MARE

Members of the 2nd Medical Group decontaminate a simulated victim as part of a major accident response exercise on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 25. The MARE was used to provide feedback to wing leadership about emergency management capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Chad Warren) (RELEASED)

MARE

Tech. Sgt. William Townsend, 2nd Security Forces Squadron flight chief, searches a simulated casualty during a scenario at Hoban Hall on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Aug. 25. Townsend wore a gas mask during the scenario due to the possibility of a chemical attack. The simulation was part of a major accident response exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Chad Warren) (RELEASED)

2nd Bomb Wing conducts MARE

Published Aug. 26, 2011
By Senior Airman Chad Warren
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Members of the 2nd Bomb Wing participated in a major accident response exercise here August 24 to 26.

A MARE is designed to provide wing leadership with feedback in order to identify strengths and weaknesses in emergency response procedures. It also tests the wing's ability to continue operations during and following an incident. Training for worst-case scenarios ensures Team Barksdale is prepared to respond effectively if an emergency arises.

"It's an insurance policy," said Col. Scott Hoover, 2nd Mission Support Group commander. "Making sure we are prepared for the day we hope never comes."

This exercise included a multi-stage scenario involving a simulated chemical attack, evaluating the process from initial response through post-attack recovery actions. Volunteers were staged as victims and hostages in order to test the first responders' ability to assess and take control of an emergency situation.

In accordance with Air Force Instruction 10-2501, Air Force Emergency Management Program Planning and Operations, the 2nd Bomb Wing must perform one major exercise every quarter and an additional exercise prior to an airshow.

The Emergency Operations Center is the main hub for response operations during any emergency management situation, with a representative present from each required agency.

"The EOC is there for agencies on base to coordinate with each other during an incident," said Staff Sgt. Elyce Holloway, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron. "It is activated on a case-by-case basis."

Following notification of a major incident, the EOC is activated if the incident commander decides additional resources are needed on-scene to properly handle the situation.

Keeping personnel and resources safe and secure are paramount during an unexpected emergency. Training for real-world disasters is the best way to ensure emergency responders are ready at a moment's notice to handle any situation.