The 12V Concept: What is this new system?

by LCol Jean-Luc Milot

   BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA, – 1 Wing, formerly “10 Tactical Air Group” has been and continues to be deeply involved in peacekeeping operations.

   In the years since 1986, this formation has carried out an almost uninterrupted series of missions. Moreover, air resources continue to be in great demand during domestic operations and natural disasters. Thus, squadrons 400, 408, 427, 430 and 438 have all participated in a number of operations within this country. These missions depend a great deal on the efforts of the individual members of these units.

   As a result, we have seen an almost continuous succession of deployments carried out by a tiny group of individuals who today find themselves with large numbers of medals but who are starting to feel the effects of these multiple deployments.

   In addition, many CF members are leaving the Forces, citing overly frequent deployments as their main reason. This left us with no choice but to innovate and find a means of relieving the pressure imposed on our members and their families. 1 Wing, in concert with 430 Squadron, examined the problem and managed to develop a new 12-month variable deployment concept, commonly known as the “12V”.

   Under 12V, squadrons will be required to cover all personnel requirements in theatre for an entire year, as opposed to the old system based on six months. 430 and 438 Tac Hel Sqn will shoulder responsibility for the first year of evaluation, while 427 and 400 Tac Hel Sqn will carry out this task during the second year.

   The unit will comprise two distinct groups: personnel deploying for six months, and personnel deploying for nominal stints of 56 days. Key personnel) (Commander, Deputy Commander, Chief Warrant Officer and Adjutant,, section heads and their assistants will continue to deploy for six months to ensure the continuity of operations and administrative follow-up.
All personnel of the two squadrons will be responsible for ensuring that the remaining unit positions are filled on a permanent basis. The abundance of 56-day deployment periods has enabled us to accommodate individual needs wherever possible. For example, a member whose spouse is expected to give birth in December has been able to adjust his deployments around the event. Another example involves a member who has charge of her children: she would not have been able to deploy for six months, but she managed to find a solution and deploy for two 56-day tours.

   The number of personnel unfit for deployment has plummeted from a percentage exceeding 30% to less than 5%. The greater numbers of available personnel has allowed us to consider the idea of limiting the bulk of our personnel to two 56-day deployments.

   Under the traditional deployment system, rotations were repeated every 12 months. Given the ever-diminishing numbers of available personnel, it became increasingly difficult to maintain this tempo. Under 12V, each unit assumes responsibility for one year, thereby doubling their rest time to two years before the next rotation. Barring a posting, the members of a unit therefore have two years ahead of them without deployment, an invaluable tool for motivating people.

   One other advantage of 12V is that it allows aircrews deploying for only 56 days to maintain their pilot qualifications, allowing them to use the periods between deployments to conduct manoeuvres that cannot be practised in theatre. As a result, they face a reduced training load upon returning from their missions.

   It is particularly important to understand that the 12V concept can only be applied to a mature theatre. In my opinion, a certain segment of deployed personnel should be required to complete a six-month tour in the same theatre before moving to the 12V option.

   In summary, our mission is currently being conducted in theatre without any appreciable change and as superbly as in the past. Morale in squadrons 430 and 438 and in theatre remains very high. This comes as a direct result of our shorter deployments, which has reduced the length of the separations suffered by our members. At present, all the evidence seems to indicate that the12-month variable deployment (12V) concept has been a resounding success.

   LCol Milot was the Commanding Officer of the Task Force Bosnia Herzegovina Helicopter Detachment on Roto 10.