INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Airmen and deployments go hand-in-hand nowadays. Here at Incirlik, base members deploying with Air Expeditionary Force rotation 5/6 couldn't have gotten out of the door without the members of the 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

All deployments start with a tasking received by the unit deployment manager.

The base deployment manager, Staff Sgt. Vincent Kiphart, 39th LRS, is responsible for the UDM program which ensures every Airman has the proper training and medical clearances to go where they need to.

"We focus on things such as cultural awareness, combat skills training, emergency data cards, SGLI, family care plans, Visa/Passport requirements, power of attorneys, security clearances, and weapons qualifications," said Sergeant Kiphart. "We also ensure that all immunizations are up to date and mobility gear is issued for the proper deployed location."

This rotation was a little different for Sergeant Kiphart mostly because Airmen are more prepared. "Commanders at every level have put more emphasis on being prepared," he said. "The U.S. Air Force as a whole has highlighted the importance of being trained and geared-up which made this rotation a little easier."

Once base members have all their, training up to date their next stop is at LRS' individual equipment.

"Our main role is supporting the base, military and civilians, with required desert uniform clothing and safety gear," said Master Sgt. Margaret Yaluk, 39th LRS individual equipment section chief. "One of the biggest challenges we face is having personnel that are notified of an upcoming deployment wait until the last possible moment to come to our element to get the required items."

By waiting longer, personnel are hurting themselves. Holding off on this step may mean deployers go downrange without all their equipment.

"If we do not have their size in stock, we have to place a back-order in the system," said Sergeant Yaluk. "It can take up to two weeks to receive those items and sometimes the member may not receive their equipment prior to leaving."

Before any base member can actually get on the plane they need one pertinent thing ... tickets. That's where the traffic management office ticketing section comes into play.

TMO works closely with the personnel readiness function and the installation deployment officer to get the Airmen tasked to deploy on flights that will get them to their deployed location.

"In order for the ticketing process to go smoother, Airmen need to stay in close contact with their UDM," said Staff Sgt. Anika Cobb, 39th LRS noncommissioned officer in charge passenger travel. "After their orders are produced by PRF, the UDM comes to our office with a copy so that we can issue them the tickets. The UDM then gives the member their tickets right before out-processing the base."

With tickets in hand, Airmen, just like those who left with AEF 5/6, are ready to go to their deployed location.

One thing is certain, every person, at every level of the process wants the process to go smoothly.

"It is very important for us to be able to satisfy the deploying member in any way that we can," said Sergeant Cobb. "We understand the strain on the families when a member has been tasked to deploy and that those times are trying for each member. Our goal in the passenger section is to ensure that the flight reservations are the least of the passenger's worries when they are tasked to deploy."

If you're in the Air Force you can count on one thing, deployments. With Incirlik's LRS, no matter the AEF rotation, they will get you out the door on time with everything you need.