Thursday, March 25, 2010

COMMENTARY>>Air Force leaders expand force management options

by Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affair

WASHINGTON – Air Force leaders announced Thursday an expansion of force management measures designed to bring the service closer to its authorized funded end strength. Fewer Airmen than anticipated applied for voluntary programs offered under Phase One of the force management program initiated in November of 2009. This has prompted expanded programs to encourage more Airmen to apply for separation or retirement by Sept. 1, 2010, or earlier.

Both officer and enlisted accessions will be reduced to meet mission requirements. Voluntary and involuntary initiatives also will be implemented as appropriate. Eligibility for these programs will vary by Air Force Specialty Code and years of service to ensure the Air Force has the right balance of skills needed to meet current and future mission requirements.

“Air Force retention is at a 15-year high,” said Brig. Gen. Sharon Dunbar, director of force management policy. “While this is tremendous testament to the dedication of our great Airmen, we now have more Airmen serving than our authorized, funded levels. We also have a number of career fields over-manned at the expense of other critical and stressed career fields. The challenge before us is to keep our force both sized and balanced within authorized, funded levels.”

In an attempt to limit the impact to Airmen who are currently serving, Air Force officials will adjust accessions. Decisions to reduce accessions will be based on career field manning and future growth.

Expanded officer measures include waiving active-duty service commitments in targeted year groups; waiving all but two years of commissioning commitments for Air Force Academy and ROTC graduates as well as waiving their education and scholarship recoupment costs; and lowering the Reserve obligation for Palace Chase transfers from a three-year commitment ratio to one year for each remaining year of ADSC.

This phase of the force management program also involves a Selective Early Retirement Board. The SERB will consider for early retirement Air Force colonels with four or more years time in grade and lieutenant colonels deferred for promotion at least twice. This board will convene July 19 to 23 to identify those who must retire by Jan. 1, 2011.

Officers with more than six and less than 12 years of commissioned service in specific career fields and year groups will be offered voluntary separation pay as a means to encourage their transition from active-duty service. Should this incentive fall short of encouraging the number of transitions needed, a reduction in force board will convene in September to identify officers for transition by April 1, 2011.

A force-shaping board also will convene at this time to identify officers with less than six years of commissioned service in designated career fields and year groups for continued retention or separation.

Enlisted force management measures have been expanded to include waiving time-in-grade and limited ADSCs for Airmen in non-critical, overage Air Force specialties and year groups; and waiving up to two years of four- and six-year enlistments for those in non-critical, overage specialties and year groups. Palace Chase transfers also are available for enlisted personnel with a one-to-one rather than a two-to-one year commitment.

Dates of separation rollback will result in early release of some Airmen with less than 14 years of service or more than 20 years of service who have declined training, failed initial training, declined retainability for an assignment or who have negative quality indicators.

Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and Department of Defense civilian hiring opportunities are open to all Airmen, officials said. Staffs at Airman and Family Readiness Centers host the Department of Labor Transition Assistance Program, offering Airmen vital information for a successful transition from the Air Force. Veterans also receive hiring preference for federal service and are eligible for GI Bill Programs.

“The Air Force has a long-standing tradition of offering comprehensive transition assistance programs,” General Dunbar said.

“It is important for our Airmen to know the full range of options and benefits available to them.”

Officials said if the current retention environment continues, personnel reduction actions will continue beyond fiscal year 2011.

For more information on force management options call the Total Force Service Center at 800-525-0102 or visit the Total Force Service Center Web site.

(Dan Elkins contributed to this article)

TOP STORY > >What is a supervisor?

By Master Sgt. John Schmidt
62nd Airlift Squadron first sergeant

In today’s Air Force of increased workloads, deployments, personal and professional demands, it’s imperative we each have a supervisor we can trust and respect. Are you the type of supervisor your subordinates can go to with their problems?

Supervisors at each level are at the very core of our Air Force successes, and sometimes our failures. They are singularly responsible for their subordinate’s professional growth, and that responsibility shouldn’t be taken lightly. We are taught as young Airmen to put faith in our supervisors to show us how to adapt to the Air Force way of life. All of us can remember the best supervisor from our past who took the time to show us the right way to process the paperwork, to maintain an aircraft and took personal interest in our success. Unfortunately, we also remember the supervisor that didn’t take the time to show us the correct way to do things, who ruled through rank and intimidation and failed to attain the earned authority that is so crucial to being a great supervisor.

It’s my belief all supervisors actually want to be great supervisors. I don’t believe there is a supervisor out there that wakes up and says, “Today I am going to go to work and fail my subordinates,” or “Today I am going to ignore the needs of my Airmen and their families.”

Supervisors at all levels need mentorship and leadership from those above them, from the youngest senior airman fresh out of Airman Leadership School, to the major who has been leading and supervising for his entire career. No matter your rank, if your supervisor isn’t actively taking an interest in your personal and professional growth, they are failing you.

Almost all discipline problems can be eliminated with the proper application of leadership. I mentioned that I don’t believe there is a supervisor who aims to be a bad supervisor on any given day. I also believe there is no subordinate who gets out of bed in the morning and states “today is the day I am going to get a DUI,” or “today is the day I am going to cause problems for my supervisor.” If your subordinates trust in you as their supervisor and as a leader in your organization, they will trust you with their most sensitive and personal problems. Supervisors need to know their subordinates well enough to know when they are having a bad day, know their personalities and be able to identify when there is a change in their behavior.

