The brain sends signals through the spinal cord to influence the activity of all parts of the body by processing information to the nerves. This link is called the central nervous system.
The 56th Fighter Wing Command Post personnel act as the central nervous system for Luke Air Force Base and plays a significant role in supporting the wing's mission.
"Without the command post, the base populace would be inadequately informed on emergency situations," said Airman 1st Class Sharonda Walker, 56th FW CP emergency actions controller. "Without properly disseminating information, the lack of awareness of possible dangers or threats could cause serious harm."
The command post at Luke processes four tiers of information.
The first is status of resources and training systems. This tier informs the commander of the entire base's inventory condition. This inventory documentation keeps the commander informed of everything going on with base equipment and needs.
Console operations, also a major part of the command post, make up the second tier. Console ops are to coordinate with on-base agencies during emergency situations and handle emergency notifications via the computer. Console ops also work the giant voice system that plays reveille in the morning and retreat at night.
Due to the importance of the mission the third tier, training has to be conducted on a regular basis. Recurring training scenarios keep Airmen sharp. Some training scenarios involve emergency actions based on either large or small scale incidents.
Examples include in-flight emergencies, flying operations coordination, or refueling jets with tanker planes.
Each command post emergency action controller handles classified information in the fourth tier, which requires a screening process to gain top secret clearance.
Operation reports are information documents that are passed up to the main command post headquarters. These documents are usually regarded as highly classified.
"Command post emergency action controllers offer critical command and control capabilities to commanders and first responders both on station and at higher headquarters," said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Huckins, 56th FW CP emergency action controller. "The command post function enables fluid communication between bases, drastically improving response time during situations affecting national security."