By Spc. George Welcome, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Jan. 28, 2008 - When the "Legends of Wrestling" tour rolled in here Jan. 26, servicemembers and civilians gathered at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation clamshell to take part in the festivities. Professional wrestling greats Nicholai Volkoff, Greg "The Hammer" Valentine, Diamond Dallas Page, and legendary manager "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart took pictures and signed autographs for wrestling fanatics. Trivia questions were asked of the crowd, those who gave correct responses won hats and T-shirts.
For some die-hard wrestling fans, the event was a dream come true.
"I became a wrestling fan in 1999 after constantly seeing it on TV," said Army Pfc. Michael Grandi Jr., a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, who has attended numerous live wrestling events.
"I had constant adrenaline pumping during the event," he said of meeting his idols. "It was really cool how laid-back they were. And none of the soldiers were bothering them; they took pictures, got their autographs and moved along. There was a mutual respect."
The meet-and-greet session lasted for just over an hour, with the stars posing and chatting with all comers. Afterward, those who stayed were treated to an inspirational speech by Page, former three-time World Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Champion. In his address, Page told of how he overcame a turbulent family life, a learning disability and other issues to achieve his dreams through a process he called "living life at 90 percent."
"I once heard (football coaching legend) Lou Holtz say, 'Life is 10 percent of what happens to you and 90 percent of how you react to it,'" Page said. "In our personal lives and our professional lives, we are constantly hit with one adversity after another, most of which we have no control over. The one thing we have control over is our mindset."
Page introduced the audience to his no-impact workout system, which he calls "Yoga for Regular Guys." Page said he scoffed at the idea of yoga until a spinal injury threatened to keep him out of the ring.
"When I got injured, my wife tried to get me to do yoga," Page said. "But I always thought yoga was for sissies. I learned that flexibility was the key to youth, not just in the body, but in the mind. I wanted to get back to wrestling so badly that I started doing it. "
At the completion of his rousing speech, Page received a standing ovation from the audience. After signing more autographs and taking photos with fans, he led all those who stayed behind through an intense hour-long session of Yoga for Regular Guys.
The program, which consisted of slow-count isometric exercises, static holds and various yoga poses, managed to raise heart rates and get the crowd sweating.
"I liked it a lot, it was an awesome workout," said Army Chief Warrant Officer Stephen Cranford, Company C, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade. "I am going to get the DVD and keep doing it. Once I get better, I will introduce it to my guys for (physical training)."
(Army Spc. George Welcome serves in public affairs with 101st Combat Aviation Brigade.)
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Military Health System Conference to Focus on Enhanced Healthcare Delivery & Patient Satisfaction
The Department of Defense (DoD) announced today the 2008 Military Health System (MHS) conference to be held Jan. 28-31 at Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, D.C. Leading an enterprise of more than 134,000 health care providers, senior MHS leaders will finalize 2008 plans to ensure top quality healthcare for all service members and beneficiaries.
"Earlier this year, Secretary of Defense Gates charged me with being the guarantor of quality healthcare for service members, retirees and their families," said Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs. "Quality healthcare is the Secretary's top goal, apart from the war itself."
This year's conference focuses on the MHS Strategic Plan. All of the presentations for the conference will be aligned with the plan's goals and objectives including:
Enhance deployable medical capability, force medical readiness and homeland defense including humanitarian missions.
Sustain the military health benefit through top quality patient-centered care and long-term patient partnerships with a focus on prevention.
Provide globally accessible, real time, health information that enables medical surveillance and evidence-based healthcare.
Provide incentives to achieve quality in everything we do.
Develop our most valuable asset-our people.
Build and sustain the best hospitals and clinics; nurture a caring environment.
Casscells and conference organizers also expect to raise awareness among military and civilian communities worldwide regarding the value of military medicine, not only in combat care, but in research, education, international healthcare and humanitarian relief.
"The conference agenda is ambitious," Casscells said. "But it's the right event at the right time to energize our commitment to quality care throughout the entire enterprise."
This conference is unique since 3,000 individuals will attend and others will take part via telecommunications from Afghanistan and Iraq. All interested parties can view plenary sessions in live streaming video and receive daily updates at the MHS Web site, http://www.health.mil, beginning Jan. 28. In addition, all conference plenary sessions will be available via on-demand viewing and audio-podcasting for three months, beginning Feb. 7, 2008.
Cooperation, Attentiveness Keys to Military Health Success
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 28, 2008 - Increasing cooperation across the military health community and responding to health care feedback should guide health professionals serving U.S. troops, a top Pentagon official said. During the annual Military Health System conference that kicked off here today, David S. C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, spoke to an auditorium packed with servicemember medics and military health personnel.
The public's expectation, appropriately, is that the military health system will deal well with every medical case, Chu said, reminding the crowd that each patient is somebody's son, daughter, father or mother. Far outreaching expectations placed on the private sector, he said, military health care should strive to perform at or above its own elevated standards.
One precept that should steer military health care toward achieving this goal is increasing cooperation among military health personnel, said Chu, who quoted one of the nation's forefathers to illustrate the benefit of working together and the risks of working apart.
"After signing the Declaration of Independence, (Benjamin Franklin's) acid phrase was, 'Gentlemen, either we all hang together, or assuredly, we shall all hang separately,'" Chu said. "Working together, bringing the country together, is one element of future success."
Chu said the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments have adopted a "joint approach" to confronting issues facing the treatment of servicemembers who have suffered significant wounds or injuries during U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The other precept Chu recommended is that personnel listen more closely to concerns raised about military health issues. He noted that two decades ago, the Army conducted seminal research on breast cancer primarily by listening to patients.
In addition to being receptive to patients' feedback, the military health system is listening to the recommendations of external health experts. For instance, the Defense Department has approved nearly every recommendation offered by a bipartisan commission tasked to improve wounded warrior care, Chu said.
Known as the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors, the nine-member panel -- co-chaired by Donna Shalala, a former secretary of health and human services, and former Kansas Sen. Bob Dole -- was created in March by President Bush in the wake of news reports that troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here were receiving subpar treatment.
In addition to the Dole-Shalala commission, Chu said, key findings have been reported by the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission, the Marsh-West Independent Review Group, the Veterans Affairs Interagency Task Force on Returning Veterans and the Mental Health Task Force. Some of the recommendations help to codify partnerships among various departments; implementing them also will encourage the precept of cooperation, he noted.
Chu said the military health system is tackling key challenges as it rebounds from a year in which the news media -- with varying degrees of accuracy -- raised doubts about military health care.
The CBS television program "60 Minutes" praised the military health system's clinical achievements in a segment highlighting wounded warrior care. But the investigative newsmagazine also questioned "larger personnel" issues, including the system's treatment of veterans and servicemembers suffering from traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and stress related to repeat deployments. The articles about Walter Reed that appeared in the Washington Post in February exposed similar shortcomings in long-term care.
Further, an article in the New York Times questioned whether the military health community paid sufficient attention to the effects of war on servicemembers, suggesting that violent behavior patterns in veterans might be rooted in combat experience. Chu noted the report's veracity was later questioned by an editor at the paper.
