Airmen hone their combat skills at "War College"

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Green
  • 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, Calif. --  The 129th Rescue Wing held war skills training for Airmen at Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif. Feb. 5, 2011, in preparation for an upcoming operational readiness inspection slated for December.

Traditional Guardsmen progressed through six stations of war skills training, also known as War College, to hone their mission essential combat defense skills that are considered necessary to respond appropriately during scenarios that will be inspected during the December ORI.

The ORI is an inspection where Air Combat Command inspectors evaluate the combat readiness of the 129th RQW and validate the wing's ability to execute assigned missions and tasks.

The ability to survive and operate, or ATSO, is one of the major grading areas in the ORI. In this area inspectors evaluate the units' ability to sustain its mission at deployed locations following a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or conventional attack.

The War College curriculum, paying close attention to the AFMAN 10-100, trains personnel in ATSO areas relating to communications, awareness and employment of protective measures, individual and resource protection, self aid and buddy care, and contamination avoidance and control.

Beginning with communication training, Airmen were taught the basic etiquette and communication terms for correct and effective verbal radio communication. Given scenarios for pre-, trans-, and post-attacks, Airmen were confronted to put their training to the test with challenging procedures and reporting.

"This college is excellent training, and the timing is perfect for everyone to get up to speed," said Tech. Sgt. Tracey Fey, personal wireless communication systems manager for the 129th Force Support Flight. "Not only will it help ensure our success during the ORI, it will also help resolve many issues our real world mission may have with effective communication."

Proceeding to the attack actions station, Airmen were taught how to correctly configure their protective gear, successfully undergo entry control procedures and respond to enemy challenging.

Shelter operations instructors taught Airmen pre-, trans-, and post-attack actions for dispersal, covering and entry control point procedures to protect themselves. After confining shelter, instructors at this station described the importance of post attack reconnaissance teams.

"We provide a PAR kit to teams allowing them to walk the area and look for casualties, unexploded ordinances, and check M8 paper after an attack," said Master Sgt. Duncan Collier, alternate building manager for the 129th Mission Support Group. "A lot of what we're covering is in our CBRNE computer based training. However, this type of interactive training allows Airmen to learn in an ungraded environment where they have the opportunity to ask questions and receive constructive feedback."

Following shelter operations, Airmen continued on to sector transitioning training where they learned how to limit the spread of contamination when transiting between contaminated and uncontaminated areas after an attack. Airmen were also briefed on contamination control area processing and aircrew contamination control area processing.

Lastly, Airmen worked on a modified SABC training refresher plan to ensure they were able to provide simple life saving treatments to wounded wingmen while transporting them to proper medical facilities.

More than 240 Guardsmen successfully completed the training sessions in full force-protection gear.

"I was very impressed with the quality of instruction," said Master Sgt. Kkoby Griffin, 129th emergency management program manager with the 129th Civil Engineering Flight. "The level of effort and attention displayed by exercise planners, emergency control staff, instructors and students was great for this high priority ORI training event."