's representative to the AFSOUTH Commander.)

Colonel Carlos Torres followed in his father's footsteps when he began his Colombian air force career in 1987 and now, as the Colombian air force's liaison officer for Air Forces Southern, he hopes to raise awareness of the important changes his country has made to become a regional leader in South America.

The Colombian air force commander took into account Torres's experience and military career, when he appointed Torres as the AFSOUTH Colombian LNO in December 2013. Now that his time in the position is nearing an end, Torres speaks fondly of both the professional and personal experiences he has had at Davis-Monthan.

"This experience has been great for me personally and professionally," Torres said. "For the personal, my family and I now know the West side of the United States. My family has visited San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. It's wonderful. For the professional part, I understand the United States Air Force more--how it works and how we can improve the relationship between our air forces."

Though the Colombian LNO experience is a short one, with just a one year tour of duty, Torres has gleaned a lot from his time at AFSOUTH.

"[During my time here], I have come to know different ways of doing things," Torres said. "As I compare them with the way we do business [in the Colombian air force], I see different areas where we can improve."

Tyrone Barbery, the AFSOUTH LNO General Program Manager, explained that while the Colombian LNO has a limited timeframe to make an impact in this position, Torres has used that time efficiently to represent his air force.

"For most LNOs this is a two year tour," Barbery said. "In the case of the Colombian air force they have an institutional policy that their military members can only be away for one year, and that's the case with Colonel Torres. Hopefully, in the future, we can extend the Colombian LNO's stay to at least 18 months. But despite the condensed timeline, Colonel Torres has been very productive."

AFSOUTH LNOs gain a unique perspective on the USAF during their time at Davis-Monthan and they leave a lasting impression of their respective country's air force as well.

"The Colombian air force has become a regional leader, if you will," Barbery said.

Showing the USAF and other partner nations the great strides his country has made toward regional leadership is very important to Torres and the Colombian air force.

"This experience as an LNO is a great opportunity to show the other side of my country," Torres said. "My country has changed. We are now helping other countries to build up their capabilities with the advice of the United States Air Force."

Barbery explained that Torres's country has been fighting a guerilla war for about 60 years, but that in the past decade, the Colombian air force has been experiencing many successes that other air forces in the region can emulate.

"Colonel Torres was asked by name to attend and give a presentation at the Pacific Rim Symposium," Barbery said. "And he was credited with presenting the best briefing of the symposium, because he focused on some key points as to why his country has been so successful. These successes are good lessons that our Air Force can learn from."

Torres has spent the past 11 months strengthening the partnership between the Colombian air force and the USAF and as he prepares to transition back to his home country, he is hopeful that the impact he has made will help solidify a lasting partnership between the U.S. and Colombia.

"This program is very important for us," Torres said. "It will improve the communication, the coordination and the relationship between our air forces, between our armed forces and between our countries."

Team Moody celebrates storied history of Flying Tigers

23d Wing Public Affairs

11/17/2014 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Team Moody celebrated its storied history with past and present members of the Flying Tigers during a reunion here Nov. 13 to 15.

This year, three of the original Flying Tigers from World War II were able to attend the reunion.  Don Miller, Frank Epperson, and J.M. Taylor were among nearly 300 Flying Tigers who gathered in Valdosta to celebrate their heritage.  Miller, Epperson and Taylor flew P-40s and P-51s in China during World War II.

Col. Chad Franks, 23d Wing commander, welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the event during the kickoff ceremony in the fuels hangar."

All the Flying Tigers who are here today, that is what it's all about," Franks said.  "Getting all of you back together and telling some war stories ... and they don't all have to be true. Ten percent is the rule I think we're going for," he joked.

On a serious note, Franks expressed the importance of coming together to learn about the unit's history and to celebrate the accomplishments of all Flying Tigers from World War II to present day combat operations.

The group toured static display aircraft, received unit capabilities briefings, viewed a combat search and rescue demonstration by the 347th Rescue Group and the 23d Fighter Group, and gathered for a dedication of Moody's P-40 pavilion in memory of retired Lt. Col. Robert "Muck" Brown, an A-10 pilot who passed way in March 2014.

