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Defenders prepare for phase II

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shane M. Phipps
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  In preparation for an upcoming certified operational readiness exercise MHAFB is conducting a routine ORE Nov. 4 through 7.

Similar to the gears within a clock, members from different organizations all over the wing do their part to make the exercise a success, and it all starts with a little hard-work in the early stages.

"At this point in order to protect our resources in the exercise, some of the things we've done are set up a perimeter, cordon it off and establish entry control points," explained Tech. Sgt. Frank Woznick, 366th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer-in-charge of standards and evaluations. "We also will set up mobile and dismounted patrols."

The Defenders understand the significance of ensuring the exercise offers as realistic an experience as possible.

"We are showing our capabilities and how we would protect the base in a real-world situation," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Williams, 366th SFS investigator.

Woznick agrees incorporating authentic procedures into the exercise atmosphere is vital for multiple reasons.

"Our part in the exercise is really important because not only will it show what we are capable of, but help residents understand where the boundaries are and that we will enforce them," said Woznick. "We're setting everything up now so people can get use to it."

Preparing for the exercise while ensuring regular base activities are not hindered proves to be a demanding endeavor for everyone involved.

"Our guys have been doing a lot of manual labor from setting up the ECPs with barriers to creating the enemy holding area," said Woznick. "We are basically fortifying as much as we can without interfering with normal operations."

SFS leadership applauded the determination of their Defenders to help ensure the exercise goes off without a hitch.

"I am very proud of these guys," declared Woznick. "They have been working at least 12 hours a day, busting their butts."

The Airmen working behind the scenes to guarantee smooth operations during the exercise maintain positive attitudes.

"As long as we come together as a team and keep the integrity and commitment, we will see the puzzle come together in the end," said Williams.