March gearing up for the Operational Readiness Inspection

  • Published
  • By Robert J. Kaschak
  • 452 Emergency Management Technician
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  The 452 AMW will be participating in the upcoming Operational Readiness Exercise and Operational Readiness Inspection, throughout the summer and into calendar year 2013. Over this period, the Emergency Management Office will provide a series of articles containing information to facilitate our Airmen's ability to build and maintain readiness.

Week 1 Preparation

It starts with developing the right mind-set of preparedness: medical, training, personal affairs, equipment and being fit-to-fight.

First, ensure you have the proper gear and protective clothing. The Chemical Protection Overgarment suit is now obsolete and should be swapped-out for the Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Technology chemical suit. Take time to actually don the suit to ensure for proper fit and usability. For boots, it is a rule of thumb to select at least two sizes up from your combat boot.

When attending Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Enhanced Conventional Weapons training, bring your own training gear, do not borrow someone's gear. Be advised that EM flight provides training on the new M-50 face-mask for everyone. Also, be prepared to get another mask fit test to ensure it fits properly. Those requiring spectacle inserts can obtain them from the clinic; they have a process in place for new orders.

The Airman's Manual (AFPAM 10-100) is a requirement for all and should be brought to every class for reference. It is a good idea to place tabs in key areas for quick reference. Additionally, the manual provides a checklist of accomplishments for personal items that can serve as your road map to becoming mission ready.

Of course, this is a small portion of what you need to get ready, but starting off on the right foot is the key to success. Over the next several months, we will explore specific areas to include Ability to Survive and Operate training, equipment, deployment processes, Mission Oriented Protective Postures training, alarm levels and other areas pertinent to building our mission-readiness posture.

The 5Ps come to mind from the previous ORE/ORI. Punctilious, Preparation, Prevents, Poor Performance. You can avoid the unnecessary stress of exercises by having a plan and doing the proper preparation.