News>Reserve reaches milestone in IR deployment processing
Photos
Lt. Col. Kim Devoto talks to reservists in the Centralized Deployment Processing Center at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., May 24, 2012, about his experiences in Afghanistan and being the first individual reservist to return through the center. (U.S. Air Force photo/Don Peek)
Lt. Col. Kim Devoto turns in equipment to the Readiness Management Group’s Centralized Deployment Processing Center, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., May 25, 2012. The center issued the equipment to him when he deployed to Afghanistan four months before. (U.S. Air Force photo/Don Peek)
Lt. Col. Kim Devoto completes the last portion of his out-processing paperwork May 25, 2012, before giving it to Senior Airman Karah M. Almond, a team member at the Centralized Deployment Processing Center, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. (U.S. Air Force photo/Don Peek)
Lt. Col. Kim Devoto thanks Master Sgt. Clarence Greene III and his team for their assistance as he completes his re-deployment processing through the Centralized Deployment Processing Center, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., May 25, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Don Peek)
by Capt. Candice Allen
Readiness Management Group Public Affairs
6/4/2012 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The Readiness Management Group here and the 94th Airlift Wing at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., achieved a milestone in Individual Reserve deployment processing May 24.
Lt. Col. Kim Devoto was the first individual reservist to return from a deployment through the Centralized Deployment Processing Center pilot program at Dobbins. Devoto is an IR assigned to the Tricare Management Agency at the Pentagon. The medical service corps officer spent four months in Afghanistan where he stood up an aeromedical evacuation squadron.
"This is a major milestone for us," said Col. Dawn Wallace, RMG commander. "The CDPC addresses concerns long voiced by IRs regarding the difficulties they encounter during deployment processing.
"Our personnel worked closely with Air Force Reserve Command representatives to develop an incredibly cost-effective way for the Air Force to sufficiently train, equip and deploy our IRs."
Wallace and Col. Marshall Irvin, 94th Mission Support Group commander, greeted Devoto at the processing center.
Though still in its test phase, the CDPC serves as the single point of entry and exit for IRs assigned to combatant commands and Department of Defense agencies where Air Force-specific readiness support is limited or non-existent. The center is designed to meet all pre-deployment requirements for any theater of operation.
"It's a one-stop shop for IRs," said Maj. Terry Troutman, director of RMG plans and programs. "This is a groundbreaking initiative capturing RMG taking care of its people."
Devoto agrees with Troutman.
"The CDPC is much needed," Devoto said. "Currently there's no reservoir of [deployment] information for an IR assigned to a civilian agency that a unit demployment manager would typically provide to a traditional reservist."
This information includes instructions for reporting for duty, traveling and obtaining theater and country clearances. The processing center also informs reservists about supply and medical requirements as well as details about chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive training, and ancillary training.
"This process can take the traditional reservist up to 120 days to accomplish, but we complete it all in less than five days," said Master Sgt. Clarence Greene, CDPC liaison at Dobbins.
Since opening Oct. 1, 2011, the center has processed 15 deploying members.
Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., AFRC commander, championed the initiative and chose Dobbins as the center's location. The 94th AW was designated as the hub because it is close to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world's busiest airports.
The Air Force Reserve will look at feedback in the next few months to determine if the pilot program should continue.
Meanwhile, Troutman said IRs will enter the processing center with basic readiness requirements and leave fully-prepared for deployment.
Comments
6/19/2012 5:09:06 PM ET The RMG94 AW definitely took the operating cost into consideration. The CDPC is embedded in the deployment machine to process IMAs as well as individuals assigned to the 94AW. The CDPC occupies a building which leverages existing facilities in lieu using other funds. On another note the center saves taxpayer's dollars as it completes deployment requirements in five days vice the standard 10-15 days an IR requires today. We believe it's the most cost-effective way to standardize processes increase efficiencies in order to meet the combatant commanders' needs. Also Individual Reservists can complete requirements and focus on their families and employers before deploying.
RMG Public Affairs, Warner Robins GA
6/7/2012 11:20:17 AM ET How do you justify the expense of operating a building and employing all the people working in this facility for 15 people Unbelievable waste of taxpayers money.
Fred Wilson, Warner Robins GA
6/6/2012 9:18:07 AM ET Great idea This will clear up mysteries and inconsistencies and make the process faster and more efficient. Thanks Capt Allen for researching and writing this story and thanks Col Wallace RMG and AFRC for making the idea work. I'm looking forward to processing through the CDPC.