Would your subordinate trust you enough to call you if their plan fails after a night of drinking or will they decide it’s worth the risk of a DUI than to have to face you at 2 a.m. when you arrive to pick them up from the bar?

That is the trust I have been talking about, your subordinates need to know you care about them enough to crawl out of bed at 2 a.m. and drive 45 minutes to pick them up and ensure they make it home safely. But all too often, our Airmen voice an inability to trust their supervisor, first sergeant or commander would actually come pick them up without some form of retribution.

Therein lies the challenge we all face as members of the Air Force. If our subordinates don’t trust us enough to call for a ride home after a night of drinking, how are they going to trust us to discuss things even more personal in nature?

Supervisors at all levels need to earn the trust of their subordinates and that starts by showing a vested interest in their personal and professional lives. When they know you truly care about them not only as an Airman, but as a person as well, they will trust you when it matters most.

Leadership and supervision is the cornerstone to any successful organization. If you lead them properly, your Airmen will surprise you with their capabilities.

If you foster their growth and take pride in their successes our Air Force will continue to be the best Air Force in the world.

COMMENTARY>>Women’s history is our history

By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing, command chief

 As we recognize Women’s History Month throughout March, it’s important to celebrate the unique contributions women have and continue to make in our nation and world.

I am glad we have observances where we acknowledge the sum parts that make us a collection of diverse Americans. For many years we didn’t truly reflect on the contribution of women.

They have been our nurturers, in-home physicians, guidance counselors and community leaders. Yet, as a nation, women weren’t allowed to vote in elections until 1920. One thing that I admire about our country is our ability to look at ourselves and make adjustments.

Some of my greatest life lessons have come from gaining the perspective of a woman. I believe we do ourselves a disservice when we don’t open ourselves up to diverse points of view. Whether you believe men are from Mars and women are from
Venus isn’t the issue; the main thing is we appreciate the point of view someone who is different from us has. Just look at how our country has grown because we have included women and other groups in our grand dialogue.

Women have gone from not being able to vote, to being viewed as viable candidates for the most challenging positions our country has to offer. This time of reflection is beyond Women’s History Month, I submit it’s about challenging yourself to get to know and better understand someone who is not like you.

The first simple fact is that without women, none of us would be here. I think that’s enough to be grateful for. Our strength is our diversity. You can see it all over the world how countries that exclude parts of their population struggle internally and externally. So never forget that we are a better nation because we truly understand women’s history is our history.

Combat Airlift!

TOP STORY > >C-130E completes its last combat mission

By Airman 1st Class Allison Boehm
332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – After 47 years of service, a C-130E completed its last combat mission while in Iraq. Upon reaching its total aircraft hours of more than 33,220, the Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. aircraft was retired.

“It’s a very sad day when an aircraft retires,” said Capt. Bradley Allen, 777th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer in charge. “A lot of people over many years have put in hard work and countless hours to maintain the aircraft - to see this one go, especially since it is a good flyer, it is a sad day.”

Although days away from retirement, tail 9813 remained vital to the mission as its last few hours of flight were spent over Iraq on an air drop mission. As the C-130 soared of Iraq cargo pallets of supplies were pushed out the aircraft to aid servicemembers across the AOR.

Previously, the aircraft served in many different roles such as humanitarian missions, airlift transport of troops and equipment, and operations during Desert Storm.

Even though tail 9813 was a noted “good flyer” it flew the amount of hours its airframe was intended for and reached its service life.

“Some aircraft are old, and they have done their job and have done it well,” said Capt. Bradley Buinicky, 777th Expeditionary Aircraft Squadron C-130 co-pilot. “Most of them are from 1962 to 1972 and flew in the Vietnam War. So there is a lot of heritage involved in each airframe and each tail specifically.”

Despite the aircraft’s age and even though it was heavily flown, tail 9813 was able to achieve a milestone in the maintenance arena by earning a “black letter initial” in 2007. The aircraft went with no open maintenance issues that entire year and was rated a perfect aircraft; ready for flight.

Such an honor is a reflection on every crew member that turned a wrench or inspected tail 9813, said Captain Allen.

Tail 9813 will now join more than 4,000 other aircraft at the aerospace maintenance and regeneration center, otherwise known as “the boneyard,” at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

COMMENTARY>>COMMANDER’S ACTION LINE

Keeping the playgrounds clean

Question: I think having all the playgrounds on base is a wonderful thing. However, they really need to be washed and sprayed for insects. The ones by the base lake have spider webs and hornets nests. The playground near the teen center is dirty; the one by the track is not bad, it just needs to be cleaned. I love getting my kids out to the playground, I just don’t want to worry about spiders and hornets while my kids play.

Answer: Thank you for your inquiry into the condition of Little Rock Air Force Base’s playground equipment. With the onset of spring, pests and insects are beginning to reestablish themselves. With the Air Force Family at the forefront of our minds, we are dispatching our civil engineers to power wash these pieces of equipment. However, for safety reasons, we are not able to spray pesticides in areas where children may come into contact with the chemicals. Thanks again for your input.

