Wolf Pack begins first exercise of 2011

  • Published
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Wolf Pack members reported for duty at approximately 4:30 p.m. Jan. 23, facing 32-degree temperatures, 15-knot winds and snow flurries to start Operational Readiness Exercise Beverly Bulldog 11-01.

The week-long peninsula wide exercise is the first for 2011 that will test 8th Fighter Wing Airmen and Soldiers' ability to survive and operate in simulated wartime contingencies while performing the base's mission to Defend the Base, Accept Follow-on Forces and Take the Fight North.

"We could be called upon at any given time to defend the Republic of Korea," said Col. John Dolan, 8th Fighter Wing commander. "This exercise, like those before it, allows us to practice and demonstrate that we are ready."

During the exercise, Wolf Pack members will focus on rendering Self Aid and Buddy Care to injured workmates, demonstrate their ability to complete the mission in simulated chemical environments and much more.

While performing these roles, Wolf Pack members will also have to contend with the snow and cold, which is normal to this region this time of year. Kunsan has already received more than two inches of snowfall since the exercise began.

The 8th Fighter Wing safety office advises the Pack to stay safe in the elements.

"For many Kunsan members, this is their first time participating in an exercise in this environment," said Master Sgt. Faith Fix, 8th FW safety office ground safety manager. "People should remember to dress for the weather and pay attention to work and warming cycles according to the wind chill cold stress conditions. They also need to hydrate; you can dehydrate just as quickly in the cold as you can in the heat."

Hypothermia can also be an issue during the winter, and Sergeant Fix said Wolf Pack members should change out of wet clothes as quickly as possible to avoid the condition.

Sergeant Fix also suggested that everyone should be extra careful of the ice. She said people should allow for extra time getting to work to walk slowly, and try to stick to the snowy parts of the sidewalks or to spots where others have walked.

Although these exercises put these concepts into action, the men and women of the Wolf Pack are ready every day to survive and operate in hostile environments.

"The men and women of the Wolf Pack train every day on these core skills that enable us to survive and operate in hostile environments and successfully execute our mission," said Colonel Dolan. "This week will be about putting all these concepts into action at once to prove we are ready to fight tonight."