Preparation is key to deploying

  • Published
  • By Maj. Dave Dutcher
  • 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFPN) --  Whether at home supporting the largest combat-coded wing in the Air Force or deployed in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, Airmen from every squadron continue to excel.

Are you ready?

You've got your desert combat uniforms and are awaiting your orders, but does that truly make you ready? Probably not. To truly be primed and ready you need to take care of three requirements:

1. Prepare yourself to deploy: Read the reporting instructions for the area to which you are deploying. Know what bags you need to deploy with and which ones will be pre-positioned and awaiting pick-up when you arrive in the AOR.

Know which weapon you are required to deploy with. Some of you may deploy with more than one. Are you scheduled to attend Expeditionary Combat Skills Training (ECST)? Have you accomplished your physical health assessment, dental examination, combat arms training and maintenance, completed on-line courses such as law of armed conflict and Anti-Terrorism Level I training?

Make sure you take the time to accomplish each of these actions now so that you aren't caught unprepared later as you reach the critical days before you depart for the AOR.

2. Prepare your squadron for your deployment: Every one of you is a valuable member of your squadron and will be missed greatly. The hole left by your deployment can result in mission degradation in your flight if you haven't prepared those around you for your impending deployment.

Are you responsible for a report that no one else does? Train a replacement! Are you sponsoring someone in and now need a replacement? Make sure your supervision knows. Have you completed all your mandatory training such as your fitness test and chemical warfare defense ensemble?

If not, accomplish these before you leave as these training requirements are reported to the wing monthly whether you're on station or not. Finally, when you get downrange immediately contact your squadron. Give them a good e-mail address and let them know what they can do for you. And send pictures. Nothing is better than bragging about your home station.

3. Prepare your family for your deployment: Have you gone over to legal and updated your will? Do you need a power of attorney accomplished before you leave? Is your SGLI current/accurate? Do you have a friend or neighbor to help out your dependents while you're gone?

And finally, make sure that you have the family deployment seminar circled on your calendar. Bring your family to this important seminar so that both you and they can best prepare for your absence.

Now is the time to make sure you properly prepare yourself for deployment. Ensure that you're ready; your family is ready; and your squadron is ready while you serve your country in the AOR. Stay safe, stay in contact and keep in mind your home station looks forward to welcoming you back home upon your return!


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