COMMENTARY>>TEAM LITTLE ROCK SCORECARD

The 314th Operations Group is the Department of Defense Formal Training Unit, providing C-130E, C-130J and C-21 initial and mission qualification training to personnel from all services and 38 allied nations. They execute an annual flying-hour program of 15,576 hours. Their active duty and civilian instructors teach ground and flight training in 36 courses including the use of night vision goggles, formation flying and precision airdrop for more than 1,900 aircrew members to support overseas contingency operations.

While they track numerous metrics to assess and monitor their performance, it all comes down to how far ahead or behind they are in student production. The 19th Air Force considers an average of less than five days behind as “on time.”

As of March 16 the FTUs
are all on time

C-130E: 1 day ahead

C-130J: 3 days behind

C-21: 3 days ahead

Current as of Monday

COMMENTARY>>C-130 Summit report

By Col. Kirk Lear
314th Airlift Wing vice commander

At the Pope Air Force Base, N.C., C-130 Summit this past week, active duty, Reserve Command and Air National Guard leaders, both fliers and maintainers, discussed their part in helping steer the Air Force’s C-130 community in the next few years. In no specific order, here are a few topics worth sharing with those of you teaching, producing and employing Combat Airlift for our nation:

Increased C-130J programmed flying training: The C-130J pilots and loadmasters that our 48th Airlift Squadron trains (and 314th Maintenance Group produces) are in high demand. Requirements for 314th Airlift Wing graduates will soar as the Air Force’s “slick” C-130J fleet expands more than 200 percent in the next six years. The 48th Airlift Squadron will grow from seven to 14 aircraft to support increased training requirements. Moreover, Air Force Special Operations Command is getting many new specialized J-models, too. As with their “Legacy”/older model crews, those AFSOC fliers will get their first introduction to the C-130J here before completing training in New Mexico. Finally, the international community has increasing interest in the “J,” and in the past year alone, more countries have asked to buy them; in several cases, the Air Force is arranging for some of these new J-owners to train their flyers and maintainers here at The Rock.

In short, the C-130J PFT is expanding rapidly, and the Air Force is growing Little Rock’s infrastructure - another J-model sim, new classroom space at our Center of Excellence, updated squadron and maintenance facilities, plus more C-130J aircraft, instructor crews and maintainers -- to ensure we are right-sized to support this “boom.”

C-130E programmed flying training: Arkansas’ 189th Airlift Wing is well into its multi-year transition from the C-130E to the C-130 avionics modernization program configuration, and continues to be instrumental in the initial development and testing of this substantially updated aircraft that streamlines our C-130H2/2.5/3 configurations. As its day-to-day training mission swaps to training “AMP” across an expected Air Force fleet of 221 aircraft, we’ll surely see changes in “who does what” at the Rock – the 189th, 314th and 19th Airlift Wings are working with headquarters at Air Education and Training Command, Air Mobility Command, Air Force Reserve Command and Air National Guard to find the right balance. With an even more diverse maintenance and crew force than we currently have (E/H, AMP and J), new squadrons and a revised mission for the 62nd Airlift Squadron are possible.

Maintenance challenges to an aging and diverse C-130 airlift fleet. Made more difficult by a heavy deployment schedule, our maintainers are challenged with reduced manpower, supply constraints, and demanding major inspection and modification schedules. Air Force Smart Operations 21 “lean” methodology will soon streamline inspections, reducing aircraft down time, and Congress is considering retiring all the oldest C-130E models a year ahead of schedule.

But even preceding such initiatives, our maintenance professionals yield remarkable mission effective rates on our old jets, better even than those for some much newer aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory.

The C-130 Summit attendees left Pope with a better understanding of Combat Airlift’s roadmap, and enthusiastic about our ability to meet the mission.

Tough obstacles for maintenance and operations? The attendees know “we will overcome,” as always.

Not enough “capacity” for new C-130 students? Training innovations and new ways of doing business will get us there.

Reserve, Guard and active-duty airlifters stepped out of the Summit reinvigorated to “get ‘er done,” sure that Little Rock’s nearly three-decade-long Total Force partnership is flexing to meet the challenge.

COMMENTARY>>Peace is not absence of conflict

By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing, command chief

In an environment where we are challenged on many levels, how do we maintain peace in our lives? Issues such as armed conflict, financial instability and health concerns can literally bring a person to their knees if not managed correctly. I am a firm believer each one of us can be of assistance to those around us as we face the twist and turns that life sends our way.

The reality of life is there will always be ups and downs, yet if we’ve established good support networks, the lows don’t have to be so low. Several years ago, I worked in a section where someone committed suicide. It was devastating to all that had to continue on. I truly believe if this person had realized how much help they had around them, they may have made a different choice. I’m sure just about everyone reading this article has something in their life that they consider a challenge. Now I want you internalize the fact that you can still have peace as you navigate your situation.

There are many services available to assist those in need. For example, Military One Source has a host of counseling options available for people who may just need to vent or receive a different perspective. There is also a great degree of confidentiality with their services. I can also tell you our chaplains are great in addressing life situations. The bottom line is you can still have peace in the midst of conflict.

Peace comes from knowing that we will do all we can to help you when needed. It also comes from the fact that you are part of a helping community. We are not here to judge each other, but to support one another. My challenge to you is to take the time to really look at those around you and be ready to help if needed. Never forget peace is not the absence of conflict, but how you still move forward despite your challenges.

Combat Airlift!

