ATSO rodeos prepare Airmen for ORE success

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Osan Airmen gathered at the base theater today and April 23 for Ability to Survive and Operate rodeos, designed to ensure they are fully prepared for the next 51st Fighter Wing Operational Readiness Exercise.

The three ATSO rodeos each day provided Airmen an overview of new exercise guidelines and clarified expectations.

"The rodeos equip Airmen with the knowledge and tools for success," said Tech. Sgt. Charles Flanagain, 51st Fighter Wing Inspector General exercise evaluation team NCOIC. "They'll have the ground rules and will know how they're being evaluated - there should be no surprises."

The first rodeo April 23 kicked off as IG personnel went over the basic rules of engagement, providing detailed information on topics ranging from participant versus non-participant restrictions and different categories of "play areas," to movement during different alarm conditions and how to correctly transition from on-shift to off-shift.

Lt. Col. Steven Harrold, 51 FW/IG Inspections, encouraged all Airmen to review 51 FW Instruction 90-201, available on the 51 FW/IGI SharePoint site, before the next exercise.

After a question and answer session regarding ROE, subject matter experts from across the wing briefed Airmen on the basics of other key areas - base defense, weapons safety, self-aid and buddy care, and explosive ordinance reconnaissance.

Airman Victoria Morrison, 303rd Intelligence Squadron, said it was beneficial to understand the specific exercise policies and go over refreshers of basics like SABC.

While disappointed to learn she would be unable to visit Starbucks on the way to work during the exercise - even when transitioning during shift changes, most base exchange facilities are off-limits to participants in uniform - Airman Morrison was still looking forward to the exercise due to the practice it provides for real-world situations.

Alarm conditions, MOPP levels and transition zones are important things to know if the time comes and there's an actual attack, she said.

At the conclusion of the rodeo, Airmen had the opportunity to properly label their chemical gear and receive copies of approved simulations and Osan ATSO cards.

Attending an ATSO rodeo is mandatory for all Osan personnel. For those who have not attended within the past year, a refresher is highly encouraged. Today's finals rodeos are noon and 4 p.m. at the base theater.