Training exercise scheduled for September

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Roberto Modelo
  • 911th Public Affairs
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  All Airmen must have the ability to survive and operate if an attack were to take place against the base. Airmen at the 911th Airlift Wing will have the chance to put those skills into practice during the Ability to Survive and Operate Exercise scheduled for the September Unit Training Assembly here. 

The ATSO will evaluate each Airman's ability to utilize their individual protective equipment and accomplish their mission during an attack. In order for Airmen to be ready for the exercise, they should become familiar with the Airman's Manual. 

"Airmen should be ready to practice and become familiar with their ATSO wartime skills," said Mr. Paul Dayen, Chief of Emergency Management at the 911th AW. "This is what the training is all about," he added. 

Within the Airman's Manual, participants must be acquainted with the description of the different mission-oriented protective procedures. Although M-8/M-9 tape and decontamination kits are not required, Airmen must have their suits marked as described in the Airman's manual. 

During the exercise, Airmen should remain ready and have their Airman's Manual at their sides, as members from the Exercise Evaluation Team may test their knowledge at any point. 

"The Airman's Manual is required, and if any EET asks you a question, you should look up the answer," said Mr. Dayen. 

Airmen can also take the opportunity to use the ATSO training to complete their Task Qualification Training. 

"If you are performing wartime tasks while in MOPP4, there is no reason not to document CBRNE TQT," Mr. Dayen added. 

Those scheduled for medical physicals and Fit to Fight during the September UTA can be excused from the ATSO exercise for the duration of their appointment time.
September's ATSO training is just the beginning in a series of steps that are meant to prepare Airmen for the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection. 

Operational Readiness Training Packages are slated to run from August 2008 to May 2009. 

"ORTPs are different types of scenarios that are executed and the EET assists the Airmen in their responses," said Mr. Dayen. 

ORTPs will include training that is targeted for the general Airmen audience, as well as for the senior leadership, who have already started their training. The training will draw to a close with a joint exercise and inspection between the 911th AW and Maxwell Air Force Base's 908th Airlift Wing, starting with the Operational Readiness Exercise in September 2009 and finishing with the ORI in December. 

The countdown has begun for the 2009 ORI. Effective operations will be essential for the unit to maintain its mission at home station and at their deployed locations. Preparation will be the theme of the upcoming year, so it is essential for everyone to do their part to make this a successful ORI.