MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Deploying Airmen have a lot to prepare for while out-processing. Weapons qualification, combat skills training and self-aid buddy care are just some of the requirements they must meet before they head down-range. The 23d Medical Group (MDG) is expediting their deployment-clearance process to give time back to those Airmen.
On April 4th, the 23d MDG implemented a new program called ‘Deployers 1st’ Thursdays that prioritizes deploying Airmen and gets them out the door faster.
“It turns into a one-stop shop,” said Staff Sgt. Evelyn Alvarado, 23d Aerospace Medicine Squadron NCO in charge of deployment medicine. “It ensures a timely manner of getting members medically cleared properly. ‘Deployers 1st’ Thursdays limits those possibilities of having any discrepancies and [ensures we are] clearing the member properly.”
Airmen deploying within 120 days have historically made multiple trips to the 23d MDG to obtain medical clearance. This new program allows them to receive the clearance required by their Area of Responsibility in just one day.
“If we can accomplish the ‘Deployers 1st’ Thursday mindset that we’re trying to implement, ultimately [Airmen] would have more time to spend at home with their families,” said Tech. Sgt. Eathain Duwe, 23d Medical Group continuous process improvement coordinator.
Not only does this program reduce the time deployers spend out-processing, it also ensures that the 23d MDG has time to adequately assess every Airman before sending them down-range, which in turn, allows the 23d Wing to deploy skilled warriors and ready Airmen.
“We’re trying to make the stand that Moody Air Force Base, being the number one deployable base throughout [Air Combat Command], can deploy members faster and better,” Duwe said.
For more information, call the Public Health front desk at 229-257-3294.