Wolf Pack accepts follow-on forces during Beverly Bearcat 13-01

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jonathan Fowler
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 8th Fighter Wing was assessed on its ability to accept follow-on forces during exercise Beverly Bearcat 13-01 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, April 8, 2013.

Members of the 8th Force Support Squadron's personnel deployment reception function processed more than 70 inbound personnel, known as follow-on forces. Exercise Beverly Bearcat 13-01 was designed to test Kunsan's operational readiness, and the PDRF personnel were being inspected on their ability to effectively and efficiently process personnel.

"Once we get the word and all appropriate agencies have been informed, we can be up and running in two to three hours," said Tech. Sgt. Gary Hartman, 8th FSS PDRF. Hartman also explained that not only do they have to work quickly but they must maintain accurate accountability of processed personnel.

This is a vital part of the mission at Kunsan. The ability to process and accept follow-on forces is necessary in case more military members are needed on the Korean peninsula. The PDRF mission ensures follow-on forces are properly briefed about the facilities and operating procedures of the base as well as legal, financial and operational security concerns.

"It is absolutely important [to properly in-process personnel]," said Tech. Sgt. Marvetta Graham Harper, 8th FSS PDRF. "We have to make sure our new personnel know about the area's conditions and what is available here at Kunsan."

Inbound personnel are given additional briefings from 8th Judge Advocate legal, 8th FW safety, 8th FSS lodging and the 8th Medical Group. This is all part of the PDRF's task of educating follow-on forces on all aspects of the base.