Unit deployment managed with excellence

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vann Miller
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
Keeping the mobility records of unit members is an essential and time consuming job, but it's not the only thing that needs to be accomplished, according to one unit deployment manager.

Tech. Sgt. Chico Harrell of the 35th Operations Support Squadron, said being a UDM means knowing the status of your personnel and equipment readiness. UDMs have the responsibility of making sure members and equipment are ready to deploy.

"We also make sure member's families are taken care of, no matter the
need," said Sergeant Harrell. Quick reference deployment records are kept on members to make it easy to see that requirements are met prior to each deployment. Records include such items as the Servicemen's Group Life Insurance, Information Assurance, M-16 training, chemical warfare defense training and Level 1 Antiterrorism training are just a few.

The UDM must ensure squadron members meet all of the requirements and qualifications for the position they have been tasked to fill. In order for the UDM to do this correctly he or she must coordinate efforts with the 35th Fighter Wing Installation Deployment Readiness Cell Office, Personnel Readiness Flight, Legal, and Medical Group.

Like most places, the job of being a unit deployment manager is not a specific career field. With the current Air Expeditionary Force construct this has become the single most important additional duty for a commander to assign only to the most capable of individuals.

"This is one of those jobs that gets overlooked by many, but commanders know how serious this job is," Sergeant Harrell said. "We keep commanders in the know of the readiness status of their personnel and equipment."

Although it is everyone's personal responsibility to make sure their affairs are in order before deploying, the UDM ensures members go through the proper channels and keep everything current. 

Taking care of all personnel is just part of the job, this UDM said. "If there's something that they can't accomplish before or during the deployment process, we'll make arrangements to help the member get it done," said Sergeant Harrell. "This position is a single point of continuity for unit readiness."

Sergeant Harrell has been a unit deployment manager for a year and enjoys his job. With only has six more months in the position, Sergeant Harrell hopes to continue doing the job for the remainder of his tour.

"Sergeant Harrell is an integral piece to the combat readiness of the 35th Operations Support Squadron and Operations Group staff," said Lt. Col. Franz Plescha, 35th OSS commander. "Much of our success during the recent Operational Readiness Inspection is a direct result of the meticulous detail and high standards with which he does his job." 

But Sergeant Harrell says he treats the job like any other and does it with excellence. "Like any other challenge taken, you have to take it head on," said Sergeant Harrell.