UDMs keeps mobility machine moving ahead

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Madelyn Ottem
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In the 60th Air Mobility Wing Director of Staff, there are approximately 140 Airmen whose combat readiness, qualifications and records need constant management for successful and fluid deployments.

With the Air Force's current high operations tempo, this is no small task for one man.

Erwin Barrientos, 60th AMW/DS unit deployment manager, guides Airmen from the moment they are notified of a deployment until their feet hit the ground at the deployment location.

For Barrientos, being a UDM is not only about getting the deploying Airmen out the door, but facilitating the process every step of the way.

"Many first-time deployers may have anxiety about how to get where they need to be, especially if they are travelling alone," Barrientos said.

As a retired active duty member with 20 years of experience under his belt, he understands that bumps in the road will happen, and does his best to foresee them. He keeps track of hotel, taxi and shuttle numbers near air ports where deploying Airmen frequently have lay-overs.

Airman Brandon Patterson's first deployment is fast-approaching. His squadron's UDM proved to be an effective asset to the 21st Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster's deployment preparation.

"My UDM has been very helpful," he said. "He has been there to make sure I have all my items and to assist with the medical and squadron out processing."

"Half the job is getting people ready," Barrientos said. "The other half is making sure that getting there is easy for them."

Before DS Airmen leave Travis Air Force Base, they must complete an out-processing checklist. However, Barrientos encourages Airmen to be proactive and maintain their readiness year round.

"It's always best to prepare personally," Barrientos said. "Computer-based training can be very time consuming. If those are continually managed, as well as other training and qualifications, it frees up time that can be spent with family before deployment."

While UDMs now have upgraded systems and programs that make it easier for them to view an Airman's predeployment status, they must be able to organize, coordinate and multi task to ensure the mobility machine continues to run smoothly.

"Being a UDM directly supports the mission of the Air Force," Barrientos said. "Without the UDM there would be no way of making sure that service members are ready to deploy."

"UDMs take the time to work with each Airman," Patterson said. "They answer any questions you may have. I'm excited to deploy and I feel prepared, thanks to my UDM."