Exercise, Exercise, Exercise Published May 1, 2007 By 1st Lt. Rose Richeson 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Mission success in a chemical environment, simulated or not, depends on the Ability to Survive and Operate. Every member of Team Incirlik needs to know how to respond to any scenario. "Our main focus when preparing for an ATSO exercise is to practice common skills that are essential to provide the ability to survive and operate," said Master Sgt. Stephen Daggett, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness and Emergency Management Flight superintendent. For more than eight months, Team Incirlik has conducted training in preparation for an Ability to Survive and Operate exercise that will be observed by U.S. Air Forces in Europe Unit Compliance inspectors. "Hands on is key for our training," said Master Sgt. Darryl Combs, an Exercise Evaluation Team member. "The more experience and the more realistic we can make it, the better off they're (exercise players) going to be." The responsibility of the inspectors is to rate the team on how well they are able to perform mission-essential duties under the stresses of a chemical environment. "Exercises provide task repetition and familiarity so that when we have to respond for real, it all comes natural," said Sergeant Daggett. During the course of Incirlik exercises base members receive instructions delivered by means of an intercom system, or "giant voice," the Commander's Access Channel, and battlestaff directives via e-mail. Even some of the most common phrases can be misunderstood if base residents are not trained to respond properly. "Shelter in place seems quite self explanatory, but when the situation dictates that measure to be necessary, everyone needs to remain wherever they may be," said Sergeant Daggett. "If you are outside you need to go inside right away. If you are inside, stay inside." There are different reasons to shelter in place and it is the responsibility of our base leadership to determine when that step is required. Situations may arise that involve hazardous materials and your best means of protection are to stay inside rather than try to evacuate through what may be a hazardous environment. Sergeant Daggett reminds parents that if you have contact with your kids, don't ask them to leave their current location indoors to come home - tell them to stay where they are. During shelter in place, only mission essential personnel should be in transit and if there is any threat of a chemical attack personal protective equipment should be carried at all times. "There is no one piece of PPE more important than your protective mask," said Sergeant Daggett. "A key point when wearing your gear is to make sure you secure all the fasteners. Snap snaps, zip zippers, clip clips, tie strings and push hook and pile fasteners Velcro together. They are all there for a reason." In an exercise scenario attention to detail could be the difference between an Outstanding and Excellent score. Buddy checks are essential and should be done whenever you transition from one Mission Oriented Protective Posture, or MOPP, level to another. "This is a tremendous wing with first-rate personnel doing amazing things every day," said Sergeant Daggett. "Our team of military members, civilians and Turkish hosts will shine as we ensure freedom's future - cry havoc and get'r done."