ATSO training strengthens unit readiness, ORI preparation

  • Published
  • By Maj. Dale Greer
  • 123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Members of the 123rd Airlift Wing spent the December drill becoming reacquainted with an old friend -- their chemical warfare defense ensembles -- during basewide Ability to Survive and Operate training.

The ATSO refresher was designed to help Airmen brush up on chemical decontamination procedures as the base prepares for an Operational Readiness Inspection scheduled for May, said Col. Greg Nelson, wing commander.

Another ATSO exercise is slated for February, and the wing will be conducting mobility exercises today and tomorrow in preparation for the inspection, which will test the unit's ability to deploy to a remote location, survive enemy attacks, successfully perform its mission and return home.

This summer's ORI is unique because it will be the first one ever based on a homeland-defense scenario. Typical ORIs feature simulations in which units deploy to fight on foreign soil.

"This ORI is our chance to show the Air Mobility Command Inspection General why the 123rd Airlift Wing leads the way in the homeland security/homeland defense mission -- and why we're always ready to support the Commonwealth, the United States or our allies abroad any time they need us," Colonel Nelson said.

About 400 Kentucky Airmen are expected to deploy for the ORI. They will be joined by another 400 Airmen from active-duty and Reserve units, Colonel Nelson said.