BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California -- More than 90 Beale reservists demonstrated their readiness capabilities in a simulated chemical environment during their unit training assembly Nov. 4 here.
The Ability to Survive and Operate exercise prepared Airmen for working in hostile locations by allowing them to practice in gas masks and protective suits.
“It was a great exercise,” said Senior Airman Ryan J. Heater, a services Airman with the 940th Force Support Squadron. “I learned how to cooperate with my wingman and peers in a situation that could tragically affect us as a whole.”
At the start of the exercise, participants suited up in overgarments, field gear and overboots for protection before, during and after a mock chemical attack.
As the exercise went on, the building was attacked by a simulated strike and the participants adjusted their gear for the heightened conditions. They put on gas masks, hoods and gloves in addition to the chemical suits they were wearing.
Following the strike, participants took turns being in post-attack reconnaissance teams. They searched for unexploded ordnance and performed their usual jobs.
Each unit developed its own objectives and performed its job in unfavorable conditions. Airmen were required to drive, give medical attention, conduct accountability and make sure their location was safe and secure.
“It went exceptionally well,” said Senior Master Sgt. Timothy W. Woods, 940th Inspector General Inspections superintendent and one of the exercise planners. “We covered 100 percent of our objectives and (job) requirements set by the units and at the wing level.”