MFE tests knowledge of PAR procedures

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Zackary Henry, 18th Wing Public Affairs photojournalist, reports his findings through hand-held radio during a simulated post-attack reconnaissance sweep on Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 23, 2015. During a PAR sweep, Airmen check several strips of chemically reactive paper placed on stands around their area of responsibility in order to determine whether or not their facility has been contaminated by chemical weapons. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zade C. Vadnais)

MFE tests knowledge of PAR procedures

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joshua Germano, 18th Communications Squadron cyber operations technician, leads a simulated post-attack reconnaissance sweep following a simulated chemical attack on Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 23, 2015. PAR sweeps are conducted in order to determine whether or not a facility has been contaminated by chemical weapons. They are conducted by personnel in full mission-oriented protective posture gear in order to ensure they remain safe in the event there are hazardous chemicals in the environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zade C. Vadnais)

MFE tests knowledge of PAR procedures

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Estrella Martinez, 18th Wing Public Affairs broadcaster, checks a strip of chemically reactive paper for evidence of harmful substances following a simulated chemical attack on Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 23, 2015. The paper used during post-attack reconnaissance sweeps changes colors when exposed to different chemicals. By observing the colors on the paper, or lack thereof, trained personnel are able to determine what chemicals are present in the environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Zade C. Vadnais)

MFEs maintain readiness, foster resiliency

Published April 29, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Zade C. Vadnais
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

The 18th Wing's April mission focused exercise came to a close at approximately 2 p.m. April 23.

The almost 80-hour exercise tested the readiness of base personnel and their ability to effectively function in times of war. Participating Airmen were tested on their knowledge of self-aid buddy care, unexploded ordnance identification, post-attack reconnaissance procedures and their ability to perform their primary duties in a combat environment.

Chief Master Sgt. Charles R. Hoffman, 18th Wing command chief, said these exercises also provide an opportunity for Airmen to work with members from other career fields, finding synergies and improving procedures now while helping Kadena deliver combat air power faster, better and more efficiently in the future.

"It's our duty not just to get ready but to be ready at all times," Hoffman said. "That's every Airman's job but more so here at Kadena, which is in a very strategic part of the world. We support the defense of Japan and a lot of our allies in the region so we have to be able to use our capabilities to the best of our abilities."

The benefits reaped from MFEs aren't limited to Kadena or even to the Pacific region. When Airmen leave Okinawa to head to their next duty station, they'll bring with them a better understanding of their AFSC's duties in both peacetime and wartime, in addition to better-developed combat skills such as SABC and PAR knowledge.

"I think people who have a number of experiences behind them in more stressful environments can more quickly adapt to tougher situations," Hoffman said. "It's not always fun during mission-oriented protective posture four, but you get a chance to use the skills of resiliency to take a lickin' and keep on tickin'."

Although they can be stressful, frustrating and tiring, MFEs are ultimately designed to maintain the readiness of Kadena personnel and ensure that the 18th Wing's Airmen remain truly among the best.

"I'm really impressed with the Airmen here," Hoffman said. "Having been here for three days, every day I've been inspired working with a team of true professionals who understand why they're here, take their jobs seriously and have a good time doing it. We have a lot of high tech stuff here at Kadena, but the most impressive asset is definitely the people."