Training Like Crazy

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tiffany Scofield
  • 174th Attack Wing

SYRACUSE, NY -- The 174th Attack Wing conducted a four day training exercise at Hancock
Field Air National Guard Base this week.


During this exercise, guard members acted as if they were in a deployed location with
chemical, biological, and weapon threats coming in from an enemy force. All members
participating in the exercise had to wear Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear.
The MOPP gear is worn for protection against chemical and biological agents.


Throughout the week, alarms were sounded on the base intercom system notifying members of
different level threats or attacks.


Security Forces airmen went through many high-stress real world situations during an
exercise they call Spring Hammer. For example, the airmen had to protect and defend the base
from four enemies who had intentions on hurting as many people as they could.


“Essentially what we are trying to do is be evaluated on our ability to exercise our normal
mission which is base defense, law and order in an austere environment,” said Master Sgt.
Justin Goerss, Security Supply and Mobility NCOIC.


This exercise prepares airmen to be mission-ready if they were to ever be put in these
types of situations.