MacDill reservists take their first step down range

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Xavier Lockley
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA --  This is the first of a four part series documenting members of the 927th Security Forces Squadron preparing for their upcoming deployment. 

Often when a deployment tasking comes down, the Reservist's mind instantly reacts with thoughts such as where am I going and for how long? Who's going to take care of my family and will I have a job when I return are only a few concerns that flood the mind.

For the Airmen of the 927th Security Forces Squadron, these are concerns they must conquer and overcome, for their mission is to prepare and focus on the deployment looming in their near future.

"A lot goes into prepping for a deployment," said U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. James Zuehlke, 927th SFS operations superintendent. "Obviously you have to think about your family first in terms of how they will function while the member is away, then you have to take into consideration your civilian job in addition to getting all medical requirements completed along with weapons training."

"Currently one of our airmen is slated to deploy soon, and the day before they leave, they are scheduled to have a baby. So for us knowing that, we have to make sure they are taken care of,"  Zuehlke continued. "We are very fortunate to have such a tight knit group of people that we can have someone check on the family while the member is away and make sure all is well with them." 

Along with having a support system within the squadron, programs such as Yellow Ribbon are in place ensure that Reservists and their families are suitably prepared for their deployments and handling the stresses that comes with it.

Having a low stress level is imperative for good decision making, which is vital for a security forces member where vigilance is key. In addition to being ready mentally, members of the 927 SFS like MSgt. Zuehlke can draw upon their military and civilian experience to be prepared for the unexpected. 

"For me being a law enforcement officer on the civilian side, I know that things can escalate very quickly and when they do I rely on the training that I have received," said Zuehlke. "You never quite know when Self Aid Buddy Care or that computer based training you took will become useful to you when you are deployed," added Zuehlke.

Zuehlke recognizes that on most deployments, there will always be some defenders who don't possess the level of experience as he does. Mentorship can make all the difference in a new airman's life when they may be deployed away from home and put in harm's way for the first time. 

"When we have younger airmen on a deployment, we always try to pass off vital information that can help them," Zuehlke said. "Whether it deals with how to handle family back at home station, or how to mentally stay focused on the mission, we are here for them," Zuehlke said.

"There are also many advantages to having younger Airmen when on a deployment, especially when you have such a variety of people," Zuehlke continued. "I am able to get different perspectives from younger individuals who may see something that I missed or when I may not have thought about something in a certain way, so we see the youth as an advantage rather than disadvantage," Zuehlke said.

Seeing what can be perceived as a challenge as a benefit, rather than a negative, is what allows the men and women of the 927 SFS succeed according to Zuehlke. 

"The people we have in this squadron have been trained to handle a multitude of adverse situations, they are prepared for whatever may come their way," Zuehlke added. "At the end of the day they understand why we do what we do and who we are doing it for, that is why we remain sharp and among the best."