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Augmenting the AOR: 387th AES Delivers Airmen to the Joint Fight

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Stoltz
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Visiting their headquarters, the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron seems like a modest operation. With only 10 on-station staff and 20 aerial-port Airmen, their presence here could be considered small. Their impact across the United States Central Command area of responsibility, however, is far-reaching.

As one of only two squadrons in the world who perform the function of supporting Joint Expeditionary Tasked and Individual Augmentee Airmen, the 387th AES supports joint and ground component commanders with more than 410 individually-sourced Airmen.

These forward-deployed service members directly support Operation Inherent Resolve and several smaller joint special-operations task-force missions. In addition, JET/IA Airmen encompass more than 100 Air Force specialty codes and are currently forward deployed to 11 countries throughout the AOR.

It’s up to the 387th to help establish and maintain what they call a ‘blue line’ of communication – which allows these geographically separated Airmen to remain connected to the Air Force even when working for a joint or Army unit.

“We link Airmen back to Air Force services their joint organizations may not be able to provide,” said Lt. Col. Mason MacGarvey, 387th AES commander. “Sometimes Airmen need assistance with basic administrative issues, but other times they require specialty help with items ranging from emergency leave to finance issues.”

The 387th AES headquarters staff is located here at ‘The Rock.’ This is an ideal location for facilitating movement and linking Airmen with services, because it is also home to the busiest aerial port in the AOR.

Whether it requires sending personnel to visit with Airmen at their forward-deployed locations or bringing them here, MacGarvey said the Air Force still owes Airmen those services – even while they're working outside of traditional Air Forces Central Command units.

As a preventative measure, before issues arise for JET/IA Airmen, the 387th bridges the gap and provides a line for constant communication. This can include emails, recall exercises, video tele-conferencing, newsletters and also physically visiting Airmen at their locations.

“Our efforts allow them to focus on executing their role in the joint organization – and accomplish their respective missions,” he said.

MacGarvey said the whole team pushes every day to figure out new and better ways to support Airmen and build relationships with the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines they are working with.

“At any time, joint organizations can ask for capabilities through the Joint Staff,” said Senior Master Sgt. Brian Rohlman, 387th AES first sergeant. “The Air Force works hard to deliver Airmen to meet these requirements. However, sometimes, what the organization asked for and what they get isn't quite a perfect fit – or the requirements may have changed over time.”

The first sergeant, who is deployed from the 932nd Force Support Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, said the staff of the 387th has the capability to make minor adjustments on-the-fly. This ensures an Airman who is forward-deployed in a JET/IA tasking is more suitable for the joint organization they are deploying to support – allowing that organization to better use our Airmen.

According to Rohlman, the versatility the 387th provides is affording a much-needed capability to the United States. Furthermore, he added that something as simple as a paperwork issue should never hinder an Airman’s ability to fight, as JET/IA personnel have more important missions to accomplish.

“Our Airmen and their families sacrifice much for our nation and its freedoms,” said Rohlman. “This sacrifice is not lost upon their leaders or their fellow Airmen. I want to extend my personal thanks to all of our deployed Airmen for the tremendous efforts they continue to make and for their families at home — whose service is often underappreciated, but never unrecognized.”