The sound of readiness

  • Published
  • By By Staff Sgt. Veronica Pierce
  • 39th Air Base Wing public affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  The giant voice and alarm system will be heard throughout Incirlik Air Base as part of a readiness exercise beginning March 24.

These sirens are standard across the Air Force to ensure personnel take the appropriate force protection posture at any U.S. Air Force base around the world.

The sounds of the sirens are the same whether they are used during an exercise or an actual emergency situation. However, during an exercise the sirens are followed by the giant voice system announcing "exercise, exercise, exercise" prior to any messages.

"Even though it may be an exercise when you hear the alarms, everyone on base to include civilians and dependents must take the appropriate measures in accordance with the announced force protection levels [and measures] until further notice," said Master Sgt. Khamfong Inthavixay, 39th ABW antiterrorism and force protection officer. "Practicing these techniques will prepare the base populace in the event of a real world threat."

For exercise purposes, family housing is exempt so family members will not have to remain in place at home during certain scenarios. However, if they are at the commissary or other locations on base within the exercise area their building exit may be delayed for 30 minutes or more while the facility personnel follow proper procedures, explained Capt. Christopher Stewart, 39th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management flight commander.

The Air Force uses different siren tones depending on the exercise scenario or actual emergency situation.

"There will be two different sirens heard - a wavering tone and a steady tone," said Capt. Amoy Manley, 39th ABW command post chief. "A wavering tone indicates an attack is imminent or in progress, while a steady tone indicates attack is over and nuclear, biological and chemical contamination, and/or unexploded ordnance hazards are present or suspected."

Appropriate actions to take when an alarm sounds as listed in Air Force Pamphlet 10-100, also known as the "Airman's Manual," are as follows:

- When a wavering tone is heard, seek immediate protection with overhead cover, or if you are outside try to find a ditch and lay down.

- For steady tones, depending on the situation, perform self-aid and buddy care and remain under cover until directed otherwise. A steady tone also applies to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tornadoes.

"This is a great opportunity to ensure the civilian members of our community are educated and have situational awareness of what is going on around the base," said Col. Brent Bigger, 39th ABW vice commander. "Not only does it improve our overall readiness, it shows how our tight-knit community is pulling together in preparation for the upcoming wing inspection."

Incirlik AB residents can view the current real world force protection levels on the Antiterrorism/Force Protection channel through the American Forces Network. Exercise force protection levels can be viewed on the commander's access channel during active exercise scenarios.

For any questions or concerns regarding the alarm systems, you can contact the rumor control center at DSN 676-6060