Pope exercises readiness

Published June 12, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem
43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- "Alarm Blue, MOPP 4," sounded from the giant voice box as personnel representing different units all over base sprung into action. They attempted to show a sense of urgency while donning their gas masks and other protective gear within the proper time frame.

During the Mobility Exercise, the Exercise Evaluation Team put several scenarios into play giving Pope members practice for possible "real-world" situations.

The exercise also ensures Pope members who are participating in the Operational Readiness Inspection in October are properly prepared. Oct. 26 through Nov. 2, Pope will deploy 288 people from various units on base to spend a week in Alpina, Mich. for the inspection.

Whether or not Pope members will be participating in the upcoming ORI, the MOBEX still laid important groundwork for possible threats to our safety.

"I think these exercises are very important because being prepared for real-world conditions is crucial," said Airman 1st Class Tasha Sanchez, 43rd Medical Support Squadron. "In order to be ready for real world you have to practice in exercises. It is very important for you to know how to use your gear and be knowledgeable in the different Mission Oriented Protective Posture levels, Force Protection Conditions and alarm colors for self-readiness during the real thing."

Airman 1st Class Paul Loranger, 43rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, was appreciative for the knowledge and growth attained from the exercise.

"These exercises are a great learning tool because some day we may be in a real world situation where the things taught in the exercise are going to come into play," he said.

"They also teach you what to expect in the ORI, so there should be no surprises. I learned that rank doesn't really come into play in some situations. You may be the lowest ranking person in the area, but if you know what to do, take the lead and get it done."

With so many people participating in the exercise, many times communication is an area that affects performance as a whole.

"Communication always seems to be sort of an Achilles' heel. For example: If the alarms or orders come out as garbled and unreadable or if they are not fully understood as to what needs to be done then confusion and delayed responses will occur, which ultimately affects mission accomplishment in one form or another," said Senior Master Sgt. James Miller, 2nd Airlift Squadron. "Always have a back-up plan to get the word out to your people and to get information back up the chain from your people."

"I feel throughout this exercise our Group Control Center did a great job of informing us of the FPCON, MOPP and Alarm levels," said Airman Sanchez. "I felt that even though we were in the basement, we were not forgotten and still got to participate."

"Communication is key to mission success," said Tech. Sgt. Denise Knoll who was part of the Quick Response Force for 43rd Security Forces Squadron. "I think the units worked hard to get the mission accomplished."

Throughout the exercise, Pope Airmen could frequently be seen flipping the pages of their Airman's Manual. The guide acted as a helpful tool for those needing a reference aid dealing with the different mock scenarios used during the exercise.

"You think that you remember everything that deals with this exercise, but when it comes down to it there is a lot that you can forget," said Airman 1st Class Miguel Mota, 43rd LRS.

"Study your Airman's Manual," said Airman Loranger. "Believe it or not, everything you need to know is in that little book."

Maj. Paul Pepe, 43rd Airlift Wing, was an EET chief for the exercise. He was pleased with the results but noted areas that needed improvement.

With more time to prepare, we'll be able to have a much fuller and more realistic experience," he said. "We were not always able to have a 100 percent solution, and there was a learning curve applied to this one which will help us with the next one."

Major Pepe was pleased with the attitude of those who participated.

"The sense of urgency brought up from all the members participating and their giving 110 percent to this exercise, along with the EET members giving on-the-spot correction and instruction, helped prepare us for the ORI or a real war-time scenario."

Since this exercise was practiced in degrees exceeding 95 degrees, perhaps one Airman put it best.

"Most of all, be a good sport, no one likes a whiner," Airman Sanchez said.

The next MOBEX is scheduled for July 28 through Aug. 1.

Pope Exercises Readiness