MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FL -- The 927th Air Refueling Wing Mission Support Group held the wing’s first Ability to Survive and Operate exercise on Oct. 15, 2017 at MacDill Air Force Base, FL.
The ATSO exercise was designed to sharpen Airmen's skills and their ability to operate while in a chemical warfare environment.
“We live in a world that is constantly changing and to be a strong force, you have to adapt with it," said Lt. Col. Dale Bateman, 927th Mission Support Group deputy commander. "Our Airmen will deploy with one another so training like this will help hone the skills they have gained throughout their careers, and reinforce that we need to be ready for anything in a deployed environment.”
Airmen began arriving first thing in the morning and were divided into five teams with approximately 45 Airmen on each team.
Each team participated in five different scenarios during the training event. One of which required participants to properly don their Mission-Oriented Protective Posture gear, and ensure their wingmen were properly equipped as well.
"This event really taught me the value of team building," said Tech. Sgt. Enrique Hoyos, 927th Force Support Squadron knowledge management technician. "Throughout the day we experienced complex scenarios in which we needed to rely on each other and that really helped me understand how important team work is in a deployed atmosphere."
Each group spent approximately an hour at each station learning about various threats and tasks that may be required in a chemical environment including contamination avoidance as well as post attack reconnaissance.
Other sections of the training included a scenario requiring Airmen to establish as safety perimeter around an unexploded ordinance, and a section on Self Aid and Buddy Care.
"This was a great learning experience," said Senior Airman Hana Friend, 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron radio frequency technician. "The scenarios were very informative and when we had to apply the different techniques it really allowed me and others to fully grasp what was taught to us."
This exercise was the first time an event of this scale has been conducted by the members of the 927 ARW, and its success was due in large part to the work of the MSG and specifically, the 927th Logistics Readiness Squadron.
"The event was a complete success, we thank the Airmen for being positive throughout the day, it was a very encouraging sign that this exercise was informative and engaging,” said Bateman. “I feel as though this was a great team building exercise where our Airmen could expound upon skills they gained in the past and blend it with new skills gained today.”