"Nonetheless, all these questions, I argue, remind us that we're responsible for every case that we care for, from the beginning to end, as these individuals resume their military careers or move to civil life," Chu said. "In short, a good clinical outcome is not enough. The whole personnel outcome is really the issue with which we must deal."
To amplify the level of feedback from servicemembers, Chu said military health patients are surveyed on how satisfied they are with health care they receive. Results of surveys completed by patients and family members will be considered by the military health community, Chu said.
"We are not simply aiming at an absence of complaints in these surveys," Chu said, "but on whether most, if not all, feel good about the experience they've had accepting that many of the wounds are grievous and that there will be life-changing outcomes as a result of these events."
Chu said the military health system has recently succeeded by adapting to meet challenges. A decade ago, he said, military personnel were not responsible for bringing servicemembers injured in combat back to the United States. Now, however, it is virtually taken for granted that servicemembers arrive home in some cases within 36 hours of their injury.
"We can do it if we listen; we can do it if we work together," Chu said about continuing military health success. "I hope at next year's conference, as we look back on what's happened in 2008, that we can conclude that Ben Franklin would have indeed been proud of us."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 28, 2008 - Increasing cooperation across the military health community and responding to health care feedback should guide health professionals serving U.S. troops, a top Pentagon official said. During the annual Military Health System conference that kicked off here today, David S. C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, spoke to an auditorium packed with servicemember medics and military health personnel.
The public's expectation, appropriately, is that the military health system will deal well with every medical case, Chu said, reminding the crowd that each patient is somebody's son, daughter, father or mother. Far outreaching expectations placed on the private sector, he said, military health care should strive to perform at or above its own elevated standards.
One precept that should steer military health care toward achieving this goal is increasing cooperation among military health personnel, said Chu, who quoted one of the nation's forefathers to illustrate the benefit of working together and the risks of working apart.
"After signing the Declaration of Independence, (Benjamin Franklin's) acid phrase was, 'Gentlemen, either we all hang together, or assuredly, we shall all hang separately,'" Chu said. "Working together, bringing the country together, is one element of future success."
Chu said the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments have adopted a "joint approach" to confronting issues facing the treatment of servicemembers who have suffered significant wounds or injuries during U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The other precept Chu recommended is that personnel listen more closely to concerns raised about military health issues. He noted that two decades ago, the Army conducted seminal research on breast cancer primarily by listening to patients.
In addition to being receptive to patients' feedback, the military health system is listening to the recommendations of external health experts. For instance, the Defense Department has approved nearly every recommendation offered by a bipartisan commission tasked to improve wounded warrior care, Chu said.
Known as the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors, the nine-member panel -- co-chaired by Donna Shalala, a former secretary of health and human services, and former Kansas Sen. Bob Dole -- was created in March by President Bush in the wake of news reports that troops at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here were receiving subpar treatment.
In addition to the Dole-Shalala commission, Chu said, key findings have been reported by the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission, the Marsh-West Independent Review Group, the Veterans Affairs Interagency Task Force on Returning Veterans and the Mental Health Task Force. Some of the recommendations help to codify partnerships among various departments; implementing them also will encourage the precept of cooperation, he noted.
Chu said the military health system is tackling key challenges as it rebounds from a year in which the news media -- with varying degrees of accuracy -- raised doubts about military health care.
The CBS television program "60 Minutes" praised the military health system's clinical achievements in a segment highlighting wounded warrior care. But the investigative newsmagazine also questioned "larger personnel" issues, including the system's treatment of veterans and servicemembers suffering from traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and stress related to repeat deployments. The articles about Walter Reed that appeared in the Washington Post in February exposed similar shortcomings in long-term care.
Further, an article in the New York Times questioned whether the military health community paid sufficient attention to the effects of war on servicemembers, suggesting that violent behavior patterns in veterans might be rooted in combat experience. Chu noted the report's veracity was later questioned by an editor at the paper.
"Nonetheless, all these questions, I argue, remind us that we're responsible for every case that we care for, from the beginning to end, as these individuals resume their military careers or move to civil life," Chu said. "In short, a good clinical outcome is not enough. The whole personnel outcome is really the issue with which we must deal."
To amplify the level of feedback from servicemembers, Chu said military health patients are surveyed on how satisfied they are with health care they receive. Results of surveys completed by patients and family members will be considered by the military health community, Chu said.
"We are not simply aiming at an absence of complaints in these surveys," Chu said, "but on whether most, if not all, feel good about the experience they've had accepting that many of the wounds are grievous and that there will be life-changing outcomes as a result of these events."
Chu said the military health system has recently succeeded by adapting to meet challenges. A decade ago, he said, military personnel were not responsible for bringing servicemembers injured in combat back to the United States. Now, however, it is virtually taken for granted that servicemembers arrive home in some cases within 36 hours of their injury.
"We can do it if we listen; we can do it if we work together," Chu said about continuing military health success. "I hope at next year's conference, as we look back on what's happened in 2008, that we can conclude that Ben Franklin would have indeed been proud of us."
CONTRACTS
NAVY
Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle, Division of Armor Holdings, Sealy, Texas, is being awarded $64,199,068 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0002 modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5030) to purchase Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Expedient Armor Program Test Support, MEAP Kits for Testing, DT-C3 Test Support, Initial Operational Test & Evaluation and Battle Damage Repair parts. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and work is expected to be completed Sep. 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
CSC Applied Technologies, LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $25,493,718 modification under previously awarded contract (N66604-05-C-1277) to support requirements for increased base operations at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC). AUTEC is a major range and test facility base providing both deep and shallow water test and training environments. Efforts for this modification will support increased scheduling and conduct of test operations, administrative and clerical support in the business operations area and additional overtime in base operations functions such as housekeeping, facilities maintenance, utilities, vehicle maintenance, and helicopter operations. Work will be performed in Andros Island, Bahamas (81 percent); West Palm Beach, Fla. (18 percent); and Cape Canaveral, Fla. (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Mar. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, R.I., is the contracting activity.
Eclypse International Corp.*, Corona, Calif., is being awarded a $23,668,807 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for four aircraft wiring test sets and associated data item deliverables for the Navy (2) and the Air Force (2). Work will be performed in Corona, Calif., and work is expected to be completed in Jan. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals as a 100 percent small business set-aside; five offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-08-D-0009).
AIR FORCE
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems of Clearfield, Utah is being awarded a contract modification option for $33,500,000. The Remote Visual Assessment Program is in support of the ICBM Security Modernization Program. The program will install security camera at 250 Launch Facility Sites to provide ICBM security forces remote visual access to assist in identifying security issues that arise. At this time $16,750,000 has been obligated. OO-ALC/526th ICBMSG/PKE, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001).
Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems and Solutions of Manassas, Va., is being awarded a contract modification for $6,169,210. This action is in support of DOD's Global Transportation Network system. This action is Spiral III in the developmental the data warehouse. At this time $3,587,218 has been obligated. HQ AMC Specialized Contracting Branch, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (F19628-95-C-0029, P00310).