COMMENTARY>>AMC commander: ‘Air Mobility Airmen continue to answer call’

By Gen. Raymond E. Johns, Jr.
Air Mobility Command commander

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – When the President announced 30,000 more U.S. troops were needed in Afghanistan, it was no surprise that mobility Airmen would play a major role in helping make this a reality. In fact, many of you at home and abroad have already worked overtime to ensure the first wave of troops reached Afghanistan safely and quickly.

Without affecting your day-to-day operations, you have already airlifted 3,711 U.S. Marines into Afghanistan’s area of operations. Although AMC’s continued efforts will likely require the full complement of our available airlifters and tankers, I am very aware it’s not just the iron, but our Total Force Airmen and civilians who make the mission happen. You have been working at an incredible pace for the past eight years, and now your country is once again asking to “surge” so we may defeat those who oppose our freedom.

When I assumed command, I said I couldn’t be prouder to be your commander. I was wrong. These past few months, I have experienced this command’s global mission first hand, and I can now say with confidence that I grow prouder of you each and every day. Please know, I thank you and your families for all you continue to do every day to safely and smartly deliver on our promise to provide Unrivaled Global Reach for America ... Always.

TOP STORY > >Security forces emphasizes requirements for handling privately-owned firearms

By Staff Sgt. Juan Torres
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

With the availability of firearms and ammunition at the new Base Exchange, potential and current owners should be aware of base requirements for transporting and storing privately owned firearms ammunition.

“Command and control is much easier when security forces knows exactly who is armed.” said Maj. Timothy McCarty, 19th Security Forces Squadron commander. “It is important to comply not only because it is the law and required, but most importantly because it enables security forces to better provide a safe and secure environment for Team Little Rock members to live and work.”

According to LRAFB 31-101, privately owned weapons may be brought on base for the purpose of transportation to and from authorized storage facilities, purchase or sale, collector display events, game hunting and to or from authorized sporting events requiring their use.

Weapons will be transported in the trunk or camper of the vehicle. The only exception is if the vehicle is a pickup truck and does not have a camper or if the vehicle is a hatchback; then, the firearm may be transported on the front passenger floorboard out of the reach of the driver to the greatest extent possible.

All weapons will be unloaded while being transported and ammunition and firearms will be kept separate when possible. Weapons will not be transported on motorcycles, bicycles or any other two or three-wheeled vehicles. Firearms will not be stored in such a manner as to appear to be concealed including under seats.

If stopped by security forces personnel for any reason, to include traffic stops or base entry pointcheck, the driver must immediately inform the member of the location and amount of firearms or weapons being transported. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action against the driver.

According to guidelines, concealed weapons permits are not valid on Little Rock Air Force Base. Personnel must have the installation commander’s written approval to carry firearms on their person.

Cefus Benner, 19th Security Forces Squadron supervisory police officer, said that under U.S. Code: Title 18, Chapter 44, Section 930: Possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in federal facilities, “the base is considered federal property not unlike a postal office.” Persons not complying with base regulations face certain penalties.

“If you are a civilian and get caught, you will be escorted off base, and risk being banned from the installation,” he said.

“Military members who are caught may face action under Article 92 of the UCMJ, failure to obey order or regulation.”

Possession of firearms are prohibited in dormitories, transient quarters, or billeting. Personnel residing in unaccompanied officer’s quarters or NCO and Airmen dormitories will not have firearms in their rooms or any other place in such quarters.

Arrangements to store such items will be made or provided by the individual’s unit commander or the 19th Security Forces Squadron armory for firearms and ammunition only.

The security forces armory does not have room to store personally owned weapons. Under no circumstances will firearms be stored in vehicles. AAFES customers purchasing firearms from the Base Exchange should be aware of base regulations when preparing to make purchases.

“When purchasing firearms, customers are required to review the base commander’s policy letter and sign a form which says they understand the requirement,” said Roberto Montalvo, Little Rock AFB Base Exchange store manager. AAFES policy also states there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period between the purchase of firearms and ammunition. Mr. Montalvo also added customers also receive a trigger lock to assist in securing their firearm at the time of purchase.

For more information about the Little Rock AFB firearms policy, call 19th Security Forces Squadron, police services section at 987-2272.

(Courtesy of 19th Security Forces Squadron)

TOP STORY > >Fitness center personnel offer five-star service

By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Clace
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The Air Force’s physical training standards recently changed to better prepare Airmen for the physical challenges they face with today’s combat mission and the base fitness center has been there to offer its support along the way.

On March 11, the 19th Force Support Squadron sports and fitness center was presented the Air Force Five-Star Fitness Center Recognition Award for the sixth consecutive year.

According to Staff Sgt. Alecia Dunmire, a 19th FSS front desk supervisor, winning the five-star award was a team effort because the categories they’re judged on to earn the award pertain to every aspect of the fitness center.

The categories are operations, programs, training, facilities and customer service.

“Five Stars is as good as you can be. This is not an arbitrary measurement; there are actually no-kidding standards that you have to meet at every level to be Five Star,” said Col. George Risse, 19th Mission Support Group commander. “You have to be 90 percent in each category to be considered [for this award].”

During the presentation, Colonel Risse addressed the fitness center personnel and encouraged them to continue striving to be a five-star facility.

“The emphasis on a new physically fit culture within the Air Force is going to make your five-star capability that much more important,” said Colonel Risse. “It’s very difficult for other organizations to actually measure their level of effort, to say that they’ve achieved the top level of recognition every year, now their sixth year running.”

