Loadmasters balance time, maintain mission readiness Published Feb. 10, 2016 By Staff Sgt. Bobby Pilch 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs El SALVADOR -- Time is running out in the year and I need to remain current,” may be a phrase overheard in the halls of the three flying squadrons among crewmembers assigned to the 315th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. Several loadmasters from the 300th Airlift Squadron took to the skies over Central America this weekend to assist the U.S. Coast Guard with transporting aircraft and various cargo, enabling them to obtain critical training and to remain proficient in their skillset. For Tech. Sgt. Michael Smith, a 300 AS loadmaster, this trip was paramount to being considered “mission ready.” “At a minimum, I needed to complete a proficiency sortie, which is required every 60 days,” said Smith. “I also flew this trip to maintain my proficiency with loading various types of cargo. Additionally, this mission offered the opportunity work with other governmental agencies in the loading of helicopters, pallets, passengers and hazardous material.” When Smith, a native of Saltville, Virginia, is not fulfilling his loadmaster responsibilities, he is a U. S. Customs and Border Protection officer in Atlanta. Making the six-hour drive every month and when called to fulfill other mission commitments has its challenges. “We are required to complete four phase simulator training scenarios annually,” said Smith. “The most difficult thing to plan for is the requirement to fly once every 60 days. Since the Reserve airlift shuttle was cancelled, it has become more difficult to commute to Charleston for my monthly unit training assembly. Previously, I was able to work on Friday mornings and then hop on the Reserve shuttle (utilizing an alternate work schedule, thanks to an understanding employer). However, now I have to take Fridays off to commute to Charleston.” However challenging it can be for Reservists like Smith to maintain their currency and proficiency, due to logistical reasons and time away from their employer, they have support at their home station. Senior Master Sgt. Steve Kelley, an Air Reserve Technician with the 300 AS, is a fulltime Reservist who overseas standards and evaluations for fellow loadmasters within his squadron. Kelley explained his role in supporting traditional Reservists like Smith and maximizing training opportunities. “When a traditional Reservist takes time off from their civilian job it is an ART’s job to help maximize the amount of training accomplished during that time,” said Kelley. “If he or she has three days they can work, it is the ART’s job to make sure they get the most bang for the buck, whether it is working with another Reserve squadron or with our Active Duty counterparts.” “Trips like this one minimize the amount of time traditional Reservists have to take off from their civilian job,” said Kelley. “Four days of annual tour were accomplished, with only two days away from their civilian job.” Tech. Sgt. Brian Farmintino, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, also a 300 AS loadmaster, echoed Kelley’s remarks and touched on how training on missions like this impact the squadron’s morale. “These types of missions always allow us to not only maintain currency but to refresh ourselves on duties that we may only get to accomplish a few times during the year,” said Farmintino. “It also allows us to maintain tight cohesiveness with each other and re-enforce why we love doing this job so much.” Despite the pressures of balancing Reserve duties, civilian careers and family obligations, more than 1,200 men and women put on the uniform and dedicate themselves to being prepared to accomplish the missions of the 315 AW. These Citizen Airmen are the embodiment of the wing’s mission – To provide and deliver global combat-ready C-17 airlift, expeditionary combat support and aeromedical evacuation anytime, anywhere.