News

Reservists prepare to deploy during annual exercise

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Minnette Mason
  • 446th Airlift WIng Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Several squadrons and smaller units from the 446th Airlift Wing were tasked to progress through a deployment processing line at the logistics readiness warehouse Feb. 7-8.

The DPL was part of EXERCISE SNAPSHOT, a local training event, which also included a patient on-load demonstration and air evacuation.  

The exercise is an opportunity for Reservists, in their respective specialties, to apply their skills based on Air Force instructions and local directives. It is also an opportunity to "test our ability to comply with them," said Lt. Col. David Jeske, 446th Airlift Wing IGI chief.

"Exercises are a way to find an 'aha' moment. It's one of the [most fun] parts about it," Jeske said.

The lieutenant colonel was referring to a discovery of procedures that could be accomplished more efficiently. Exercises such as EXERCISE SNAPSHOT also allow Reservists the opportunity to identify when procedures simply may not function as intended. Objective evaluation must be considered, and planning for the exercise required coordination with other units of Team McChord, the 627th Air Base Group and the 62nd Airlift Wing, according to Jeske.
 
Evaluative exercises are typically scheduled annually in an effort to focus on varying deployment capabilities. This year, the 446th AW focused on: recall and accountability processes, wing-level and squadron-level command and control, wing inspection team and individual preparedness, and air evacuation capabilities.

Lt. Col. Jon Bowser, a C-17 pilot with the 313th Airlift Squadron, says he's participated in several mobility exercises over the years. This weekend, he was tasked as a troop commander.

"Everyone's doing a great job and keeping a positive attitude," Bowser said upon conclusion of deployment processing. "Everything went very expeditiously."

The exercise concluded Feb. 8, and the next step is to compile a report. The WIT will essentially accumulate their evaluations and define any discrepancies, strengths, recommended improvements, as well as identify any superior performers. During this phase, inspectors have an opportunity to "test the plans and procedures to see if they are still current," Jeske said.

"It's a good group of folks. I'm sure they did great," Bowser added.