CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Are you prepared to deploy when tasked? Just as important, have you prepared your family for the time you are away from home?
The United States recently recognized the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attacks within our borders. The events of Sept. 11 significantly changed both the country and the United States Air Force. One of the primary changes in the Air Force was the frequency, duration and environments of our deployments. Many Airmen were deploying much earlier than 2001, but the intensity of deployments during and after 2001 has been incessant.
Of course, this deployment intensity has led to many improvements in efficiency and effectiveness. I am amazed at how much has improved during the past six years in the way Airmen deploy. Equipment and vehicles have improved, personal protective clothing and gear have improved, and organizational deployment processes have improved. Communication options have improved to the point where most deployed Airmen can stay connected by telephone, e-mail and video teleconference. Individuals have also learned what personal items they can bring to provide entertainment, education and communication.
Equally important to unit and individual deployment readiness is family deployment readiness. Family readiness is unique to each family, but many attributes are common. One that may be most important for all of us is money management. Where will paychecks be deposited? Will the deploying family member use a separate checking account or get a pre-determined allotment? Are bills received in the mailbox or electronically? Are bills paid with a check or electronically? Do spouses know passwords for on-line accounts? Does the family have a budget? Knowing the answers to these questions can minimize unnecessary stress on both deployed Airmen and their families.
Another factor to consider is the location of important documents. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, school records, insurance policies, wills and other documents should be organized and stored with easy access by family members. Acknowledging the fact that Charleston AFB is vulnerable to hurricanes and potential evacuations, it may be wise to put these important documents in a notebook or plastic bin that can be easily packed.
An additional attribute of family readiness is a comprehensive and organized list of important phone numbers. Ensure you have accurate numbers for schools, doctors, banks, businesses and other important numbers. Include phone numbers for the 437th Mission Support Squadron Airmen and Family Readiness Flight as well as other support agencies. Emergency contact numbers should also include the commander and first sergeant.
Finally, Airmen should encourage family members to contact the squadron whenever they need assistance and accept assistance when offered. Squadron commanders and members should be routinely contacting families, but need to know specific requirements. Squadron members and families can help with appointments, translation, home repairs, lawn mowing, babysitting and several other things. Airmen should do as much as they can to establish contacts and relationships between their families and the squadron before deployments.
Deployments and families will always be part of the Air Force culture. Let's do all we can to make both a success.