Passports and the OH-1 DMAT
Recently several team members have come forward noting that their Passports are expired, expressing concern that they are NOT deployable. You must get your applications for replacement of expired U.S. Passports re-submitted ASAP. In the interim you remain deployable. As we have shared numerous times over the years – a U.S. Passport although note REQUIRED by HHS/NDMS …..AT THIS TIME, is highly recommended for ALL team members – with emphasis added.
e.g #1; If we had been deployed to American Samoa recently - shorter and more direct flights could have been arranged – if all deployed held current U.S. Passports. Without Passports - even changing planes would have been problematic because foreign soils would be involved and Passports are necessary in those situations.
e.g #2: If while deployed in a region say- of the US Territories for a disaster – and if a team member were to require definitive medical care not available in the DMAT – “closest point” definitive care might well be in a foreign country. NOT having a US Passport – complicates and even jeapordizes that option.
So it is highly recommended and you are all encouraged, again with emphasis added – to procure, update and maintain a US Passport. With the missions, focus and intent of HHS constantly evolving – the possibilities are ever increasing that we may in fact be charged with duties that will undoubtedly require possession of a U.S. Passport. As a Fed employee – and a conscientious citizen – a Passport is one more layer of secured government ID. NDMS at this time CANNOT mandate the possession of a Passport - but OH-1 wants to maintain a “go-team” posture with a footprint that can respond to any mission request that may come our way from the “pipeline”. To satsify these needs - all members are urged to voluntarily have in their possession a valid U.S. Passport or be in the process of procurement of the same.
Hope this clears up the muddy water somewhat. If you have any further questions, etc – contact any members of the TLG.