CORE

Barksdale AFB, La. - After processing the pre-deployment line during the Global Cajun conventional operational readiness exercise, Airmen are weighed with all their equipment before the aircraft transports them to Base X for contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexandra Longfellow)(RELEASED)

CORE

Barksdale AFB, La. - During Exercise Global Cajun, more than 680 Airmen processed pre-deployment lines to simulate a mass deployment of personnel from Barksdale. This was the sixth conventional operational readiness exercise this year and the first of three before the conventional operational readiness inspection in December. The second CORE kicks off today and the final one begins Nov. 18. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexandra Longfellow)(RELEASED)

Airmen complete sixth CORE of year

Published Oct. 21, 2009
By Senior Airman Alexandra M. Longfellow
2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Barksdale completed its sixth conventional operational readiness exercise Oct. 28, leading up to a conventional operational readiness inspection to be held in December .

This exercise was the first of three COREs allowing Airmen to practice and make final adjustments before the official Air Combat Command CORI.

"The CORE is an exercise which allows base personnel to train and prepare for every detail of pre-deployment," said Maj. Shawn Gander, chief of wing exercises and evaluations. "It simulates how the deployment process works, and is also used to display Barksdale's ability to deploy personnel and equipment anywhere at a moment's notice."

According to 1st Lt. Aaron Hughes, installation deployment officer, the Phase I CORE begins when the prepare to deploy order is given. This order alerts the wing of an impending mass deployment and lasts about 96 hours. From there, the base ensures all resources and personnel are prepositioned for processing and then cleared through the deployment line, deployment location, loaded and moved to a deployed location in a timely manner.

"Conducting a Phase I exercise is to demonstrate the 2d Bomb Wing's ability to execute assigned conventional taskings while demonstrating safety, a sense of urgency, teamwork and professionalism," said Major Gander.

The simulated deployed Airmen take part in a processing line where they ensure the deployed checklist is properly completed. Airmen are part of a 'bag drag' where deployed bags are compiled and loaded onto pallets simulating pre-deployment tasks.

First a group of Airmen is called to begin the CORE, they assemble at a centralized meeting point and load onto a bus which takes them to the 2d Logistics Readiness Squadron. The Airmen who are processing, drop-off their deployment bags and Airmen pick up A1 bags which contain a Kevlar helmet, canteen and a web belt.
Once Airmen check out their needed equipment, they board the bus to finish the processing line and complete their part in the CORE.

"During this CORE, Airmen effectively employed command and control of initial response taskings," said Major Gander. "We generate B-52s per employment and deployment taskings and process personnel and cargo in required timing and launch and recover B-52 sorties demonstrating global power capabilities."

Although leadership recognizes mistakes during exercises, they focus on how to improve the flaws for upcoming exercises where Airmen will continue to demonstrate their ability to deploy on a moment's notice.

"The best thing Airmen can do is contact their unit deployment manager to ensure all their information including certificates and training is up-to-date in their Advanced Distribution Learning Service accounts and complete them if they are not upon the start of the CORE or immediately thereafter," said Lieutenant Hughes. "The exercise will run smoother for the Airmen if they are more prepared."

The next two COREs are scheduled for Nov. 4-10 and Nov. 18-24. The CORI is scheduled for Dec. 7-13.