Army
Alutiiq International Solutions, LLC, Aurora, Colo., was awarded on Jan. 24, 2008, a $12,938,883 firm fixed price contract for re-locatable facilities and training resource arbitration panels. Work will be performed at Fort Knox, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Dec. 19, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity W912QR-08-C-0005.
Precision Lift, Inc., Seneca, S.C., was awarded on Jan. 24, 2008, a $1,639,742 firm fixed price contract for maintenance platforms required to support maintenance operations of aircraft. Work will be performed in Great Falls, Mont., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Bids were solicited through FedBizOpps on Jan. 24, 2008, and eight bids were received. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity W58RGZ-08-D-0091.
Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle, Division of Armor Holdings, Sealy, Texas, is being awarded $64,199,068 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0002 modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5030) to purchase Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Expedient Armor Program Test Support, MEAP Kits for Testing, DT-C3 Test Support, Initial Operational Test & Evaluation and Battle Damage Repair parts. Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and work is expected to be completed Sep. 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
CSC Applied Technologies, LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $25,493,718 modification under previously awarded contract (N66604-05-C-1277) to support requirements for increased base operations at the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC). AUTEC is a major range and test facility base providing both deep and shallow water test and training environments. Efforts for this modification will support increased scheduling and conduct of test operations, administrative and clerical support in the business operations area and additional overtime in base operations functions such as housekeeping, facilities maintenance, utilities, vehicle maintenance, and helicopter operations. Work will be performed in Andros Island, Bahamas (81 percent); West Palm Beach, Fla. (18 percent); and Cape Canaveral, Fla. (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Mar. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, R.I., is the contracting activity.
Eclypse International Corp.*, Corona, Calif., is being awarded a $23,668,807 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for four aircraft wiring test sets and associated data item deliverables for the Navy (2) and the Air Force (2). Work will be performed in Corona, Calif., and work is expected to be completed in Jan. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals as a 100 percent small business set-aside; five offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-08-D-0009).
AIR FORCE
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems of Clearfield, Utah is being awarded a contract modification option for $33,500,000. The Remote Visual Assessment Program is in support of the ICBM Security Modernization Program. The program will install security camera at 250 Launch Facility Sites to provide ICBM security forces remote visual access to assist in identifying security issues that arise. At this time $16,750,000 has been obligated. OO-ALC/526th ICBMSG/PKE, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001).
Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems and Solutions of Manassas, Va., is being awarded a contract modification for $6,169,210. This action is in support of DOD's Global Transportation Network system. This action is Spiral III in the developmental the data warehouse. At this time $3,587,218 has been obligated. HQ AMC Specialized Contracting Branch, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity (F19628-95-C-0029, P00310).
Army
Alutiiq International Solutions, LLC, Aurora, Colo., was awarded on Jan. 24, 2008, a $12,938,883 firm fixed price contract for re-locatable facilities and training resource arbitration panels. Work will be performed at Fort Knox, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Dec. 19, 2007, and one bid was received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity W912QR-08-C-0005.
Precision Lift, Inc., Seneca, S.C., was awarded on Jan. 24, 2008, a $1,639,742 firm fixed price contract for maintenance platforms required to support maintenance operations of aircraft. Work will be performed in Great Falls, Mont., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Bids were solicited through FedBizOpps on Jan. 24, 2008, and eight bids were received. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity W58RGZ-08-D-0091.
Military Health Care Rivals Private Industry, Pentagon Official Says
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 28, 2008 - Providing troops quality health care through a military system that rivals and even outperforms the private sector is a top Defense Department priotity, a senior Pentagon official said today. In opening remarks to a packed auditorium at the Military Health System conference here today, Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, delivered a presentation featuring data comparing military care to treatment by private industry providers.
The data showed that last year, the Air Force provided complete childhood immunizations in higher numbers than the private sector, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Air Force health personnel immunized 86 percent of eligible recipients, compared to 84 percent immunized by the highest-rated state and 77 percent nationally. Complete immunizations comprised vaccinations of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; polio; measles, mumps and rubella; haemophilus influenza type B; hepatitis B; and varicella.
Furthermore, the Air Force provided the same regimen of vaccines more promptly than the commercial sector and Medicaid, according to findings by a Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set evaluation. The Air Force met 75 percent of vaccination deadlines, the commercial sector 70 percent, and Medicaid 59 percent.
"The reason we collect this data is because I was told (on) Day One that we faced a crisis," said Casscells, who has served since April as the Pentagon's top health affairs official. "I believe we have got the brakes on this, and we're going to get it going in the other direction."
According to DoD Health Affairs data, the military health system is leading the nation in overall influenza vaccinations in the 18-to-65-year-old demographic. The numbers of flu vaccines performed by the military in fiscal 2007 dwarfed the latest national averages tracked by the Centers for Disease Control. The military also is ahead of national averages in administering vaccination for pneumonia, according to Health Affairs findings.
Despite the military's higher incidence of burn victims -- victims who often suffer more extensive injuries -- servicemember burn victims' mortality rate is comparable to those in the civilian sector. In his presentation, Casscells cited information from the June 2006 publication of Annals of Surgery that found "similar mortality ... (of) civilian compared to the military (burn) patient, despite longer time to definitive care, greater amount of full thickness burns, higher incidence of inhalation injury and more associated non-burn injuries."
Improvements in military health care between June and December were reflected in news media coverage during that time, Casscells said. In military health care news last June, 27 percent of the coverage was "positive," 55 percent was "balanced," and 18-percent was negative, according to information provided by Health Affairs. The data noted a dramatic shift in the tone of December's coverage, with 49 percent positive, 50 percent balanced and only 1 percent negative.
In a survey of Defense Department beneficiaries conducted by Health Affairs this month, patients' confidence in military health care appears to be rebounding. Of those surveyed, 17 percent said military health care is much better than in the civilian sector. Eighteen percent said military health is "slightly better," while 47 percent said the two systems offer roughly the same quality treatment.
Fifteen percent of those surveyed said the military's care is "slightly worse," and 4 percent called it "much worse." The main complaints cited about the military health system were a lack of adequate parking and hitech medical equipment, and difficult-to-navigate facilities.
In another survey, inpatient and outpatient care was significantly favored over the treatment administered at the average non-military hospital. Inpatient Tricare service rated an 89 percent satisfaction rate, and outpatient care fetched an 84 percent rating.
"I have learned from this perspective at Health Affairs ... that our military health clinicians are better than the outside world realizes," Casscells told the audience of military health professionals. "And you're better than you realize."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 28, 2008 - Providing troops quality health care through a military system that rivals and even outperforms the private sector is a top Defense Department priotity, a senior Pentagon official said today. In opening remarks to a packed auditorium at the Military Health System conference here today, Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, delivered a presentation featuring data comparing military care to treatment by private industry providers.
