ATSO training improves wing readiness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ethan G. Spickler
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Airmen from multiple 445th Airlift Wing squadrons participated in Ability to Survive and Operate training Oct. 14 - 16 at Wright Patterson Air Force Base United Service Organizations (USO) and War Fighter Training Center.

 

The Air Force created ATSO training to combat the uncertainty of a changing global climate in which a high level of importance is placed on the ability to respond to external threats in the most effective manner possible. ATSO training focuses on improving the ability of Airmen to perform their duties during less than ideal circumstances and improving the unit’s ability to respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.

 

“The purpose of ATSO is to increase the readiness of Airmen in CBRN situations,” said Senior Master Sgt. David Filipkowski, 445th Inspector General for Inspections superintendent. “Readiness is key, considering the changing environments where we operate.”

 

Filipkowski, whose role during the training was to observe and assess the practical application of the training, emphasized the importance of the ability to survive and operate.

 

“Our Airmen are prepared for this training by taking computer based training focusing on Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN), and today they will have the opportunity to apply their skills in a field environment,” he said. “There are multiple levels to this training, and it’s a whole lot more than just putting on protective gear. It is extremely important that we are prepared for whatever situation the mission places us in.”

 

While there were many squadrons represented during the training event, the knowledge and skill gained by participants was universally applicable.

 

“This training is important for us when we operate in the real world,” said Staff Sgt. Komi Detti, a medical technician with the 445th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. “We need to be able to respond in the right way when faced with dangerous situations, and this training will help us adapt to our environment.”

 

Many of the Airmen at the training spoke positively about the impact ATSO had on their professional development. Effective training not only increases the skill level of the trainees, it also builds unit cohesion.  

 

“This is excellent training,” said Senior Airman Marissa Ayres, a security forces Airman with the 445th Security Forces Squadron. “We get to implement everything we have learned and use our equipment exactly how we would in a real world scenario. It also gives us the opportunity to interact with Airmen from a variety of different fields.” 

 

From AMDS to SFS and everywhere in between, the ATSO training elevates the wing’s level of preparation and enhances the ability 445th Airmen have to successfully support the mission.