Deploying is a process

  • Published
  • By SrA Xavier Lockley
  • 927 ARW Public Affairs
MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. --  This is the second of a four part series documenting members of the 927th Security Forces Squadron preparing for their upcoming deployment. 

Preparing a squadron of defenders to deploy down range takes a team effort.

The 927th Force Support Squadron and the 927th Logistics Readiness Squadron must fulfill a vital role to ensure security forces personnel have the tools and equipment needed to ensure mission success.

"Speaking from a force support perspective, services and personnel are an extremely important function of the mission," said Tech Sgt. Cecelia Matthews, 927 FSS installation personnel readiness officer. "If we don't process orders or have food and lodging for those who deploy, then the mission ultimately suffers because we did not do our job."

If one step in the process fails to fulfill their duties, then the entire mission can be compromised. To assure that doesn't take place, squadrons such as 927 LRS and 927 FSS work together alongside unit deployment managers to prepare their people to deploy.

"My job provides me a unique responsibility. Months in advance I am given word from higher headquarters regarding what the needs are for the upcoming deployment," said Matthews. "Then I have to send down the requirements of each mission to the respective commanders and they reply with information on who is available, trained and whether that person can fill the billet," 

Once commanders have provided which individuals are eligible to deploy, 927 LRS members come up with a plan to ensure each member is provided the tools and equipment they need to deploy.

"There is a lot that has to happen in the pre-deployment stages before an Airman can leave," said Tech Sgt. Kelvin Valle, 927th Logistics Readiness Squadron logistics planner. "When we receive the positions available for the deployment, we look for the requirements that are needed to fill the spot such as medical, job experience and weapons qualifications. Once I see what is needed I speak with the UDM's about who can fill the position. Then the member is notified shortly after and begins the deployment process."

"Most times we are given names well in advance so the member is able to notify their employers, families and friends as well," added Valle.

One of the steps before deploying is receiving all of your equipment needed for the mission. The people who prepare these items are the 927 LRS supply Airmen.

"Here in the supply section, we primarily put together a bag that supplies what the deploying member will need for their location," said Tech Sgt. Eivette Icaza, 927 LRS mobility technician. "We understand that the role we play is critical to the member, and for the mission as a whole. Without the tools to do the job, the worker will struggle so we fully ensure that something like that doesn't take place."

Deployers having what they need before they arrive at their respective locations is a vital necessity in getting the mission accomplished.

The final crucial component to getting a member to deploy is communicating and teamwork. With so many different pieces involved in the pre-deployment process, the need for communication and cohesion is imperative.

"The way all of the squadrons and UDM's work together for the mission to continue behind the scenes is great," said Valle. "None of the success that we have would be complete if we did not have everyone's help and willingness to get the mission done; we strive to put service before self."