Airmen of the 94th AW focus on readiness

  • Published
  • By Mark Brown
  • 94th Mission Support Squadron
You've gone through basic training. You've attended the appropriate tech schools and you've studiously completed your required ancillary training. You've learned first-aid and you can don your gas mask (with the hood) within seven seconds flat.
These things reflect your commitment for duty and the professional guidance of your trainers and leadership. You feel and think that you are ready to deploy and ready for duty. But are you? Consider the following scenarios:

Cleared for takeoff?
You're arriving for duty with a secret clearance but the security database shows that it expires next month. Have you applied to renew your clearance?

Medical band-aid
You're deploying overseas next week, you need to get your medical records signed off by the clinic. You did your physical, but did you complete the follow up? Do you have all your prescriptions?

These are two scenarios are potential "show stoppers" that should have been resolved prior to an Airman hitting the deployment line. No one wants to be the only "write up." There are minimum requirements for deployment which must be met, including medical status, training, equipment, special clothing and many others. If they haven't already, get with your unit's UDM to go over your mobility folder. Here are some things to look for:

--Ensure that there is no additional training you need to take to accomplish your mission. Training requirements change constantly and include, but are not limited to, computer-based training (CBT's) like the Total Force Awareness Training; Self-Aid Buddy Care; Chemical Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosive (CBRNE); and Law of Armed Conflict. A complete list and any unfulfilled requirements can be obtained from the UDM.

--Ensure your security clearance is current with your unit security manager.

--Medical records include up-to date physical exam, profile status and dental exam and letter. Visit your unit health monitor.

--Complete your career-specific upgrade training. Ensure your progress has been recorded with your supervisor and your unit training manager.

--Check on your enlistment eligibility with the unit career advisor.

--AF Military Personnel Data Systems (MilPDS) provide the convenience of updating your information in a timely manner. The best set of eyes on an Airman's career and personnel data is that Airmen's they can help the commander support staff with keeping their information current and correct.

--Establish an Air Force Portal account--https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp.

--Establish an Air Reserve Personnel Center account https//arpc.afrc.af.mil/.

--Ensure that your personal data in the Virtual Military Personnel Flight (vMPF) is current.

Remember, while the UDMs are there to help get everyone ready to deploy, only the member can complete individual requirements. Anyone who is unsure of their mobility status should see their supervisor and UDM immediately.