Ramstein ramps up for ORE

Despite an already hectic operations tempo, members of the 86th Airlift Wing and 435th Air Ground Operations Wing will soon test their deployment operations and capabilities during the operational readiness exercise on Ramstein.

The ORE will consist of Phase I and Phase II exercises, scheduled from Monday to Dec. 10 and from Dec. 14 to 17 respectively, and will evaluate combat readiness.

“Phase I exercises our deployment machine, or how well we prepare for and execute the transition from day-to-day operations to employment in a combat environment,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Roth, Ramstein Inspections and Readiness chief. “Phase II measures our ability to survive and operate in the combat environment.”

Not only do OREs maintain training for the Air Force’s most valuable assets to continue Overseas Contingency Operations, OREs also foster a culture that promotes unit compliance and prime Airmen for operational readiness inspections.

“The upcoming exercises are geared to prepare the 86th AW and 435th AGOW for our September 2010 ORI when we will be evaluated by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Inspector General,” Colonel Roth said. “OREs are like mid-term tests, and the ORI is the final exam.”

The first phase of the exercise will aim to evaluate Ramstein Air Base’s deployment processing capabilities.

“Many of the Phase I tasks are accomplished daily by the 86th AW and 435th AGOW units,” the colonel said. “What we will accomplish in December is a stress test of the mobility processing system. We will make it operate at a significantly increased workload and an accelerated timeline. This will occur on top of all the regularly scheduled mobility traffic.”

As the base moves into the second phase of the ORE, the focus will center on the combat environment and fundamentals of the Air Force Pamphlet 10-100 Airman’s Manual.

“We want to hone the same skills required of all our forward deployed Airmen,” Colonel Roth said. “We cannot train everyone, but we will have over 1,000 Airmen go through an intensive two-day scenario-based training and evaluation. In addition, we want to demonstrate the synergy of exercising two wings simultaneously. Both the 86th AW and the 435th AGOW provide unique capabilities for our supported combatant commanders.”

To help prepare for the OREs, Ramstein personnel should become acquainted with their Airman’s Manual, as well as with their unit deployment manager and mobility folder.

Those not directly affected by the OREs should be prepared as well.

“Team Ramstein needs to know the 86th AW and 435th AGOW are preparing in earnest for an ORI,” the colonel said. “We consider many factors in the design of an exercise and recognize the impact on our partners at Ramstein. Our exercise will impact our ability to deliver services and support to the rest of the base. We ask everyone to please bear with any minor inconvenience or momentary interruptions the exercises create.”

According to Senior Master Sgt. Wesley Fillmore, Ramstein Inspections and Readiness superintendent, Ramstein personnel participating in the OREs should be aware of some important information.

– Participants will need a Ground Crew Ensemble kit, which includes: gas mask, battle dress overgarment/JSLIST suit, protective overboots, rubber gloves and cotton gloves.

– Participants will need to bring an extra pair of gloves for set-up and tear-down.

– Participants will need a canteen — be sure it is clean and operable.

– Participants will not be allowed to wear contacts — bring gas mask inserts.

– Cell phones are not allowed.

– Smoking is prohibited.

– Parking will not be available on site.

– Participants should dress appropriately for the weather — expect extended periods outdoors.

– Meals-ready-to-eat will be available for purchase — $3.68 for enlisted, $4.25 for officers, and meal-card holders can sign for MREs. Lunches may also be brought to the site in the A-bag.

As Ramstein personnel go through each of the phases, Colonel Roth said the biggest determining factor of a successful outcome is attitude.

“A great exercise starts with a great attitude,” he said. “If you are in it to sharpen your skills and have fun, you will get the most out of it. We all want to look sharp when the IG shows up in September; each ORE gets us closer to that goal.”