PAR teams go!

Airman 1st Class Christopher Seidle, 18th Communication Squadron, checks mock M-8 paper for chemical contamination during a post attack reconnaissance sweep, May 18 at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Local Operational Readiness Exercises are to ensure that Kadena’s Airmen are prepared for real world contingencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers)

Airmen amp up for training

Published Aug. 14, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- It's not everyday Airmen are faced with the challenges of donning a gas mask during an attack or aiding a fellow Airman who has been seriously hurt.

Local operational readiness exercises, LOREs, prepare Airmen for situations just like these.

LOREs are base-wide exercises designed to prepare Airmen for possible future real world contingencies and allow them to train effectively in a safe environment.

"Take this opportunity to sharpen skills," said Col. Charles McDaniel, 18th Wing vice commander, "And remember what it's like to be in a chemical environment."

Airmen will spend the week training on how and why to fortify buildings, self aid and buddy care and other tasks that can be applied to deployment life or emergency situations.

"Yes there's the LORE [next week] however, the threat is real," said the vice commander, "It's your sole job to train for the future."