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Weasel Victory 16-02 tests 20th FW Airmen

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  • By Senior Airman Michael Cossaboom
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 20th Fighter Wing participated in operational readiness exercise Weasel Victory 16-02 here, Nov. 2 - 5.

The four-day exercise is part of an annual training which tested the combat readiness and capabilities of 20th FW Airmen through various simulated scenarios and events.

"We have to make sure that when it's time to go to war we are always ready," said Col. Stephen Jost, 20th FW commander. "The OREs give us an opportunity to validate our effectiveness and efficiency, so that we can keep the world's largest combat fighter wing combat ready."

The exercise was an opportunity for the wing to demonstrate its ability to employ forces under simulated combat conditions, sustain support during contingency operations, and meet Air Force standards for mission continuity in conventional and chemical environments.

The exercise is part of necessary training to provide combat ready Airmen and air power to combatant commanders downrange.

"Practice makes perfect," said 1st Lt. Kirsten Bunecke, 20th Comptroller Squadron financial analysis commander. "Out here we are given real life scenarios and expected to perform them to the best of our ability. There is no better place to learn what you and your Airmen are capable of."

OREs are a vital evaluation tool used by the Department of Defense to evaluate the combat readiness and capabilities of today's military.