Miller said his favorite part about the reunions is "... just everybody coming together. Honestly I came because the other two guys weren't going to beat me.  I picture myself as the foundation of the guys, at least the information bit.  As the newsletter editor and past 75th association president, I try to keep them all together."

Epperson, his friend and wingman, chimed in with "seeing all of your old friends and classmates and people you flew alongside is worth the trip."

The reunion concludes with a formal banquet in downtown Valdosta, and opportunities for golf and skeet shooting over the weekend.

Moody's 23d Fighter Group traces its roots back to the 23rd Pursuit Group (Interceptor), constituted at Langley Field, Va., Dec. 17, 1941, just 10 days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

Claire L. Chennault had been recalled to active duty with the rank of brigadier general and placed at the head of the China Air Task Force (later to become 14th Air Force). The 23rd FG, a component of the CATF, was assigned three squadrons -- the 74th, 75th, and 76th. These three fighter squadrons are today based at Moody.  The group's aircraft have evolved from the P-40 Warhawk, which lacked gun sights or bomb racks, to the current A-10C Thunderbolt II.

The group was nicknamed the "Flying Tigers" and became famous for the shark teeth painted on the P-40, which were thought to intimidate enemies. Air Force A-10Cs still bear the infamous teeth to this day.

After World War II, the Flying Tigers were inactivated and reactivated several times, flying different fighter aircraft at different locations before being reactivated as the 23rd Wing at Moody in 2006.

The reunions, which began in 1946, provide an opportunity for Flying Tigers, past and present, to get together, celebrate their heritage, and share war stories.

Joint Task Force-Bravo welcomes training to help support mission

by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Heather Redman
Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs Office

11/17/2014 - SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras -- Members from the Pacific Disaster Center traveled over 4,000 miles to provide Joint Task Force-Bravo with the tools necessary to successfully plan and prepare for a crisis and contingency response within the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

Beginning Nov. 6, members of JTF-Bravo will participate in a two day training session provided by the PDC.

"The PDC training will help improve JTF-Bravo service members' understanding of the tools available to plan, prepare and execute humanitarian assistance as well as disaster relief support operations," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Joseph Leardi, JTF-B director of operations.  "Furthermore, the training will allow JTF-Bravo access to the many resources available within the Disaster-AWARE integrated platform and enable us to submit historical as well as near-real time data from the Central American area of operations."

The PDC, based out of Hawaii, utilizes information, science, and technology that allow leaders make effective decisions during both natural and man-made disasters.  By using evidence-based data decision makers can reduce the effects of a disaster by promoting risk reduction concepts and strategies.

"The benefit of the PDC is twofold.  First it combines multiple information sources and functions into one place making it more convenient for decision makers to use and draw conclusions from.  Secondly it is a platform for sharing information from a variety of providers," said Todd Bosse, disaster management specialist from the Pacific Disaster Center.  "This level of sharing and cooperation is what gives us a base data, real time data, historical data, as well as data on infrastructures in the area that are affected.  This data sharing allows us and our users plan and prepare for incoming disasters."

The training helps prepare first responders, government officials, and personnel respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.  JTF-Bravo embraces this event by viewing it as an opportunity to increase service member proficiency to disaster response within the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility.

"By integrating this system into our planning and operation process we will be able to eliminate a lot of duplicate work," said U.S. Army Col. Kirk Dorr, JTF-Bravo commander.  "There is no reason for us to be wasting our resources trying to figure the extent of damage caused during a disaster that we've been called to respond to when the work has already been completed, complied, and verified."

JTF-Bravo members arrived at the training ready to learn with specific goals in mind.

"The PDC training will assist us in using the Disaster-AWARE tools that will help us respond to real-world disaster situations, specifically by training the SOUTHCOM Situational Assessment Team to use the tools to coordinate communications and better focus responses," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Wesley Fite, JTF-Bravo plans and operations chief of training.  "Our goals for this training are to be better informed about the capabilities of the system, to help us improve coordination with the Pacific Disaster Center, and ensure the SOUTHCOM Situational Assessment Team can fully utilize the tools during exercises or in the event of an emergency."

