Base tests new response system

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Callahan
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Warriors of the North got a "dress rehearsal" for the newly implemented Air Force Incident Management System Aug. 22 during a base-wide field training exercise. The new system changes the way the Air Force responds to and recovers from emergencies, such as terrorist attacks or tornados.

The exercise evaluation team donned blue vests and assessed the reactions of emergency responders, members of the emergency operations center and incident control center, as well as other base personnel.

This exercise scenario had emergency responders dealing with a terrorist who had released a chemical, later confirmed to be sarin, in the base post office (location was simulated). It was at true test of hazardous material first responders, as well as fire and security forces.

"AFIMS provides emergency responders the framework to enhance command and control during emergency response operations," said Maj. Steven Dougherty, inspector general EET chief. "Also, it bridges the communication gap between us (military) and civilian emergency entities."

Although the system is new to the Air Force, it has been used by many civilian agencies for years. The system is designed to make communications between all emergency responders, military and civilian, more seamless.

"One of the biggest differences utilizing AFIMS, is we no longer have a 20+ person disaster control group on-scene," said Harold "Jesse" James, emergency operations center manager. "By transferring these personnel to an Emergency Operations Center, we have enhanced our communication capabilities and are better prepared to support the on-scene incident commander."

The difference doesn't stop there, though.

"The major difference between the past system and AFIMS is that the expert, whether it is a senior airman or fire chief, is the incident on-scene commander instead of the highest ranking military member," added Major Dougherty. "Expertise is the primary decision on who is the incident commander, instead of rank."

Team Grand Forks took to the new system like ducks to water. Even the base being at its highest security level during the exercise didn't affect the morale of the Warriors of the North.

"We did extremely well," exclaimed Mr. James. "We have a great group of folks here who have historically worked well together. The new system allowed for a better flow of communication, and it has really enhanced the wing's response capabilities."

Even though the Warriors of the North did better than expected in putting the system into action, team Grand Forks has some weak areas.

"Overall, the base performed very well," said Major Dougherty. "As with any exercise, we still have areas we can improve upon."

"Although our communication was great compared to past exercises, there's always room for improvement," Mr. James admitted. "It will get better with time and experience."

In addition to time and experience, Mr. James is working with the 319th Communications Squadron to improve technology within the EOC.

"We are working to obtain laptops for each EOC function and adding computer programs such as SharePoint and CAT Chat," he said. This will greatly increase efficiency, not only in the EOC, but wing-wide as well.

"As we utilize these tools to help us with the flow of information, the rest of the system will fall into place," he said.

The overall theme of the exercise was communication flow. With Mr. James' expertise in AFIMS and technological improvements, the Warriors of the North will be one step closer to mastering the new system, and once again, proving themselves as the "Frozen Chosen."