Wing modifies Phase II tactics, sharpens Saber combat skills

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Patrick Stoner
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Programs and Inspections office
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) --  “Alarm Red, MOPP 4.”

Those familiar words of exercises past ring throughout a base’s loud speakers during exercises.

With hundreds of Airmen sucking air through gas mask rubber for hours while hunkered down in work centers during scenarios, disaster training is considered a rite of passage in the Air Force.

While many Airmen practice functioning in a hostile environment, only a small percentage have endured an actual attack.

As a result, the 52nd Fighter Wing has modified exercise tactics.

“We haven’t completely abandoned chemical attacks,” said Master Sgt. George King, 52nd FW XP Phase II NCOIC, “we have just modified our focus a little.”

Sergeant King explained the wing is trying to better prepare Sabers for the type of threats they will encounter down range versus what may have occurred in a dated Cold War scenario.

“Improvised explosive devises, mortar attacks, sniper fire ... these things are all happening down range, and are therefore on the table for wing exercises,” Sergeant King said.

Since October 2005, the wing has trained more than 2,100 Sabers on Expeditionary Combat Skills, convoy skills, and enhanced self-aid buddy care.

Each course takes weeks of coordination between multiple agencies to organize, but shows the level of importance wing leadership has placed on preparing Sabers for future deployments.

“If you haven’t received this training yet, don’t worry; your time is coming,” said Sergeant King. “Every member will receive at least ECS training prior to deploying.”

The wing’s goal during the employment phase of the exercise will be to prepare everyone for the worst-case scenario.

“Be ready for a week of non-stop mortar attacks, vehicle accidents, and mass casualties,” said Chief Master Sgt. Steven Lage, 52nd FW/XP superintendent. “This may not seem realistic compared to what you have seen on previous deployments, but if you can think of the exercise as a 120-day deployment compressed into a week’s time, you’ll better understand and accept the scenario.”

Although there have not been any chemical attacks in the last several Phase II exercises, 52nd FW/XP officials advise Airmen not to run out and turn in their chemical gear just yet.
“The potential for chemical attack from our adversaries still exists, therefore it will be practiced here,” Chief Lage said.

“Sabers who are participating in the exercise will need to be ready to react when they hear the alerts and alarm status,” he said.