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The 86th Airlift Wing Inspections and Readiness flight, with the help of augmentees from throughout the base, tested 576 servicemembers from Team Ramstein here May 20.
“In two hour blocks more than 144 personnel enter Hangar 1 and divide into groups at one of seven stations,” said Master Sgt. Daniel Flood, 86th Airlift Wing inspector. “We are evaluating them on areas like M-8/ M-9 chemical detection, self-aid and buddy care and weapons operations procedures.”
Airmen entering the test facility weren’t sure what to expect, only knowing they would be tested on their ability to survive and operate tactics from the Airman’s Manual.
“We are grading them in several areas, all found in the Airman’s Manual, collecting that data and providing it back to the commanders so they know what area to focus their training programs,” said Maj. Pablo Sneed, 86th Aeromedical Squadron Training Flight commander.
Throughout the classes, there were common themes and areas that could be honed in fueling the wing toward the goal of passing the upcoming September operational readiness inspection with a little more training.
“There are a couple of areas that seem pretty common, people hurrying and forgetting certain steps,” said Staff Sgt. Sonja Brown, an ATSO SABC evaluator from the 86th Medical Group. “Airmen need to remember to slow down and check the manual if necessary. Yes, it is an emergency but there are certain steps that have to be followed in order. If you are responding incorrectly there is no point in hurrying.”
Airman 1st Class Mandalyn Starkovich, a moulage victim, said one group pushed a compound fracture wound in her arm.
“If that had been a real injury and their response it would have hurt really bad,” said the 86th Dental Laboratory technician.
Although there is some learning to do, the ATSO testing help put some Airmen in the right frame of mind prior to the upcoming operational readiness exercise.
“This training got my mind set for the exercise,” said Senior Airman Orlando Watkins, 1st Combat Communications Squadron member.
As some pointed out, this also was the first time they had the chance to train with members from different units from around base.
“I have been in the Air Force three years, mostly at PACAF, but each base does things just a little different,” Airman Watkins said. “At PACAF, we trained within our units, here, I am training alongside people I didn’t know.”
As Ramstein heads into the ORI, training will prove to be a crucial aspect of the overall evaluation.
“As long as we train and we as evaluators provide honest feedback we will correct those areas that need improvement before the inspection and before those skills are needed in everyday life,” Sergeant Brown said.
