615th CRW prepares for ORI

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Annette Doolin
  • 572nd Global Mobility Readiness Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 572nd Global Mobility Readiness Squadron, along with members from the 615th Contingency Response Wing, took part in a training exercise Aug. 27 to 30 at Camp Parks, Calif. 

The exercise, titled Dublin Fury, consisted of many team building events designed to prepare members of the 615th CRW for their upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection in October.

In order to make training more interesting, members were divided into six teams, competing for in 10 events.

"This was an awesome exercise that truly challenged all ORI team members in their readiness discipline as well as combat skills and tactics that will pay huge dividends for our upcoming ORI and our combat capabilities," said Col. Matthew Yotter, 572nd Contingency Response Group commander. "I am truly proud of the efforts of all members of the 615th CRW."

The Airmen began the exercise with a very strenuous two-mile run through the hills of Dublin, Calif.

Afterwards, the teams took part in a game of "IG Jeopardy," where the questions challenged the Airmen intellectually.

"IG Jeopardy was fun yet at the same time we learned a great deal," said Airman 1st Class Latif Self, 571st Global Mobility Readiness Squadron.

After a good night of rest, exercise participants prepared for what became the most tedious and physically demanding aspect of the exercise. 

With everyone in full battle gear and weapons drawn, they started on a two-mile course that featured events such as the Leadership Reaction Course, which tested an Airman's ability to solve problems; a Self-Aid and Buddy Care course, led by members of the 60th Medical Group; a course on the Military Grid Reference System, designed to prepare the teams for their land navigation course.

The course also included a "Stress Course," which examined the Airmen's ability to correct weapon's malfunctions under intense physical and mental stress; and the "Ability to Survive and Operate" course that focused on Airmen operating and performing in Mission Oriented Protective Posture conditions.

The final event, nicknamed the "Weapons Soup," tested the CRW warriors' weapons knowledge. During the event, the Airmen had to assemble their M-16s from scratch.

"I have never been more impressed with the attitude and toughness of this wing" said Capt. Rick Martin, 572nd GMRS Security Forces member.

The final day of the exercise focused on a Land Navigation course.
The teams were given an opportunity to use their integrated base defense skills to clear out a village.

"The Mount Village was very high speed," said Senior Airman Christopher Frederick, 572nd Global Mobility Squadron. "This course gave me a better understanding of what it would be like to clear out a village in a deployed location."

Col. Anthony Hinen, 615th CRW commander and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Schwiesow, 615th CRW command chief, recognized all the teams for a job well done with a barbecue and awarded the top three teams with trophies.

"I'm very proud of Team CRW," Col. Richard McClain, 615th CRW vice commander. "Even in these physically and mentally demanding conditions, their performance was extremely impressive. There is no doubt in my mind that the CRW is ready for the upcoming ORI."