Checking in on deployment
After countless hours on a succession of different planes we finally landed on the other side of the planet. Once we disembarked we were loaded onto buses which would take us from the airport to our final destination. There were several layers of security to go through but eventually we arrived at our new home away from home. The sun was just beginning to come up when we arrived, so we managed to avoid the worst heat of the day. Even so, it was already getting warm and we were cautioned to drink plenty of water.
The truth of the matter is that most of us were pretty worn out by the time we arrived. The journey was intense, but getting off the bus was just the start of our day. It was time to check in. In Air Force lingo, it was time for accountability. Basically, accountability is a way to make sure that everyone is where they are supposed to be, when they are supposed to be there, with all the resources that they need.
Learn more about the check in process by visiting the 386 AEW Public Affairs story: Accountability: The first step to mission success
The people in charge of accountability are PERSCO. PERSCO is Air Force-ese for “personnel support for contingency operations.” They are our deployed human resources folks. They not only guide us through the check in process, they are also there to assist with the record keeping and administrative processes necessary to keep an Air Force base in the desert running. It is a huge job, and I am glad that they are here to help us out.
The actual check in process involved getting lined up by unit, handing over various pieces of paperwork, and receiving the first of many briefings that would occur over the first few days. Eventually we were reunited with our luggage, told where we were sleeping, and released into the care of our sponsors. Sponsors are often, but not always, the people we are replacing. They guide us through the remainder of the check in process, show around the base, introduce us to people in our shop, make sure that we get something to eat, and direct us toward bed in a somewhat expeditious manner.
Checking in here in the desert felt a lot like arriving at Scout camp or move in day at college. Emotions were running high, yet we were exceptionally tired. There was a great deal of paperwork to do, but time flew by. Friendships were being rekindled while goodbyes were being said. There was a sense of excitement, coupled with the uncertainly of what comes next. It was intense, but I am grateful for all the expert support that we received along the way.
OPSEC/Air Force disclaimers:
While sharing some particular moments from my government sponsored camping trip, I need to mention a concept that the Air Force refers to as OPSEC, or operational security. Essentially, it is a modern way of saying “loose lips sink ships.” Travel dates, my location, and the details of what I am doing are all going to remain unsaid in this forum and on social media. Instead, I am going to occasionally share generalized “day in the life of a chaplain” posts that are produced in conversation with our unit’s public affairs folks. Please understand if there are certain questions or topics that I refrain from discussing in this particular setting.
This blog is produced on my own time using personal equipment. No Air Force or DOD endorsement is implied.
Niece and nephew disclaimer:
Two of my nieces and nephews are old enough to understand the meaning of deployment. On the other hand, four of my nieces and nephews are still young enough that what I am doing is hard to comprehend. One of my goals with these posts is to give them a better understanding of the experience, but to do so in a way that is age and OPSEC appropriate. Many of my posts will include pictures of stuffed animals, pets, and their favorite action figures. This approach is by no means meant to downplay the seriousness of the job that our Airmen are doing. It is intended to help four particular young people understand why their uncle has disappeared for a while, and to give them a sense of what I, and the people with whom I serve, are up to.
