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Wing-wide ATSO 'rodeo'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Williams
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  With the Operational Readiness Inspection rapidly approaching, the 20th Fighter Wing is participating in a wing-wide Ability to Survive and Operate "Rodeo" May 1, 2009 at Hangar 1200.

"The goal is to provide refresher training to the 2,000 Airmen participating in the ORI," said Lt. Col. Marc Dauteuil, 20th FW Plans and Inspections chief. "Shaw has improved a lot since the operational readiness exercise last January, but there is still room to grow and certain areas must be improved on if Shaw is to succeed in the ORI."

According to Col. Dauteuil, the training is set up like a huge ATSO "circuit training day." Airmen will go from one station to another going over topics and scenarios crucial to ORI success. The stations include decontamination, transition points, chemical gear wear check, self-aid and buddy care, unexploded ordnance, land-mobile radio, fire extinguisher, SALUTE and challenging procedures.

There are four sessions throughout the day with almost 500 people participating in each session. All participants are required to show 15 minutes early in MOPP level 2. Airmen who don't know what session they should attend must contact their unit leadership.

The first session is 8 to 9:45 a.m. for the 20th Maintenance Group and 20th Missions Support Group. The second session is 10:15 a.m. to noon for the 20th Operations Group, 20th Medical Group and 20th MXG. The third session is 1:30 to 3:15 p.m. for 20th MXG and the fourth session is 4 to 5:45 p.m. for 20th FW staff agencies, 20th MXG and 20th MSG.

Also, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m., the 20th Logistic Readiness Squadron is marking individual's chemical gear and other protective equipment with appropriate marking such as, "training use only" and simulated body armor. 

"The ultimate goal of this training is to make sure Airmen are prepared people for war," said Master Sgt. Karl Bowlby, 20th FW Plans and Inspections NCO in charge.