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Kadena wraps up LORE, aims for improved processes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Kadena participated in a phase one local operational readiness exercise Jan. 9-11.
During the LORE, Airmen focused on "positioning the force" by simulating deployment procedures.

"We're trying to improve our processes for real-world contingency operations," said Maj. Rich Jones, 18th Wing Chief of Exercises. "The grand scheme is getting forces off Kadena to the deployed location and also receiving forces to help support the battle, and we're testing to see if we can do that. If we have to shift to contingency operations in this theater, we can project power from this base like a well-oiled machine."

The 18th Wing announced earlier in 2011 an impending operational readiness inspection will come later in 2012 to test Airmen in a multitude of scenarios including mobility, deployment, reception, bedding down of forces, employment and self aid buddy care.

A no-notice ORI last year revealed a "marginal" score in the mobility process. Jones said that's why an initiative through the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century program, which has been implemented to improve the process, went into effect during this LORE to test the effectiveness of the event.

"Until we see the write-up, we really won't be able to say for sure whether the AFSO21 event helped," said Jones, "but we have seen an overall improvement in moving the combat machine."

Part of Kadena's power projection platform role in the Pacific theater requires the base to perform LOREs every couple of months.

While some might attribute the wear of individual protective equipment and mission-oriented protective posture as practice just for the impending inspection, Jones reminds the wing to practice for potential real-world scenarios.

Jones said Airmen shouldn't be simply preparing for the ORI, because the inspections are only tests. Rather, he said LOREs should be used to prepare Airmen for actual contingencies.

"If everyone took that attitude, we'd knock the ORI out of the park," he said.

Master Sgt. Andrea Barnes, 18th Wing Plans and Programs superintendent, said building the muscle memory during LOREs helps make it second nature for Kadena Airmen.

"Exercises help to build that muscle memory so that is becomes second nature. If we have to do it for real or go into battle, we'll know what we have to do instinctively," she said. "It helps alleviate any uncertainty."

"Contingencies are things you don't want to show up unprepared for," Jones added. "Failure's just not an option."