Proper 'bug out' procedures

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Frances Kriss
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Recent operational readiness inspections have emphasized the importance of understanding proper "bug out" procedures. They have also revealed that "bug out" procedures are an underlying weakness for many units.

What is a "bug out"? Bugging out is a short notice evacuation from a primary work facility to a secondary area that can support operations.

The goal of the evacuation is to transport equipment essential to operations and destroy equipment or classified materials that would be of use to the enemy.

For bug out procedures, the first step is to ensure that the alternate facility permits effective operations in the event that people have to evacuate the primary facility.

Next, ensure all personnel are familiar with both locations and transition routes to help prevent confusion. As the transition to the alternate facility happens, and if manning and time permit, have a sweep team clear the route for added safety.

Another aspect of preparation involves ensuring that all necessary equipment and documentation can be quickly evacuated or that substitutes are available at the alternate location.

One effective way to do this is to have plastic storage containers near the equipment and documents, so that they can be quickly loaded for transport during the evacuation.

Furthermore, an effective communications plan should enable the work center to inform the Emergency Operations Center and other offices of the location change so that information flow and effectiveness are not impeded.

Adequately preparing, planning and practicing for bug out scenarios should help Team McChord during the upcoming operational readiness inspection in May and the ORI in October.