The data showed that last year, the Air Force provided complete childhood immunizations in higher numbers than the private sector, according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Air Force health personnel immunized 86 percent of eligible recipients, compared to 84 percent immunized by the highest-rated state and 77 percent nationally. Complete immunizations comprised vaccinations of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; polio; measles, mumps and rubella; haemophilus influenza type B; hepatitis B; and varicella.
Furthermore, the Air Force provided the same regimen of vaccines more promptly than the commercial sector and Medicaid, according to findings by a Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set evaluation. The Air Force met 75 percent of vaccination deadlines, the commercial sector 70 percent, and Medicaid 59 percent.
"The reason we collect this data is because I was told (on) Day One that we faced a crisis," said Casscells, who has served since April as the Pentagon's top health affairs official. "I believe we have got the brakes on this, and we're going to get it going in the other direction."
According to DoD Health Affairs data, the military health system is leading the nation in overall influenza vaccinations in the 18-to-65-year-old demographic. The numbers of flu vaccines performed by the military in fiscal 2007 dwarfed the latest national averages tracked by the Centers for Disease Control. The military also is ahead of national averages in administering vaccination for pneumonia, according to Health Affairs findings.
Despite the military's higher incidence of burn victims -- victims who often suffer more extensive injuries -- servicemember burn victims' mortality rate is comparable to those in the civilian sector. In his presentation, Casscells cited information from the June 2006 publication of Annals of Surgery that found "similar mortality ... (of) civilian compared to the military (burn) patient, despite longer time to definitive care, greater amount of full thickness burns, higher incidence of inhalation injury and more associated non-burn injuries."
Improvements in military health care between June and December were reflected in news media coverage during that time, Casscells said. In military health care news last June, 27 percent of the coverage was "positive," 55 percent was "balanced," and 18-percent was negative, according to information provided by Health Affairs. The data noted a dramatic shift in the tone of December's coverage, with 49 percent positive, 50 percent balanced and only 1 percent negative.
In a survey of Defense Department beneficiaries conducted by Health Affairs this month, patients' confidence in military health care appears to be rebounding. Of those surveyed, 17 percent said military health care is much better than in the civilian sector. Eighteen percent said military health is "slightly better," while 47 percent said the two systems offer roughly the same quality treatment.
Fifteen percent of those surveyed said the military's care is "slightly worse," and 4 percent called it "much worse." The main complaints cited about the military health system were a lack of adequate parking and hitech medical equipment, and difficult-to-navigate facilities.
In another survey, inpatient and outpatient care was significantly favored over the treatment administered at the average non-military hospital. Inpatient Tricare service rated an 89 percent satisfaction rate, and outpatient care fetched an 84 percent rating.
"I have learned from this perspective at Health Affairs ... that our military health clinicians are better than the outside world realizes," Casscells told the audience of military health professionals. "And you're better than you realize."
Fiscal 2008 New Start and Additional Fiscal 2007 Joint Capability Technology Demonstrations Announced
The Department of Defense announces the selection of seven Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) projects for fiscal 2008 and three JCTD projects that started at the end of fiscal 2007.
Fiscal 2008 New Starts:
Combat Autonomous Mobility System (CAMS) — Autonomous, ground-mobile system that leverages manpower for Special Operations Forces
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
Transition Service/Agency: U.S. Army Special Operations Command
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Communications AirBorne Layer Expansion (CABLE) — Integrated Services airborne communications relay and gateway effort to provide seamless mesh network environment for data, voice, and IP-based networks
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)
Transition Service/Agency: Navy and Air Force
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Collaborative On-Line Reconnaissance Provider/Operationally Responsive Attack Link (CORPORAL) — Scalable, IP-based, plug and play open architecture tailored to the ground war fighter for critical information sharing
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM)
Transition Service/Agency: Marine Corps
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Hard Target Void-Sensing (HTVS) Fuze —Void-sensing, cockpit-programmable, and BLU-109/113/122 warhead-compatible fuze that functions in greater than 10,000 pounds per-square-inch concrete
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: USSTRATCOM
Transition Service/Agency: Air Force
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Joint Force Protection Advanced Security System (JFPASS) — Integrates and automates access control and perimeter security for expeditionary military installations
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: U.S. European Command (USEUCOM)
Transition Service/Agency: Army
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Multi-Function Threat Detector (MFTD) — Affordable, hostile fire indicator with threat classification
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: USCENTCOM
Transition Service/Agency: Navy
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Shadow Harvest (classified) — Obscured target mitigation via a rapidly tailorable multi-intelligence on-board package
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: U.S. Southern Command
Transition Service/Agency: Air Force
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Three additional Fiscal 2007 New Starts:
Global Observer (GO) — High-altitude, long-endurance, liquid hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicle
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: USSOCOM and USSTRATCOM
Transition Service/Agency: USSOCOM
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Joint Surface Warfare (JSuW) — Integrated multiple airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and strike platforms with dynamic retasking of existing stand-off weapons for maritime interdiction
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: U.S. Pacific Command
Transition Service/Agency: Army
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Zephyr — Joint, real-time, battlefield persistent surveillance and communications via an extended-duration, solar-powered, unmanned aerial vehicle
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: USCENTCOM and USEUCOM
Transition Service/Agency: TBD
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
The JCTD business model, entering its third year, completely replaced the ACTD model in fiscal 2007 to rapidly move advanced technology and innovative concepts into the hands of warfighters in the field. Building on the successful ACTD model in which new operational concepts are combined with maturing technologies in a joint environment, JCTDs focus more on tailoring projects to a combatant commander's specifically identified needs — emphasizing "needs pull" over historical "technology push."
A JCTD enables faster project start-up by providing more resources earlier in the traditional two-year DoD budget cycle and a flexible start process that facilitates urgently needed combatant command-driven capabilities throughout the fiscal year. One key aspect of the JCTD program is the enhanced transition planning process, which seeks to deliver enduring capabilities to the combatant commands.
The JCTD program also demands faster fielding of interim capabilities; structures funding to provide incentives for military service and agency participation without requiring the services or agencies to fund from their existing programs; and, provides services and agencies clear visibility in their participation of joint efforts.
