Eliminating Mission Distracters -- Bridging the Gap in Essential Personnel Support for Individual Augmentees

摘要

A considerable percentage of the forces in the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility are individual augmentees (IA). IAs represent personnel from across the service components tasked by the Joint Staff to fill critical joint manning positions. These individuals may fill key positions or possess critical skill sets essential to the mission. Integrating these individual deployers into a unit or staff and making them feel a part of the team is paramount in a deployed environment. Taking care of these Airman, Sailors, and Marines includes preparing them to deploy and providing them with essential personnel support in theater while they are part of an Army-centric team. Eliminating mission distracters caused by unresolved personnel issues will result in a higher level of morale and higher operating strength. This paper examines the pre-deployment process and the level of support that exists in theater for the Army, Air Force, and Navy. It also identifies the range of services provided for IAs and the various automated systems used to support them. Lastly, the paper recommends implementation of a standardized validation process for preparing and supporting IAs throughout their deployment.