News Search

PDF streamlines streamlining deployment process

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  The Personnel Deployment Function brings multiple functions from across the base to one location providing one-stop service to deployers.

"The PDF is a tool to help expedite the requirements of outprocessing, which allows deploying members more time with family and friends prior to their scheduled deployment," said Tech. Sgt. Brian Cook, 52nd Mission Support Squadron NCOIC of personnel readiness.

The PDF is stood-up when more than 25 members are deploying at the same time, bringing almost 10 agencies into a consolidated location, Sergeant Cook said.

Agencies represented in the PDF include:
· Personnel specialists who verify member's deployment eligibility.
· Public Health and Immunizations specialist who address country specific medical issues, medically clear the member and provide needed vaccinations.
· Finance specialist who provide information about deployer's financial entitlements and answer specific questions about benefits.
· Legal specialist who can assist with powers of attorneys, wills and basic legal assistance.
· An intelligence specialist who reviews country specific threats.
· A chaplain who has religious reading material and can offer guidance to deploying members.
· An American Red Cross representative talks to deployers about providing contact information with family members in case of an emergency.
· An Airman & Family Readiness Center representative who reviews various services available for dependants.

When Airmen know their families are being taken care of that is one less thing they have to worry about and they can focus on the mission when they are down range, said Tech. Sgt. Ryan Helfenstien, A&FRC NCOIC of the readiness contingency.

After deployers are briefed by various originations and have the opportunity to talk to area specialists members of from the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron issue all bags required for deployers base on their destination.

"By conducting the PDF, deployers can save approximately three to four days of walking all over the base,"' Sergeant Cook said. "Deployers are able to complete about 95 percent of their outprocessing at the PDF. About the only thing a member needs to do is take care of personal effects, like bills and family matters."

For deployers like Staff Sgt. Troy Dontigney, 606th Air Control Squadron network infrastructure journeyman, the PDF is very valuable.

"Especially for those of us who have never deployed before," he said. "I wouldn't have known what office to go to or what building to make sure that everything gets done, so we're getting them all done here in one place. It makes things much easier." 

To view the video story, click here.