ATSO Rodeo surviving challenge

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Whitney Stanfield
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Airmen from the 4th Fighter Wing paused from their normal duties to practice their chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear skills during Ability to Survive and Operate Rodeo Jan. 25 and 26.

Each squadron selected 33 percent of their Airmen to participate in the ATSO Rodeo training. During the ATSO Rodeo evaluators observed more than 320 Airmen and their ability to survive and operate in a chemical environment; observing Airmen's Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear wear, contamination avoidance, transition and post attack responses, self aid buddy care skills in a contaminated area and contamination control abilities.

The base CBRN evaluators conduct six to eight classes a month on chemical attack response. The wing-level evaluation shows the emergency management flight what areas of their CBRN classes need more focus.

"The goal of ATSO Rodeo training is to raise awareness and prepare the wing for the upcoming operational readiness inspection," said Master Sgt. Michael English, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency management craftsman.

The 4th CES emergency management flight, explosive ordinance disposal team and the 4th Fighter Wing exercise evaluation team served as observers within their specific specialties during the rodeo. The emergency management flight technicians monitored the Airmen to ensure they avoided contaminated areas and wore the chemical suit properly. The EOD technicians watched as the Airmen safely cleared each area and reported the information to the unit control center. In addition evaluators checked Airmen's personal protective equipment markings, their J-list suits and gas mask fit tests, forms and wear.

"I think the training was beneficial and I learned a lot," said Senior Airman Madison Harter, a 4th Medical Operations Squadron service management journeyman. "The trainers told my team what we did wrong and how to fix it. It basically lets us know where we stand as a wing so that we can better respond to any CBRN situation."