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| Library > Newcomers |
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Welcome
Welcome to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing! The wing's mission is "Support the Fight, Defend the Base, and Win!" The wing not only ensures security and stability for the people of Afghanistan, it defends the United States from enemy forces. The Total Force team of the 455 AEW carries out challenging and critical tasks throughout the country, making contributions that are critical to mission success.
The 455 AEW's motto, "Be a Force Multiplier!," describes the amazing results Airmen accomplish daily at Bagram Airfield. Although the Air Force is a highly technical force ... its true strengths are its skilled and determined Airmen taking care of the mission.
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 Most personnel deploying to Afghanistan will travel through the Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan. When you arrive at Manas you will be briefed on transient policies and assisted in scheduling your flight to Bagram. If you are bringing a firearm, you are required to store your weapon in the Armory. However, you will keep your weapon case with you. You can collect your weapon prior to leaving for Bagram.
You must check in with the Manas passenger terminal at least every 12 hours and be prepared to leave as soon as a seat becomes available. Ensure you pick up your C-Bag (and B-Bag for deployments during 1 October - 31 March) during your stay at Manas.
While at Manas transient quarters are provided in the event you can't catch a flight out the same day you arrive. Bed spaces are limited so you may be assigned to an "open bay" shelter for your short stay--plan accordingly. The Dining Facility is open 24-hours and any last-minute items you forgot to pack may be available at the BX which is located two blocks on the right hand side of Chapman Drive.
 In Your Carry-On: Make sure you pack enough uniforms in your carry-on for a 72-hour stay at Manas. If you are traveling during the winter months, expect subfreezing temperatures in Kyrgyzstan. Be sure to have gloves, hats, and coats readily accessible when you deplane.
Your Flight to Bagram: Most of you will travel from Manas to Bagram on a C-17 or a C-130. It is approximately a two-hour flight by C-17 and slightly longer by C-130.
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Upon your arrival at the Bagram Airfield Passenger Terminal, you will be greeted by the Joint Personnel Reception Center personnel who will collect your CAC for processing. A PERSCO member will then greet you and start your inprocessing. You will receive a quick briefing and complete your emergency locator information. You will need your mobility folder and copies of your orders. The items that PERSCO requires include Record of Emergency Data, one copy of CED orders, AF Form 245, and Promotion Recommendation Letter (if applicable). When PERSCO has finished your inprocessing, they will release you to your sponsor so that you can claim your bags and get a room assignment from lodging. If a room is not yet available, you will be accommodated in a transient tent until a permanent billet opens up.
Your first 72 hours at Bagram will be rather busy.
You will conduct turnover with your predecessor before that individual rotates home. You'll be issued your weapon and ammunition at the armory (for those not bringing a weapon). You will fill out the paperwork to establish your NIPR and SIPR email accounts (it's recommended you take care of this prior to arrival). Within fourteen days of arrival, you  must attend Combat Orientation - an introductory briefing opened by the wing commander.
Transportation from Camp Cunningham, where most Air Force members reside, to the East side of the base is provided via shuttle. In addition, laundry services, physical fitness training facilities, religious services and a learning resource center are available.
Airmen assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing also have access to free wireless internet on Bagram. The morale wireless system is for personal use only. The intent is to keep members in touch with their family and friends. All members will adhere to General Order 1B while using the system. It is recommended that you do not use the morale wireless for any finances as the system goes through a local provider. All members will be required to agree to the acceptable use policy before registration. And only ONE of your devices are permitted access to the free wireless system.
Give your families a "window" of time that you should be leaving the AOR. Plans change all the time for many reasons, so giving specific dates is asking for trouble and heartache. Approximately 30 days from your departure window, you will be scheduled on a flight from Manas and be asked to complete a passenger travel card to schedule any required commercial transportation back to home station.
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Specific items you must bring are identified in the AOR reporting instructions provided by your Unit Deployment Manager/Installation Personnel Readiness Unit.
Almost everything you will need for personal hygiene can be purchased through the BX. If you have a brand preference, you should bring enough for your tour due to the limited selections available. In regard to electronics, both your living and working areas will have 110-power and use U.S. plugs.
Below is a list of recommended items you should consider bringing to Bagram, in addition to your issued items and clothing.
- Personal credit/debit card for use at the BX
- Personal checkbook for cashing checks
- Some cash for travel
- AF PT uniform (min 4 sets, recommend 6-8 sets)
- Socks/underwear to last 7-10 days
- Shower shoes (thicker heels are better)
- Prescription glasses/reading glasses
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
- Small flashlight with spare batteries
- Reading light
- Toiletries as needed, at least one-month supply (note: airlines restrict liquids/gels/ aerosols to 3oz containers in one, quart-size zip-lock container in carry-on baggage)
- At least 3 laundry bags
- Extra A-3 bag
- Travel combo or key lock for your bags & personal locker
- Alarm clock
- Electric blanket (Oct - Mar)
- Twin-sized bed linen & pillow
Red Cross: An American Red Cross office is located on Bagram Airfield and has personnel in the office to assist with emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If your office needs to reach the Red Cross, please call DSN (318) 431-4242, if calling from the U.S. (877) 272-7337.
Give your family members the phone numbers of your home station First Sergeant or Commander in case of emergencies.
Emergency Leave: Emergency leave will be considered IAW AFI 36-3003 on a case-by-case basis. Emergency leave will normally be granted for deaths and terminal illness of your (or your spouse's) parents, children, siblings, sole surviving relative, and persons meeting "in-loco-parentis" criteria. Emergency leave is not granted for normal childbirths, marital problems, to attend to legal or financial problems, or for emergencies involving friends, fiancés, or other than immediate family members. Contact your commander as soon as possible if you anticipate the need for emergency leave.
United Service Organizations (USO): Located across from CUSTOMS and the PAX Terminal, the USO provides movies, snacks and services to include free wireless internet access. Ask about USO's weekly Cigar Night!
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Before Arrival 
