Don't be alarmed, be ready Published Feb. 26, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Kevin Chandler 452 AMW public affairs MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- Benjamin Franklin once said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." This is especially true in demanding situations like the Operational Readiness Inspection that is quickly approaching for the men and women of the 452nd Air Mobility Wing. However, if everyone puts in the effort to get ready now, the months of preparation will result in a stellar performance when the inspectors arrive. The first stage in preparing for operational readiness is educating all personnel on how Airmen operate and survive in hostile environments. One of the most important things to learn is what each alarm condition means and what duties should be performed in each operational state. Alarm conditions are relayed to personnel through communications channels and public address systems. Additionally, colored flags are often used when such systems are unavailable. ALARM GREEN Alarm Green is the normal state of operations in a wartime environment. This condition indicates there is no immediate threat of attack. During this state, personnel should: ➤ Wear field gear and personal armor (Mission Oriented Protection Posture (MOPP 0) and inspect Individual Protection Equipment. ➤ Perform pre-attack preparations. (close doors, place M8 Chemical Agent Detection Paper, store equipment) ➤ Make sure operation procedures are clearly understood by all personnel. During Alarm Green, it is important to ensure everyone is clearly informed on what the current situation is and what will happen if an attack occurs. Communication is critical; once an attack occurs there will be several actions which need to be performed correctly and quickly. If supervisors take the time to put their sections in order during Alarm Green, everyone will be able to perform well when an attack happens. ALARM YELLOW Alarm Yellow indicates an attack is expected in the next 30 minutes or less. The focus of units should shift to completing final protection and contamination avoidance procedures. During this state, personnel should: ➤ Notify others within the area and via communications systems. ➤ Find shelter or overhead cover and assume assigned MOPP level. (usually MOPP 2) ➤ Shut off heating and air conditioning systems. This condition is each unit's last chance to make pre-attack preparations. Once everything is secured, personnel should find the nearest protective shelter and get ready for an attack. ALARM RED (Alarm BLUE only in Korea) Alarm Red means an attack is imminent or currently in progress. If the attack is by air or missile, personnel will hear a wavering tone siren. If the attack is a ground attack, personnel will hear a bugle Call-to-Arms. During this state, personnel should: ➤ Assume the assigned MOPP level (MOPP 4 unless otherwise directed) ➤ If under a ground attack, assume a defensive posture to fight enemy forces ➤ Observe and report as much in-formation as possible (use S-A-L-U-T-E report) The primary focus of personnel during Alarm Red is survival. The greater the number of those who survive the at-tack, the quicker the recovery will take place. S-A-L-U-T-E reporting (report Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, and Equipment) of attacks helps leadership take the appropriate course of action. ALARM BLACK Alarm Black indicates the attack is over and units should begin the recovery process. This condition is indicated by a steady tone siren. During this state, personnel should: ➤ Perform self-aid and buddy care (SABC) and post-attack recon (PAR) sweeps ➤ Assume the assigned MOPP level (MOPP 4 unless otherwise directed) ➤ Remain in shelter unless other-wise informed ➤ Report all findings to Unit Control Center (UCC) It is important for personnel to assess the situation in their area (numbers of casualties, presence of Unexploded Ordnance, contamination) and report it quickly to their UCC. Quick, accurate re-porting speeds the recovery process and allows missions to resume in less time. Informing yourself on the different conditions and duties performed during attacks will help you successfully operate and survive not only the ORI, but also real world situations. Preparing now will translate into success later. Information provided in this story is available in AFPAM 10-100, Airman's Manual.