Fiscal 2008 New Starts:
Combat Autonomous Mobility System (CAMS) — Autonomous, ground-mobile system that leverages manpower for Special Operations Forces
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
Transition Service/Agency: U.S. Army Special Operations Command
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Communications AirBorne Layer Expansion (CABLE) — Integrated Services airborne communications relay and gateway effort to provide seamless mesh network environment for data, voice, and IP-based networks
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)
Transition Service/Agency: Navy and Air Force
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Collaborative On-Line Reconnaissance Provider/Operationally Responsive Attack Link (CORPORAL) — Scalable, IP-based, plug and play open architecture tailored to the ground war fighter for critical information sharing
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM)
Transition Service/Agency: Marine Corps
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Hard Target Void-Sensing (HTVS) Fuze —Void-sensing, cockpit-programmable, and BLU-109/113/122 warhead-compatible fuze that functions in greater than 10,000 pounds per-square-inch concrete
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: USSTRATCOM
Transition Service/Agency: Air Force
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Joint Force Protection Advanced Security System (JFPASS) — Integrates and automates access control and perimeter security for expeditionary military installations
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: U.S. European Command (USEUCOM)
Transition Service/Agency: Army
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Multi-Function Threat Detector (MFTD) — Affordable, hostile fire indicator with threat classification
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: USCENTCOM
Transition Service/Agency: Navy
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Shadow Harvest (classified) — Obscured target mitigation via a rapidly tailorable multi-intelligence on-board package
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: U.S. Southern Command
Transition Service/Agency: Air Force
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Three additional Fiscal 2007 New Starts:
Global Observer (GO) — High-altitude, long-endurance, liquid hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicle
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: USSOCOM and USSTRATCOM
Transition Service/Agency: USSOCOM
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Joint Surface Warfare (JSuW) — Integrated multiple airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and strike platforms with dynamic retasking of existing stand-off weapons for maritime interdiction
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: U.S. Pacific Command
Transition Service/Agency: Army
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
Zephyr — Joint, real-time, battlefield persistent surveillance and communications via an extended-duration, solar-powered, unmanned aerial vehicle
Combatant Command/User Sponsor: USCENTCOM and USEUCOM
Transition Service/Agency: TBD
Project Oversight: OSD/DDR&E/AS&C
The JCTD business model, entering its third year, completely replaced the ACTD model in fiscal 2007 to rapidly move advanced technology and innovative concepts into the hands of warfighters in the field. Building on the successful ACTD model in which new operational concepts are combined with maturing technologies in a joint environment, JCTDs focus more on tailoring projects to a combatant commander's specifically identified needs — emphasizing "needs pull" over historical "technology push."
A JCTD enables faster project start-up by providing more resources earlier in the traditional two-year DoD budget cycle and a flexible start process that facilitates urgently needed combatant command-driven capabilities throughout the fiscal year. One key aspect of the JCTD program is the enhanced transition planning process, which seeks to deliver enduring capabilities to the combatant commands.
The JCTD program also demands faster fielding of interim capabilities; structures funding to provide incentives for military service and agency participation without requiring the services or agencies to fund from their existing programs; and, provides services and agencies clear visibility in their participation of joint efforts.
Servicemembers Receive Invitations to State of Union Address
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 28, 2008 - A Marine who lost both legs in Iraq, a 61-year-old doctor who joined the Navy after his oldest son was killed in Iraq, a soldier and an airman wounded in Iraq, and a Marine whose unit was part of the troop surge in Iraq's Anbar province will join first lady Laura Bush tonight during the president's State of the Union address. The servicemembers were selected as special guests for the annual address to both houses of Congress, President Bush's eighth, and the last before he leaves office.
White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said today the president will discuss the vast improvements in Iraq during the past year and remind people that the challenges there continue. Bush is expected to push the Iraqis to do more to speed up progress and to warn against withdrawing U.S. troops there too quickly, she said.
"This is a chance for the president to remind people that it was a bold decision to send more troops into Iraq at a time when things were so dire, and it would be a really bad decision to rashly pull troops out at the moment," Perino said.
Troops who have served in Iraq will be among the president's specially invited guests who sit with the first lady during the address. They are Marine 1st Lt. Andrew Kinard, Army Staff Sgt. Craig Charloux, Air Force Senior Airman Diane Lopes and Staff Sgt. Andrew Nichols. Also invited are Navy Lt. Cmdr. Bill Krissoff and Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Willard Milam.
Kinard, 25, of Spartanburg, S.C., is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who received his diploma from the president in 2005. He deployed to Iraq on Sept. 11, 2006, with the 2nd Marine Division's 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. Two months later, he was on a patrol when he was struck by an improvised explosive device. He lost both of his legs, one above the knee and the other at the hip, and received several other internal and external injuries. Kinard was flown to the United States, where he remains on active duty as an outpatient at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Krissoff, who joined the Navy Medical Corps in November in response to his son's death in Iraq, also will attend the State of the Union address. His oldest son, Marine 1st Lt. Nathan Krissoff, was serving as a counterintelligence officer with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion when he was killed in December 2006.
Inspired by his son's dedication and commitment, the elder Krissoff decided to join the military himself. When his recruiter initially told him it was unlikely he'd qualify because of his age, Krissoff refused to give up. He raised the issue during a private meeting with the commander in chief in Reno, Nev., and soon got the waiver he needed to begin the application process. Now commissioned in the Navy Medical Corps, Krissoff is preparing to deploy as an orthopedist in a Forward Resuscitative Surgical System, a Level II combat surgical team that treats injured Marines in the field.
Krissoff closed his private practice, and he and his wife, Christine, moved to the San Diego area, where he is assigned to 4th Medical Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group. His youngest son, Marine 2nd Lt. Austin Krissoff, is stationed at nearby Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Charloux, of Bangor, Maine, also is invited to tonight's address. He was deployed to Muqdadiyah in Iraq's Diyala province for 14 months during 2006 and 2007, serving as a squad leader in an armored reconnaissance squadron. In September, as Charloux led a squad into the town of Baloor, his unit was ambushed, and he received two grenade blasts that injured his arm, face, eyes and leg.
Despite his wounds, Charloux completed the raid, killing eight al Qaeda operatives. He returned from Iraq in November. His entire unit, 1st Calvary Division, returned to Fort Campbell, Ky., in January and is not being replaced.
Lopes, of Danbury, Conn., is an outpatient at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Lopes joined the Army in 1991, transferring to the Air Force Reserve in January 2003. She deployed to Iraq in August as a member of a security force at Kirkuk Air Base that provides security and patrols the base perimeter to detect and prevent physical security breaches.
One month into her deployment, Lopes was wounded by a rocket attack on the base. She suffered shrapnel and puncture wounds to her right arm and lower body and was transported to Walter Reed, where she continues to receive physical and occupational therapy.
Another Marine, Staff Sgt. Andrew Nichols, of Klamath Falls, Ore., will be among tonight's guests. As infantry platoon commander for 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, Nichols is responsible for his Marines' training, welfare and tactical employment. He has served multiple tours of duty in Iraq, most recently with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Anbar province in support of the troop surge.
Following their successful deployment, Nichols and his unit returned to their Camp Pendleton base in November without being replaced by another U.S. unit. Before redeploying, they turned over tactical control of their operating area to 1st Iraqi Army Division.
Another guest tonight will be Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Willard Milam, from Phoenix. Milam is a rescue swimmer credited with braving 40-degree waters in the Bering Sea to rescue four people adrift on a life raft after their boat sank in February. Milam spent six years in the Navy before entering the Coast Guard in 1992.
Other guests tonight include Eric Whitaker, a Foreign Service officer who leads a provincial reconstruction team in Baghdad, and Dr. Thomas "Tom" M. Stauffer, president, chief executive officer and professor at the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul.
