Base personnel execute ATSO training prior to exercise

Photo By Staff Sgt. Dawn Weber | Airmen from the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance unit, brief 52nd Fighter Wing Airmen on identifying unexploded ordnance during Ability to Survive and Operate training at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, March 8, 2018. ATSO training has proven to be effective in not only improving an Airman’s abilities to perform their duties during less-than-ideal circumstances, but also in preparing the wing populous to respond to CBRN threats or attacks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dawn M. Weber)  

SPANGDAHLEM , RP, GERMANY

03.19.2018

Story by Senior Airman Dawn Weber 

52nd Fighter Wing

In an effort to advance combat readiness the 52nd Fighter Wing conducted a base-wide readiness exercise March 6 – 16.

As part of the efforts to remain combat ready, Airmen from multiple 52nd FW squadrons participated in Ability to Survive and Operate training.

The Air Force implemented ATSO training in order to prepare for the uncertainty of a changing global climate. With a high level of importance placed on the ability to respond to external threats quickly and effectively, the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron conducted refresher training for everyone from the most novice Airmen to the most combat-experienced Chief.

Master Sgt. Harry Friend, 52nd CES housing superintendent, said during his first deployment to Kuwait, while in protective hardened shelters, Airmen were dressed in Mission-Oriented Protective Posture level 4 enduring SCUD missiles attacks.

MOPP levels refer to different Individual Protective Equipment worn during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats and attacks.
“For anyone participating in ATSO training, pay attention and take it serious because wherever you are in the world, this type of training could be useful and potentially save your life,” Friend said.

On the other end of the spectrum, Airman 1st Class Cana Lewis, 52nd Force Support Squadron services apprentice, stated she found the training beneficial and more in-depth after completing similar training in basic military training.

ATSO training has proven to be effective in not only improving an Airman’s abilities to perform their duties during less-than-ideal circumstances, but also in preparing the wing populous to respond to CBRN threats or attacks.

Technical Sgt. Timothy Bennett, 52nd CES emergency management craftsman, said the importance of ATSO training was to train the base populous on survivability to ensure that in the case of CBRN attack, everyone has the proper knowledge to wear their gear and perform post-attack reconnaissance.

“Each person on this base is a vital part of the mission,” said Bennett. “Ensuring the readiness and survivability are the goals of this training.”

• Date Taken: 03.19.2018
• Date Posted: 03.19.2018 10:45
• Story ID: 269826
• Location: SPANGDAHLEM , RP, DE