Total Force Exercises: Eielson training reflects plans

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen Mark Graper
  • 354th Fighter Wing commander
"Why are we exercising over a weekend?" It's a good question. The short answer is that we're exercising over a weekend because it is a drill weekend for our 168th Air Refueling Wing National Guard teammates--it is when they are available to exercise. 

Since we will fight together and take an Operational Readiness Inspection together, we need to exercise as a team, as well. 

The Chief of Staff of Air Force's Total Force vision calls for seamless integration among the active-duty, Guard and reserve components of our Air Force. Consistent with the Chief's vision, the PACAF Commander General Hester has directed his Inspector General to conduct combined Operational Readiness Inspections (ORIs) for bases like ours with both an active and a Guard wing. 

Therefore, in order to ensure we train as we'll fight, members of the 168th Air Refueling Wing and 354th Fighter Wing will participate in a Total Force Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE) scheduled for October 11-14. Exercise Golden Raven 08-01 is the first combined 354th FW and 168th ARW ORE and will begin at on Thursday, Oct. 11 and conclude sometime on Sunday, Oct.14. 

Exercise Golden Raven 08-01 has a two-fold purpose. First the exercise will evaluate both wing's performance in executing Eielson's primary wartime mission-generating and sustaining air bridge operations in garrison in accordance with plans. Secondly, this will help prepare us for the combined 168th ARW-354 FW ORI due in October 2008. The inspection is intended to validate Team Eielson's capability to perform this wartime mission. 

Again, since Eielson fights as a team, we must also train, exercise and receive evaluation as team. Therefore, it is important for us to conduct the exercise together over that weekend when all Eielson teammates (active duty and Guard) are available. 

The 354 FW and 168 ARW Exercise Evaluation Teams (EETs) are working together to plan the exercise. Both wings' respective EETs have come together to form a single body responsible for both the planning and evaluation of this event. 

I understand this ORE is not standard from the 354 FW scheduling perspective and that there are second order effects to conducting an ORE over the weekend. I have asked our Mission Support Group to ensure that all supporting and enabling functions on base (Child Development Centers, Dining Facility, etc.) are postured to support weekend operations so we can concentrate on the exercise. 

Achieving a seamless Total Force requires command emphasis on executing the principles of Total Force integration. Thanks in advance for your hard work. I am honored to be serving with both Wings here in the Great Land!