U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE FORT WORTH, Texas -- The Installation Deployment Readiness Cell (IDRC) is the 301st Fighter Wing’s focal point for managing deployment operations, which are ran by the wing’s force support squadron. The cell manages all required paperwork and tracks the movement of its members. They also work with the 301st Logistics Readiness Squadron, who help move resources such as Airmen, cargo, and vehicles. In addition, the IDRC also works with the unit deployment manager to ensure members are ready to deploy.
Capt. Petra Reid, 301 FW installation deployment officer, explains how her team accomplishes their part of the wing’s mission.
“We’re at the forefront of the wing’s deployment operations to include deployment planning and execution,” she said. “So our mission is in direct correlation with the priorities of training and deploying combat-ready Airmen.”
Some of the items the IDRC track include medical readiness, training records and the member’s required enlistment time needed for deployment completion.
In such high ops tempo movements, Reid tells us the key to operational success.
“The IDRC’s success, relevant to the performance of their daily mission of managing the wing’s deployment ops, is heavily dependent on the attitude of the employees,” she said. “Having a positive, highly motivated, and truly dedicated team is a must, and I am a true believer in the notion our team delivers just that.”
Teamwork is essential to mission success. Capt. Cassie Warren, 301 FW personnel deployment function (PDF) officer-in-charge, explains how she and her team overcome the challenges of various units deploying its Airmen.
“Our staff must be ready to work at any moment, be able to think out of the box and have the courage to speak their mind no matter the audience,” she said. “Working here is highly rewarding, and you will be able to use creativity and team building skills.”
When this team comes together to put boots on the ground, there’s much to be proud of.
“My favorite part of this particular job is being given a chance and privilege to make a difference every, single day,” Reid said.
Deploying combat ready Airmen is no small task. It takes preparation and expertise, which the IDRC team has demonstrated.
“From cradle to grave, when an Airman comes into the 301st Fighter Wing, everything comes to, through and from the FSS,” said Capt. Tiara Puro, 301 FSS operations officer. “It’s so important and meaningful for us to be a part of this process, and we’re really proud of it.”