The fitness center offers a wide variety of programs to military personnel, retirees and their families. Some of their aerobics classes include, water aerobics, Yoga and Pilates, Burn Hour, Zumba, Judo, Ab Attack, Vital 90, Power Circuit, Anything Goes, Silver Steppers, Spin and Pre and Post Natal classes.

For the latest fitness center news, visit www.19fss.com/FitnessCenter.htm

Thursday, March 11, 2010

COMMENTARY>>Families gain access to free, online tutoring

By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – Defense Department officials here launched a free, online tutoring service for servicemembers and their families.

The site – http://www.tutor.com/military – offers round-the-clock professional tutors who can assist with homework, studying, test preparation, resume writing and more.

Marine Corps and Army families have had access to the program for more than a year. Seeing the value, DOD officials decided to expand the service to encompass all servicemembers and their families, officials said.

“Providing ‘24/7’ academic and career support for military families during a time when so many parents have a deployed spouse has been an important and well-received benefit for Marine Corps and Army families,” said Tommy T. Thomas, the deputy undersecretary of Defense for military community and family policy.

“We are pleased to expand this program to all U.S. military families and provide peace of mind that their children are never alone when it comes to learning -- there is always a certified, professional tutor available to help,” he said.

Active-duty servicemembers, Guard and Reserve members on active duty in a deployed status, DOD civilians in a deployed status and their dependents are eligible to participate, officials said. Along with test preparation, the site is open to students of any age, from kindergartners to high school seniors, for one-on-one help in math, science, social studies and English.

Many of these students, officials said, are making the most of the live, one-on-one help.

“Thanks for having this service when our family is separated at this time due to deployments and training,” a 6th grader of a Marine commented. “My father is unable to help one-on-one.”

“I really appreciate this,” a 9th grader, said. “It really helps me understand my schoolwork. It’s going to really help me ace my exams coming up. I am definitely going to use this very often.”

Tutor.com’s network includes more than 1,800 professional tutors and career specialists who have delivered more than 5 million one-on-one tutoring sessions since 2001, officials said. Each tutor is certified through the site, and all sessions are recorded for quality control.

COMMENTARY>>Team Little Rock award winners

The following Team Little Rock members received Air Mobility Command or Air Education and Training Command awards for their outstanding accomplishments and professional achievements supporting C-130 Combat Airlift.

Senior Airman Jacqueline Kupetz, 62nd Airlift Squadron, was named the AETC 2009 Staff Sgt. Henry E. “Red” Erwin Outstanding Career Enlisted Aviator of the Year in the Airman Category.

Staff Sgt. Chris Willis, 19th Airlift Wing, won first place in the 2009 AMC Media Contest with a photograph submitted for the feature photography category.

Tech. Sgt. Wendi Wallace, 50th Airlift Squadron, was named the 2009 AMC Flight Safety NCO of the Year.

Virgil Moore, 19th OSS, received the 2009 AMC Airfield Management Training Achievement Award.

The crew of Arrow 96, 48th Airlift Squadron, was selected to receive the AETC Lieutenant General William H. Tunner Award.

The crew members were: Maj. James McAlevey, 314th Operations Group standardization and evaluation pilot; Royal Canadian Air Force Capt. David Snow, student pilot; Master Sgt. Patrick Carter, 714th Training Squadron, NCO-in-charge student training instructor loadmaster; and Airman 1st Class James Year, 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein, Germany. According to Col. C. K. Hyde, 314th Airlift Wing commander, Major McAlevey and his crew demonstrated the highest qualities of airmanship and leadership during an in-flight emergency.

The 19th Security Forces Squadron was named AMC Outstanding Security Forces Medium Unit for 2009. The 19th SFS has a diverse force makeup consisting of active duty, civilian guards, Department of the Air Force officers and Air Force Reserve component volunteer’s. Security forces members performed a wide range of duties in 2009 including close precision engagement, K-9 patrols, convoys, detainee operations, aircraft protection, Afghan and Iraq police training and presidential support.

(From compiled reports)

COMMENTARY>>C-130 SCHOOL GRADUATES

E-Model

Pilot Requalification

Maj. James Mallory

March 1

Pilot Mission Qualification

1st Lt. Robert Ano

1st Lt. Brian Robichaux

March 1

1st Lt. James Walker

March 2

1st Lt. Daniel Oldham

March 3

1st Lt. Harrison Sumerall

March 4

Pilot Instructor Course

Capt. Kyle Bucher

Feb. 24
Capt. Ryan Polcar

March 5

Pilot Transition Course

Capt. Matthew Taylor

March 3

Loadmaster Instructor Course

Staff Sgt. John Holcombe

March 1

Tech. Sgt. Chris Minnifield

Staff Sgt. Matthew Marschall

March 2

Staff Sgt. Renea Johnston

March 4

Loadmaster Mission Qualification

Airman 1st Class Christopher Hessler

Feb. 19

Airman 1st Class Kevin Long

Feb. 24

Airman 1st Class Jeremy Burgess

Feb. 25

Lance Cpl. Ryan Sunderland

Pfc. Douglas Burnett Jr.