The tools offered by the PDC will also help with current and future biological hazard planning.

"The spread of Ebola is a top priority for the USSOUTHCOM commander," added Dorr.

The PDC's BioSurveillance Information Service helps decision makers understand disease outbreaks like Ebola Virus Disease, as well as underlying risks.

"Project BioServ uses both automated and manual imputes to track the spread and affects of infectious diseases," said Bosse.  "It is used to track and compile all data of biological outbreaks into one place so that all organizations can access it and use it for both planning and response."

Currently USSOUTHCOM doesn't have an active role in the current Ebola Virus Disease health crisis in West Africa; however it will continue to monitor international events that could potentially impact the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility.  Should EVD spread into the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility, JTF-Bravo will be ready to identify, train, and prepare forces for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief-related requests.

JTF-Bravo leaders share vision with Honduran key leaders

by Tech Sgt. Heather Redman
Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs Office

11/17/2014 - SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras  -- The commander of Joint Task Force-Bravo and major subordinate commanders welcomed more than  40 key leaders from the Republic of Honduras who participated in Honduran Leaders' Day, Nov. 14.

During the visit, JTF-Bravo senior leaders shared their vision and strategy with Honduran leaders to include the U.S. Ambassador, department governors, ministry representatives, commissioners of police and fire departments, the Permanent Contingency Commission of Honduras (COPECO) and senior military officials.

"Originally Leaders' Day was oriented towards senior Honduran military leadership.  Over time we wanted to bring in a broader audience of civil leaders.  When I took over this command, what I found was that many of the governors from around Honduras did not have a firm understanding of what occurs here at Soto Cano, particularly the capabilities and mission of JTF-Bravo.  So that is why we planned a dynamic tour where the leaders of Honduras can actually talk to service members, see all the equipment we employ and really understand our capabilities,"  said U.S. Army Col. Kirk Dorr, Joint Task Force-Bravo commander.

Throughout the day, JTF-Bravo and Honduran leaders engaged in discussions focusing how to continue to embolden the strong relationship between the U.S. and Honduras, and how the Task Force can continue to partner with Honduras.

"I think that it is very important that JTF-Bravo has opened its doors to Honduran governors for a couple of reasons.  First, it shows that there is nothing mysterious going on.  JTF-Bravo is here on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission, and we're here to support Honduras. Secondly, it's very important for local government officials to understand what the capabilities of JTF-Bravo are so the leaders here in Honduras can take the best advantage of the resources available to them," said James Nealon, U.S. Ambassador to Honduras.

As part of Honduran Leaders' Day, the distinguished visitors were provided a command brief that highlighted the strategic importance of Soto Cano AB, as well as a tour of the base and task force units. During the tour, the Honduran leaders witnessed some of the capabilities of JTF-Bravo through a variety of demonstrations.  The 612th Air Base fire fighters, Army Forces Battalion, Joint Security Forces K-9 handlers, I-228 Aviation and the Medical Element's mobile surgical team all came together to illustrate the importance of JTF-Bravo in supporting U.S. Southern Command's priorities in the Central American area of responsibility.

"I hope leaders from around Honduras come away with the understanding that this is a joint task force with open doors so that they can learn about the different capabilities. This task force is here to serve the needs of this country in terms of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," added Nealon.  

Honduran Leaders' Day was initiated in 2009 to educate local and national civic leaders on the mission and capabilities of JTF-Bravo and Soto Cano Air Base.  JTF-Bravo supports the whole of U.S. government approach in enhancing regional security, stability and cooperation in Central America.

Metal fabricators are wing's 'last line of defense'

by Tech. Sgt. Peter R. Miller
440 AW

11/16/2014 - POPE ARMY AIRFIELD, N.C. -- Tech. Sgt. Josh Dinger, a 440th Maintenance Squadron aircraft metals technician here, blasts heavy metal music that echoes through the cavernous metal fabrication shop.  Hard riffs and screams reverberate off the concrete floor, steel roof and cinderblock walls as he intently uses denatured alcohol to free a stick of aluminum from carbon contaminates. Lines of pristinely maintained mills, lathes, and toolboxes await his orders in a perpetual formation.

