Preparation is essential

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Gino Reyes
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Unit deployment managers are essential to the Air Force deployment process.

UDMs are the focal point for organizing their unit's deployments, whether it is an individual or a mass tasking requiring a full movement of aircraft.

"As a UDM I must ensure all personnel have the proper training to deploy on the spot," said Staff Sgt. John Smith, 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron UDM.

The deployment process begins when Air Combat Command notifies the UDM of a tasking. The UDM coordinates who will be deploying and also selects alternates in case an Airman becomes undeployable. Reporting instructions specific to the deployment location are then read to determine area specific training, medical and cargo requirements. Once everything is completed Airmen will then out-process from the base through the personnel deployment facility where a final screening of their deployment requirements will be conducted to ensure everything is in order.

UDMs are vital because without someone coordinating personnel and cargo, extending the process could be drawn out and potentially affect the day-to-day mission, said Senior Airman Tony Park, 4th AMXS UDM.

A UDM's job is to help deflect unneeded stress by maintaining a smooth out-processing environment.

On top of being responsible for keeping Airmen up to date on readiness training, UDMs ensure deployers families have information about the proper resources to use in case of an emergency. This helps ensure Airmen are mentally ready to deploy and reduces their worries about what is happening on the home front.

"Being a UDM is extremely important," Smith said. "Being the focal point for deployments allows supervision and the deployer to focus on the job while we are able to take care of all the small details ensuring they are ready."

The UDMs job doesn't end when the deploying Airmen fly out of the country. They must also receive and aid them as they redeploy to their homestation.

"There is nothing more gratifying than to see our troops come home safe and reunite with their friends and loved ones," Smith said.