Trained, equipped, ready to defend and avenge

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michaela R. Slanchik
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  When Airmen deploy or engage in hazardous duties they rely on their equipment and knowledge to survive and thrive.

The 509th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) individual protective equipment (IPE) section's mission is to ensure members of Team Whiteman are fully prepared before departing for deployment.

The IPE section provides Airmen from the 509th Bomb Wing (BW), 131st BW and 442d Fighter Wing with equipment, such as improved outer tactical vests (IOTV), advanced combat helmets (ACH), M50 gas masks, chemical protection gear, an M4 Carbine rifle or a Beretta M9 pistol and any other equipment required to accomplish the mission.

"We provide everyone involved with Whiteman's strategic deterrence mission with the items they need--both in garrison and down-range," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michael Carbajal, the 509th LRS NCO in charge of IPE.

Regardless of the mission, the IPE shop is prepared to have equipment ready well within the time an Airman needs it, said Carbajal.

"Some rotations might only require a helmet, web belt and canteen. Others may require everything from a primary and secondary weapon, chemical defense gear, field items and cold weather supplies," said Carbajal. "Each tasking has a special code showing what is required. We read and translate them and outfit each person accordingly."

In order to have these items ready to deploy, there is a lot of background work done by members of the IPE shop.

Airman 1st Class Corey Lewis, a 509th LRS materiel management journeyman, is responsible for inventory, inspection and cleaning of all equipment.

"The mission cannot be accomplished if we don't have integrity," said Lewis. "I am responsible for all deployable items being within the correct expiration date. Regardless of the deployment, it is critical that the inventory is done correctly."

Preparation is key when it comes to successful mission completion. Being supplied with the proper equipment and training could make the difference between life and death.

"There is nothing worse than not being equipped to fight," said Carbajal. "When you deploy you are being faced directly with the possibility of having to fight while accomplishing your role in the mission. You can't do your job if you are not prepared to face the elements. As for the training portion, if you don't know how to use your equipment you might as well have left it at home. You have then become a liability rather than an asset to the mission."

Although the IPE shop is responsible for supporting Team Whiteman, they must also prepare to perform their jobs elsewhere. Lewis knows this first-hand, as he is preparing for his own deployment. He attributes his confidence to his job and those he works with.

"After a training exercise, we can pin-point our weaknesses and correct them to make the process go faster each time," said Lewis. "Coming from this shop helps a lot. Preparing others for deployments time and time again has helped make me an expert. I have no doubt that I will have all of the equipment and training I will need for my deployment."

Having the proper equipment and training gives Airmen one less thing to worry about before a deployment. It is the knowledge and integrity of the IPE section that ensures the readiness of Whiteman's Airmen as they train and deploy in support of global operations...anytime, anywhere.