Preparation key to success in upcoming LORE

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alesia D. Goosic
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  If you're an Airman on Kadena Air Base you probably know there's a local operational readiness exercise scheduled for Aug. 23-25. What you may not know is you should be preparing for it now.

As with most other things in life, preparation is the key to success in the upcoming LORE.

"It's important to prepare now," said Tech. Sgt. Russell Gray, superintendent of exercises, "so that when the time comes you, your unit and the wing are ready to support and fulfill the wing's mission as directed."

The LORE, which will be a Phase I only exercise, tests the wing's ability to deploy when tasked to do so. During the Phase I, wing personnel will be required to mobilize from peacetime readiness into a wartime posture on short notice.

"Kadena's mission requires the wing to be able to get people and cargo processed and deployed quickly to support various scenarios," said Lt. Col. T.J. Reutiman, chief of wing exercises. "This LORE will test our ability to do that and generate aircraft for combat employment. The scenario is designed to challenge Kadena Airmen to operate under pressure."

During the Phase I, Airmen will be faced with scenarios designed to test, train and evaluate the wing's readiness to respond to a major contingency operation. Airmen should ensure they're prepared to meet and exceed the expectations of the exercise evaluators by preparing as much as possible before the exercise begins.

Sergeant Gray advises Airmen to have a mobility bag ready with the mandatory items, keep their training requirements up to date, and maintain current medical records. Units are encouraged to conduct internal reviews of these items to make sure their Airmen are prepared, not only for the exercise, but for real-world deployments as well.

"LOREs are a great opportunity for every Airman in the wing to demonstrate they are ready to deploy at any time," Colonel Reutiman said. "Kadena Airmen can best prepare for the exercise by treating it like a real-world deployment."

In preparation for this LORE, just like with a real-world deployment, Airmen should also make certain their personal affairs are in order.

"They should be looking to see if their family care plans are up to date," Sergeant Gray said, "and they should also check their wills and powers of attorneys to ensure they are current." Additionally, Airmen are encouraged to talk to their families and explain to them that they will be working long hours and explain why. Airmen should also coordinate with their supervisors if they have any child care concerns so the issues can be worked out before the exercise begins.

When it comes to exercises and real-world deployments, being prepared and maintaining a constant state of readiness is the key to a successful mission. LOREs are an important tool in providing the training and practice Airmen need to execute the mission when the time comes.

"No matter what unit you are in, we all have tasks we can do to ensure we are prepared for the exercise and real-world deployments." Colonel Reutiman said. "Take the time now to ensure you are ready and your units are prepared to fight the fight."

The LORE will be a no-flying exercise and is designed to have little effect on the local community and the celebration of Obon.