March 2

Tech. Sgt. Allen Culbreth

Airman 1st Class Penny Clayburg

Airman 1st Class Kyle Swenson

March 4

Senior Master Sgt. Samuel Fredrick

Airman 1st Class Kimberly Derda

March 5

Navigator Mission Qualification

2nd Lt. Oriana Scruggs

March 1

2nd Lt. Jeremiah Burleson

March 3

2nd Lt. Nicholas Radloff

March 8

Flight Engineer Instructor Course

Petty Officer 2nd Class James Bastick

March 5

J-Model

Loadmaster Transition Course

Master Sgt. Jeffrey Berry

Feb. 26

Tech. Sgt. Charles Skidemore

March 2

Pilot Initial Qualification Course

2nd Lt. Seth Lake

2nd Lt. Joshua Lee

March 1

1st Lt. Jeffrey Furnary

March 3

Pilot Transition Course

Maj. Christopher Dickens

COMMENTARY>>Lorenz on Leadership – the solid foundation

By Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz
Air Education and Training Command
commander

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Our Air Force has more than 175,000 civilian employees spread across the globe. In fact, they make up more than 25 percent of our authorized Total Force end strength. The civilian force fills an ever-increasing role in daily mission accomplishment, especially as we’ve experienced personnel reductions over the past 20 years and, many would argue, no decrease in operational requirements. In reality, we are busier than ever ... and our civilian workforce makes it all possible.

Each of you know many civilian employees. They are the glue that holds our Air Force together and the stability that our organizations rely on. Through the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to depend on the counsel and wisdom of hundreds of civilians. Time won’t permit me to reflect upon all of them, but let me highlight three senior service civilians that made a positive difference in my life.

The first one I’ll tell you about is Art Sarris. I first met Mr. Sarris when I was a captain stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. A veteran of the Army Air Corps during World War II, Mr. Sarris began his civil service career in 1946 and worked his way through the logistics ranks until he became the senior civilian employee in Air Force Logistics Command in 1974.

Despite his significant responsibilities, Mr. Sarris took time to mentor me. He explained current issues and challenges, and helped me see them through his eyes. Not only did I have an immediate respect for his tenured wisdom, but understanding his senior perspective early in my career proved invaluable throughout mine. Mr. Sarris also helped me gain a newfound appreciation for the thousands of civilians working at the Air Logistics Centers across the country. After all, their efforts directly enabled the daily combat capability of our force then, just as they continue to do today.

I met many more amazing civilians during the next 30 years, but the next I’d like to talk about is Roger Blanchard. When I met him, he was the assistant deputy chief of staff for personnel at the Pentagon. Roger started his civil service as an intern at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, in 1973 and diligently worked his way through the personnel ranks. When our paths crossed, I was the director of the Air Force budget and marveled at how many sought his counsel, including service secretaries and chiefs of staff.

You see, Roger had no personal agenda and his advice always reflected deep thought. He worked problems, not personalities.

Not surprisingly, Roger was a quiet person. As a result, whenever he spoke, people turned their heads to listen. They knew they were about to hear something thoughtful, relevant and valuable. Through him, my respect for those personnelists throughout our force increased each and every day. After all, it’s their expertise (in an often thankless field) that supports our greatest resource, all of us.

The last civilian I’ll highlight is Bob Stuart. Bob was my deputy director of the Air Force budget during my most recent time at the Pentagon. When I got to the job, I was in need of some help. My Air Force experience up to that point focused mainly on aircraft operations, not the budget process. I was Bob’s fourth director he had worked for as a deputy. He had worked in finance at the Pentagon for more than 30 years and he provided the stability that the organization relied on each and every day.

Bob was always thinking ahead. In fact, it was his vast knowledge that helped guide the budget office. I’ve often thought that Bob’s influence far exceeded what it would have been had he been the boss. In the end, Bob did as the others had done. He left me with a great respect for all those financial managers and an appreciation for their daily impact on the Air Force mission.

These three civilians are examples of the thousands who make up our Air Force team today. They are invaluable experts whose hard work and good, honest feedback help us all learn and improve. Although the advice may not always be something we want to hear, such counsel is what everyone should expect. After all, in most cases our civilian force has probably seen the pitfalls and potential second-and third-order consequences of our “well-intentioned” decisions before. Such vision only helps all of us make better informed decisions for our organizations.

We can’t be the finest Air Force in the world without our civil servants. They are the foundation that we rely on each and every day to do our jobs. Take time to appreciate their impact and thank them for making such a positive difference for our Air Force team.

COMMENTARY>>TEAM LITTLE ROCK SCORECARD

The leaders of the 314th Maintenance Group focus on the metrics in the table below, along with other key indicators, to determine how well they’re meeting their mission objective, to provide expertly maintained, mission-ready aircraft to support training of the world’s best C-130E combat airlifters to fly, fight and win. They use these metrics to help identify problem areas and focus improvement efforts to ensure the best possible support to the 314th Airlift Wing’s C-130 aircrew training mission.

Mission capable rates are an assessment of an aircraft’s ability to perform its assigned peacetime or wartime mission(s).

Availability rates are the degree to which one can expect an aircraft to work properly when it is required. Abort rates are the number of air aborts plus ground aborts occurring per total number of sorties.

The MC rates, AA rates, and abort rates are current from Jan. 1 to March 9.

