News

Are you ready to deploy?

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jake Chappelle
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Reservists are relied upon for deployments now more than in previous years. But, preparing for a deployment can be very stressful when it breaks the balance of a traditional Reservist's normal routine. Nevertheless, the 446th Airlift Wing has sources that can help smooth out the pre-deployment process. 

One starting place is the 446th Mission Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center here. 

Is the Reservist communicating with their family? That's the first question Carl Supplee, director of the 446th MSS Airman and Family Readiness Center asks Reservists when they out-process prior to deploying. 

"Traditionally, people tend to put things off till the last minute," said Mr. Supplee. "Important things, such as powers of attorney and wills are overlooked when they should be done well in advance. These matters are for the families' benefit, so they can have peace of mind while they're loved one is gone." 

Most of the 446thAW Judge Advocate General information for wills and powers of attorney are on the 446thAW SharePoint Web page, said Mr. Supplee. The forms can be filled out online, submitted and 446th AW JAG here will be able to complete the paper work and get it back. In a pinch, the JAG here with the 62nd Airlift Wing will do those things for you if you're on orders during the week when 446th AW JAG is not there.

The Airman and Family Readiness Center has crucial information and benefits people don't seem to be aware of, according to Mr. Supplee. 

Reservists and families are eligible for medical benefits such as Tricare and Veteran's Affairs, said Mr. Supplee. They can start up to 90 days before the Reservist leaves.

"Another thing we do is let the Reservist know, that we can contact their family every 30 days, with the Reservist's permission, to make sure they're being taken care of in case anything goes wrong while the Reservist is gone," said Mr. Supplee. "We can connect the family with the right people if they need help."

There are sources, such as www.militaryonesource.com, where all you need is military identification to be eligible to use, said Mr. Supplee. Web sites like www.militaryonesource.com have information from finding out military benefits, to legal issues, to money management.

Speaking of money, Credit cards and mortgage rates can be reduced to a six percent interest rate, once the Airman's orders are cut, said Mr. Supplee. Information on these can be found here at the Airman and Family Readiness center.

Sticking with finance matters, getting in touch with Reserve Pay is a vital stage in the pre- deployment phase, according to Senior Master Sgt. Alfredo Cruz, NCO in charge of Financial Management at the 446thAW Reserve Pay Office here. 

"Make sure to submit your certified orders to the Reserve Pay Office to start your military pay and fill out the paperwork for entitlements such as Family Separation Allowance, Hostile Fire Pay, Hardship Duty Pay, and Combat Zone Tax Exclusion," said Sergeant Cruz. "Also prepare your initial accrual travel voucher."

Airmen also need to make sure their pay information, such as marital status and dependents, direct deposit, and home address are accurate, said Sergeant Cruz. They need to establish a Restricted Access PIN in MyPay so their spouse or significant other can access the Reservist's Leave and Earnings Statement information. Also, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance information needs to be accurate and up to date. 

It is also very important to start saving paperwork, like receipts for expense items over $75, and all lodging and rental car expenses, said Sergeant Cruz. 

Another important item, according to Sergeant Cruz, is to make sure your Government Travel Card is active and current. There can't be any past due balances or unsettled issues. 

Another crucial step required to deploy is to see the 446thAerospace Medicine Squadron here, according to Staff Sgt. Ryan Allen, 446th AMDS, NCOIC Clinical Operations.

"Regardless of where you deploy, you have to have a current dental exam throughout the duration of the deployment," said Sergeant Allen. "Your physical must also be current through the duration of the deployment and you can't be on a mobility restricting profile."

In addition to the minimum medical prerequisites of deploying, those going to the Southwest Asia area of responsibility have supplementary requirements, according to Sergeant Allen.

People deploying to the AOR must also receive neurological testing at Fort Lewis, Wash., said Sergeant Allen. They need a pre-deployment blood draw and a Department of Defense Form 2795 Pre-Deployment questionnaire completed no earlier than 60 days prior to deploying. Most deployments to Southwest Asia require small pox, anthrax, typhoid, and hepatitis B vaccinations.

All of these items need to be completed by the time the Airman's out-processing checklist gets signed off by 446thAMDS, said Sergeant Allen.

According to Master Sgt. Melissa Sorensen, 446th Logistics Readiness Flight, logistics supply manager here, getting with the unit deployment manager is critical to deploying.

Airmen need to make sure they get with their UDMs to review what the reporting instructions' requirements are for the location they are going to in order to find out what mobility bag is required, said Sergeant Sorensen. The UDM will have to determine if a weapon is required for a specific location or if they will get it down range. 

Reservists have to make sure they've updated their mobility folders with accurate sizing for the bags they are required to take, said Sergeant Sorensen. The UDM should request bags and weapons from the 62nd Logistics Readiness Squadron here. 

On the clothing side of the house, they need to know what uniforms are required for the location they are going to, said Sergeant Sorensen. The unit clothing monitors will ensure they get uniforms ordered in time for their departure. 

These are just a few of the necessary steps to get deploying Reservists started with the deployment process.

Contact the 446th Airmen and Family Readiness Center at 253-982-5330 or email familysupport@mcchord.af.mil, the 446th Reserve Pay Office at 253-982-9117 or email 446AW.FMFP@mcchord.af.mil, the 446th LRF at 253-982-2028 or email Melissa.sorensen@mcchord.af.mil, the 446th AMDS at 253-982-0744/3924 or email ryan.allen@mcchord.af.mil or William.robison@mcchord.af.mil, or your UDM to ensure a smooth process.