USTRANSCOM Defense Courier Division Orientation Course

All newly assigned couriers will attend a comprehensive 5-day orientation course at Scott AFB, Illinois, en route to their new duty location. The course provides an overview of courier duties, responsibilities, and operations, as well as an introduction to the USTRANSCOM Defense Courier Division personnel and other staff directorates that support and influence courier activities.

Individuals scheduled for orientation training will be contacted by the USTRANSCOM lead trainer and special security officer, Ms. Robin Kline, with instructions for reporting to the course. Ms. Kline can be reached at DSN 622-4306, comm (301) 677-4306.

TRAVEL (see Safety below)

For those driving by car, Scott AFB is located approximately 25 miles east of St Louis, Missouri. The base is located off I-64, utilizing exit 19. Follow IL-158 South, take a left on Seibert Road and follow Seibert Road to the Visitor's Center at the Shiloh Gate. The mapquest.com or googlemaps.com sites will provide point-by-point directions from almost anywhere in CONUS to Scott AFB.

For those arriving by plane, the Lambert/St Louis International Airport is located approximately 40 miles from Scott AFB. The James S. McDonnell USO, located on the lower level of the main terminal, next to baggage claim carousel M6, provides a great place to meet any accompanying travelers or to just have a snack before beginning your trip to the base. The following link has more details on that USO: http://www.usostl.org.

Transportation from the airport to Scott AFB is available via the MetroLink (a light rail service) to the Shiloh/Scott Station (approximately 90 minute trip). Information for the MetroLink is available at the following website: http://www.metrostlouis.org. The Scott AFB Vehicle Operations Flight will transport official duty travelers between the Shiloh/Scott MetroLink station and the Scott Inn; the dispatcher can be reached at (618) 256-3201 or DSN 576-3021. Normal customer support hours are 0600-2300 Monday-Friday. Whenever possible, travel should be arranged to arrive during these times to take advantage of the Metrolink and vehicle operations support. If travel during these times cannot be arranged, and you will arrive at Scott AFB by MetroLink before or after these times, contact the lead trainer to get approval to use one of the available taxi services. There are two commercial taxi/limousine services available and authorized for transportation from the airport to Scott AFB: Excel Transportation (618) 251-9410 and Town Car (618) 398-3300.

Each student will notify the lead trainer of their exact travel plans by providing a travel itinerary that includes flight information and/or travel route by car. Since most students are required to attend the Courier Orientation Course in a PCS en route status on the way to their new duty station, it is imperative that solid contact information is passed to the lead trainer so contact can be made in case of student no-shows, an unavoidable change in class dates/time, or for other reasons. Any changes in travel must be quickly coordinated with the lead trainer. Students who plan on bringing family members or pets with them should coordinate with the lead trainer for additional support.

Students will arrive and check-in at Scott AFB lodging one day prior to the scheduled class start date. The lead trainer will make reservation for all attendees. Additional information for the Scott Inn is available by calling DSN 576-1844 or comm (618) 256-1844, or by accessing the following link http://dodlodging.net/VT_Scott.htm.

Orientation training concludes on Friday. Couriers should not make flight reservations to fly out of St Louis any earlier than 1700 on Friday. If traveling by air out of STL, plan your reservations to allow for at least three hours for the travel from Scott AFB to the scheduled flight departure time. The lead trainer will coordinate all travel plans with the class prior to departure to take advantage of procured transportation, the Metrolink, or taxi service on an as needed basis. If students need help making transportation arrangements, they should consult with their instructors on day 1 of the class.

UNIFORMS

On the first day of class, all students are required to wear a service uniform. Airmen will wear the short sleeve blue shirt; Sailors will wear the Navy Service Uniform; Soldiers will wear their class b uniforms. All service members will wear all authorized ribbons, badges, and accouterments; females may wear slacks or skirts with these combinations; ties/tabs will not be worn. On days 2-5 of the course, the uniform of the day will be ABU or BDU for Airmen, ACU for Soldiers, and the Navy Working Uniform for Sailor or khakis for Sailor E-7 and above.

All students will bring their authorized military PT gear to the course. PT is an integral part of the course and all students will participate. Any students on a physical profile must coordinate their profile with the lead trainer before the course begins.

SAFETY

Safe travel to and from the courier orientation course is imperative, and the foundation of a safe trip is based on the preparation that each individual makes. Consider the following, at a minimum, before beginning any trip, especially when driving long distances to Scott AFB:

Travel by car: Ensure you carefully check the mechanical condition of your car. Are your tires worn? Do you need an oil change or other fluids serviced? Do you have a spare tire and jack kit? Is your license, registration, and insurance current? Do you have blankets and the other components of a cold weather emergency kit if traveling during the winter? Do you have additional water when traveling during warmer months? Are you well rested for the trip and do you have a plan to make regular "pit stops" for rest along the way? Do you have backup maps in case your GPS system goes down? These are just a few items to consider before hitting the road to drive to the course. Be prepared.

Travel by plane: Make plans to ensure you will arrive at Scott AFB on the day/times indicated in the instructions above. Use your antiterrorism training when traveling by all means, but especially when traveling commercially. If you are not current on your AT level 1 training, or need a refresher, access the following link: https://atlevel1.dtic.mil/at/ . Always plan on arriving to the airport early for security inspections, check the airline's web site for limitations on baggage, and ensure whenever possible that you utilize the military clause that prevents additional baggage fees for members traveling on orders. Also, check the TSA site for the latest on travel rules and requirements: http://www.tsa.gov/ . In accordance with AT level 1 training, be wary of where you sit, how you are dressed, and with discussing your future training and duties in the courier division.

SUMMARY

The lead trainer will contact you for specific instructions and to relay and work with students for other factors related to attending the course.

If you have any questions, please contact the lead trainer, Ms. Kline, at DSN 622-4306, comm (301) 677-4306. If you cannot reach her, you may contact the courier division at DSN 770-2338, comm 618-220-2338, or by e-mail ustcj3-c-admin@ustranscom.mil.