Condor Crest tests Wing's response to pressure situations

Published Sept. 28, 2006
By Jeff Adcox
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

Peterson AFB, Colo. -- An opportunity for the 21st Space Wing to ensure its Airmen in the field have the skills to survive, fight and win in any environment was tested with the Condor Crest 06-06 kick-off Aug. 24.

Evaluation and training for Peterson Air Force Base personnel and local emergency agencies was the focus of the Expeditionary Readiness Exercise and Full Spectrum Threat Response Exercise, which was completed Wednesday.

"The critical objective for this exercise is to determine our ability to respond, operate and recover from real-world incidents," said Col. Edward Knowles, 21st Space Wing inspector general. "These incidents can be combatant, noncombatant or affect homeland security."

The Expeditionary Readiness Exercise began by testing the Wing's capability to conduct a mass deployment. The 21st Space Wing inspector general uses this portion of the exercise to gain insight into the status and readiness of the Peterson warfighter.

"We must provide the most realistic training we can so our troops know what to expect in theater," said Vic Duckarmenn, 21st Space Wing Inspector General's Office exercise director. "We owe it to our Airmen, and our Airmen owe it to America to put forth the best efforts we can"

Airmen must be ready to process for deployment, know their self-aid buddy care, have the proper weapons training and know how to use their protective gear for this exercise.

The Full Spectrum Threat Response Exercise tests the Wing's ability to counteract pressure situations that result from a loss of critical infrastructure, major accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks.

Condor Crest 06-06 zeroed in on a major accident and natural disaster scenario.

"The goals of the FSTR were to seek improvements in notification of our disaster response force and command and control personnel to respond to and recover from a helicopter crash at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station and an aircraft fire," Mr. Duckarmenn said. "We also conducted a wildfire natural disaster table top with the crisis action team."

Exercises like Condor Crest 06-06 also help foster working relationships between the military and civilian emergency response agencies.

American Medical Response, the El Paso County Coroner and other law enforcement and governmental agencies all played a role in this exercise.

Although many groups participate, a successful Condor Crest relies on something more specific.

"The individual Airmen will play the greatest role in this exercise," Mr. Duckarmenn said. "Collectively, their efforts and perseverance will carry the day for the 21st Space Wing."

Condor Crest 06-06 also has one important distinction from the other exercises the 21st Space Wing will conduct this year.

"It is our tune-up for the Operational Readiness Inspection," Mr. Duckarmenn said. "This is our last chance to learn before we demonstrate to Air Force Space Command what a powerful force Team 21 is."

Colonel Knowles trusts the training Airmen receive from Condor Crest 06-06 will help with the upcoming ORI, but, more importantly, he knows this exercise also gives Airmen a glimpse of the "big picture."

"Readiness is not a switch that can be flipped on and off," he said. "Readiness is the state of mind that we should always be in. This exercise gives Airmen a chance to hone their warrior skills before they use them in a life or death situation."

Colonel Knowles believes that as the smoke clears and the FSTR is completed, the No. 1 goal of this exercise will be accomplished.

"The Wing will be better prepared to respond to anything and defend our freedoms," he said. "The best efforts of our Airman help us improve each and every time."