HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – More than 250 Airmen in the 419th and 388th Fighter Wings prepared for survival scenarios today during ATSO training, short for “ability to survive and operate.”

The Airmen tested their ability to don and safely remove survival gear, which includes mask, gloves, boots, and over garment. The Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear, known as MOPP, is used by military personnel in contaminated environments such as a chemical attack.

Tech. Sgt. Jamaal Booker and Senior Airman Danielle Monroe, emergency management experts in the 419th Civil Engineer Squadron, guided the Airmen through the gear removal process, which requires meticulous attention to detail.

“These guys did a good job and really listened,” Booker said. “If they’re ever in a contaminated environment, this is the exact process they’ll go through.”

While some Airmen have not yet deployed, the training served as a refresher for others.

“Some of our people are brand new and this is valuable training for deployments,” said 1st Lt. Jessica Meadows, 388th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “Combat readiness is a priority for our units, so ensuring our Airmen know how to protect themselves in a contaminated environment is essential.”