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McConnell reservists prepare for ATSO

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Carrie Peasinger
  • 931st ARG Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The 931st Air Refueling Group will conduct an Ability to Survive and Operate Rodeo during the unit training assembly, Nov. 6-7. The ATSO Rodeo will prepare Airmen for operations in war-time chemical environments.

The training is an important aspect of the 2011 operational readiness inspection, said Capt. Douglas Crow, 931st program manager. Colonel Edsel Frye, 931st ARG Commander, has directed all the organization's members to participate regardless of their level of involvement in the ORI.

Staff Sgt. Carrie Van Praag, 931st Logistic Supply Manager, issued all individuals in the 931st Joint Service Light Weight Integrated Suit Technology, along with all chemical and training gear in preparation for the rodeo in September and October.

"Everyone is really excited about the new chemical warfare suits because they don't leave behind any charcoal mess," Praag said. Airmen will receive new JLIST overcoats and over pants that replace their previously issued equipment. "You no longer need the hood, because the hood is attached to the JLIST, "said Praag. " It also comes with suspenders to hold itself up, instead of the previous used snaps, for quicker reaction time."

More than 360 people will participate in the November ATSO Rodeo, said Capt. Crow, who is in charge of oversight and works with the subject matter experts to coordinate and make the training a success. Members are assigned to one of four groups participating in the rodeo events both mornings, and afternoons of the UTA.

"It's a great event if you want to get a lot of people trained in a short amount of time," said Capt. Crow. "With so many people, attitude is key. Nobody looks forward to MOPP 4; however, this is important training, and we don't want tell family members that someone died because we didn't train them well enough."

This event is a team approach, said Crow, TSgt Lagecy, the 931st emergency management and Readiness program manager is in charge of putting the ATSO together to train everyone and give us the tools and opportunities to be prepared.

Airmen who desire more information about the upcoming ATSO or ORI, should contact their unit emergency manager, or emergency evaluation representative.