News

Prepare now for successful operational readiness inspection

  • Published
  • By Sandra Pishner
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Break out the AFMAN 10-100 and start studying. Don't know what an AFMAN 10-100 is? Maybe you know it better as the Airman's Manual, a guide to all knowledge required to succeed on a deployment or an Operational Readiness Inspection.

It's still a year away, but it's never too soon to prepare for the operational readiness inspection scheduled for October 2012. The 446th Airlift Wing will partner with the 62nd AW for the inspection.

Not only should Reservists prepare themselves individually, but the wing has plans to prepare as a unit with three operational readiness exercises. The first exercise will take place on McChord Field Feb. 10-17.

"The first ORE is a good time to re-expose Reservists to things like CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives) and ATSO (ability to survive and operate)," said Lt. Col. Ray Luevanos, 446th AW exercise evaluation team deputy chief.

About 300 Reservists will be tasked for the ORI

"Our tasking will support our Oplan (operations plan) for which ever part of the world the scenario will be based on," said Luevanos. "Commanders should be identifying now who will fill the tasking. There is a huge time commitment when preparing for the ORI and Reservists need to communicate that to their families and employers."

Along with the locally-based February ORE, there will an ORE at Volkfield, Wis., May 4-11, and one at Alpena, Mich., Sept. 7-15, and then the ORI Oct. 14-21.

"Most Reservists have at least one ORI under their belt," said Luevanos. "But it's been three years since our last one and we need everyone to get in the right mind-set for the inspection."

A combination of budget and manning difficulties in concert with continuing deployments, numerous other inspections and higher headquarters visits, requires a "right mind-set" even for Reservists not directly tasked for the ORI.

"Even those Reservists who aren't tasked as ORI players are essential to (Joint Base Lewis-McChord's) success," said Lt. Col. Diego Wendt, 446th AW chief of exercises and evaluations. "A shortage of services or training availability during the ORI prep season may create some inconveniences for non-players and their families.

"Patience, understanding, and a positive attitude on the part of non-players will ensure JBLM's success in the ORI," said Wendt.

The 446th AW exercise planning staff is doing their best, according to Wendt, to keep the wing informed of potential impact to services and training.

"Information is often the key to any successful endeavor," said Lt. Col. Anna Sullivan, 446th AW chief of public affairs. "Along with squadron commanders and first sergeants, we try to get as much information out as possible. Reservists and their families just need to be open to receiving that information. That means visiting our public Web site regularly, and our Facebook page."

Reservists in need of an Airman's Manual should contact their unit deployment manager, or review the manual online here.