D-M performs first Phase II exercise in four years

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brittany Dowdle
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  In preparation for the Operational Readiness Inspection slated for March 2014, D-M Airmen did their part to practice wartime missions during the Phase I, Phase II Operational Readiness Exercise Dec. 11-14.

This exercise was the first of its kind in almost four years. The last time D-M had a Phase II ORE was in January 2009.

A Phase I exercise evaluates the unit's ability to transition from peacetime readiness to a wartime posture and consists of positioning the force. A phase I tasking will generally mimic, but is not limited to, a unit's worst case operational plan tasking as specified in the units designed operational capability statement and Air Expeditionary Force requirements.

A Phase II exercise evaluated a unit's ability to perform wartime or contingency missions and consists of employing the force, sustaining the force, and ability to survive and operate.

"The importance of these exercises is to ensure that D-M Airmen are always ready to perform their mission in wartime," said Master Sgt. Adam Hernandez, 355th Fighter Wing inspector general superintendent. "Knowing that we are preparing all Airmen to perform their wartime mission is the most rewarding aspect of executing these exercises."

During the exercise, squadrons were able to determine who participated due to everyday mission still continuing on base.

"The hardest part in planning and executing these exercises is coordinating between the squadrons," Hernandez said. "We want to maximize the participation of exercise participants."

This exercise took place at different areas around the base, including Desert Lightning City.

The next Phase I, Phase II exercise is slated for March 2013.