When Services squadron commanders and superintendents are tasked to deploy, they face the daunting task of preparing themselves to lead in the field while preparing their families and units to function smoothly without them for an extended period of time. The Civil Engineer and Services School at the Air Force Institute of Technology recently facilitated this process by making changes to shorten pre-deployment preparation requirements. Previous attendees at the Services Contingency Course pointed out that they were required to attend both this course and a CENTAF orientation, two separate TDYs totaling eleven days. Our staff acted on that feedback by coordinating with the CENTAF Services staff to combine those requirements. In mid-April, 24 deploying students attended the first integrated Services Contingency Course. All requirements for deployment are now met via one 6-day TDY.

The Contingency Course curriculum includes a thorough review of Services Doctrine, including discussion with senior leaders about the importance of Services in the deployed environment. Here the students gain insight on how to garner senior level support by defining the critical effects Services brings to the fight. Students are then brought up-to-speed on the latest issues in the CENTAF AOR across the spectrum of operations--food service, lodging, fitness and recreation, and mortuary affairs. The complexity of operating and networking in a deployed setting is also discussed in depth. Strategic, operational and tactical levels of Services agile combat support capability provide the framework for the week's lessons.

On the final day of class, CENTAF Services personnel work individually with each deploying team. They review the most recent Situation Reports by site, addressing specific areas of concern or interest and providing the status of ongoing projects. In addition, each deploying Services management team receives contact information for the incumbent commander and superintendent in order to open lines of communication and facilitate a smooth hand-off. Students usually return to their home station a full two weeks prior to putting their boots on the ground in the AOR, which allows them more time to prepare their unit, their families, and themselves for the pending deployment.

Feedback from the first joint course was very positive from both students and instructors. The professionals at the Civil Engineer and Services School continue to directly impact agile combat support by providing field commanders and superintendents on-target, on-time education and critical reach-back capability.