LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The 633rd Air Base Wing will conduct a Phase II Operational Readiness Exercise at Langley Air Force Base Feb. 13 to 15. The purpose of the exercise is to prepare Airmen for combat operations with a focus on training.
While Langley is no stranger to inspections or deployments, this will be the first Phase II on the base in more than three years. Hence, this is a great opportunity to dust off key ORE processes as we prepare for the April 16 to 20 combined 633rd ABW, 1st Fighter Wing and 192nd Fighter Wing ORE.
So, what can you do to be ready? While certainly not all inclusive, here are a couple tips to have a successful ORE:
· Prepare for combat operations
· Review your functional combat requirements
· Focus on safety
· Have a great attitude
Other items on your to do list should include pulling out your Airmen's manual to study up on the Ability to Survive and Operate requirements in a deployed location. Familiarize yourself with the various Mission Oriented Protective Posture conditions, proper wear of battle gear and Chemical Warfare Defense Ensemble, and life-saving Self-Aid Buddy Care actions.
In addition to ensuring you are ready personally, review the roles, responsibilities and key tasks your specific career field brings to the fight. Do you provide mission, medical or wing staff support? If so, how can you provide this support in a bare base environment? Whether you are a first-time deployer, or a veteran of multiple trips to the forward operating location, it is important to know your functional requirements, and develop a game plan on delivering those requirements ahead of combat operations.
Now that you've started thinking about getting your bags packed and reviewing functional requirements, don't forget about the most important aspect of preparation - safety. Start hydrating now to give your body time to adjust, and be prepared to execute the mission under difficult conditions. Additionally, get your mind ready to do your job in a safe manner - slow, steady and on target.
Finally, having and maintaining a great attitude about the task at hand will go a long way towards success. Be flexible, ready to dust off our processes, and capture lessons learned that we can use going forward. Let's have a safe and successful ORE.