The IDRC: Improving how we deploy Published Aug. 24, 2007 By 2nd Lt. Vanessa A. Zaragoza 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron Davis-Monthan Air Force Base -- The Installation Deployment Readiness Cell is the latest version of the deployment machine. It aims to increase the efficiency of deployments by collocating several functions and establishing direct lines of communication between all others. The intention is to create a "one-stop shop" aligned under the LRS commander and tactically led by the installation deployment officer. The IDRC consists of permanent and direct support staffs that are the focal point for all deployment operations. These staffs include some agencies service members are already quite familiar with such as the Personnel Readiness Function, Logistics Readiness Flight, Traffic Management Flight, and the Manpower and Operations Flight. Each of these components come together to achieve the larger goal of supporting the needs of the deployed commander while making the movement of cargo and personnel as efficient and painless as possible. This spans from the management of taskings received and the subsequent notification of the units and members to getting those individuals and a unit's cargo on a mission bound for the deployed location. Specifically, LGRR encompasses air terminal operations, war readiness (mobility bags) and all squadron-level contingency operations, whereas PRF provides personnel deployment planning and execution, force accountability accuracy and reporting. TMF works directly with PRF to schedule channel and/or commercial airlift and the MOF delineates all wing requirements for deployments, contingencies and most exercises and assists in validating taskings based on available manpower. Cooperation between these agencies makes it possible for the IDRC to support war time requirements and to present decision-quality information to wing leadership. "All of this hard work is well worth it," says Lt. Sarah Bowles, installation deployment officer. "We must endlessly work to improve our ability to meet the needs downrange and to ensure all deploying personnel are afforded the best deployment process possible. This improvement is not possible without the tremendous support of leadership at all levels and the concerned involvement of unit deployment managers installation-wide." The nucleus of the IDRC is located in building 4859 where the personnel readiness function, logistics readiness flight, and the IDO currently reside. Plans are being made to have functional representatives from TMF and MOF collocated there also. The IDRC constantly strives to make continuous improvements to its structure, communication and facilities. In the dynamic world of deployments, the IDRC staff is committed to finding ways to adapt to any changes that come their way.