Airmen train to survive, operate Published April 26, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The Ability to Survive and Operate, is an important part of the Air Force, and Team Dover Airmen are learning first hand. Working with members of the 22nd Air Force, Team Dover's focus was to brush up on their ATSO skills in preparation for the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection, and hopefully teaching newer members to the service some of the basic tenants of ATSO. From April 19 - 21, many Team Dover Airmen went through a rigorous training exercise, spending the majority of their day in Mission Oriented Protective Posture 2, before ramping up to MOPP 4. They then conducted Personal Area Reconnaissance and Self Aid and Buddy Care as the exercises required. "I felt the training went really well," said Master Sgt. Paul Hursey, 436th Airlift Wing Knowledge Operations Management superintendant. "I would definitely recommend ATSO to anyone who comprises the 'Total Force,' even civilians and contractors." The first day of ATSO training began with an overview of what the members could expect as well as a demonstration of some things they might encounter. Then the members were sent to the buildings that would stand in for their facilities. There they get acquainted with their MOPP gear and area. The next two days were spent in exercises focusing on different scenarios, which might occur during the Operational Readiness Exercise or the ORI. These exercises allowed Airmen to test their ATSO skills in a safe and controlled environment. "One of the hardest parts of the training was flipping through the Airman's Manual with my gloves on," said Sergeant Hursey. "I also learned not to 'panic' once I was in MOPP 4, my adrenaline was running and I wanted to be one of the first ones with all of my gear on, but I learned while you have to move quickly, you have to stay calm. Otherwise you'll end up having a hard time breathing in your mask." The Airman's Manual was a large part of the ATSO training. It contained most of the information required to succeed in the exercises including the type of unexploded ordinance. "My biggest advice to those doing ATSO would be to read up on the Airman's Manual," said Sergeant Hursey. "I highly encourage everyone to tab their Airmen's Manual to the pages they need, this will save a lot of time and could save not only their life, but the life of their wingman." With ATSO training complete, Team Dover Airmen now have many dedicated and educated Airmen to participate in the upcoming ORE and ORI. However, ATSO is a constant learning experience and while nothing is really considered antiquated, there is really no right way to go about it, said Senior Master Sgt. Paul Chizek, 910th Airlift Wing Emergency Management superintendant. "Dover AFB brought some new minds to bear on some problems," said Sergeant Chizek. "They approached some of the situations that came about in ways I hadn't thought of. Dover AFB has some really experienced people on its side, but also new ones too, so they have a nice balance."