At the ORE

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Micah Garbarino
  • Public Affairs
I came equipped. I had my laptop. I had my camera. I was ready to be a "PA warrior," or as we call ourselves somewhat sarcastically, a "DINFOS trained killer." But, I found out rather quickly that while the pen is mightier than the sword, Nuclear, Biological and Chemical weapons trump them both and an Airman's best friend is his manual and a good attitude. 

7 a.m: We met at the wing conference room, were motivated by leadership and shuffled about, waiting for the bus and anxious about the day ahead. 

8 a.m: We made it out to the "play area" on the base's dead runway and were assigned to tents. There were two tents to a sector, with a total of four sectors. 

9 a.m: We were all situated in our tent. The tent commander had assigned a PAR team, a door guard, a roster, and other necessities. We were all expecting to get attacked. I was on a PAR team. Here's a side note to anyone responsible for putting protective covers on vehicles and equipment....plastic wrap is not as simple as it look. GAS! GAS! GAS! 

12:30 p.m: After a few more "Alarm Red's" it was time for lunch, MREs. Here is a note to meat eaters... pretend you're a vegen. The goodies in the vegetarian MREs are waaaay better. Also, unless you're Dr. Bruce Banner, bring a knife. Opening MREs can be infuriating. 

3 p.m: We all got ready to get on the bus. It was a good day. I'm glad I had my Airman's manual tabbed for the important sections. There wasn't a dull moment. But, I learned a lot through all the hands-on experience. We had saved a life through Self Aid Buddy Care, saved our own lives through proper wear of equipment and deconned our vehicles and equipment. But, I didn't get to write anything... until now.