20th Fighter Wing "deploys" during ORE

  • Published
  • By Airman Daniel Blackwell
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  On Feb. 21, the 20th Fighter Wing at Shaw Air Force Base, N.C., received an exercise "prepare to deploy order." This order initiated the second operational readiness exercise of the year.
A prepare to deploy order marks the first half, called Phase I, of a two-part exercise the wing routinely undergoes. A Phase I ensures Airmen are physically, mentally and logistically ready and capable to perform their duties when real world deployment is required.

The first phase is a preliminary stage. During it, Airmen prepare the wing by reviewing personnel eligibility and equipment. Airmen attend training and briefings as directed and ensure medical and other relevant records are current and on file.

A Phase II consists of generating aircraft, and mobilizing the wing. During this phase Airmen will simulate deploying aircraft, personnel and equipment.

"During these phases members should remain flexible because orders can change with little notice," said Erik Singletary, exercise and inspections director for the 20th FW.

Singletary is responsible for scripting major operational readiness exercises the base regularly conducts. The purpose of the exercises is to prove through practical application that Airmen understand and can apply necessary tasks for mission success anywhere on short notice.

"What we do is provide the wing the opportunity to prove it," Singletary said. "We report those findings to the wing commander so that he's assured his wing is ready for anything."

March 5 marked the beginning of the simulated deploying phase which concluded March 6. A major portion of this phase happens at the Deployment Processing Center. During this phase, selected Airmen are expected to "walk the line" which requires them to physically go through the steps of outprocessing in an abrupt deployment scenario.

"My job is to keep the line moving," explained 2nd Lt. Latisha Cannon, chief of career development. "I solve any problems on the line and maintain accountability of Airmen outprocessing."

Airmen are responsible for assembling their "A" bag, which is required for expeditionary deployment situations. The "A" bag should contain extra uniforms, physical training gear, running shoes, undergarments and toiletries.

Airmen are graded on their preparation so when they deploy, they have the necessary equipment for mission success.

"Airmen should double check their paperwork and "A" bag to ensure they're in order," Cannon explained. "Staying mentally prepared is also advised. The process can become long and arduous depending on the number of individuals walking the line."

Each squadron has varying obligations they must fulfill during exercises, Singletary explains. Everyone must do their part in order to achieve success and carry out the mission.

"If Airmen have any questions they should seek guidance from their leaders," Cannon said.

There's a multitude of working parts that go into conducting these exercises which requires a collaborative effort from the entire base, Singletary concluded. Airmen should immerse themselves in all exercises, he said, so that when the time comes to apply what they've learned they can do so with confidence.