ORE preparation under way

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joshua G. Moshier
  • Black Hills Bandit staff
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, SD --  As Team Ellsworth prepares for the Phase II Operational Readiness Exercise beginning Jan. 27, wing leadership and exercise coordinators want to remind Airmen of the importance of the event.

This ORE is the second of four intended to prepare the wing for the scheduled Operational Readiness Inspection in July.

“OREs aren’t inherently fun,” said Maj. Jennifer Rollins, 28th Bomb Wing chief of wing exercises and evaluations, “but it’s absolutely imperative for us to stay focused and remember what makes for a successful ORI — preparation and training.”

“We’re looking for people to be able to survive and operate in a nuclear, biological and chemical environment with an imminent NBC threat and injured comrades, all while under constant attack,” Major Rollins said.

The Base X map for this ORE has changed from the exercise in November. Specifically, the number of sectors has been reduced from seven to six, the sectors are smaller, and the area immediately in front of Building 410 is no longer a play area. The play area begins outside the cattle guards and cement barriers.

“We’ve reduced the footprint of Base X,” said Master Sgt. Paul Reiter, 28th BW readiness and evaluation superintendent. “We’ve refined the area used for communication and control purposes. This will also assist exercise evaluators in managing conflicts.”

To ensure success, the major recommended Airmen study their Airman’s Manual, and review the base exercise plan and special ORE instructions.

“To units, I’d say don’t be afraid to admit your weaknesses,” she said. “Then they can improve on those weaknesses and meet their objectives. It’s most important is for everyone to stay focused, keep a positive attitude and never give up.”