TASK FORCE III DESERT SHIELD/STORM

File: aaacf_171.txt
Page: 171
Total Pages: 273
DESERT SHIELD/STORM LESSONS LEARNED REPORT #H 
POC: J. HERBERTSON/SGR/6490 
TITLE: MPA Manday Problems 
OBSERVATION: Although there was a successful medical MPA 
manday program functioning during normal operations, the 
transition to contingency operations caused several 
problems.
 
DISCUSSION: There were several problems in the beginning. 
At first HQ USAF/DPPP was slow to allocate mandays to us. 
Then there was some sort of systems problem where the 
allocation was given to the wrong account. Another problem 
was that HQ ARPC/SG could not use tour title code FX in the 
manday accounting system. This code was for HQ USAF use 
only, but was known throughout the Air Force to be 
associated with Operation Desert Shield/Storm. We ended up 
using code 21 (exercises). This created an overabundance 
of confusion in the field (many unnecessary telephone 
calls). An emergency systems change could have saved a 
great deal of hassle. Another problem was the field in the 
manday accounting system for mean code. The field allowed 
for only three spaces. Once we went over 999 tours, the 
mean code was meaningless. If we wanted to continue using 
mean code for accounting and tracking purposes we could 
not. Again, an emergency systems change could have stopped 
many unnecessary telephone calls and confusion. There was 
also a problem with whether or not the 139 day limit 
started prior to or at the beginning of the fiscal year. 
Verbal guidance from HQ USAF/DPPP was to ignore the 
regulation that stated the 139 days crossed fiscal years. 
This guidance would not be taken (especially by HQ 
ARPC/DROC, responsible for publishing IMA MPA tour orders) 
unless it was in writing. The needed written guidance from 
HQ USAF/DPPP never came down. The requirement to 
individually identify each member who required a waiver of 
the 139 day MPA manday limit was another cumbersome 
excercise. A mass waiver could have been given and 
relieved this problem.
 
LESSONS LEARNED: The MPA manday program, as it currently 
operates, is extremely cumbersome for a contingency of this 
volume. In future contingencies, if a volunteer program is 
used, greater flexibility and more timely response is 
necessary.
 
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS: HQ USAF/DPPP and the systems people 
at AFMPC may want to explore the possibility of swift