Exercise, exercise, exercise Published Oct. 23, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Natasha E. Stannard 92nd Air Refueling Wing/ Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Fairchild Airmen participated in a Wing exercise Oct. 5 through 9. The exercise entailed Airmen deploying to an undisclosed location here simulating conditions and situations they would face if deployed. Airmen went through various pre-deployment processes including refresher training in military skills such as self aid buddy care. They also went through deployment processing in which they attended pre-deployment briefings and awaited their five minute "flight" to the location. Airmen practiced many of the skills re-instilled during the pre-deployment training. A lot of focus was emphasized on Mission Oriented Protective Posture procedures as the Airmen went through exercise scenarios in which they had to recognize alarms indicating which level of MOPP gear to don. They also had to practice various scenarios in which they had to defend the camp in any level of MOPP gear. According to Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Davis, 92nd Air Refueling Wing command post, who has been an Emergency Evaluation Team member for 10 years, exercises are a necessary component to readiness whether deployed or at home station. They supply A Airmen with the opportunity to prepare for what may be encountered in deployments. It ensures that when the time comes for Airmen to do there wartime mission their reaction times will be quick, in turn enhancing mission success. "Exercises for us, are the same as practices for football teams," said Sergeant Davis. "We will know what to do, as opposed to having to think about what we are supposed to do." The 92nd Comptroller and Contracting Squadrons exemplified readiness from the get-go. "The attitude Airmen displayed was impressive, "Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Wells, 92nd Operations Group superintendent said. A great sense of urgency was enacted upon arrival as they immediately communicated with the communication squadron to set up network connectivity immediately creating productivity and showing dedication to successfully doing their jobs along with following necessary procedures during training exercise situations, 1st Lt. Kathryn Rice, Comptroller Squadron deputy budget officer said. "Good, timely communication between agencies is imperative and makes everything run smoother," said Sergeant Davis. Many factors contributed to this team's success. They felt Their Unit Deployment Manager and the Emergency Evaluation Team prepared them for deployment by ensuring they understood the tasks at hand and that they were fully equipped with the necessary tools to get the mission accomplished. Deployment experience and practicing the critical information in the Airman's Manual were essential elements to the team's success. The pre-deployment was also a very beneficial refresher, which contributed to readiness and effectiveness, Lieutenant Rice said. "We were ready to hit the ground running," Lieutenant Rice said. Training is not only beneficial during the pre-deployment for the exercise, but training instilled during the exercise is as well. Training exercises are vital to command and control practice and prepares and establishes readiness for everyone, Lieutenant Rice said. Incidentally training was not the only absorbed from the exercise, Airmen also learned major lessons. One of the major lessons learned was the need to practice maintaining vigilance and situational awareness at all times during the exercise, especially the re-deployment phase, Sergeant Davis said. "In a war-time environment, when we relax and become complacent, the enemy will try to exploit our vulnerabilities," Sergeant Davis said. Though there were a few bumps in the road, a lot was learned in what and where things can be improved. Overall the exercise went well; however, its imperative for Air Force members to continue to improve in every aspect, which is why the teams will do even better next time around, Sergeant Davis said. Chief Wells, who practiced the role of command chief for the exercise, said felt everyone did a wonderful job pitching where and whenever they could under various conditions and in various scenarios. His advice to all Airmen is to continue following checklists, checking procedures and adhering to safety policies, which were all practiced in this exercise.