Former Sen. Bob Dole and former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, co-chairs of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors, are also among tonight's specially invited guests. The two led a bipartisan commission that conducted a comprehensive review of the care wounded service members receive from the time they leave the battlefield through their return to civilian life.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 28, 2008 - A Marine who lost both legs in Iraq, a 61-year-old doctor who joined the Navy after his oldest son was killed in Iraq, a soldier and an airman wounded in Iraq, and a Marine whose unit was part of the troop surge in Iraq's Anbar province will join first lady Laura Bush tonight during the president's State of the Union address. The servicemembers were selected as special guests for the annual address to both houses of Congress, President Bush's eighth, and the last before he leaves office.
White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said today the president will discuss the vast improvements in Iraq during the past year and remind people that the challenges there continue. Bush is expected to push the Iraqis to do more to speed up progress and to warn against withdrawing U.S. troops there too quickly, she said.
"This is a chance for the president to remind people that it was a bold decision to send more troops into Iraq at a time when things were so dire, and it would be a really bad decision to rashly pull troops out at the moment," Perino said.
Troops who have served in Iraq will be among the president's specially invited guests who sit with the first lady during the address. They are Marine 1st Lt. Andrew Kinard, Army Staff Sgt. Craig Charloux, Air Force Senior Airman Diane Lopes and Staff Sgt. Andrew Nichols. Also invited are Navy Lt. Cmdr. Bill Krissoff and Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Willard Milam.
Kinard, 25, of Spartanburg, S.C., is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who received his diploma from the president in 2005. He deployed to Iraq on Sept. 11, 2006, with the 2nd Marine Division's 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. Two months later, he was on a patrol when he was struck by an improvised explosive device. He lost both of his legs, one above the knee and the other at the hip, and received several other internal and external injuries. Kinard was flown to the United States, where he remains on active duty as an outpatient at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
Krissoff, who joined the Navy Medical Corps in November in response to his son's death in Iraq, also will attend the State of the Union address. His oldest son, Marine 1st Lt. Nathan Krissoff, was serving as a counterintelligence officer with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion when he was killed in December 2006.
Inspired by his son's dedication and commitment, the elder Krissoff decided to join the military himself. When his recruiter initially told him it was unlikely he'd qualify because of his age, Krissoff refused to give up. He raised the issue during a private meeting with the commander in chief in Reno, Nev., and soon got the waiver he needed to begin the application process. Now commissioned in the Navy Medical Corps, Krissoff is preparing to deploy as an orthopedist in a Forward Resuscitative Surgical System, a Level II combat surgical team that treats injured Marines in the field.
Krissoff closed his private practice, and he and his wife, Christine, moved to the San Diego area, where he is assigned to 4th Medical Battalion, 4th Marine Logistics Group. His youngest son, Marine 2nd Lt. Austin Krissoff, is stationed at nearby Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Charloux, of Bangor, Maine, also is invited to tonight's address. He was deployed to Muqdadiyah in Iraq's Diyala province for 14 months during 2006 and 2007, serving as a squad leader in an armored reconnaissance squadron. In September, as Charloux led a squad into the town of Baloor, his unit was ambushed, and he received two grenade blasts that injured his arm, face, eyes and leg.
Despite his wounds, Charloux completed the raid, killing eight al Qaeda operatives. He returned from Iraq in November. His entire unit, 1st Calvary Division, returned to Fort Campbell, Ky., in January and is not being replaced.
Lopes, of Danbury, Conn., is an outpatient at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Lopes joined the Army in 1991, transferring to the Air Force Reserve in January 2003. She deployed to Iraq in August as a member of a security force at Kirkuk Air Base that provides security and patrols the base perimeter to detect and prevent physical security breaches.
One month into her deployment, Lopes was wounded by a rocket attack on the base. She suffered shrapnel and puncture wounds to her right arm and lower body and was transported to Walter Reed, where she continues to receive physical and occupational therapy.
Another Marine, Staff Sgt. Andrew Nichols, of Klamath Falls, Ore., will be among tonight's guests. As infantry platoon commander for 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, Nichols is responsible for his Marines' training, welfare and tactical employment. He has served multiple tours of duty in Iraq, most recently with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Anbar province in support of the troop surge.
Following their successful deployment, Nichols and his unit returned to their Camp Pendleton base in November without being replaced by another U.S. unit. Before redeploying, they turned over tactical control of their operating area to 1st Iraqi Army Division.
Another guest tonight will be Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Willard Milam, from Phoenix. Milam is a rescue swimmer credited with braving 40-degree waters in the Bering Sea to rescue four people adrift on a life raft after their boat sank in February. Milam spent six years in the Navy before entering the Coast Guard in 1992.
Other guests tonight include Eric Whitaker, a Foreign Service officer who leads a provincial reconstruction team in Baghdad, and Dr. Thomas "Tom" M. Stauffer, president, chief executive officer and professor at the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul.
Former Sen. Bob Dole and former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, co-chairs of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors, are also among tonight's specially invited guests. The two led a bipartisan commission that conducted a comprehensive review of the care wounded service members receive from the time they leave the battlefield through their return to civilian life.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Bush Signs Fiscal 2008 Defense Budget Legislation Into Law
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 28, 2008 - President Bush signed the long-delayed and sometimes-contentious fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act into law today. The Senate passed a $696 billion 2008 defense authorization bill Jan. 22. It includes a 3.5 percent military pay raise and provisions to improve health care and benefits for wounded troops and veterans.
"Today, I have signed into law H.R. 4986, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008," Bush said in a statement released by the White House. "The act authorizes funding for the defense of the United States and its interests abroad, for military construction, and for national security-related energy programs."
The fiscal 2008 defense budget has been laden with challenges, from Congress' inclusion of non-defense-related earmarks to its insertion of controversial language regarding Iraq. Bush announced Dec. 28 that he wouldn't sign the bill until it was revised.
Instead, the president signed an executive order authorizing a 3 percent military pay raise. The amount was 0.5 percent lower than the 3.5 percent rate provided for in the authorization act, but took effect Jan. 1.
All pays and incentives included in the authorization act will be retroactive to Jan. 1, a defense official said.
White House Press Secretary Dana Perino told reporters today Bush was gratified that Congress moved forward with the budget bill.
"He appreciates the cooperation of both House and Senate leaders to quickly address the concerns raised by the president over the Christmas holiday," she said at the White House. "Congress passed the legislation swiftly, and that is a very good thing for our troops and the Iraqi people."
The bill became law just a week before the next budget cycle begins as Bush sends his fiscal 2009 request to Capitol Hill. That budget proposal, along with a requested $70 billion in emergency war spending, is expected to be delivered to Congress Feb. 4.
Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters today the president plans to ask for $70 billion to fund the global war on terror, including operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, for the first months of fiscal 2009.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 28, 2008 - President Bush signed the long-delayed and sometimes-contentious fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act into law today. The Senate passed a $696 billion 2008 defense authorization bill Jan. 22. It includes a 3.5 percent military pay raise and provisions to improve health care and benefits for wounded troops and veterans.
"Today, I have signed into law H.R. 4986, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008," Bush said in a statement released by the White House. "The act authorizes funding for the defense of the United States and its interests abroad, for military construction, and for national security-related energy programs."
The fiscal 2008 defense budget has been laden with challenges, from Congress' inclusion of non-defense-related earmarks to its insertion of controversial language regarding Iraq. Bush announced Dec. 28 that he wouldn't sign the bill until it was revised.
