WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Airmen from the 509th and 131st Bomb Wings participated in a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) exercise to ensure readiness in the case of an attack.
This specific CBRN exercise spans across three days and included Airmen from the 509th Medical Group to reinforce knowledge for first responders, such as litter carries and decontamination procedures. This ensures Airmen at Whiteman Air Force Base understand how to protect themselves and care for their wingmen.
“I’ve been doing this a long time,” U.S. Air Force MSgt Andrew Jones, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Aircraft Section Chief, said. “Exercises like these are always a good refresher, regardless of how long you’ve been in.”
To prepare, Airmen attend an intel brief, pick up their mission oriented protective posture (MOPP) gear, receive refresher training, and brace for the exercise to kick off.
After everyone is geared up, troops participate in a simulated attack of a contaminated environment. During this time, Airmen utilize their MOPP gear, which is protective equipment worn in CBRN-contaminated environments meant to protect an individual from CBRN agents.
There are five stages of MOPP gear beginning at level MOPP 0 and increasing to MOPP 4 depending on the CBRN threat. When a CBRN threat is identified and announced, troops are given only nine seconds to remove their face mask from its carrier, secure and seal it to their face.
Training such as this ensures readiness for a multitude of attacks, both at home and down range. Emergency preparedness instills confidence in our airmen and allies that during any event, the Air Force is ready to respond and defend its personnel and assets.