Overview
This instruction outlines the Air Force Deployment Health Program, detailing requirements, roles, and responsibilities for deployment-related health assessments (DRHAs) for military and civilian personnel. It specifies procedures for pre-, during-, and post-deployment health activities to ensure readiness, compliance, and appropriate medical care.
Program Purpose and Scope
- Establishes guidance for identifying and managing deployment-related health needs in service members and civilian employees.
- Applies to Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and Department of the Air Force civilians.
- Excludes government contractors unless contractually specified.
- Aligns with DoD and Defense Health Agency (DHA) policies.
Key Compliance and Assessment Requirements
- DRHAs are mandatory at specified pre-, during-, and post-deployment intervals.
- Assessments include medical, dental, and mental health evaluations with required forms (DD Forms 2795, 2796, 2900, 2978).
- Requirements differ for civilians (exclude certain forms) and may vary based on deployment length and location.
- All assessments must be documented in ASIMS and the DoD electronic health record.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Air Force Surgeon General oversees program implementation and resource allocation.
- Assistant Surgeon General and Medical Readiness Agency manage policy alignment and quality assurance.
- Installation Commanders, Unit Commanders, Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) Commanders, Public Health, Mental Health, BOMC, PCM, and deployment managers have specified duties to ensure compliance.
- Deploying personnel are responsible for maintaining individual medical readiness and following clearance processes.
Pre-Deployment Health Activities
- Verify medical and dental readiness, mental health clearance, immunizations, and prescription requirements.
- Complete required documentation and pre-deployment health risk briefings.
- Process waivers for deployment-limiting conditions, if necessary.
- Ensure all requirements for civilian deployers are satisfied before departure.
During Deployment Activities
- Complete DD Form 2796 before return or within 30 days after departure from theater.
- Record all medical encounters and exposure events.
- Manage and communicate health risks and incidents (e.g., animal bites, hazardous exposures).
Post-Deployment Health Activities
- Complete all post-deployment health requirements in the specified timelines (DD Forms 2796, 2900, 2978 as applicable).
- Conduct health briefings, medical evaluations, and referrals using collected deployment and exposure data.
- Perform tuberculosis screening, collect serum samples, and ensure separation physicals if required.
DRHA Scheduling and Completion
- Face-to-face (or equivalent) encounters with trained providers must meet specified timelines based on assessment findings (critical, priority, routine).
- All assessments must be entered into ASIMS; handwritten forms must be transcribed promptly.
Decisions
- Establish mandatory DRHA intervals for all deployers per DHA-PI 6490.03.
- Delegate roles and responsibilities to appropriate personnel at each command and clinical support level.
Action Items
- Ongoing – Deployers: Monitor and maintain compliance with health requirements.
- Ongoing – Commanders/UDMs: Monitor unit DRHA status via ASIMS and notify Public Health on deployment changes.
- Ongoing – Medical Staff: Document, review, and complete DRHAs within required timelines.
- Ongoing – Public Health: Coordinate briefings, track waivers, and update medical records.
- Ongoing – BOMC: Schedule and track DRHA appointments and compliance metrics.
- Ongoing – PCM: Manage referrals and waiver processes.
Key Dates / Deadlines
- DRHA 1: Within 120 days before deployment.
- DRHA 2: Within 30 days prior to departure or after return.
- DRHA 3: 90–180 days after return.
- DRHA 4: 181–545 days after return (not for civilians).
- DRHA 5: 546–910 days after return (not for civilians).