PDF line ensures eligibility of deploying Airmen

  • Published
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Before deploying Airmen can step onto the plane, the 366th Fighter Wing first ensures they are qualified to deploy by sending them through a personnel deployment function line.

The PDF line is manned by personnel from the 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron, intelligence flight, mission support squadron, legal office, finance office, Airmen and Family Readiness Center, chapel, medical group and a flight surgeon.

"The main reason we're here is to make sure deploying Airmen are eligible to deploy and completely ready to go," said Maj. Rosalind Abdulkhalik, 366th Military Personnel Flight commander. "After their unit deployment managers check their eligibility, they come here. We are the final stop."

The PDF line ensures Airmen are eligible in all areas, including medical, training and weapons qualifications. If someone isn't eligible, their unit must provide a replacement. With more than 900 personnel processing through the line, an organized system must be set up to ensure the right people process at the right time.

With more than a dozen chalks of passengers processing during the Phase I portion of Exercise Sharpshooter 08-03 Feb. 3 and 4, anywhere between two to more than 60 people processed during each chalk.

"The Deployment Control Center serves as the hub for all wing deployment functions," said Capt. Lauren Hodges, Installation Deployment Officer. "We look at what is tasked, develop a schedule of events to process passengers and cargo in a timely manner in order to get them to their deployed location by the required delivery date."

PDF line technicians must then work to complete each chalk within the set time. Each chalk is also assigned a troop commander who receives a briefing on his responsibilities throughout the process. Troop commanders serve as the leader of the group to ensure things run smoothly along the way to the deployed location.

After chalk times are set, UDMs receive the information from the DCC and alert personnel of their show times for processing. Before sending them over, UDMs check their gear and ensure they have all required paperwork.

The processing begins at the community activities center where Airmen receive an anti-hijacking and prohibited items briefing. After processing mobility bags, they are bussed to the PDF line, to receive more briefings and go through their mobility folders to make sure everything is in order.

Airmen then have the opportunity to make last-minute arrangements with the finance or legal office and talk with a chaplain about any concerns they may have.

After Airmen have confirmed their eligibility and taken care of personal issues, they join other deploying troops to board the plane and PDF personnel prepare for another group of Airmen.