Airman has important role in deployments

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Duane Duimstra
  • 114th Fighter Wing
Sioux Falls, S.D. --  
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The 114th Fighter Wing is currently preparing to send Airmen on a Reserve Component Period (RCP) deployment. These upcoming deployments have kept support personnel busy the past few months ensuring that these Airmen are ready to deploy.

The RCP is a vulnerability period where Air National Guard Airmen may be mobilized under numerous mobilization authorities. Airmen will be deploying for 180 days to several different locations around the world.

Master Sgt. Bridget VanLiere, 114th Force Support Squadron installation personnel readiness technician, is one of the key members who ensures these Airmen are prepared for their RCP deployments.

The preparation for these over 100 Airmen deploying with the RCP started approximately 18 months before they are scheduled to leave.

“My role is to ensure each Airmen meets all requirements to deploy,” said VanLiere. “I set out a plan to use the 18 months to get them ready to accomplish all deployment requirements in advance of their actual departure.”

Each deployed location has unique reporting instructions that are a set of rules and requirements the location has established Airmen must adhere to. Reporting instructions are the source document for all preparation for deploying Airmen.

Along with the reporting instructions, each Airmen must also follow guidelines for their respective career fields at their deployed location.

“I work with work centers to ensure all required training and CBT’s (computer-based training) are accomplished, member has all required equipment and uniforms, all medical requirements are met and orders are completed in a timely manner,” said VanLiere.

Having to know the reporting instructions for several different locations is a challenge, but says she really enjoys it.

“The constant changes to the requirements is pretty challenging but it is also my favorite part.” said VanLiere.

The 114th Fighter Wing Airmen will be departing for the RCP deployments throughout 2017.