MARTINSBURG, W.Va -- Approximately 200 members from the 167th Airlift Wing participated in Exercise Operation Northern Posture in Alpena, Michigan, June 10-14.
The 167th wing inspection team (WIT) assessed the exercise participants’ ability to operate effectively in a hostile and/or contaminated chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense (CBRN) environment.
Upon setting boots on the ground in Alpena, members of the 167th jumped into training-mode. Airmen were in-processed and briefed on numerous topics. The following day members received multiple trainings in small groups while donning mission oriented protective posture (MOPP) gear.
Once the exercise kicked-off, members put their skills to work in their specific job areas while being challenged with multiple scenarios that required Airmen to quickly react and respond appropriately to different threat levels, while wearing the proper MOPP level gear.
The 167th security forces took advantage of the mock village at the base in Alpena, to practice tactical maneuvering.
“This type of training is a necessity for security forces especially in today’s environment when active shooter situations can occur,” said Master Sgt. Sylvester Payne, the 167th security forces training manager. “Some of our more complex training at the mock village required going door to door to clear buildings tactically.”
According to Lt. Col. James Freid-Studlo, 167th inspector general, 2010 was the last time the 167th conducted a group deployment exercise.
Lt. Col. Paul Henry, the 167th director of inspections, said the exercise was beneficial particularly to the junior airmen in growing their readiness and ability to survive and operate while also boosting morale.
A more “robust” exercise is being planned for next year, said Col. David V. Cochran, the 167th vice-wing commander.