MC Rate MC Standard

C-130E 79.7 percent 75 percent

C-130J 83.8 percent 80 percent

AA Rate AA Standard

C-130E 17 percent 15 percent

C-130J 5.7 percent 5.2 percent

Abort Rate Abort Standard

C-130E 12.9 percent 13 percent

C-130J 5.2 percent 5 percent

Current as of Monday

COMMENTARY>>Triumph after the trial

By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing, command chief

Last week, I wrote about overcoming the mountains in your life as you run your race. Mountains represent challenges that can knock or slow you down while you endeavor to complete your goals. The difference between growing personally and professionally is how we handle the trials in our lives.

I believe trials are not there to stop us, but to reveal how resolute we are in regards to finishing what we started. Many people give up on themselves and their dreams because things become difficult. I submit to you that nothing worth having will come easy. So what do you do when things get tough in life? Do you dig in or give up?

One of the first things to be mindful of is there will be tough days along our road of life. Yet, I have come to understand there is much in the way of support and assistance if you look around you. My hope is that you have or are developing a network of people who are supportive. They will be like a gas station along your road, providing much-needed fuel through encouragement and counsel when trials come your way.

Overcoming trials takes fortitude, and it also develops a story that will encourage others who may be facing challenges in their lives. Have you shared your story of triumph with others? If you haven’t I encourage you to do so. Some people have given up on themselves because they felt like they were the only one going through something. Each of us has the ability to help someone move from hopelessness to hopeful.

Remember it’s important you stay focused, because no one can finish your life narrative but you. Also, it’s not how many times you fall down, but how many times you get up. I believe in the fighter that lives within you, so continue to climb that mountain.

Combat Airlift!

TOP STORY > >Base loses fellow defender, war dog

On March 6, the 19th Security Forces Squadron lost a fellow defender, war dog and 9-year veteran of the United States Air Force.
Military working dog, Uran, was euthanized following an irreversible injury sustained during patrol training.

Uran had a distinguished career as an explosive detector dog while assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base. Uran deployed five times in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. His search efforts resulted in four explosive finds along Iraqi roadways during the initial surge in the spring of 2003, aiding U.S. Army infantry units to converge on Baghdad.

His skills were repeatedly employed by the United States Secret Service in protection of Presidents Barack Obama and George Bush, vice presidents Joseph Biden and Richard Cheney and Gov. Sarah Palin on 20 occasions. Uran’s assignments ensured Air Force One, motorcade routes, hotels and other key venues were cleared of potential hazards for the safety of high level dignitaries.

Uran’s capabilities and training illustrated the strength of Combat Airlift and Homeland Security by clearing bomb threats in Bryant, Jacksonville, Conway and Lonoke County. His camaraderie resonated among local law enforcement, the Arkansas community and the seven handlers who had the opportunity to work alongside such a valuable security forces member.

His zest for life will be dearly missed by the men and women of the 19th SFS.

(Courtesy of 19th Security Forces Squadron)

Thursday, March 4, 2010

COMMENTARY>>How’s your faith lately?

By Lt. Col. John Vaughn
48th Airlift Squadron commander

No, I’m not talking about your spiritual faith – although that’s certainly an important aspect of life. I’m talking about the faith you have in your leadership. Are you on your leadership’s team? Can they count on you to promote their ideas as if they were your own?

I remember as a young captain, I thought I knew it all. I couldn’t believe some of the mistakes my commanders made! Couldn’t they see how dumb that was? If I were running things ... things would be different.

Now I’m a commander, and I sit on the other side of that desk. I’m sure I face different problems than they did, but many are probably the same, and now I understand. Decisions aren’t easy. Many must be made at the expense of something else. As a captain, I just had no idea what the implications or repercussions of each decision might be. I only saw things from my own point of view.

As I’ve grown older – and been fortunate enough to be promoted a couple times – I’ve come to realize that I don’t know it all.

People are not perfect, and neither are most decisions.

Often, they involve compromise and imperfect information. Your shift supervisor does his or her best to set up a fair work schedule. It may not always turn out perfectly. Trust me; they would make it perfect if they could. But my question to you is, “How do you react?” Like I did when I was younger? Or do you recognize that they’re good people doing their best with what they have? While this week’s schedule might not be perfect, you can bet they’ll do their best to make sure everything’s fair in the end.

You might ask, “But what about critical thinking? If we never question the way we do things, how will they ever get better?”

Critical thinking executed perfectly is a wonderful thing.

The key to that statement is “executed perfectly.” There’s a time to bring up potential solutions and a time to salute smartly and move on. You can still be loyal when you challenge – it’s all about how you do it. Challenging privately is best. But publicly, we should all strive to make our leaders’ decisions our own. No one ever agrees with everything; that’s part of being human. So is making mistakes – I know because I still make them.

A couple thoughts that have served me well: always look for a better way to do things, but once a decision is made, support it as your own and move on; have some faith in your leadership; and above all else, have a little patience.

Your supervisors are good people making the best decisions they can, often in difficult situations. Who knows? One day you might just be one of them. It happened to that young captain.

COMMENTARY>>Run your race

By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing, command chief

We know that no two people are exactly the same, so I take that to say that each of us is the only one who can finish our race.

It’s so important that you look at each day as an opportunity to move closer to fully exploiting your talents. When you use this approach everyone around you will benefit from the unique perspective you carry within you.

