AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- The deployment process can often bring out stress, anxiety, and many challenges for service members, but Airmen and personnel at the installation deployment readiness cell (IDRC) work day in and day out to help alleviate the stressors that come with the deployment process.
“One of the key things we try to push is transparency in the process,'' said Master Sgt. Mariko McClain, 31st Logistic Readiness Squadron IDRC superintendent. “We don’t have a direct line to the deploying member, but we work directly with their Unit Deployment Manager, training them on the process and working with them daily to try and ensure a smooth deployment process.”
The IDRC comprises three primary sections. Operations which performs movement planning and is the wing's singular command and control node in executing all deployment and reception activities in support of contingency and exercises. Plans and Programs which maintains and administers various war planning and logistics support programs such as unit type code reviews, base support planning, acquisition and cross servicing agreements, support agreements and war reserve materiel. The third section is installation personnel readiness (IPR) who perform accountability, ensure all pre-deployment requirements are met, generate orders and provide guidance on various personnel aspects of deployments and receptions.
“The Installation Deployment Readiness Center prepares and executes exercise missions that allow the preparation of our Wyvern Warfighters in complex training events where they are able to receive operational exposure, '' said Tech. Sgt. Amber Ipatzi, 31st LRS Logistic Planner. “Within the IDRC we also assist in maintaining the 31 FW's operational capability to stand side-by-side with our NATO partners in defense of any outside aggression. Lastly, we provide command and control for the deployment and execution process which aligns the lethal power projection necessary to defend our NATO allies and national interests."
As the primary deployment managers for Aviano, the IDRC annually manages 13 major events, and deploys 1,600 personnel and 2.4 million pounds of cargo to 41 locations around the world. Simultaneously the plans and programs section is providing support to 29 geographically separated units spread across seven countries, managing support agreement programs with 18 agreements valued at $1.6 million, setting Air Force level requirements on 20 deployable packages, and overseeing a war reserve materiel program in excess of $443 million.
“Every day is not black and white; it's filled with gray areas and obstacles. Anything can happen at the drop of a hat,” said Airman 1st Class Frank Garcia, 31st LRS. “The overall process of planning a mission, exercise and deployment is where the challenge lies.”
Due to the urgency of their mission, the IDRC must remain ready and adaptable to overcome any challenges that arise.
Since the start of the year, the IDRC has supported three squadron-sized movements of forces in support of NATO's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Two of those movements occurred within 48 hours of notification; significantly faster than the Air Force's stated response times. Additionally, the IDRC assisted in standing up a forward aerial port of debarkation (APOD) enabling the flow of donated military equipment and supplies to Ukraine. The IDRC also deployed and recovered forces supporting three separate distinguished visitor movements, enabling diplomacy on the European continent by POTUS and VPOTUS.
“The best part about the job is realizing that I'm a part of something bigger than myself,” said Airman 1st Class Jadis Marsh, 31st Force Support Squadron. "The way people travel around the world and do their part for the mission and it all goes through my office is kind of cool to think about.”
With all that IDRC personnel do, they too acquire a great deal of stress according to Garcia. But it's an enjoyable stress, as they are the key to the success of every mission.