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Airmen simulate deployment to Korea
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- More than 70 Airmen participated in the base's quarterly North Star exercise here June 7-11.
The exercise was designed to simulate a deployment to Kwangju and Taegu, South Korea, where Airmen were challenged to react to an active shooter scenario, survive chemical and biological attacks, demonstrate self-aid and buddy care techniques and work through other bare-base defense situations.
Airmen attended a two day pre-deployment training held at Cocheo Park to prepare for an upcoming field exercise at North Star. While at Cocheo Park, Airmen were refreshed on basic military techniques with the Exercise Evaluation Team - a team ultimately responsible for evaluating and coaching the Airmen. The Airmen also went through a simulated deployment processing line at the base's flight line.
"The pre-deployment training consisting of Wartime Skills and Ability to Survive and Operate training greatly enhanced deployed personnel's knowledge and practical application capabilities during the exercise," said James Haleski, an EET instructor.
After out-processing, the Airmen boarded buses and traveled to North Star, a remote on-base location. Once at North Star, Airmen from various units on base, set up the camp. Members from the 30th Medical Group had the responsibility of constructing a tent to be used for real-world as well as exercise-related medical issues.
"Depending on the situation of a deployment, a medical facility may already be built, however, in the case that a member deploys to a bare base, having the skill to build a shelter can become very helpful," said Master Sgt. Alvin Johnson, the 30th Medical Operation Squadron superintendent. "This has been a great learning experience because it gives me an idea of how prepared my team is for a deployment."
After the base was built, a simulated surprise attack was aimed at the Airmen. Opposition forces were staged around the base delivering hostile fire.
"The attack was really realistic," said Senior Airman Norma Alavarez, of the 30th Security Forces Squadron. "I've deployed before and I know how real the threat of enemy fire is. The training provided was useful for real-world situations."
Throughout the remainder of the exercise, Airmen faced numerous challenges. Some of the scenarios were designed to challenge Airmen physically, while others were more mental or technical. Overall, the 70 Airmen from various squadrons worked together and completed the exercise.
"As a team, the camp was motivated and performed well," said Mr. Haleski.