Accept follow-on forces

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Angela Ruiz
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Editor's note: This is the second part in a three part series highlighting the 8th Fighter Wing mission, and what it takes of the men and women of the Wolf Pack to successfully complete that mission.

The heart of the 8th Fighter Wing's very unique mission statement is to "Accept follow-on forces."

When faced with this challenge, "Bring it" is the response heard from 8th FW Airmen. Every Airman, from those working in the force support squadron pushing paperwork and preparing the team's hot meals all the way to the maintenance Airmen turning wrenches and ensuring the jets get and stay in the air, have that mantra on their minds.

A mission of this nature doesn't begin when the forces hit Kunsan; it takes planning from several squadrons and agencies on base to make it happen.

"When we are notified of inbound forces, whether a pre-planned exercise or a contingency situation, the deployment and distribution flight in the 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the military personnel section of the 8th Force Support Squadron rapidly shift gears and transition from their day-to- day base support mission to the real work of war," said Capt. Michael Carter, 8th LRS deployment and reception officer.

Prior to force arrival, those agencies coordinate the bed-down of inbound forces. This coordination includes normal quality of life issues, such as lodging, feeding, and transportation, and also consists of tackling unit specific issues, such as working locations, War Reserve Material usage, aircraft parking, fuels support and communications requirements.

"The planning prior to actual arrival is the most work intensive and critical of the entire deployment," said Captain Carter.

Within the Force Support Squadron, accountability is key.

"We use the personnel deployment reception line function," said Maj. Stephen Jordan, 8th FSS commander. "We in-process all the individuals, assign them a place to stay so we have accountability of them at all times."

He continued on to say, "Initially when folks arrive they will be issued meals ready-to-eat. Once we start receiving more of our follow-on forces that's when we'll stand the dining facility back up and provide the hot meals while they are here."

Once a contingency begins and the Wolf Pack has begun accepting follow-on forces every unit plays a part in the process.

"As part of hosting our guests the 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron will turn over or share many resources," said Chief Master Sgt. Micky Wall, 8th AMXS superintendent. "These resources include, but are not limited to aircraft parking spots, protective aircraft shelters, and maintenance facilities and equipment."

The additional airpower that follow-on forces would bring Kunsan would only greatly enhance the Wolf Pack's mission, said Chief Wall.

Though there are many moving parts that the Wolf Pack team faces when accepting follow-on forces they are able to come together and function as a well-oiled machine.

"There is no one piece that is more important than the other," said Major Jordan. "They all depend on each other to get the end outcome; which is to get people out on the line where ever that happens to be so they can accomplish their part of the mission."