Wing takes first steps toward ORI

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kent Kagarise
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Citizen Airmen of the 442nd Fighter Wing took a big step Sept. 6 and 7 in preparation for next year's operational readiness inspection.

Laden with Mission Oriented Protection Posture gear and other field equipment, the wing's 1,200 reservists executed tasks associated with a combat environment, accomplishing a successful Operational Readiness Exercise during the September unit training assembly.

Reporting at 4 a.m. on Sept. 6, Airmen picked up their gear and went to the exercise "play area" where they trained in a simulated combat environment for two days.

An ORE is a tool for commanders to gauge the level of combat readiness in the wing and determine deficiencies that need to be corrected before an inspection.

Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Al Sturges explained senior leadership wanted everyone to get an idea of what an ORI "Phase II" is like, which includes reacting, "to MOPP levels, threat assessments, ground attacks and various other situations used as learning experiences."

"The average age of the 442nd Airman is 33, with the youngest being 17 and the oldest being 60," Chief Sturges said. "This experience coupled with the fact that we haven't had an ORI in 10 years makes this exercise extremely important. It's all about learning. We're all going to make mistakes. The goal of all this is to score an outstanding in October of 2009."

The day started for Airmen at the personnel center in building 705.

"Our mission is to send everybody out the back door properly dressed and informed into the play area," said Maj. Cathy Roberts, exercise personnel center officer-in-charge. "Our major obstacles have been communication and education. Folks didn't know what to expect, but it has gone well.

"Some of the improvements we made were to separate the water for the canteens from other areas," she said. "We moved the medical staff, which allowed us to guide everyone through easier. We have seen that in the future we need to make chemical gear corrections faster. I am especially encouraged by everyone's cooperative attitudes."

Before heading out into the "play area" the last person most Airmen saw was Tech. Sgt. Ron Watkins the exercise equipment inspector and non-commissioned officer in charge of the personnel center on the day shift.

"My job is to check if Airmen have all the proper equipment and to ensure personnel are aware of dress codes and MOPP levels," he said. "My major obstacle is identifying any missing supplies by noting names, unit and deficiencies."

Once in the "play area" Airmen could encounter a number of scenarios and people such as the casualty collection and medical personnel.

"I'm working as security, but I'm a medical technician specializing in triage," said Tech. Sgt. Greg Stephens a medical technician, 442nd Medical Squadron. "My job today is to protect the doctors and everyone else here. You have to prioritize, figure out what you can do and be willing to be a jack of all trades."

"I can back an ambulance into a small box or stop an Airman from bleeding," he said.

Various situations could arise for anybody who entered the play area including the chaplains.

"Our mission is to provide spiritual and emotional care for Airmen of the wing and coalition forces," said Chaplain (Maj.) Jim Buckman. "Scenarios we may face could be wounded Airmen, killed in action casualties, counseling and religious plurality issues. I'm looking forward to our people doing what we're trained to do in a simulated combat environment."

Having concluded a "Phase II" exercise the Wing now looks forward to October's unit training assembly where Phase I will be executed in a fashion that will reflect the unit's readiness to out-process for a deployment.

"I am challenging the wing to hold themselves accountable in overcoming foreseen obstacles," said Col. Mark Clemons, Wing commander. "They need to be familiar with their Airman's manual and direct all questions to their unit and supervisor. They need to have patience and be a part of the solution - not the problem."