Air Force announces change to deployments

Washington (AFNS) — The Air Force announced another milestone under the chief of staff’s number two focus area: Strengthening Joint Leaders and Teams.

Airmen deploying on individual taskings will now deploy in teams of three or more. This move will provide mutual support during the entire deployment continuum. This directive, effective Nov. 30, 2017, is referred to as Deployed Teaming.

“Deployed Teaming places a higher value on mutual support and improves our warfighting capability,” said Maj. Gen. Brian Killough, director of Air Force Strategic Plans. “It allows us to be more effective, while increasing resiliency.”

This concept will be comprised of Airmen from the same duty location, deploying to the same location, during the same cycle. Members will accomplish pre-deployment training, travel to and from the area of responsibility and perform reintegration together.

“Our Air Force is working hard to provide Airmen the support structures they need to be successful and resilient for the duration of their deployments,” said Killough.

Team leaders will be appointed to guide and lead their teams during the deployment process. Although Airmen deploying as a part of a team may not be assigned to the same work center, the leads will ensure there is crosstalk and mutual support.

Additional information will be available through installation deployment readiness cells.