Operation Steel Kickoff starts with preparation

Photo By Maj. Jason Ostrich | Sergeant 1st Class Ronald Bittner, a platoon leader and mobility support technician, explains to Operation Steel Kickoff Soldiers and Airmen the tactics used for extraction during acts of civil disobedience that may arise during the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh.  

PITTSBURGH, PA, UNITED STATES

09.20.2009

Story by Capt. Jason Ostrich 

Joint Force Headquarters - Pennsylvania National Guard

PITTSBURGH — More than 2,500 Pennsylvania National Guard service members moved into place for Operation Steel Kickoff, Sunday, an upcoming National Security Special Event in support of the international G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, Sept. 20.

The mission started with a joint reception, staging, onward movement and integration point process lead by the 213th Area Support Group, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Allentown, Pa., who began working out of a hanger at the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Coraopolis, Pa.

In short, the JRSOI process acts as the gateway for the Soldiers and Airmen deployed for this mission.

"We're the support role, helping the Soldiers and Airmen get out and do the things they need to do," said Army First Lt. Matthew Springer, 213th ASG, team leader for Operation Steel Kickoff's JRSOI. "Our focus is on ensuring the war fighter is getting the things they need to be successful in their mission."

The mission starts administratively, Springer said.

"We're checking for ID cards, orders, dog tags, and critical personnel information" said Springer. "Once they're in-processed, Soldiers and Airmen move to medical where they receive their flu shots."

This is the first joint operation of this magnitude for the 213th ASG and because it is taking place in their home state, OSK has left many with an extra sense of pride.

"It's always a great experience when you can help, especially when it's here on the home front, a mission right here in the state of Pennsylvania," said Springer.

After being processed through medical, the service members are briefed by public affairs, legal, medical and intelligence. Once they've completed the briefings, they're ready to go do their mission, said Springer.

Following the check-in process, Soldiers and Airmen wasted no time in practicing techniques needed to help support local, state and federal authorities keep Pittsburgh safe as demonstrators take to the streets in protest of the summit.

Several hundred joint task force service members practiced throughout the day with movement techniques, formations and crowd and riot control at the 171st ARW and Pennsylvania Army National Guard's Crane Armory, Pittsburgh.

"We're working hard right now because we have Army and Air Force members who haven't trained together before," said Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Bittner, Mt. Pleasant, Pa., a platoon leader from 1/110th, D Company. "We are working to mesh because we all take a lot of pride in this mission."
For some Pennsylvania Air National Guard members, this was their first mission of its kind.

"This is definitely a different mission," said Master Sgt. Pauline Gonzalez, a 23-year veteran and personnel specialist with the 211th Engineering Installation Squadron based at Fort Indiantown Gap. "It's very hard and very challenging, but it's been a rewarding experience."

As the sun set on the first day of training for the big event, the Pennsylvania National Guard continued to practice in case protests become a threat to people and property.

"We have a duty and responsibility to make sure the citizens are protected," said Gonzalez. "Demonstrators have their rights, but they have to exercise them peacefully and within the law."

• Date Taken: 09.20.2009
• Date Posted: 09.21.2009 12:01
• Story ID: 39093
• Location: PITTSBURGH, PA, US