Dinger is a metals technician who creates parts for twelve C-130 Hercules cargo planes assigned to the 440th Airlift Wing, here.  He uses industrial metalworking tools to fashion raw steel and aluminum stock into working aircraft components, and there is more to him than tattooed arms and heavy metal.

"I can say 'I am the sole creator,'" said Dinger.  "I can create anything I am willing and able to envision.  Creativity and imagination are the only limitations in this shop."

Dinger can weld anything with the right techniques and filler materials, he said.

"We are given a blueprint or an idea, and we work with a solid piece of metal to create a functional aircraft part," he said.  "There's nothing we can't do.  When one of our machines goes down, we can make a replacement part or repair it.  The possibilities are endless.  If we broke a lathe, we could make a new one if we needed to."

Custom fabricated tools make mechanic's lives easier, he said.  Some of the maintenance on the C-130 is done within very tight spaces where an ordinary wrench will not fit.  While commercial tool manufacturers can create tools to solve this issue, the metals shop can do the same thing at a much lower cost.

"We call them 'local manufactures,' custom tools that let a mechanic do a one-and-a-half hour job in 14 or 15 minutes," he said.  "We can alter tool lengths, widths, handles and dimensions, or we can create something completely new.  We could make a piston for a car, bore an engine block; we can do anything."

Dinger's ability to fabricate long out-of-production aircraft components has led him to call the metals shop the wing's "last line of defense."

"A lot of people rely on you because they don't make a lot of these parts anymore," he said.  "Sure, the mechanics could borrow the part from another aircraft, but what happens when that one breaks?  They would have to take planes off the flight line to keep one in the air."

Germantown Participates in Exercise Keen Sword with Japanese Forces

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Patrick Dionne, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs

PHILIPPINE SEA (NNS) -- The amphibious dock landing ship, USS Germantown (LSD 42) and the 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion (AAB), 2nd Marine Division (MARDIV), operated with Japanese Self Defense Forces (JSDF) during exercise Keen Sword, Nov. 11-12.

Keen Sword is a bilateral amphibious training exercise conducted with JSDF designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability.

"This is an opportunity to allow the Japanese military see how we operate and for us to learn from them too," said Lt. Jesse Rond, Germantown's combat information center officer. "What makes this unique is that it focuses on improving the relationship we have with the Japanese in a lasting way."

This portion of the exercise kicked off with service members from JSDF being flown over on a Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) CH-47 Chinook, for a tour of Germantown. This allowed Sailors and Marines to engage with members of JSDF and show them a variety of the ship's systems and capabilities. This included a tour of the well deck, the weapons systems, the bridge, the boat deck and the wardroom. Members of the JSDF participated in a Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) drill and had an opportunity to drive amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) in the well deck.

"Next year we will have AAV's, so we have learned a lot on how to operate and maintain them," said Col. Yoshiyuki Goto, assigned to the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF). "Having this ability will help synchronize our sea and land operations."

The main goal of Germantown's participation with JSDF is to practice tactics, techniques and procedures with Japanese forces to strengthen amphibious warfare and to help the JSDF build their developing amphibious forces.

"We showed the JGSDF everything that goes into tactically planning an amphibious assault from the logistical and maintenance procedures to how to operate them," said Marine 2nd Lt. Jeffrey Horwitz, the platoon commander for the 2nd AAB, 2nd MARDIV. "This is important because it shows them how to use AAVs not only in a war time environment but also for humanitarian efforts."

Members of JGSDF were given a brief that included the planning and execution of an AAV assault as well as the basics of how the machines operated. Following the brief, each member of the JGSDF drove an AAV for the first time in the ship's well deck.

"I was the one who explained how the tracks of the AAVs worked," said Marine Sgt. John Vloyanetes. "They were really eager to learn. They were interested in what the AAVs could do and what we can do to help them. It was a great opportunity, and I learned a lot about the Japanese culture and how to work with language barriers."

