Edwards focuses ORE on combat skills training Published March 19, 2008 By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Edwards performed an Operational Readiness Exercise March 10 to 14. During the weeklong exercise, Edwards was evaluated on deployment line processing of Airmen, known as Phase I, and then deployment operations at Camp Corum, known as Phase II. This is the first time Edwards incorporated expeditionary combat skills training and evaluation into the Phase II exercise. Previously, Phase II exercises evaluated Edwards Airmen's ability to survive and operate in a deployed location and their knowledge of the Air Force Manual 10-100. "The intent of this whole exercise was to prepare our (Air Expeditionary Force) troops for deployment," said David Bookrum, 95th Air Base Wing Plans and Programs emergency management director and exercise program manager. "Through this, we can assure our commanders that our troops are ready to deploy." Edwards Airmen received the expeditionary combat skills training from 95th Security Forces Squadron individual mobilization augmentees, said Pierre Poudevigne, 95th ABW XP senior exercise planner. They were trained on explosive ordnance, fighting positions, challenging, rifle fighting and reactions to direct and indirect fire, as well as moving through the obstacles and weapon drills. Aside from the combat skills training, the Airmen also performed self-aid and buddy care, as well as demonstrated use of force and rules of engagements knowledge. "Considering they haven't done (an ORE) in a while, our Airmen did well," Mr. Poudevigne said. "Their attitude was very good, and the Airmen showed their sense of urgency." During this exercise, Edwards separated the emergency management exercises out of the ORE to focus on Phase I and II procedures and because there are not as many military members stationed at Edwards. "By separating the EME, we are able to have enough players at Camp Corum," Mr. Poudevigne said. "With this, we are not burdening our people. This also gives us an opportunity to put on a better ORE, instead of incorporating everything." The next emergency management exercise is scheduled in May. The next Phase I and II exercises are scheduled for June.