908th prepares for Gulfport exercise

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Christian Michael
  • 908th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  The 908th Airlift Wing is gearing up for "war" with just a few days remaining before the unit's next operational readiness exercise.

The 908th AW will deploy to the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, Miss., Sept. 14 for the joint operational readiness exercise with Airmen from the 911th Airlift Wing from Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station, Penn.

"The men and women of the 908th have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming (operational readiness) inspection," said Col. Brett Clark, 908th AW commander. "The ORE is a big part of that preparation. While I expect 908th Airmen to give their all, I also expect them to learn and take home the lessons they'll need to do well during the ORI."

The upcoming ORE is the final and most important step in preparations for the ORI.
The unit has already completed several readiness exercises and conducted in-house training sessions on such items as the Law of Armed Conflict, to self-aid/buddy care and the various ways to survive and operate in a chemical environment.

After months of honing its readiness during unit training assemblies, the wing's primary focus for the ORE is getting to the designated area of operations.

"The hardest part of these exercises is the deployment - getting out of town," said Lt. Col. Steve Catchings, 908th AW warlord. "It's a massive logistical undertaking to get 400 people and 70 short-tons of cargo to the destination."

As a unit, the 908th has had to prepare for transporting personnel and equipment to and from Gulfport in a manner reflective of wartime capability. Individual focus has been different.

Colonel Catchings said Airmen should focus on their self-aid/buddy care and ability to survive and operate training.

"After getting (to Gulfport), everyone will know how to do their jobs," said Colonel Catchings. "Now it's doing it with a mask on in a chemical environment."