Congressional staffer returns to squadron he once commanded

by Tech. Sgt. Travis Edwards
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

2/20/2015 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- A professional staff member from the House Armed Services Committee sat with Ramstein commanders Feb. 20, 2015, during a European tour to learn and discuss future European consolidation, which included a stop at the 435th Air Ground Operation Wing's Construction and Training Squadron -- a squadron he once commanded.

Michael Miller, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, led the squadron of approximately 275 Airmen, civilians and German local nationals from 2010 through 2012.

"It's really nice to be back here at my old stomping grounds at the 435th CTS. I'm excited to hear the command has looked at the CTS to, hopefully, fulfill some of the [European Reassurance Initiative]-related requirements," said Miller. It's great to see [U.S. Air Forces in Europe] use and maintain this great capability."

Miller's visit included many stops across Germany and a multitude of other American bases in Europe, including the new transit center in Romania. However, his focus for the visit was to gain military perspective on European infrastructure consolidation, the ERI and how it might affect the European theater of operations.

"What we're really here to find out is what, if any, capabilities are lost with the decisions surrounding the infrastructure consolidation and reassurance initiative in Europe," said Miller. "We're also checking in on the larger [military construction] investments that are going on here or are being considered in the area," like the new multi-million dollar joint intelligence center in the U.K.

Miller said part of his reason for visiting so many sites is so he can understand the "why" in reference to where certain sites are housed, to include the status of those projects.

"We want to be sure we understand USAFE's plan and what they are going to be looking and asking for in the future, and what investments and renovations are necessary to make ERI happen in the next five years," he added.

Miller said he and his team would take the knowledge and information gained from the various stops in Europe to help articulate the strategic picture to Congress so they can make a more informed decision concerning the EIC and supporting the ERI.

"We want to ensure we have the right force structure and are postured correctly in Europe to effectively meet the national security interests of our nation," Miller said. "It comes down to being able to defend our nation and protect its allies."

Miller has been a member of the House Armed Services Committee since September 2014 where he works on the readiness subcommittee as a military construction expert. The committee is responsible for the single largest account within the Department of Defense's budget. It oversees military readiness, training, logistics and maintenance issues and programs, military construction, installations and family housing issues, in addition to the base realignment and closure process.