PRP program ensures Airmen are ready 24/7

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Stacy Moless
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The ability to be called upon at a moment's notice to perform the mission, whenever, wherever is a standard many of Minot's Airmen dedicate themselves to as a part of the Personal Reliability Program.

The PRP program is designed to ensure that each member who performs duties involving nuclear weapons meet certain criteria to guarantee the safety, security and reliability of nuclear asset.

There are two types of positions that require Airmen to be on the PRP program: critical and controlled. Critical positions are made up of missile combat crews, aircrew members, explosive ordnance disposal Airmen, and communications security personnel. Controlled positions consist of all armed security forces, logistics handler and transport personnel.

"The PRP office is responsible to all Airmen on certified PRP status," said 2nd Lt. Megan Graham. "Airmen on PRP status are to be physically competent, maintain mental alertness, and technical proficiency commensurate with all duty requirements. They must have dependability in accepting responsibilities and effectively performing in an approved manner."

According to the Lieutenant there are many steps in becoming PRP certified.

The first step is a personnel security investigation. The investigation is the determining factor for access to classified information, acceptance in the United States Armed Forces, assignments in sensitive duties and other designated duties.

"A Certified Medical assistant will review all personnel's medical and dental records that are becoming certified on PRP," 2nd Lt. Megan Graham said. "All documents pertaining to the behavior or conduct about the individual's reliability will be reviewed in extreme detail."

Lastly, a personal interview will be conducted with a certifying official to ensure the candidate meets all PRP requisites and is qualified for their position.

"Being PRP-certified is a large responsibility that falls on not just the member, but the member's supervisor to maintain," Lieutenant Graham said. "The supervisor of a PRP member must be aware of how problems, concerns and circumstances may reduce individual effectiveness and impair capability or reliability. A supervisor must be ready to monitor the reliability of subordinates and notify the squadrons PRP monitors of any problems that may interfere with the member's ability to be on PRP."

Minot's PRP program is just one more way to guarantee the safety, security and reliability of nuclear assets. The PRP office works diligently to educate and inform all its Airmen on the importance of maintaining and adhering to the strict guidelines of the program.

Bottom line, Minot's Airmen are ready to be called upon at a moment's notice.