Instead, the president signed an executive order authorizing a 3 percent military pay raise. The amount was 0.5 percent lower than the 3.5 percent rate provided for in the authorization act, but took effect Jan. 1.
All pays and incentives included in the authorization act will be retroactive to Jan. 1, a defense official said.
White House Press Secretary Dana Perino told reporters today Bush was gratified that Congress moved forward with the budget bill.
"He appreciates the cooperation of both House and Senate leaders to quickly address the concerns raised by the president over the Christmas holiday," she said at the White House. "Congress passed the legislation swiftly, and that is a very good thing for our troops and the Iraqi people."
The bill became law just a week before the next budget cycle begins as Bush sends his fiscal 2009 request to Capitol Hill. That budget proposal, along with a requested $70 billion in emergency war spending, is expected to be delivered to Congress Feb. 4.
Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters today the president plans to ask for $70 billion to fund the global war on terror, including operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, for the first months of fiscal 2009.
Future Role in Iraq, Afghanistan Will Drive Rebalancing Military, Mullen Says
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2008 - The nation's future roles in Iraq and Afghanistan will drive, to some extent, how long it takes for the U.S. military to become a more balanced and ready force, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday. Heavy operations in the regions are a drain on personnel, equipment, funds and training time the military could otherwise use to rebuild its force, Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, told reporters traveling back to Washington with him after a Navy warship christening ceremony in Pascagoula, Miss.
"I think for us to get into any kind of balanced situation in the long run, it will take us years. And that will greatly depend on the future op tempo, specifically focused on Iraq and Afghanistan," Mullen said.
As the military recruits to grow its force by nearly 100,000 over the next four years and U.S. forces begin to draw down in Iraq, Mullen said, the priority will be extending the "dwell time" servicemembers spend at their home stations between deployments.
The increased dwell time -- ideally two years between one-year deployments -- is needed to allow troops more time with their families, but also to afford units more time to train in conventional warfare skills, the chairman explained. Most training now is focused on counterinsurgency operations, because that dominates the needs for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But, Mullen said, that focus leaves the force unbalanced and potentially unprepared for a more conventional threat.
"I think we need to have a balanced force, and we need to look beyond Iraq and Afghanistan. And the capabilities we need in the future, I believe, will go beyond (counterinsurgency)," Mullen said.
The chairman predicted a future with persistent conflict and irregular warfare with heavy involvement by all of the services. Counterinsurgency operations are a part of that future, he said, but conventional warfare skills cannot perish to preparing exclusively for counterinsurgency.
"I think it's important you don't let (conventional warfare) skills totally atrophy. We need to achieve that balance in terms of preparation for the future. (It is a) very uncertain world, very unpredictable world, very dangerous world. We need to have a full range of capabilities," he said.
And, that full range of capabilities needs to extend past the ground forces, Mullen said. He said right now all eyes are on the ground forces, and many don't realize the contributions, and the strain, on the Air Force and Navy.
"What often gets lost in the focus on the ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan is what (the Air Force and Navy) are doing now," Mullen said.
The Navy has deployed about one-third of its force in support of the war, he said, and the Air Force has been providing air strike support in theater since the first Gulf war. But equal to their efforts directly supporting the war are their efforts as a strategic deterrent elsewhere in the world, and they provide much military might in terms of U.S. conventional warfare capabilities.
"In a great part, the Navy and the Air Force provide an ability to mitigate some of the strategic risks globally that are going on out there. We've got to be engaged. We've got to be out in other places. The Navy and the Air Force are providing that," the chairman said. "They're very busy. They're not as pushed as the Army and Marine Corps, but they're still busy."
Recent aircraft groundings in the Air Force have caused the chairman concern, he said, pointing to the critical need to modernize and recapitalize across the services. He said the Air Force has suffered from the inability to get rid of its old aircraft, constrained in many cases by laws that don't allow the service to invest in new capabilities.
The Air Force last November grounded its entire fleet of 700 aging F-15s for inspections after one came apart during air combat operations. About 160 of the aircraft's F-15C version remain grounded for structural problems.
"Those are old airplanes. 25 to 30 years old. So we're going to have to recapitalize those. And those are indicative of the kinds of things that I think we are going to have to do for the future," Mullen said.
"The Air Force is still our persistent global reach, air dominant force that I think we've got to continue to invest in. They do a great deal of support in the current fight ... in addition to that they're really our strategic reserve right now," he said. "They provide the strategic depth that we need should we have a problem in some other part of the world."
But not all rebuilding will come as the result of increased funding. The chairman said services across the department need to look at how they can increase their efficiency, and then pass those savings along to recapitalization, a task Mullen said he was able to do most recently as the chief of naval operations before he assumed the military's top post Oct. 1.
Mullen also noted that costs are going up for the military's three biggest expenses: people, health care and procurement. He said he is open to increasing the defense budget in relation to the gross domestic product, but that any change should result from debate and should reflect the American people's wishes. The defense budget now is about 4 percent of the nation's GDP.
"Should it be more than that? I think that's a discussion we ought to have. We ought to have that debate," Mullen said. "We ought to have it in the country, and we ought to make it vigorous so we understand what we're procuring, what we need for defense, how we support our people. ... It's vital, and it's timely because of the dangers we face."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 27, 2008 - The nation's future roles in Iraq and Afghanistan will drive, to some extent, how long it takes for the U.S. military to become a more balanced and ready force, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday. Heavy operations in the regions are a drain on personnel, equipment, funds and training time the military could otherwise use to rebuild its force, Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, told reporters traveling back to Washington with him after a Navy warship christening ceremony in Pascagoula, Miss.
"I think for us to get into any kind of balanced situation in the long run, it will take us years. And that will greatly depend on the future op tempo, specifically focused on Iraq and Afghanistan," Mullen said.
As the military recruits to grow its force by nearly 100,000 over the next four years and U.S. forces begin to draw down in Iraq, Mullen said, the priority will be extending the "dwell time" servicemembers spend at their home stations between deployments.
The increased dwell time -- ideally two years between one-year deployments -- is needed to allow troops more time with their families, but also to afford units more time to train in conventional warfare skills, the chairman explained. Most training now is focused on counterinsurgency operations, because that dominates the needs for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But, Mullen said, that focus leaves the force unbalanced and potentially unprepared for a more conventional threat.
"I think we need to have a balanced force, and we need to look beyond Iraq and Afghanistan. And the capabilities we need in the future, I believe, will go beyond (counterinsurgency)," Mullen said.
The chairman predicted a future with persistent conflict and irregular warfare with heavy involvement by all of the services. Counterinsurgency operations are a part of that future, he said, but conventional warfare skills cannot perish to preparing exclusively for counterinsurgency.
"I think it's important you don't let (conventional warfare) skills totally atrophy. We need to achieve that balance in terms of preparation for the future. (It is a) very uncertain world, very unpredictable world, very dangerous world. We need to have a full range of capabilities," he said.
