Making warfighting Airmen: training for the fight

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Robert P. Steel
  • 48th Fighter Wing commander
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Tired of hearing the "Alarm Blacks" blaring across base? Exhausted from wearing your chemical gear while trying to fix a jet engine on the flightline or drafting permanent change of station orders in the military personnel flight? Annoyed that yet another battlestaff or disaster control group recall was called? 

Well, you might be tired, exhausted and annoyed...but you are also now a better trained warfighter. Over the past few days, Warrior Week has shown us what we need to brush up on to keep our fighting edge. It's proven the Liberty Wing knows how to respond quickly and effectively, but also highlighted some areas we can improve and work on. Next time could be the real thing, not just an exercise. 

Hopefully each of you reviewed the Airman's Manual, Air Force Manual 10-100, within your unit or office, and discussed the proper responses to different alarm levels and donned the appropriate MOPP level protective gear. I know I don't relish trying to type in my gloves or talk on the brick through my gas mask, but practicing our daily operations in a war-like environment only helps us sharpen our ability to succeed and lead as US Air Forces in Europe's lead Air and Space Expeditionary Force wing. 

Even though we just welcomed home over 1,000 Liberty warriors from deployment last month, we're simultaneously preparing for the next Air and Space Expeditionary Force cycle. Warrior Week helped us kick off the training cycle for the next AEF...and hopefully allowed many of you to jump start your personal preparations if you have a spring or summer deployment coming up. Work with your unit deployment managers to ensure your deployment records are up-to-speed and you have the checklists and action items required. Use your time wisely to prepare your finances, square away family matters and accomplish required or annual training before heading downrange. The more you do now, the easier the transition and departure will be. 

In the meantime, after the past week of donning, working and sweating in your chem gear, I have one request: clean your gas mask. You'll thank me the next time you have to pull it out and wear it.