Base ORE prepares Airmen for real world situations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hailey Haux
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The 86th Airlift Wing and the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing began the first of two operational readiness exercises for the year May 5 through 11 here.

"The objective of an ORE is to prepare the airlift wing to deploy and execute its combat mission in support of directives of leadership," said Lt. Col. Brian Langridge, 86th AW inspections and readiness chief.

The 86th AW and 435th AGOW both participated in the exercise, showcasing each wing's capabilities.

The 86th AW command chief gave Airmen something to think about when he left them with a real-world example on the importance of readiness.

"The Army practiced everyday for two years in preparation for D-Day," said Chief Master Sgt. James Morris, 86th AW command chief. "The day could have been a lot more devastating if they were unprepared. The Army practiced along the English coast doing landings and perfecting their operations for their final test June 6, 1944."

During phase I of the exercise, Airmen experienced a portion of the pre-deployment process. They received a pre-deployment and finance briefing, and were provided the opportunity to have all documents looked over by legal ensuring correct documentation before their departure. Airmen were issued chemical gear and waited in the USO's waiting room to board the "aircraft" for their departure.

"It was a great experience to go through the pre-deployment line," said Airman 1st Class Holly Cook, 86th AW Public Affairs photographer. "I really felt as if I were deploying and now know how the pre-deployment process would go."

Phase II of the ORE was in full swing May 7 with simulated events such as an active shooter scenario and a mock deployed environment.

"I provided medical care and triage for the injured after the lockdown," said Staff Sgt. Liliana Zamora, 86th Medical Operations Squadron aerospace medical technician. "It helped me learn communication is key in saving lives and paying attention to all the self aid and buddy care training will help at some point. It is important that we care for our fellow Airmen and staying on top of training is a great way to ensure we do that."

As a part of the ORE, selected Airmen attended an ability to survive and operate training. They were taught how to provide self-aid and buddy care and given chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training.

"It was a good idea to have the SABC and CBRN training in the same day," said Staff Sgt. Arturas Karizskis 435th Air Mobility Squadron, mobile airport supervisor after he attended ATSO training. "It allowed us plenty of time to get more familiar with the processes and restore our knowledge on the subject. The extra hours let us concentrate on areas that are more important."

The exercise has been successful so far, with a lot of educational guidance being carried out.

"This exercise is going well," said Master Sgt. Nathan Davis, Readiness and inspections planning. "The learning curve is large, training is being conducted and response of exercise communication has been positive."