Civilian deployments play critical mission role Published Dec. 15, 2010 By Jeanie Lessley 81st Force Support Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Air Force civilians play a critical role in carrying out the Air Force's expeditionary mission. Civilian deployments are an important part of overall career development and are crucial to meeting the Air Force's future needs. Currently, there are more than 143,000 Air Force civilian employees. In 2009, Air Force senior leaders outlined their vision for supporting Department of Defense civilians to serve in global expeditionary positions through a program called the Civilian Expeditionary Workforce. The CEW is a subset of the civilian workforce that is organized, trained and equipped to deploy in support of military combat operations, humanitarian and disaster relief missions and other contingencies. The assignments are in support of D0D missions overseas and stateside. At this time, most positions are located in Iraq and Afghanistan, and some opportunities are in Africa and Europe. With the CEW, Air Force officials predict an increase in the total number of civilians who deploy on a regular basis. The civilian deployment progression will be streamlined and integrated with the military's deployment processes. That process begins with a visit to the CEW Web site at www.cpms.osd.mil/expeditionary/. At the top of the CEW homepage, there's a link, "How toApply." Click on that link for a user-friendly, self-explanatory format. There are numerous career fields that are recruiting for volunteers. Positions advertised on the Web site remain open until filled or there's no longer a requirement. New positions are added continuously, so it's advised to check back periodically. As an Air Force employee, the application process requires you to download the Volunteer Statement from the Community of Practice link, and a common access card is required to access the portal. Follow the directions on the link and forward your application for Air Force approval. Once the CEW receives Air Force approval for your request to deploy, your application is processed. The CEW Web site fully explains health and pay benefits along with other pertinent information. At this time, positions are open to U.S. citizens only, and most positions require a secret or top secret clearance. If you're currently a permanent federal government civilian employee, the CEW has the ability to obtain the clearance level needed. Most individual deployment tours are one year in length, but there are occasionally six-month tours. The CEW program doesn't permit tours of duty longer than two years and a minimum 90-day period of reintegration between deployments is usually required. Many DOD civilians will be working on a secured U.S. military base or forward operating base. These bases have essential services that support a safe and productive working environment. For example, there are buildings, trailers or tents for office work, dining, recreation, communication and first responder requirements. Others work outside the military base or secured compound in local communities with local officials, U.S. active-duty officials, U.S. State Department and other Federal agency officials or coalition partners.Work may be in buildings or other temporary facilities or on farms or other rural environments. Selected volunteers are advised of the daily work location at the time of an offer. However, because the environment is dynamic, these conditions can change without notice to meet mission and safety needs. DOD began a joint, predeployment training program in January 2010 for employees deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq. The 10-day training is a one-stop, fully integrated training and pre-deployment platform. This training consists of an intense mix of classroom and field exercises that provide a learning environment where the setting simulates the conditions of deployment and helps to strengthen emotional and mental resilience. Successful deployment experiences support new duty positions that require joint knowledge and cultural expertise as important attributes for growing leaders. Civilian deployments, along with developmental education, foster the necessary skills to maintain the Air Force as the world's dominant air, space and cyberspace force.