KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Airmen from the 377th Logistics Readiness Squadron ground transportation element participated in a multi-level exercise at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Jan. 20-21, 2021.
During the exercise, 12 Airmen conducted various Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) response actions and operated vehicles while donned in Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) Level 4 gear to demonstrate their ability to perform wartime capabilities while also fulfilling certification requirements.
“We are conducting multiple required events simultaneously to maximize our Airmen’s time,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Marc P. Bleha, 377th LRS commander. “[While] we are testing our CBRNE issue and reconstitution of training equipment, the ground transportation Airmen are fulfilling their annual driving requirements plus getting their Ability to Survive and Operate (ATSO) training.”
Bleha stated that they are including pre-deployment education from those that have been in a deployed environment before and identifying gaps to access on areas that need additional training for future events.
Part of the training included operating in both day and night conditions. Ground Transportation Airmen operated five vehicle stations, including a wrecker, forklift, tractor trailer, bus and 15 passenger van operations.
“From a tactical standpoint,” said Bleha, “it is one thing to operate behind a desk in MOPP gear and completely another to drive a tractor trailer in full MOPP gear at night.”
The exercise prepared Airmen for a real-world scenario with the flexibility and control of a learning environment.
U.S. Air Force Maj. Francisco J. Rodriguez, 377th LRS deputy commander, spoke about the importance of conducting the exercise.
“This training, combined with the pre-deployment CBRNE training, will ensure Airmen are fully ready to conduct their wartime mission essential tasks in a CBRNE environment,” said Rodriguez. “It also prepares Airmen to conduct their wartime mission while wearing full MOPP gear, should they ever be required to in a deployed environment.”
With new training requirements in place, the 377th LRS is preparing to make this exercise a monthly practice.
“We completed a great exercise, identified multiple opportunities for improvement in our logistical processes and identified functional areas of successes,” said Bleha. “It was a win-win all around.”