With ORI around corner, 442nd FW aims for a 'clean sweep'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kent Kagarise
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  When hearing the words "sweep" and "par" the visual of Tiger Woods putting with a broom might come to mind, but for those working in the 442nd Civil Engineer Squadron during the August Unit Training Assembly, there is a completely different meaning.

"Post Attack Reconnaissance teams or PAR teams are responsible for surveying an area for possible concern," said Lt. Col. Mark Davison, 442nd CES commander.

It is critical for the engineers to determine if a site can be occupied on transition day as to keep personnel safe from the hazards of war.

"Some of our apprehensions stem from: enemy presence, unexploded ordinance, booby-traps, chemical hazards and anything that could bring harm to airmen or hinder our mission," Colonel Davison said.

The 442nd engineers focused on what they do before they set up a perimeter for a potential occupied base.

"We're sweeping the site to clear it of hazards and secure it so we can insure who comes in and out," Major Ross McAfee, 442nd CES director of operations said. "First we'll set-up supply and control, then we'll construct the facilities so four or five hours later-- there'll be a tent city here, complete with a water facility, supply, hazardous material facility and a temper-tent with floors and primary power and air conditioning."

The engineers used their experiences to hone skills needed for October's Operational Readiness Inspection.

"Once we're fully operational we'll look to make improvements. It's all simulated this weekend but in September it'll be real," Major McAfee said.

"We learned a lot during the Readiness Assistance Visit," Colonel Davison said.
One thing is the old Cobra site on the east side of Whiteman Air Force Base wasn't well suited for the upcoming ORI. That site was vacated and two additional, more realistic sites have been set up closer to the ORI "play" area.

"The Cobra site had constructed buildings and cement pads which made the training scenario all too artificial," Colonel Davison said. "There was confusion before. We cured that with a bare field--just the basics."

As in any training atmosphere there are many obstacles which often times can only be addressed in a time of confrontation.

"You don't know-- what you don't know," said Master Sgt. Nathan Hooton, 442nd CES. "We expect surprises at any and all times but especially during convoys we'll be anticipating snipers and UXO's."

For many Airmen the most dreaded part of the ORI is the extensive amount of time spent in Mission Oriented Protective Posture four. While airmen are taking cover and sweating it out, PAR teams are sweeping the area to guarantee their safety once airmen come out from under the rubber and breathe that first breath of fresh air.

"People can't get out of MOPP four until its safe." Colonel Davison said. "There are 22 teams on the base and CE is responsible for three of them. Those folks are covering a 100 foot by 100 foot section, so it is critical we get out after an attack and maintain security as well as make sure the air is clear."

While in Missouri it can be difficult to remember the purpose of training is to prepare airmen for the rigors of southwest Asia, but those who have been there can testify of the benefits of combat focused training.

"I'd say my gear including the weapon is about 40 or 50 pounds. It doesn't affect me--I've spent 16 months in Iraq wearing it," said Senior Airman Kevin Genke, 442nd FW CE. "It's good for people who haven't deployed so they can get acclimated to functioning in it."