Exercise ground rules; knowing what to expect Published May 17, 2007 By Tech. Sgt. John Nelson 341st Space Wing Plans and Policies MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Exercises and inspections cannot obtain desired objectives if personnel are getting hurt, if they are not sure how or when to properly evacuate a work center, or the benefits do not outweigh the monetary costs to the government. It is important for all personnel on Malmstrom to understand the ground rules as they apply to active duty and Guard personnel, contractors, government employees, family members and other civilians on Malmstrom. There have been a fair share of exercises this year. These exercises unavoidably cause inconveniences and impact "normal" operations. However, the exercise scenarios and rules are also designed to minimize the impact on mission-related activities and to reduce the inconveniences to non-military personnel. Below are some of the fundamental ground rules that apply to these events. All personnel will use these rules when preparing for and participating in exercises at the 341st Space Wing (base, missile complex and local area). Safety First, safety takes precedence over exercise events. The Exercise Evaluation Team will not knowingly put anyone at risk just to conduct an exercise. If you believe any activity will cause some unnecessary danger, jeopardize personal safety or damage equipment, then you have the right to cease all actions and ask for a safety review. Immediately contact an EET member (who will wear special badges or vests during an exercise) or ask anyone in your chain of command. An exercise will always be stopped to ensure safety first. Building evacuations Bomb threats, fires or other similar hazards during an exercise or inspection will require personnel to vacate certain buildings and facilities. Military and government employees will comply fully with evacuation events. Contractors will respond to all evacuations unless doing so would result in mission impact or government delay of contractor performance. The Child Development Center, Youth Activity Center and personnel residing in base housing, dormitories, billeting or transient lodging facilities are exempt from evacuation. Offices will maintain minimum personnel for security requirements at evacuated facilities. Restricted movements All personnel will take appropriate shelter when implementing applicable increased exercise FPCON measures. The intent is to demonstrate capability, however the following exemptions (not a complete list) apply: Contractors will comply as applicable as long as the movement restrictions do not cause substantial increased costs to the government. Spouses, children, military retirees and other civilians will be required to comply long enough to demonstrate the capability (normally 30 minutes) to adequately protect all base personnel. After demonstrating capability, each facility manager must request permission from their Unit Control Center to release personnel. All base personnel will be allowed to move during increased FPCONs to report for scheduled medical appointments. Overtime Generally, the wing's policy is not to incur additional expenses for exercises. Squadron commanders will determine the requirement for civilian participation. Commanders will also decide how to compensate civilians for overtime. For more detailed information on exercise and inspection ground rules, reference 341 SWI 10-204, Attachment 2, which is available in the Pubs and Forms link on the Malmstrom Intranet. If you have any other questions, please direct them towards an EET member or contact 341st Space Wing policies and plans office at 731-7795.