Usually we were exempt from the operational readiness exercises the base ran, but once in a while we had to participate. Each of us had two large bags of gear including a Kevlar flak jacket and helmet, a full chemical/biological suit complete with respirator. We were trained to use all this stuff as well as the M-16 assault rifle.

Being 'mission essential' meant we were expected to stay and work during a war, and after all the non-essential military were evacuated. A comforting thought!

It's one thing to stick around after the civilians are evacuated, but when half the military pulls back...!