Team Scott tests radiological response in Exercise Radiant Falcon

Scott Air Force Base, Ill. —  

Airmen from the 375th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron strengthened their radiological response capabilities during Exercise Radiant Falcon from Sept. 29 to Oct.1.

The exercise simulated an aircraft returning to Scott Air Force Base after navigating through a radioactive plume. The scenario challenged Airmen to maintain mission operations while monitoring radiation exposure to ensure personnel safety.

Bioenvironmental engineers and maintenance personnel worked together throughout the exercise to replicate the conditions and coordination required during a real-world radiological event.

The exercise also allowed Airmen to practice developing health risk assessments, which could be used to brief on-scene commanders on potential hazards and recommended protective measures.

“We have a saying, ‘garrison equals deployed,’” said Maj. Horus Cheyne, 375th OMRS bioenvironmental engineering flight commander. “We train how we fight.”

Cheyne explained that the team uses the same checklists and procedures during the exercise that they would rely on during an actual radiological event.

The team also navigated a simulated electromagnetic pulse that caused a blackout, rendering electronic systems unusable and requiring Airmen to rely on manual tracking methods, paper forms and face-to-face coordination to sustain operations.

The training combined classroom instruction with hands-on field exercises, giving Airmen the knowledge and practical experience needed to respond to a radiological incident. 

“For Airmen like myself who have only ever been stationed at Scott AFB, this training gives us the tools and experience we need to be successful and prepared if we ever encounter an incident like this,” said Senior Airman Christal Martin, 375th OMRS bioenvironmental engineering technician.

During the exercise, Airmen used electronic personal dosimeters to monitor radiation exposure among maintainers working on the simulated contaminated aircraft. The dosimeters provided real-time exposure measurements, allowing bioenvironmental engineers to provide immediate updates and guidance to help keep personnel within safe exposure limits.

“There’s a guide to ionizing radiation that’s more than 20 years old,” said Cheyne. “Radiation itself doesn’t change much, but the equipment, tools and aircraft do. That’s why it’s so important to continue training and make sure we’re prepared to respond to the challenges we may face.” 

Exercise Radiant Falcon allowed Airmen to practice radiological response procedures, receive hands-on dosimetry training, and apply their skills in a simulated operational environment. This training provided Airmen an opportunity to validate response protocols and strengthen the wing’s readiness.