Fairchild prepares for anything

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sean Campbell
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron Emergency Management office conducted ability to survive and operate training for Team Fairchild personnel, Jan. 29 through Feb. 2, to prepare Airmen for various emergency situations.

In addition to the emergency management office’s trainings, units used the week to practice specific training catered to prepare them for war time situations. An example of the unit specific training included practicing daily tasks while wearing Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear and standing up their Unit Control Center to test communication capabilities.

“The training allows units to get a feel for their capabilities, vulnerabilities, strengths and weakness in regards to operating in a war-time environment with an emphasis on Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear contingences,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Adams, 92nd CES emergency management craftsman.

CBRN contaminants can cause harmful symptoms almost immediately after exposure. Training is imperative to knowing and understanding the skills to survive and operate in war-time. Not every situation can be prepared for and having the ability to stay calm can prove invaluable.

“The reason to exercise and practice is to simulate how one would act and respond in a real-world threat environment. This way actions come naturally versus someone entering panic mode,” said Adams.

All across the base, one can see training being done. From typing in MOPP gear to learning how to drive with a gas mask, each person’s training is specific to their job's mission set.

"Fairchild Airmen do a great job ensuring that proper training is conducted in various conditions," said Col. Ryan Samuelson, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "This type of training is what helps our Airmen remain ready now, tomorrow and forever."