Moulage brings realism to exercise

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dillon White
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Airmen from the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron, 341st Mission Support Group and various other agencies participated in a two-day operational readiness exercise Sept. 17 at Camp Grizzly. 

The exercise included the construction of HESCO barriers, donning of MOPP gear and post-attack reconnaissance following simulated mortar attacks. 

"We have had simulated defectors at the [entry control point,] mortar attacks, chemical attacks with varying injuries," said Major James Duke, camp mayor. "Everyone has utilized the tools given to them and it has been a pretty smooth operation." 

Major Duke said the exercise was the culmination of a summer's worth of work and the 341st Mission Support Group specific scenarios trained potential deployers for situations they may encounter down range. 

"We're thankful to have the opportunity to hone our skills here," Major Duke said. 

During one portion of the exercise, medical technicians applied special effects gel, clay bones, plastic bladders of fake blood and bandages to seven exercise role players to bring realism to a Self Aid and Buddy Care scenario. 

Staff Sgt. Gabriel Carbajal and Tech. Sgt. Sarah Edwards, 341st Medical Group medical technicians, used techniques they learned at an injury-simulation course to mimic broken bones, lacerations, arterial bleeding and amputations among other injuries. 

"When responders actually see the wounds it makes it much more realistic," Sergant Edwards said. "In addition to the realistic wounds, role-players will act as if they are in real pain. This helps familiarize them with what they may see in a real situation." 

Following the SABC exercise, Sergeant Edwards provided feedback on how well the wounded warriors were treated. 

"We check for how well they splinted broken bones, bandaged wounds and treated people for shock," Sergeant Edwards said. "They treated at least one of every kind of wound found in the "Airman's Manual" and they did very good." 

Airman 1st Class Matt Ripley, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron utilities systems apprentice, said the training taught him to treat a number of different injuries and to determine which injuries require more immediate attention than others. 

"It was very realistic," he said. "You learn to judge which injuries have priority I think it's good training."