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Navy Cmdr. Frederick Reisinger, Standing Joint Force Headquarters, practices putting a sling on Dave Chaffin, Joint Transformation Command -- Intelligence, Quick Reaction Team. (Official Photo by Whitney Williams, SJFHQ) |
Exercise ensures readiness, displays coordination of the USJFCOM joint enabling capabilities
U.S. Joint Forces Command's Standing Joint Force Headquarters recently ran personnel from the command's various joint enabling capabilities through training and a series of qualifying tests designed to prepare them for deployment.
By Brittany Noble
Standing Joint Force Headquarters
(NORFOLK, Va. - May 30, 2008) -- U.S. Joint Forces Command's (USJFCOM) Standing Joint Force Headquarters (SJFHQ) completed a successful two-day Preparation for Overseas Movement Exercise (POMEX) this month to ensure the readiness of one of the command's joint enabling capabilities (JEC).
SJFHQ ensures the readiness of USJFCOM JECs and serves as the proponent for geographic combatant command (GCC) SJFHQs. On order, USJFCOM JECs deploy to support GCC requirements and enhance joint force command and control.
SJFHQ Director Marine Corps Brig. Gen. William Beydler oversees the coordination of the JECs.
"My intent is to verify the individual readiness of the personnel assigned to Hampton Roads area JEC organizations. My goal is to accurately display the individual readiness of all participants and to improve our readiness by identifying shortfalls and quickly correcting them," Beydler explained.
U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) is currently the most likely deployment area of responsibility and the most stringent for individual and unit deployment, according to Beydler who said, "USCENTCOM standards were utilized for personnel training and screening," in this POMEX.
In fact, the command deployed more than 130 personnel from the various JECs and other USJFCOM directorates earlier this year to Ramadi, Iraq.
This month's POMEX ensured the readiness of more than 60 USJFCOM personnel from three of the four USJFCOM JECs: SJFHQ Core Elements, Joint Public Affairs Support Element and the Joint Transformation Command - Intelligence Quick Reaction Team.
The POMEX began with an equipment inventory for personnel. Army Maj. John Bailey, the designated instructor for the inventory said, "the overall goal of the inventory was to determine shortages and identify outdated equipment."
"There was a bit of confusion during the process, as it was the first event of the exercise, but we identified the areas that need improvement and have already begun the dialogue to make this process better in the future," explained Bailey.
Personnel were then bussed to the Camp Allen Morale Welfare and Recreation gun range where they were provided a safety overview and met pistol qualification standards.
Army Lt. Col. Benjamin Bishop explained the importance of the M-9 pistol qualification.
"If SJFHQ is mobilized to lead or support a joint task force in an area of imminent danger, personal weapons may be issued and you must be confident you can employ your personal weapon if circumstances require it," he said.
At the SJFHQ building, instructors provided briefings on a number of topics including: law of land warfare, improvised explosive devices, media, and hot and cold weather injury prevention.
The Self Aid and Buddy Care (SABC) course provided participants with information on medical and first aid awareness in combat zones. Phase one consisted of an intensive online course culminating in an exam and a certificate of completion.
Phase two of the course included hands-on training allowing participants to practice using a variety of methods to save a life. According to Bishop, "combat field medics' training for military members has greatly improved. People are now surviving injuries that in the past would have resulted in loss of life."
Participants in the SABC course simulated applying bandages to a variety of wounds, fixing sprains, broken bones and cuts, and carrying a "buddy" incapable of walking.
The Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) training allowed participants to go through the four stages of the Mission Oriented Protective Posture, a flexible system of safeguards which protects warfighters who might be exposed to attack. The training provided necessary gear and participants practiced the procedures of putting it on and taking the proper precautions in a simulated NBC situation with time restrictions.
The POMEX concluded with participants electronically updating their training status in an online deployment tracker.
Overall, the exercise proved to be a successful step in maintaining the readiness of the USJFCOM JECs as a whole.
"In my career, I have participated in several POMEXs. This exercise greatly helps keep the JECs ready to deploy. I am confident that the readiness of the JECs will improve with subsequent iterations," said Bailey.
The POMEX was a "very productive event," according to SJFHQ Chief of Staff, Navy Capt. Craig Petersen, one that "demonstrated verifiable trust in deployment readiness and made the process of deploying more automatic."
"Should I need to quickly deploy, I will be qualified," Bishop stated upon completion of the POMEX.
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