Warrior Days prepare wing for ORI

  • Published
  • By Tyler Hemstreet
  • Staff writer
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Squadrons across the 62nd Airlift Wing are making sure their Airmen are 100 percent ready for the next mobility exercise and the Operational Readiness Inspection.

Much of that preparation comes though each squadron's "Warrior Days" training.

Warrior days set aside an entire day for a unit to work on elements of MOBEX training it feels the need to practice in better preparation for the actual exercise, said Maj. Doug Rottier, 62nd AW plans and programs.

"The intent is for them to practice, train or polish their skills on anything they might have had problems with during previous exercises," Major Rottier said. "We don't establish an overall plan for the wing because we want to make sure the training is tailored to each unit's individual needs."

That can include practicing Self-Aid and Buddy Care and Ability to Survive and Operate procedures, or simply working on getting in and out of their protective gear and putting on a gas mask.

The 62nd Force Support Squadron held its Warrior Days training Aug. 20, focusing on SABC practices as well as practical applications of techniques used in the field during chemical attacks.

"There is a big difference between hearing it in the classroom and actually going outside during an exercise# to assess the situation," said Capt. Jonathan Compton, 62nd AW legal office, who participated in the 62nd FSS Warrior Day.

Captain Compton's training included responses to various alarm conditions with changing mission-oriented protection posture requirements. He also practiced applying a tourniquet and responding to specific situations. "There's a constant need for fine tuning -- you sometimes need refreshers on how to approach a casualty situation," he said. "You're constantly thinking how you can treat this specific type of wound. So it's helpful to go over it again and again."

The teamwork aspect also comes into play in the field when treating mock victims at the scene, said Staff Sgt. Noah Grayson, 62nd FSS.

"Everyone on the team responding to a victim helps each other remember everything involving treatment," Sergeant Grayson said.

And despite the fact it was practice, there were many elements put in place to reinforce the seriousness of it all.

"When you're in your full gas mask and suit and running everywhere, it's more real," Captain Compton said.

Each unit was required to host one Warrior Day in August and a wing-wide Warrior Day is set for Sept. 9, Major Rottier said.