Reservists' war-fighting skills tested during Haunted House Battle Ax

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Veronica A. Aceveda
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Hundreds of reservists donned their chemical warfare suits and gathered at Base X Jan. 5 and 6 for the Haunted House Battle Ax training event.
 
Liberty Wing members simulated a foreign country deployment as evaluators graded them on how well they defended themselves and their assets against enemy aggressors.
 
An Airman's ability to survive and operate during an attack was the focal point of the training, which was designed to prepare Airmen for the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection in July.
 
While the inspection is six months away, reservists only have a handful of days to ready themselves for the final grade.
 
"It's very difficult to maintain a civilian job, fly missions, accomplish ground training events and prepare for the ORI; there just doesn't seem to be enough days in the month to accomplish everything," said Senior Master Sgt. Kelly Devine, 709th Airlift Squadron. "The training was very beneficial, not only for the inspection, but more importantly, in the event of an actual situation."
 
As a six-month exercise scenario unfolded over a few short hours, participants learned how to prepare for an attack and how to operate during and after an attack. Battle Ax coordinators divided personnel into four different tents, and the servicemembers had to defend their area.
 
"Personnel were deliberately separated from members of their own organization and assigned to different tents," said Lt. Col. Chris Cote, the 512th Airlift Wing readiness cell exercise planner. "We found that people from differing backgrounds excelled in one area but were not as proficient in others. With a variety of experience in different tents, they were able to work together and combine their knowledge to meet all challenges."
 
Some of the obstacles included filling sand bags to surround the tents, learning radio call-in procedures and recognizing unexploded ordnance. In addition to assembling impromptu medical teams to aide the injured, Airmen also experienced a chemical invasion.
 
As simulated life-threatening green smoke seeped into the tents, Liberty Wing members had only a few seconds to protect themselves with their gas masks.
 
"The training was very realistic," said Sergeant Devine. "And, the need for the training was evident as the day progressed."
 
Having learned their strengths and weaknesses, tasked ORI members have another chance to hone their war-fighting skills over the February UTA during a deployment exercise.