Team Incirlik receives Noncombatant Evacuation Operations training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  When Incirlik officials ordered an evacuation of approximately 1,400 civilians in March 2003, the mood was more calm than hectic due to one particular training course; the Noncombatant Evacuation Operations.

Noncombatant Evacuation Operations training, also known as "NEO," was held in the Airman and Family Readiness Center here May 23 to help individuals gain an understanding of what to expect and how to be prepared in the event of an evacuation.

NEO's objective is to remove non-combatant evacuees from danger.

The four primary reasons for initiating an NEO are war, civil unrest or instability, natural disasters and pandemics, according to Master Sgt. Linda Nelson, the 39th Force Support Squadron installation NEO program manager.

The training, conducted by Sergeant Nelson, began with a short, video presentation made during the March 2003 NEO at Incirlik.

"NEO is important to everyone because it has the potential to affect the entire base and community," said Sergeant Nelson.

Evacuee eligibility includes civilian employees of all U.S. government agencies, except those deemed emergency essential. Dependents of marine-security guards, U.S. servicemembers assigned to the embassy or consulate, and all other U.S. servicemembers, to include those at geographically-separated units, are also eligible.

U.S. citizen employees of non-U.S. government organizations and commercial activities, U.S. citizens employed by or assigned to international organizations, tourists and residents of the above are eligible as well.

All families should have their NEO folders and kits updated, as advised in the training.

"I found the NEO training to be very beneficial. It brought the 'what if' to life in the event my family would have to evacuate," said Staff Sgt. Nicole Dunlap, from the 39th Medical Operations Squadron. "I now know what to expect and how to prepare."

Sergeant Nelson advises members to prepare now to prevent unnecessary stress and chaos later for servicemembers and family members.

For more information about Noncombatant Evacuation Operations, contact your unit NEO representative or call Master Sgt. Linda Nelson at 676-6755.