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The Airman's Manual -- a lifesaving tool

By Senior Airman Brandon Davis, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron / Published December 05, 2010

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- An 8th Fighter Wing post-attack reconnaissance team member reports findings to his unit control center during alarm black here Aug. 26 during exercise Beverly Midnight 10-03. The exercise introduced scenarios throughout the Wing including non-combatant evacuation operations, medical response, base defense, aircraft weapons loading and aircraft generation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs)
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A post-attack reconnaissance team member confirms unexploded ordnance to his unit control center during alarm black. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ciara Wymbs)

Senior Airman Richard Rodriguez writes the time and date on an unexploded ordinance recognition and reporting chart after setting up a cordon around a simulated UXO during exercise Beverly Bulldog 09-03 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Airman Rodriguez is a entry controller at the 51st Medical Group (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephenie Wade)
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An Airman confirms the time and date of an unexploded ordinance on a reporting chart after setting up a cordon around the UXO. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephenie Wade)

After finding an unidentified explosive ordnance, an Airman from the 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron coordinates a cordon using orange cones to warn others of a UXO during the Beverly High 09-2 Local Operational Readiness Exercise May 14. The LORE tests base personnel on their combat readiness for real world emergency/combat events. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Amanda Grabiec)
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After confirming a simulated unexploded ordnance, an Airman coordinates a cordon using orange cones to control the area and warn others of the UXO. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Amanda Grabiec)

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KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- So there I was ...

The giant voiced announced, "Alarm Black, General Release."

I prepared my team, grabbed my Airman's Manual, AFMAN 10-100, and headed out to do my post-attack reconnaissance sweep.

After checking the front side of my building, I made the turn to the side and there it was - a massive unexploded explosive ordnance in my path.

I quickly grabbed my Airman's Manual and began searching for UXO procedures. Clearly marked on page 2 of the Critical Information Checklist section was the exact answer I was looking for. I followed the correct procedures:

- Confirm
- Clear
- Cordon
- Check
- Control

I was able to identify and report the UXO, cordon off the area and move my team to safety. Thank you Airman's Manual!