LRS Airmen exercise readiness Published April 27, 2018 By Airman Madeleine Remillard 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- It can be easy for Airmen to fall into a day-to-day routine and only do what needs to be done to accomplish the mission. However, it is important to not give in to complacency and remain ready to accomplish the mission, no matter the conditions. As a part of on-going efforts to align readiness training with personnel assigned to unit type codes, Airmen from the 82nd Logistics Readiness Squadron here at Sheppard AFB participated in the Expeditionary Readiness Program April 26, 2018. Airmen participating in the ERP began the day with “ability to survive and operate” training. This entailed learning the proper wear of Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear, self-aid and buddy care, as well as identifying and decontaminating hazards. Second Lt. Jasmine Haynes, officer in charge of plans and integration at the 82nd LRS said that while ATSO is comparable to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear warfare training, it was much more in-depth and even included hypothetical situations for which Airmen had to find solutions. Senior Master Sgt. Jason Ramon, superintendent of the 82nd Logistics Readiness Squadron performs daily tasks in Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, April 26, 2018. MOPP is used by the U.S. military in toxic environments such as chemical, biological or radiological environments. It was extremely difficult to accomplish daily tasks in the gear due to limited movement and sight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Madeleine Remillard) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Once the Airmen completed ATSO, they made their way back to their regular duty locations to resume daily operations in MOPP level four, the highest degree of protection. The person in MOPP level four is covered from head to toe in thick suits with two layers of gloves, heavy rubber boots, a gas mask and helmet. MOPP is used by the U.S. military in chemical, biological or radiological toxic environments. Senior Master Sgt. Jason Ramon, superintendent of the 82nd LRS said this exercise is one of the many reasons it’s important that Airmen remain fit to fight. “A person who is not properly hydrated and maintaining a high level of fitness may not be able to work in MOPP level four,” he said. Once the 20 Airmen were suited up, they began their day’s work, whether that meant moving cargo with a forklift, packaging and in processing shipments or working at their desk. Working in MOPP gear was not an easy feat. For example, it was difficult for the Airmen to shout directional commands through a gas mask, so it was important that the Airmen knew the proper hand signals to effectively communicate and operate machinery. “Doing daily tasks with limited movement and sight, you’re absolutely hindered,” Haynes said. “It’s good to get them exposed to how difficult it is to operate in the gear.”