An Airman hands his completed checklist to an Installation Deployment Readiness Cell member during a base exercise, Jan. 25, 2013, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The IDRC also uses annual base exercises as a tool to evaluate the program and establish any necessary changes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Yvonne Morales/Released)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Airmen travel to their mock deployment location during a base exercise, Jan. 25, 2013, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Installation Deployment Readiness Cell also uses annual base exercises as a tool to evaluate the program and establish any necessary changes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Yvonne Morales/Released)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

IDRC helps ease deployment process

Published July 31, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Robert J. Volio

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The deployment process can be a strenuous phase for Airmen. A seemingly limitless checklist with countless objectives stands between an Airman and their assigned destination. Whether administrative, legal or financial, there are a multitude of tasks one has to complete before getting the green light to deploy.

Fortunately for members of Team V, a program known as the Installation Deployment Readiness Cell helps mitigate these stressors.

"The IDRC handles all deployment actions for the base," said Daniel Martinez, 30th Logistics Readiness Squadron installation deployment officer. "We handle all of the deployments, making sure members are ready to go, when they're supposed to and that they have all of their gear and paperwork with them once they arrive at their deployed location."

While deployment checklists assist with a smooth transition to your forward location, it also covers items that will ensure home front operations remain intact.

"Everything on that checklist is there to make the member's life easier," said Staff Sgt. Jesica Phillips, 30th LRS logistics planner. "It exists to make sure every stone has been turned on their way out the door so they're not forgetting something like belongings, their financial obligations or anything that could affect their spouses and loved ones."

As Team V members travel through the line finishing their checklists, they are provided ample opportunities to inquire about some details of deployed life.

"Our job is to make sure our Airmen are ready to do their job when they deploy," said Martinez. "There are so many questions Airmen deploying for the first time have, and every situation is different. We provide a vast load of information and experience to mentally prepare our members for their upcoming journeys."

The IDRC also uses annual base exercises as a tool to evaluate the program and establish any necessary changes.

"We're implementing a new tabletop exercise that we're hoping will save the 30th Space Wing time and resources," said Phillips. "Our goal is to save as much of our Airmen's time as possible, so I'm sure the base populous will be happy to hear that."

Through its team, comprised of base personnel from various units, the IDRC's overall goal is to streamline the deployment process.

"We have to make sure that all the cogs in the wheel work together," said Phillips. "Without one agency within the IDRC or the outside agencies we work with, we wouldn't be able to work properly. The wheel wouldn't turn. That includes the Airmen going through the line. As long as they know what they're supposed to be doing and getting that direction from all of the agencies - the process flows smoothly."