Lackland Air Force Base, Texas –
Lackland youth will have the opportunity to "deploy" Aug. 9 to Camp Independence, a mock deployment base on KellyUSA, in order to share some of the experiences of their military parents.
"Operation J.E.T. is an excellent opportunity for families to share in a program that brings the deployment experience to our kids," said Tech. Sgt. Dan Krautheim, 37th Mission Support Squadron family readiness NCO. "It will help our kids understand the next time Mommy or Daddy is recalled at 0500 or why they are awake at late hours packing strange looking suits and masks into a giant green bag."
Operation J.E.T., or Junior Expeditionary Team, is for Lackland children ages 5 and
up. The youth can "enlist" at the recruiting station that is now open at the Family Support Center. The station opens at 9 a.m. for enlistees.
Enlistments will continue through Aug. 4, or until the recruiting goal of 150 dependent Airmen is reached, whichever comes first.
At the recruiting station, the children will have their photo taken for the identification card, be given a uniform shirt and receive orders.
Upon telephonic notification of the commencement of Operation J.E.T. on Aug. 9, the young Airmen will report to a deployment processing center for a mission brief and processing line. The line will include uniform issue, ID card issue, finance briefing, chaplain services and an immunizations briefing.
While deployed, the Airmen will be allowed to participate in displays from security forces, medical readiness, civil engineer readiness and pararescue. There will also be aircraft displays and the opportunity to work with chemical warfare gear and field equipment.
Other activities for the deployment include loading the Airmen into a C-130 as if departing, followed by a welcome home party.
At least one adult is requested to attend this training with the child.
This is the first time Lackland has participated in Operation J.E.T.
For more information, call Sergeant Krautheim at 671-3722.