Airmen “deploy” for Condor Crest

Published Oct. 23, 2008
By Corey Dahl
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Their gear checked and their weapons issued, dozens of Airmen loaded on to a waiting C-130 aircraft and got ready to deploy Oct. 22. And then they all got off the plane and went back to work.

Not one of the 65 Airmen on the aircraft that day was actually deploying. They were, instead, part of a massive practice deployment line set up as part of the 21st Space Wing's quarterly Condor Crest exercise, a week-long test of the wing's capabilities.
The 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron and several other base units organized the mock mass out-processing to see how well the base could deploy a large number of Airmen on short notice.

"It's an opportunity for the base and the individual to walk away with improved readiness to support the war on terror or whatever other contingencies might pop up," said Larry Wilkerson, the base's installation deployment officer.

Airmen had their personal and medical records looked over and their gear inspected. They then received briefings from organizations such as the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the Red Cross and the 21st Medical Group about issues they might encounter while abroad. Afterward, they were bussed to the C-130, where they and their gear were loaded on board.

Along the way, the units in charge had to shepherded Airmen through the process, dealt with those who didn't have the proper equipment and even encountered a "conscientious objector," who refused to deploy.

"This exercise really benefits all the units that provide support during the deployment process," Mr. Wilkerson said. "It gives them an opportunity to stress their processes and see where a break point might be. Then they can go back and fix it, so it doesn't happen next time."

The exercise was equally beneficial to the "deploying" Airmen, because it brought to their attention issues that might need to be resolved in case they ever really deploy, Mr. Wilkerson said.

"For many of them, this was a new thing to be looked at this closely," he said. "This gives them an opportunity to examine their personal requirements and their gear, make sure they have everything they need. Today's Airman is required to be ready to go year-round, and this can help."

Staff Sgt. Jesse Regan, 21st Communication Squadron, agreed. Sergeant Regan has never deployed, but said that, after going through the deployment line, he now feels a little more prepared, just in case he's called up.

"It's not so much of an unknown anymore," he said. "I at least know what to expect now."

Condor Crest 09-01