Guard wing prepares for operational readiness inspection with field exercise

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kayla K. Edwards
  • 189th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  Sweat poured from their brows as Arkansas Air National Guardsmen feverishly grasped for any available tools to assist a downed Airman as he laid screaming and squirming on the concrete.

Tending his wounds and comforting him as best as they could, they utilized every skill known amongst them to administer medical care to their fallen comrade. 

This was just one of the many scenes played out at Camp Warlord here on March 1.

189th Airlift Wing members prepared for the Air Education and Training Command Operation Readiness Inspection, which is scheduled to begin April 7, and were tested on their knowledge of deployment readiness, chemical and biological warfare, and self-aid and buddy care, among other key components of the ORI field exercise. 

The ORI practice field exercise was definitely needed to point out weak areas, said 

Master Sgt. Lawrence Scheeler, who is the deployed superintendent of finance for the field exercise. 

"It was a good learning experience. I'm just looking forward to doing it again in April when it counts," he said. 

Sergeant Scheeler said he believes the practice is necessary to point out the mistakes and make adjustments before the actual ORI. 

189th Military Personnel Flight and the 189th Services Squadron also participated in the practice field exercise, doing the jobs they would in a deployed environment. Tables were set up in a small building with two main in-processing stations, at which members were electronically and manually filed onto a roster for accountability and to receive their tent assignments. 

"All of this is about accountability," said Chief Master Sgt. Dee Crumpton, who is the personnel team chief for the ORI exercise. 

Maj. Daren Dickson, the officer-in-charge of the exercise program, said he believes there was a big learning curve at the practice exercise. 

"It helped us see where we need to be in preparation for this inspection," he said. 

During the exercise, the 189th was evaluated by members of the 314th Civil Engineering Squadron's readiness flight. Evaluators watched as Guardsmen responded to several scenarios, including a chemical attack, base incursions and the group's ability to survive and operate in a hostile environment.

"The feedback was good. They were impressed by the Guard members in our unit," said Major Dickson.