Deployments, TDYs available for combat-ready reservists

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Veronica Aceveda
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Reservists seeking a deployment or temporary duty outside their Reserve Component Period vulnerability cycle can use the Volunteer Reserve System to search for opportunities.

Located online via the Air Reserve Component Network, known as ARCNet, the VRS had 81 "want ads" posted May 12.

These listed vacancies ranged from 20, 60 and 90-day gigs to 120, 180 and 365-day tours. Their locations comprised of assignments to U.S. Central Command's overseas area of responsibility as well as every region in the U.S., including a telework job.

The database can be searched by key words, Air Force Specialty Codes and minimum and maximum grades accepted. This week, opportunities exist for first lieutenants to colonels and senior airmen to senior master sergeants.

"Supervisor permission is the first step in the application process," said Capt. Brian Saul, 512th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander. "I also highly encourage all personnel who want to volunteer for a deployment to review their ARCNet Readiness Report and Individual Medical Readiness Report to ensure they're fully eligible to deploy."

Members must also route approval through their squadron, group and wing commander using a Deployment Volunteer Request Worksheet, found on the 512th LRS' Enterprise Information Management site under the LGRDX tab.

Applying through VRS and submission of the DVR should happen concurrently, said Saul.

During the final steps of the application process, the volunteering reservist typically receives an email offering the temporary assignment.

Senior Master Sgt. Kwame Tawiah, 512th LRS, is currently working at Antigua Air Station, Antigua, where he's supporting a half-year mission, which stemmed from a VRS opportunity. This is his third volunteer deployment - a once in a lifetime opportunity, but he said he's had several disappointing experiences as well.

"I have applied for old requests that still happen to be in the system, and there have been delays in getting a request approved in time," he added. "Be patient, and don't give up. Check VRS regularly, because you never know when a (functional area manager) will post an assignment."

There's not a set day of the week or month VRS is updated. Its currency is based on input submitted by those searching for volunteers.

Potential deployers can find a job they're qualified to fill using VRS in ARCNet, which is found online at the wing's EIM homepage and through the Air Force Portal.