Ellsworth weighs in on unit deployment manager as special duty

Published June 4, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Anania Tekurio
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Top Air Force leaders have announced that unit deployment manager positions are now officially a two-year, controlled special duty assignment.

The role of the UDM has evolved dramatically over time, from an Airman in a squadron's back office picking names for taskings, to ensuring personnel are fully qualified, trained and equipped prior to deploying.

"The fact that Air Force headquarters created a special duty AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code) specifically for the UDM position clearly indicates that they recognize how critical the UDM position is to the wing's deployment capability," said Rick Schroeder, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron installation deployment officer.

Schroeder added that UDMs must read reporting instructions, work with medical professionals on determining medical eligibility, control and procure specialized deployment equipment, facilitate travel arrangements with the base Traffic Management Office and ensure a multitude of other personal matters for deployers are taken care of before sending them out.

UDMs also work with supply functions to ensure equipment is deployable and that parts and stock numbers are kept current and air worthy for travel.

With all of the responsibilities that come with being a UDM, Schroeder noted it is no wonder that it is now a special duty assignment.

For more information about career opportunities as a UDM, visit the myPers website at http://mypers.af.mil.