Wolf War Days conquered by base; Kunsan continues to refine training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephen Collier
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Continuing to hone their war-time skills, Airman here recently completed two Wolf War Days that provides additional training on how to react and respond to chemical and conventional warfare.

The exercise, spanning Sept. 26 and 27, focused on the ability to survive and operate, or ATSO training, self-aid buddy care, or SABC, and how to respond to varied threats, including mortars, enemy special forces and ballistic missile attacks.

When asked about the success of the training days, Col. Jeff "Wolf" Lofgren, 8th Fighter Wing commander, said the base continues to focus on its response to different MOPP conditions.

"We did much better on our PAR (post-attack reconnaissance) sweeps and communication pieces," the Wolf said.

Col. Lofgren, who is keeping a keen eye on how the base reacts to different types of war-time situations, added some areas in particular are a top concern for him.

"Each squadron has to work harder to make sure they are able to recall their people in a timely and efficient manner," he said. "To make sure the base is ready to respond, everyone can expect unscheduled recalls in the near future. We have to be able to show the air component command the Wolf Pack is ready to provide the air mission they need in a quick and timely manner."

Overall, the Wolf pointed out that feedback from Airmen showed that SABC and ATSO training given at the fitness center on Sept. 26 went very well.

"With our training this month, we'll definitely be testing ourselves [on what we learned] during October's Wolf War Days," he said. "Then we'll get to validate our training to see if it sunk home."

Since the Wolf took command of the 8th Fighter Wing in May, he has evaluated the wing's ability to Defend the Base, Accept Follow-on Forces and Take the Fight North on three separate occasions.

The Wolf said Kunsan can expect different war-time scenarios as the months begin to get cooler.

"Wolf Pack members can expect exercises to include 100-percent rank inspections, 100-percent Airman's Manual checks and gas mask inspections," he said.

"If you can't use your mask correctly, we'll be there to help, no matter how long it takes to get it right."

Also, the Wolf Pack ATSO supplement is expected to come out soon. This will be a mandatory item once it's issued.

"Overall, we achieved our objectives during the Wolf War Days," he said. "October will validate my expectations."