The final exercise of the day was a simulated MEDEVAC drill that included a CH-47 Chinook helicopter landing on the flight deck with two patients that had simulated injuries.

"We participated in a simulated medical evacuation with the JSDF and had a helicopter land on Germantown with two patients on stretchers as well as a Japanese surgeon," said U.S. Navy Doctor Lt. Erik Johnson, the ship's general medicine officer. "Then we all worked together to get the patients inside the skin of the ship, were I worked in conjunction with the Japanese physician to provide care. We don't have a lot of opportunities for us to communicate with the Japanese on the medical side so this was a great experience to see how their medical field works."

Keen Sword is the latest in a series of joint exercises since 1986 between the U.S. military and JSDF to help enhance cooperation and unity between the two countries in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

"As strong as we are as a Navy, we can be even stronger if we can collaborate efficiently with other military forces," said Rond. "Both sides learning each other's cultures and capabilities is the best way to break down boundaries and help us come together as a cohesive unit."

Keen Sword will run until Nov. 19, and will include approximately 11,000 U.S. personnel and will continue to take place in a variety of locations throughout Japan, Okinawa and the waters surrounding Japan.

"Even though the Americans and the Japanese have a different history and culture, learning together helps us make great progress for the future," said Goto. "We have adapted to work side by side and that is the strong point of our two nations."

Germantown is part of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group, commanded by Capt. Heidi Agle, and is conducting joint forces exercises in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

188th Airmen rehearse disaster response skills, ability to survive, operate

by Staff Sgt. Hannah Landeros
188th Wing Public Affairs

11/16/2014 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Nearly 400 Airmen from the 188th Wing at Ebbing Air National Guard Base here participated in an ability to survive and operate field training exercise Nov. 2.

The field training exercise simulated a deployment to Southwest Asia and was conducted to evaluate and improve Airmen's capabilities and skills in various adverse situations during a wartime scenario.

Every Airman at basic training, home station and in deployed locations learns that personal protective equipment is a vital key to mission readiness. Knowing the proper wear and usage of PPE helps keep personnel safe and saves lives.

"The number one reason ATSO training is important is because it can save your life," said Chief Master Sgt. Ron Redding, 188th Wing installation emergency manager and wing inspection team member. "We need to know how to properly wear and operate in our mission oriented protective posture gear."

Personal protective equipment needed for a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive attack is called MOPP gear, which requires protective suits, boots, a gas mask and gloves.

Challenges Airmen from the 188th faced while in MOPP gear consisted of in-direct fire, mortar, rocket and missile attacks, unexploded ordinance, runway damage, multiple casualties, insurgents trying to gain access to assets and a fuel spill as well as chemical, radiological, biological and nuclear attacks.

"During some of these attacks it's important that our equipment is on correctly, fits properly and we have a wingman conduct a buddy check to guarantee you're protected," said Mike Walker, 188th Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent.

Another challenge Airmen faced was working in unfamiliar situations with challenging equipment.

"Getting acquainted with our new masks and putting on the suits is something most members haven't done recently," Walker said. "We have to ensure that we knew the different levels of MOPP gear, have M-9 [chemical detection paper] tape in the appropriate places and we still had to continue regular duties."

Redding said these exercises are meant to identify areas for improvement as well as to highlight strengths. Redding said one of those areas he targeted for improvement is to better equip alternates for the various key positions within the scenario in case their primary members are incapacitated. Redding said it's paramount that the alternates know their roles and how to operate and fill positions in an emergency when needed.

"We noticed participants weren't familiar with certain roles and people were learning their shortfalls," Redding said. "That's why we do exercises like this. We need to see where we are weak so we can fix those areas."

The difficulties the field training exercise generate are intended to create obstacles that are possible in a real world deployment. Redding said the 188th Wing will now focus on remedying those weaknesses and will work to better its proficiencies and emergency protocol.

"It doesn't matter if it's in a chemical environment, winter weather or natural disaster, every Airman needs to know that there is protocol and know how to use it to protect themselves," Redding said. "As supervisors we need to ensure that all our subordinates are properly trained and know how to operate in adverse conditions so that we are able to successfully complete the mission."