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ATSO training at work, Airmen learn survival skills through exercises

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Team Dover recently 'mopped up' for training with mission-oriented-protective-posture gear for base exercises.

Airmen who practiced the Ability to Survive and Operate training performed the same missions they do on a daily basis except in their MOPP gear to prepare themselves to work in the exercise environment of the upcoming Operation Readiness Inspection slated for July.

"The only way to secure an 'Outstanding' on the ORI is to train hard toward that goal," said Maj. Paul Theriot, 436th Airlift Wing Deputy Chief of Plans and Programs, who is the coordinator for training and developing exercise scenarios. "We do most of the gradable items every day with our real-world mission in an excellent manner, we just need to raise the level a little higher. I know Dover Airmen can succeed if they stay positive and motivated during these preparation activities."

The major said he highly encourages Airmen to tab their Airman's Manuals.

"You may open the manual immediately to some of the most important parts, even when you're wearing gloves that make it hard to separate the pages," said Major Theriot, referring to the necessity of the tabs. "Most of the actions necessary to survive and operate in a deployed environment are found in the Airman's manual. These techniques and procedures could save not only your own life but the buddy next to you as well."

The major advises Airmen to study the Airman's manual, ORI ground rules and use every exercise as an opportunity to understand and perfect the roles of an ORI participant.

"Every Airman needs to fully engage and take a personal interest in this not only so we can get an Outstanding for the ORI, but because all participants have a good chance of being individually inspected!" said Major Theriot.