241st ATCS prepares for inspection with ATSO

St. Joseph, Mo. -- The 241st Air Traffic Control Squadron conducted an Operational Readiness Exercise during November UTA in preparation for their Operational Readiness Inspection in 2010. Members practiced the Ability to Survive and Operate (ATSO) in a wartime environment.

"We were impressed with the readiness of our personnel," said Maj. John Howie, 241st commander. "We went further than what we thought and found key areas to work on."
This is the first time the 241st ATCS has used the J-List chemical suits, Howie said.
"We spent a combined total of 4 hours in MOPP-4 gear," said Tech. Sgt. Chris Antes, 241st Radar Operation Controller.

Members of the 241st ATCS have been on various deployments since the start of the war.

"Deployments are nothing new to them," said Howie. "Deployments have helped get our members in that wartime environment. We've had members shot at and mortared at."
The 241st ATCS has received lots of support from the wing, said Chief Master Sgt. Neil Eayrs, 241st ATCS superintendent.