Out-processing gets smooth for Aviano Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Hines
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Starting in June, Airmen out-processing from the 31st Fighter Wing will begin using a new, mandatory program designed to help Airmen and their families transition to a new duty station and reduce the stress associated with moving.

Known as Smooth Move and Right Finish, the classes give members a designated time to complete most out-processing items, typically completed on an Airmen's own schedule.

"For Airmen in units such as maintenance, they can't always find time to get out of the work center to out-process," said Capt. Austin Barnes, 31st Military Personnel chief. "With [these classes], they have two mandatory appointments to help them accomplish items on their checklist and get them on the right track."

To help streamline the amount of paperwork an Airman must accomplish before moving, the Air Force created a central location for Airmen to out-process their units through a virtual out-processing checklist. While the checklist is all-inclusive, it can create unnecessary work for some Airmen who are still required to go through certain offices even if it doesn't apply to them.

At Aviano, some items specific to the base, such as housing, are not included on the Air Force checklist and require special tasks. While the classes are designed to help Airmen, Barnes says members still need to stay proactive to complete their checklist.

"It's not a magic trick, items didn't just go away," he said. "We cut down on repetitive items and we shifted multiple items back to each respective unit."

"This gives some of the power back to the units to tailor the checklist for their Airmen to keep them from going to offices that don't apply to them," said Barnes. "Obviously a master sergeant doesn't need to out-process the dorms, so we've taken things like this into consideration."

According to Maureen Hartford, 31st Force Support Squadron community readiness consultant, Smooth Move will be held twice a month and include briefings on pet travel requirements, wine shipments, vehicle requirements, TRICARE portability, financial entitlements, clearing housing, childcare options, sponsors, how to learn about the gaining base and more.

"The Smooth Move changes are going to benefit members because they will learn how to out-process each agency, at the right time, prior to their PCS. They will know what is needed to clear each organization, and when they need to go to each office, eliminating multiple trips," said Hartford.

Smooth Move will precede Right Finish and give Airmen guidance with specific deadlines and documents necessary for Right Finish. Right Finish is a follow-up class which takes place eight days prior to the Airmen's departure ... "Airmen will still have their final out-processing appointment with MPS," said Barnes. "It doesn't replace that, it gives them a clear path while cutting down on repetitive trips around the base.

We were able to cut down on these repetitive trips saving man hours and reducing overall traffic to multiple base agencies," he added. "Some items may still have to be worked out, but this is really made to help the members and we will continue to make it better."

Smooth Move is mandatory for Air Force members and encouraged for spouses, civilians, and sister service members. Air Force members will be signed up by their commander's support staff. Family members can call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 632-5407 to sign up.