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Are you ready for the UCI? Team Pope plays in exercise

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Vicki Johnson
  • 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Airmen across the base took part in a base-wide exercise Dec. 11 through 15, to prepare for the upcoming Unit Compliance Inspection, but more importantly to test their ability to react and survive in a real world crisis situation.

"It is important to conduct exercises to ensure our readiness to respond to real world events, whether it is a major accident, terrorist incident, or deploying and war fighting. Exercises allow us to put our knowledge base to practical use," said Maj. Jeff Ausborn, chief of wing exercises.

There are several exercises scheduled for this month to prepare for the Emergency Management Exercise portion of the UCI. Scenarios may include hostages, weapons of mass destruction, aircraft accidents and a host of other emergency situations.

The next ORE Phase I is tentatively scheduled for April. The next full scale Phase I and II is tentatively scheduled for September. The current plan is to deploy to a forward operating location versus a "Base X" scenario at Pope.

"Being able to deploy to a forward operating location will allow the exercise participants to focus on war-fighting versus having to handle real world situations at Pope," said Major Ausborn. "I believe there are two keys to success during any exercise. First, follow your training during exercises. Next, foster good communication flow both up and down the chain; it is the difference between success and failure in any situation. We see this during almost every exercise scenario we put together."

Knowing what to do when faced with these situations could be the difference between life and death.

"Wing leadership has been outstanding in their support of the exercise program. They all believe in practicing like we fight. That was evident during this exercise. In turn, that mindset resonates with everyone on base, including our newest Airmen," said Major Ausborn.

He said the key to success when participating in an exercise is knowing how to respond
Be familiar with the Airman's Manual and look up anything you aren't sure about. Carry the manual with you at all times during an exercise and always respond to scenarios with a sense of urgency, Major Ausborn added.

"There are many who fear UCI's -- they are the ones who have not prepared. Here at Pope we are prepared and as our motto states: Ready, Willing and Able to astound the IG," said Col. Timothy Zadalis, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander.