TMO: Easing the stress in your PCS

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Chuck Wellman, 509th Logistics Readiness Squadron wood worker, cuts plywood to desired length according to Special Packaging Instructions at the cargo movement section of Traffic Management Office Oct. 2. Special Packaging Instructions are used for aircraft parts to be shipped out, or anything that requires special packaging. (U.S. Air Force photo/Heidi Hunt) (Released)

TMO: Easing the stress in your PCS

Published Oct. 4, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Bryan Crane
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Getting permanent change of station orders can be exciting for airmen, but it also brings a lot of worrying and stress along for the ride. It's the 509th Logisitics Readiness Squadron's Traffic Management Office's job to help make moving airmen's possessions to their next location as smooth as possible.

"Moving can be a stressful situation for any airman," said Brian McCandles, 509th Logistics Readiness Squadron transportation officer. "Our job is to take out the stress and worrying of moving ones possessions."

The 22-member TMO works at a fast pace. Not only is the team responsible for handling personnel PCS moves, but also incoming and outgoing aircraft cargo. Recently, they were declared fully operationally capable in the integrated receipt process.

"We are in-charge of cargo receipt into the base, as well as out of the installation," McCandles said. "This allows for a more responsive turnover to the customer, increasing our ability to get aircraft parts to the fleet in a shorter amount of time."

TMO continues to display their high productivity and quality as traffic moves through their domain, especially during the summer PCS seasons.

"Our traffic management office hits its peak in the summer months, when the majority of PCSs occurs," McCandles added. "However, staying ready when cargo movement peaks is a challenge because we can't predict when parts will break on aircraft, and when the repairs will be done."

An additional challenge the team is facing is the departure of four team members and the experience those members bring to the team. Despite the loss, McCandles believes the team still has a good group of people to continue operating at a high standard.

"Our departing personnel have done a fantastic job training their replacements," McCandles said. "I can say without hesitation that this is the best-trained, most-motivated, quality group of young NCOs and airmen I've ever had in my operation. It's hard to replace expertise, but I'm completely confident in the young crew taking over."

One of TMOs goals is to remain a top notch program, willing to help all Team Whiteman members with their TMO needs.

"We are here to make things easier for all members moving, and also all squadrons on base needing to send and receive cargo," McCandles said.

For more information about moving personnel goods during a PCS or shipping/receiving cargo, contact TMO at 660-687-4119.