Case still open: MOPP Exercise helps Airmen prepare

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Solomon Cook
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  During a brisk February morning, a group Tyndall Airmen gathers in the base family park. At a time where some may be preparing their morning coffee, these Airmen do not have the luxury; they are donning gas masks and readying themselves for needed training.

Approximately 200 Airmen participated in an exercise Feb. 13 at Heritage Park.

After they suit up in their Mission-Oriented Protective Posture equipment, the Airmen proceeded through four stations to hone the skills needed during a deployment or chemical attack.

"Combat Airman Skills Evaluation, or CASE, personnel were evaluated on skills in the Airman's Manual," said Frank Labroad, 325th Fighter Wing inspection chief. "Personnel demonstrated inspecting and donning MOPP equipment, post attack reconnaissance team tasks such as identifying, marking and reporting unexploded ordinance and Self Aid and Buddy Care. Contamination avoidance and decontamination was demonstrated for personnel and equipment. Weapons field stripping and function checks were evaluated during this period."

With Tyndall new to Air Combat Command and adding the 95th and 301st Fighter Squadrons, Airmen now have a higher chance of being deployed. Stemming from this demand for a higher volume of capable, war fighting Airmen, the need for additional and refresher training is evident.

"This is my first exercise since basic military training," said Senior Airman Gabriel Solivin, 325th Security Forces Squadron base defense operation center controller. "This training is important because we can be deployed at anytime. No matter what your job is, we will need to know this stuff. This exercise is interesting because it has a real-world feel to it."

The need for this exercise was a sentiment that was reinforced by others.

"It is an evaluation to see our ability to operate and survive," said Master Sgt. Ron Capulong, 325th Maintenance Squadron unit deployment manager. "This is in an attempt to give a full scenario of what other bases are doing in exercises."

With winter coming to a close, and the temperature rising, the level and frequency of training is heating up on Tyndall.

"This exercise will increase in intensity and the number of personnel participating," Labroad said. "Combat Airman Skills Evaluation will be incorporated in deployment and employment scenarios and become a normal part of the schedule."