910th Airmen conduct deployment line exercise Published April 6, 2012 By Senior Airman Megan Tomkins 910AW/PA YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Youngstown Air Reserve Station Airmen participated in an Operational Readiness Inspection deployment line exercise during the March UTA here. Col. Reinhard Schmidt, 910th Airlift Wing Commander, said this exercise was intended to identify the areas of strengths and weaknesses in a deployment and to get every person and working part out of town in a timely manner. Reservists from each squadron were players in this exercise as either a deployer or a personnel technician preparing the deployers to leave. "This testing is via a sampling of Unit Type Codes, not all of those we have," said Col. Schmidt. "Some of you will be heavily involved and others minimally; like Unit Deployment Managers and Deployment Control Center personnel or processors." First, Airmen picked up their mobility folders and were transported to an out-processing facility where they were given pre-deployment briefings. Next, they were put on a bus to simulate a flight to the deployed location, Key West, Fla. Finally, the Airmen in-processed and sat in the passenger holding area to hear a briefing about what Key West was like and what their initial duties would be. "I'm glad I have the opportunity to 'deploy' again," said Staff Sgt. Anthony Chavez, 910th Force Support Squadron (FSS) personnel technician. "It is a good practice for the traditional Reservists because they don't get to see this on a regular basis." Not only did Airmen act as deployers, but some participated in the process of getting the deployers through the line and to the deployed location. "It is important for people to get familiar with the process and what it will be like in a deployed location," said Tech. Sgt. Jessica Walker, 910th FSS force management technician. "It is good to see Airmen out here doing this. It gives them a taste of what they'll experience." Col. Schmidt said no matter what part of the process the Airmen were in, all aspects were important. "Even if you are standing in line to process, you are important in supporting the efforts to improve our organization," said Col. Schmidt. "Sometimes you get the training; other times you support others' training. I want to thank all for your help and understanding as we go through learning exercises like this in preparation for the ORI."