ORI prep kicks into high-gear with week-long exercise Published Feb. 24, 2006 By Capt. Michael Meridith Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Preparation for the wing’s Operational Readiness Inspection in June kicks into “high-gear” with a week-long series of exercises starting Monday. The exercises will not only test the wing’s ability to rapidly generate aircraft and process and deploy personnel, but also test the expeditionary combat readiness of Airmen and their ability to conduct their missions under simulated combat conditions, according to Maj. Colin Sindel, chief of wing exercises. After a validation of the wing’s ability to carry out one of its strategic operational plans, hundreds of Airmen from units across the base will participate in an “initial response” exercise that will send them to a simulated deployed “Base X.” “We’ll conduct our normal air refueling and expeditionary combat support missions at Base X,” said Major Sindel. “But, the twist is that we’ll be operating out of a simulated combat zone. Airmen will have to respond to all manner of attacks and contingencies. A good working knowledge of the Airman’s Manual will be a must.” Once ‘deployed,’ to Base X, Airmen will be prohibited from moving freely. In effect, they must simulate being in an entirely different country. The “deployment” means Airmen will be unable to do work for their “home station” duty section, entertain guests or eat at off-base establishments. Meals Ready to Eat will be issued to meal card holders, others can purchase them for $3.50 each. “This is the just one of many exercises in preparation for the ORI,” said Major Sindel. “With each one we’ll learn more, operate more efficiently and carry out our missions better.” The next wing exercise is scheduled to take place in Volk Field, Wis., in mid- March.