Repetition, practice are cornerstones Published July 30, 2009 By Master Sgt. Mark A. Winklosky 911AW/PA Pittsburgh IAP ARS -- Learning to play an instrument, striving to be the best at a given sport or simply becoming better at mathematics, takes a great deal of repetition and practice. The samecould be said for the preparation needed to be successful for the Operational Readiness Inspection, slated for December 2009. Historical research shows that using repetition as a training technique produces an increase in overall knowledgeretainability. According to research published by the Education Resources Information Center, ERIC # - ED 281861, there is a significant increase in learning with increased repetitions at both the knowledge and analysis levels. ORI training planners are incorporating this logic into how the training plan is built and executed. Most of the tasks being performed are taken directly from the Airman's Manual, AFPAM 10-100: · Knowing what individual protective equipment is needed to move from one mission oriented protective posture to another (M.O.P.P. levels, pages 23 - 29 in AFPAM 10-100) · Learning the different warning signals for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives in high threat areas (C.B.R.N.E., page 18 in AFPAM 10- 100) · Identifying types of unexploded ordnance (UXO's,pages 2 - 7 in AFPAM 10-100, Critical Information Checklist) · Treating someone using basic self-aid and buddy care techniques (S.A.B.C., pages 17 - 24 in AFPAM 10-100, Critical Information Checklist) · Clearing a weapon with immediate action procedures (S.P.O.R.T.S., pages 25 - 26 in AFPAM 10-100, Critical Information Checklist) · Reporting an attack (S.A.L.U.T.E., page 91 in AFPAM 10-100) "Members should become very familiar with the Airman's Manual," said Mr. Paul Dayen, 911th Mission Support Group chief of emergency management. "It has a great deal of valuable information and should be within reach, no matter where they [the Reservist] go," he said. The newest version of the Airman's Manual, AFPAM 10-100, dated March 1, 2009, recently arrived on base. The old version, according to Air Force Reserve Command guidance, must be turned in to the unit deployment manager before the new pamphlet is released to the member. The reason is two-fold: First, the pamphlet is a controlled item, and secondly, several pages of information have changed between the two versions. "We don't want any outdated manuals showing up at the ORI," said Capt. Tanaka Dunn, ORI logistics planner. "We want the most recent, up-to-date information in thehands of our personnel at the inspection," she said. With the new manual at everyone's disposal, practicing and becoming familiar with its contents seem to be key in the preparation process for the inspection. "It's all about concentrating on the details now and honing our skill sets," said Capt. Dunn. "During the past year and a half, we have been striving to become even better at what we do. The various exercises, table top scenarios, circuit training, and familiarization of the Airman's Manual (AFPAM 10-100, 01 March 2009) are all geared toward the goal of having an outstanding performance at the ORI," said Capt. Dunn. "With more training events planned for upcoming unit training assemblies, Reservist's and players in the Operational Readiness Exercise in September 2009 will have the basic warfighting skills needed to complete the mission," said Capt. Dunn. The ORE is scheduled to take place at Gulfport, Miss., for a week in September. The results of the exercise are usually a good indication of how well a wing is prepared for the inspection. "The ORE is the dress rehearsal for the ORI in December," said Lt. Col. Aldo Filoni, ORI operations planner. "The training received in preparation of the ORI has been excellent," he said. "We've learned from our past mistakes and I believe the wing is ready for the challenge and eager for the opportunity to show off what we do best," concluded Lt. Col. Filoni.