Running your race requires you to have perseverance. I reflect on the great American cyclist Lance Armstrong who won the Tour de France seven years in a row. Most years when they were on flat surfaces the other competitors would be ahead in the race. Yet Lance would point to the mountains and say that’s where the race is won. You see all of us have mountains in our lives that we must conquer to finish our race. I encourage each of you to do like Lance and see the mountain as a place where all your preparation will cause you to overcome the challenge ahead.

Some of the greatest moments of growth come during the moments of challenge in life. The challenge is not the time to quit or even stop; conversely it’s a time to dig deeper to get to that place where rarified air can be breathed in. Remember there is no one like you, so your road may take you down a different path than others. On the end of your travels you will reflect on those who helped you along the way as well as you helping others yourself.

Don’t be discouraged, don’t give up, and don’t give out because we all need to benefit from your unique talent and skill set.

You climb a mountain one step at a time, and I see many of you doing it daily through education, fitness and training. Thanks for allowing me to run my race with you all.

Combat Airlift!

COMMENTARY>>Updating the 987-HERK line information

Question: I was writing in regard to the 987-HERK line information. During the snow days, I noticed there seemed to be a lack of up-to-date information placed on the HERK line. I live on the back side of Cabot and at 5:30 a.m. Monday the schools had cancelled. I called the HERK line where it listed the base in delayed reporting and to check back after 6:30 a.m. for updates. At 8 and 9 a.m. I called back and had not been updated with any new status.

Monday evening my school district cancelled school for Tuesday. I called the HERK line at 8 p.m. to see what Tuesday’s reporting status would be. The HERK line still was stating that Monday was mission-essential personnel only and update would be at 6 p.m. Around 10 p.m., I received a call instructing delayed reporting for 10 a.m., and based upon that information I did not call the HERK line the next morning before I left. I arrived at work to find out the base was now delayed reporting of noon.

At 10 a.m., most of my unit was showing up and we were notified by our supervision that the base is now mission-essential only.

I feel we need to do a better job of ensuring the HERK line is up to date and accurate. In addition, if we state that an update will be made after a certain time, then we need to follow through and change the information. Thank you for your time on this issue.

Answer: Thank you for addressing this concern. It’s a frustration I believe was shared by many during the three days of inclement weather. First, the good news up front - the issue with the HERK line has been resolved.

The HERK line was only set up with one active recording. It could be initially updated with instructions for delayed reporting because this occurred very early in the morning, before base personnel started calling in. However, as base personnel began to call the HERK line for updated information, a mechanical issue caused the voicemail box to constantly be in use; therefore, it couldn’t be updated, despite the efforts made by the command post.

Upon returning to regular operating hours on Feb. 10, our 19th Communications Squadron technicians shop began to troubleshoot the HERK line voicemail setup in coordination with technical support from the vendor. They engineered a work-around to provide four additional greeting slots that could be prerecorded with new information and activated as the primary greeting when new information or decisions became available. This should permanently resolve difficulty with updating HERK line weather information.

Again, thank you for bringing this matter to my attention. Combat Airlift!

TOP STORY > >Airmen polish skills with FBI, OSI

With today’s evolving threats, security forces must be ready for anything and everything.

The 19th Security Forces Squadron conducted joint training with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Weapons and
Tactics team and the Air Force Office of Special Investigation, Det. 327, Feb. 24 to 26 at Little Rock Air Force Base.

Joint training with local counterparts is essential as Team Little Rock relies on several local and federal agencies during crisis situations.

“This training is crucial for security forces members,” said Master Sgt. Keith Gray, 19th SFS superintendant of intelligence. “By training to mitigate an active shooter situation on Little Rock Air Force Base, we’re able to minimize the loss of life to the base populace.”

The primary purpose of the joint training exercise centered on how to respond, engage and neutralize an active shooter on base and how to conduct hostage negotiations.

In preparation for the final exercise, 12 security forces members trained alongside 20 FBI agents and five OSI agents for three days.

The 19th SFS provided the FBI SWAT team access to base firing ranges for SWAT scenario, qualification training and raid operations in the housing subdivision “The Landings.”

On the second day of training, FBI agents hosted the 19th SFS at the Philips Building in downtown Little Rock to conduct search and clearing training.

Eight hours of scenario-based joint training included clearing a two-story abandoned office building. While clearing the Philips Building, training became extremely realistic when simulated munitions rounds were fired back by “perpetrators.”

“It’s nearly impossible to predict reactions in a real-world active shooter event; however, using simulated munitions sure does make training much more realistic,” said Sergeant Gray.

Simulated munitions require detailed planning, and communicating to successfully accomplish the mission.

The final day of training tested security forces members ability to respond, coordinate and communicate not only internally but externally as well.

The 19th SFS started with an active shooter in Bldg. 272 the 19th SFS responded to neutralize the threat while notifications to OSI were made.

During the scenario, one of the “perpetrators” took hostages, causing OSI agents to request a crisis negotiation team and FBI SWAT team.

“Training with OSI and the FBI (agents) improves the ability to defend and protect Air Force people and assets by adding another skill set to all security forces members (for a task that) used to be mainly employed by a select few of the Security Forces Emergency Services Team,” said Sergeant Gray.

The scenario took nearly three hours from start to finish, culminating in a dynamic entry by SWAT with SF and OSI to neutralize the hostage taker and clear the facility of all personnel.

(Courtesy of the 19th Security Forces Squadron)