Quick tips for easy inprocessing Published July 10, 2007 By Senior Airman Jason Burton 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- For someone first arriving at Incirlik Air Base, whether accompanied or unaccompanied, it can seem like a rather daunting task to inprocess a new base and a new country. However, the inprocessing program set up at Incirlik is a two-day program that enables new base personnel and their families to seamlessly integrate into the Incirlik population. "Base in-processing is 'one-stop shopping' to welcome newcomers to Incirlik," said Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Benson, Airman and Family Readiness Center superintendent. "This orientation streamlines the processes necessary to help everyone become part of the community as quickly as possible, ensuring the mandatory and Incirlik-unique items get accomplished as they begin their new assignment. The AFRC encourages spouses to attend the base inprocessing because it is a great way for new family members to become familiar with Incirlik. Base inprocessing is normally held Tuesdays starting at 7:15 a.m. at the AFRC in Bldg. 3850. It is important for new Airman to arrive early so they can fill out a mobility form as soon as possible. This will be picked up at the start of the day along with all of the new arrival's medical records. After all the forms are filled out and all the records are collected, the new members are then briefed by the wing commander and the command chief master sergeant. "Senior leadership's involvement is very important to the program," Sergeant Benson said. "It proves the community's commitment to making new Incirlik team members' transition as smooth as possible and sets the tone for what to expect." The inprocessing personnel are then given some Incirlik and Turkey specific information by legal, operational security and the office of investigations. Agent Jaime Jones from the office of investigations said that all Incirlik members, not just new arrivals, need to exercise caution when they are off the installation. "Sometimes people are too complacent when they are in the Alley," Agent Jones said. "The Alley is not behind gates and we are still vulnerable there." She said that everyone needs to be observant wherever they are and should be on the lookout for suspicious activity. If unusual activity is spotted, remember Eagle Eyes and report the suspicious activity to the appropriate agencies. "Everybody has that voice in the back of their mind that says something isn't right, and unfortunately most people ignore it," Agent Jones said. "But in this environment you can't ignore it, because if you do, you could find yourself in a dangerous situation." Furthermore, new personnel don't need to feel pressured to buy anything from merchants in the Alley. "When you are walking in the Alley, merchants like to invite you into the stores and offer you water or tea and sometimes that makes people feel like they need to purchase something," said Mehmet Birbiri, 39th ABW Public Affairs Host Nation Advisor. "Don't feel pressured to buy from them, as the merchants are simply displaying traditional Turkish hospitality." Agent Jones also stressed the importance of reporting any store that tries to get personnel to purchase items on base for the black market or mail items at the official document center. The 39th Air Base Wing Safety Office then briefs about many different safety related subjects from riding bikes, to driving on and off Incirlik. Tech. Sgt. Xaviera McFadden, 39th ABW Safety Office Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of ground safety, said that Incirlik members driving off base is one of the biggest concerns for the safety office. "The driving environment is very different in Turkey," she said. "Their driver's education here is less formal than what we are use to. New arrivals ages 18-21 that want to drive off base must attend the Driver Improvement Course, which is held the fourth Monday of each month. To attend the class, call the Safety office at 676-7233. Sergeant McFadden said the key to safe driving off base is defensive driving. "Keep your head on a swivel at all times," she said. Prior to lunch, the newcomers will have their final briefing by Mr. Birbiri. "You will experience a different culture, different religion and a different language during your time at Incirlik," Mr. Birbiri said. "Whenever you have a question about anything relating to Turkey, Turkish customs or Turks, don't hesitate to call me at 676-6060." Lunch is yet another chance for new arrivals to learn about Incirlik during a services sponsored lunch and information fair at the Incirlik Consolidated Club. "The Information Fair includes a number of base agencies all in one location to provide information to new arrivals and their spouses." said Jodie Parker, AFRC Community Readiness Consultant. "Many base agencies are on-hand to answer questions and to promote their activities." After lunch the new base members return to the AFRC and the rest of the day is lead by the 39th Comptroller Squadron and is focused on completing and checking each member's travel voucher. Master Sgt. Stacy Fields, 39th CPTS Financial Services deputy chief, said this mass travel voucher session is easier on the finance office, but most importantly it is easier and less confusing for the new arrivals. "It saves time and it is easier because instead of these new members wandering around the base, we go to them," Sergeant Fields said. "We also spend a lot of time answering questions and we talk to them about their entitlements at Incirlik and give them information about different things that could come up later. "PCSing can be very stressful," Sergeant Fields added. "It is our job to make your transition as simple as possible." He went on to say that new arrivals can confuse themselves and create unnecessary stress by getting ahead of the finance briefer while filling out the travel voucher. "If you follow along it's really not that complicated and problems are the exception, not the norm," he said. Day two of the base inprocessing program revolves around receiving mobility gear and Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear Emergency training, as well as, inprocessing into the 39th Medical Group. After checking and signing for their mobility gear, the new members are bussed over to CBRNE training, which typically lasts four hours. Each member should get with their sponsor to arrange transportation after the CBRNE class. The final stage of base inprocessing takes place in the 39th MDG interior courtyard. Members need to bring their gas masks, dog tags and all dependents over the age of 18. "The 39th MDG Right Start inprocesing was designed to complete as many medical appointments as possible in one shot," said Tech. Sgt. Angela Herron, 39th MDG Family Practice NCO in charge. "This takes care of about nine different appointments in one afternoon." Base inprocessing may seem like a chore, but the program at Incirlik is designed to make it faster and easier for everyone arriving. For more information about inprocessing, contact Susan Bowen at 676-6755.