Langley Air Force Base –
All those who join the U.S. military serve with the understanding that they can be called upon to deploy at a moment’s notice. That is no exception to the U.S. Air Force Airmen stationed here.
According to U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Kaitlin Mizner, Installation Deployment Readiness Center alternate installation officer, anyone can be tasked to deploy during their designated six-month deployment window and with as little as a 72-hour notice. For that reason Airmen should know the importance and the proper way to be prepared to deploy.
The IDRC is the overall deployment management location for Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, and they are in charge of any behind-the-scenes scheduling and planning for deployments.
Airmen must be aware of when they are eligible to deploy so they can plan and be prepared.
According to Mizner, once an individual is notified about their deployment date, the first thing they should do is attend the initial deployment briefing. The initial deployment briefing shows most of what to do when preparing for deployments and some things that many Airmen might not think about.
Scheduling appointments can be difficult and time consuming, especially around the weeks closer to an Airman’s date of departure. That is why it is important to schedule and finish briefings, training or medical appointments as soon as possible.
Any medical issues should be taken care of early because if an individual is not medically fit or does not have the proper waiver, they may be disqualified from deploying.
According to Michael Pascucci, the installation officer at the IDRC, many people don’t think about the simple things like who will take care of the house, car, belongings, children, or even preparing wills and powers of attorney. Pascucci said these things should be done even if an individual isn’t deploying.
Individuals deploying should prepare their family for the reality that they may be leaving for six months to a year.
Be careful what is said or released on the internet regarding a deployment. Classified information such as travel dates, locations and duties performed on the deployment cannot be shared.
“It’s a crazy world now,” said Pascucci. “The more information you give out to the public, the more of a target we become. People just need to be careful.” The unit deployment manager should be the contacted first in case of any questions. The UDM is there to help, guild, and answer any questions individuals deploying may have. [TJC1] [RDTUA6AA2]
“Our job is to give individuals deploying the tools they need to make sure their deployment process goes smoothly,” said Tech. Sgt. Paul Williams, the 633rd wing staff alternate UDM. “We assist by helping get all their pre-deployment requirements and training done as soon as possible before they deploy.”
Staying prepared for whatever may happen can reduce stress for the individual and the people around them, in the end, helping aid the overall mission of the Air Force.