A deployment cycle; Part 1 of a series

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kimberly Moore Limrick
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
To an unknowing eye a deployment may seem to just be a group of people getting on a plane, but those who have been through a deployment know it takes an enormous behind-the-scenes effort before heading out.

In preparation for a deployment there are many responsibilities the service members must handle, and many of those were briefed Jan. 11 to members set to deploy in late January for the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia.

One thing the deployer will want to ensure is taken care of is any legal assistance that will be needed. At the predeployment briefing, Captain Travis Hubble, 28th Bomb Wing Judge Advocate chief adverse actions, said the legal office is available to provide servicemembers with wills and powers of attorney. Capt. Hubble also advised members of their legal rights, such as their ability to terminate their lease or file taxes late without owing interest.

Saving money is one perk to deploying.

Tech. Sgt. Jodi May, 28th Comptroller Squadron customer service section chief, briefed on savings plans and allowances deployers will receive. Sergeant May explained dorm residents will begin receiving basic allowance for sustenance and those who receive basic allowance for housing will continue to receive it. The amount of extra money deployers will receive each month due to hazardous duty or separation (for instance) depends on the location to which they are deploying and their marital status.

Married members have a few extra boxes to check in their preparation process. Family members will need to decide if they are going to remain in the area while the servicemember is deployed. If they are going to leave, families/spouses will need to speak with TRICARE. Deployers will want to verify their family status on triwest.com and research whether or not they need to update their location to ensure coverage.

If families decide to relocate and they are residents in on-base housing, they must contact the housing office.

Those who decide to leave for an extended period of time will need to contact the housing office, said Mr. Jim English, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron housing management assistant. Families will need to verify that their home and yard are maintained in their absence.

Homes and yards aren't the only things that will need to be maintained by married members. Chaplain (Capt.) Pierre Allegre, 28th Bomb Wing individual mobilization augmentee chaplain, warned servicemembers to maintain good limits and make decisions their spouses would feel comfortable with - it's essential to a happy and healthy marriage. Chaplain Allegre also advised against playing the who-has-it-worse game. Among other advice the chaplain spoke about was the importance of maintaining good communication.

Lee Sasse, 28th Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy outreach manager, also discussed the importance of communication, stress management and options available to families and deployers.

Other options and resources for deployers and their families are available through the Airman and Family Readiness Center. John Pfitzer, 28th Mission Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant, mentioned oil change discounts and calling cards are available in addition to other services.

The deployer will need to handle many issues on their own, but there are other items that may be verified before deploying, and members will want to ensure their completion. Some of these items include weapons qualifications, immunizations and computer-based training. Additionally, deployers may want to call whom they are replacing to find out if there are any special items they will or won't need to bring.

Preparing servicemembers and their families, as well as handling all personal matters, are only part of the deployment process. Other procedures and experiences will be covered in part two of a deployment cycle.

For more information call Capt. Hubble for legal at 385-2329, Sergeant May for finance at 385-4757, Mr. English for Housing at 385-2570, Mr. Sasse for life skills at 385-3486 or Mr. Pfitzer for Airman and Family Readiness at 385-4663.