MXG evaluates ability to operate in wartime environment

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jamie L. Coggan
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 355th Maintenance Group here conducted a Phase II operational readiness exercise Oct. 16 to 19 to test how well it can perform its mission in a simulated wartime environment.

The ORE is an annual requirement, but in preparation for an Air Combat Command operational readiness inspection re-evaluation, the 355th MXG is conducting exercises at a higher-than-normal frequency than normal.

The exercise schedule is directed by the 355th Fighter Wing commander, with input and advice from the group commanders and the 355th FW Plans and Programs (XP) office here.

The main goal for the exercise was to test the Maintenance Group's response to a chemical and conventional threat while performing their duties in a wartime environment.

"The exercise participants were performing their normal jobs at a dramatically increased operational tempo and in a wartime environment," said Master Sgt. David Rogala of XP. "They had to contend with conventional and chemical attacks, some of which required them to operate while wearing their chem gear for extended periods of time."

The Airmen also had to perform tasks particular to a forward operating base during a war; they had to perform post-attack reconnaissance sweeps after attacks, demonstrate contamination avoidance and decontamination procedures, perform self aid and buddy care, and operate in a high-stress, constant threat environment.

"These exercises are extremely important as they provide the opportunity to conduct training and evaluate our ability to operate in a wartime environment," said Sergeant Rogala.

Although many of the simulated weapons aren't necessarily available to our enemies in Iraq and Afghanistan, Sergeant Rogala said the exercises are still important to our readiness.

"We know that there are countries and groups in the world who are hostile to us and have the kinds of weapons that we simulate through the course of these exercises," he added. "Our goal is to make sure that our Airmen are prepared to face the worst that can be thrown at them and survive, recover, and take the fight to the enemy."