And, that full range of capabilities needs to extend past the ground forces, Mullen said. He said right now all eyes are on the ground forces, and many don't realize the contributions, and the strain, on the Air Force and Navy.
"What often gets lost in the focus on the ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan is what (the Air Force and Navy) are doing now," Mullen said.
The Navy has deployed about one-third of its force in support of the war, he said, and the Air Force has been providing air strike support in theater since the first Gulf war. But equal to their efforts directly supporting the war are their efforts as a strategic deterrent elsewhere in the world, and they provide much military might in terms of U.S. conventional warfare capabilities.
"In a great part, the Navy and the Air Force provide an ability to mitigate some of the strategic risks globally that are going on out there. We've got to be engaged. We've got to be out in other places. The Navy and the Air Force are providing that," the chairman said. "They're very busy. They're not as pushed as the Army and Marine Corps, but they're still busy."
Recent aircraft groundings in the Air Force have caused the chairman concern, he said, pointing to the critical need to modernize and recapitalize across the services. He said the Air Force has suffered from the inability to get rid of its old aircraft, constrained in many cases by laws that don't allow the service to invest in new capabilities.
The Air Force last November grounded its entire fleet of 700 aging F-15s for inspections after one came apart during air combat operations. About 160 of the aircraft's F-15C version remain grounded for structural problems.
"Those are old airplanes. 25 to 30 years old. So we're going to have to recapitalize those. And those are indicative of the kinds of things that I think we are going to have to do for the future," Mullen said.
"The Air Force is still our persistent global reach, air dominant force that I think we've got to continue to invest in. They do a great deal of support in the current fight ... in addition to that they're really our strategic reserve right now," he said. "They provide the strategic depth that we need should we have a problem in some other part of the world."
But not all rebuilding will come as the result of increased funding. The chairman said services across the department need to look at how they can increase their efficiency, and then pass those savings along to recapitalization, a task Mullen said he was able to do most recently as the chief of naval operations before he assumed the military's top post Oct. 1.
Mullen also noted that costs are going up for the military's three biggest expenses: people, health care and procurement. He said he is open to increasing the defense budget in relation to the gross domestic product, but that any change should result from debate and should reflect the American people's wishes. The defense budget now is about 4 percent of the nation's GDP.
"Should it be more than that? I think that's a discussion we ought to have. We ought to have that debate," Mullen said. "We ought to have it in the country, and we ought to make it vigorous so we understand what we're procuring, what we need for defense, how we support our people. ... It's vital, and it's timely because of the dangers we face."
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Mrs. Mullen Christens Guided-Missile Destroyer
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 26, 2008 - Under gray skies providing a slight, cold drizzle, Deborah Mullen stepped before the massive 9,200-ton guided-missile destroyer and, with all the grit her slight frame could muster, gave it a good whack, just under the "bullnose." The ship's freshly-painted gray hull gave up only a hollow "clunk" as the bottle she gripped with both hands in baseball-bat fashion glanced off its edge.
Laughing, she took another more determined swing, and this time the christening bottle of champagne broke, wetting the bow of the Navy's newest Arleigh Burke class ship, the Dewey, today in a ceremony before a crowd of about 1,000 at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems Ingalls Operations here.
"There are actually no words to describe today. Having been a Navy wife for all these years, having my sons serve, being a sponsor of a ship is probably the greatest honor I have ever had," said Mullen, wife of Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Mrs. Mullen's service as the ship's sponsor puts her in the same company as presidents' wives and descendents of war heroes in a tradition that dates back to 1797. Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter invited Mrs. Mullen to serve as the ship's sponsor last year while her husband was serving as chief of naval operations.
Before the ceremonial bottle breaking, the chairman and his wife extolled the need for readiness in the force. The admiral called readiness the warrior's response to the nation's call.
"It's practice, training, it's an undaunted commitment to develop skills that produce efficiency," he said.
Mrs. Mullen, however, added family readiness to the equation.
"I believe family readiness ... is integral to military readiness," she said. "And we need to make sure that our military families are given the support, resources, and education to succeed, to become resilient families ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the military lifestyle."
Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England called Mrs. Mullen "a champion for those in uniform and dynamic family advocate." England named the ship as Navy Secretary in May 2004, and said today that Winter made the right choice for its sponsor.
"The saying goes that the hardest job in the Navy is that of a Navy wife. And Deb has given 37 years to our Navy, and she and Mike together have met every challenge," England said. "Our Navy and our nation are better for her contributions."
During the admiral's tenure as chief of naval operations, Mrs. Mullen worked to enhance the Navy ombudsman program by creating training programs, said Navy Capt. John Kirby, the chairman's spokesman. She also was critical in creating a network of family and spouse support programs, such as Navy's FamilyLine, an online spouse-support network.
"Mrs. Mullen has been a champion of military families for decades and has worked very, very hard to make sure that their sacrifices and their hard work and their efforts are both recognized and supported," Kirby said.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Mrs. Mullen helped man the phones at Task Force Navy Family, reaching out to affected Navy families, including retirees.
Kirby called Mullen's selection as sponsor a "very fitting tribute to the depth to which she cares."
"Mrs. Mullen cares to her very marrow about the people who serve and the people who wait and worry for those who serve -- the families who are providing all the love and support for those who are going into harm's way," Kirby said.
At the ceremony, Mrs. Mullen was flanked by her two sons, John and Michael, who both are Navy officers, one in aviation and the other in surface warfare. Also with her were long-time friends Emmy White and Laurie Armstrong, who served as her matrons-of-honor. Another matron-select, Lori Tamulevich, could not be present for the ceremony.
The Mullens spent yesterday touring the Dewey. The christening signifies that the ship is seaworthy, but it is still about a year away from being operational as a destroyer. While the outside is painted and pristine, with colorful signal flags adorning the ship from bow to stern, the inside is a literal web of wires – 1.5 million feet worth – and the floors are planked with plywood. The unfinished steel walls are covered with hand-scrawled numbers and directions for placement. Computer systems and equipment are covered and protected.
The ship was put in the water Jan. 18. Northrop Grumman officials said they hope to have all of its power working in June. Its crew will then be brought in and the ship will be put through a battery of performance tests before being commissioned and turned over to the crew for sailing to its home port of San Diego.
The ships here are put together like "Lego blocks" as described by Northrop Grumman officials. Each is built in one of its cavernous bays on the sprawling 800,000-acre shipyard on the Pascagoula River at the Mississippi Sound. After the sections are built individually, they are moved and pieced together by huge transporters and cranes capable of hauling hundreds of tons.
In all, there are about 3.5 million pieces to the ship and more than 2,000 workers will be involved in building a destroyer over five years. Northrop Grumman has more than 11,000 employees at the yard in Pascagoula. The yard suffered about $1 billion worth of damage from Hurricane Katrina. It is now back to about 85 percent of its capacity, officials said. Eight other ships are under construction here.
Designated the DDG 105, the new destroyer honors Adm. George Dewey, most famous for leading his squadron of warships into Manila Bay on April 30, 1898, and destroying the Spanish fleet in only two hours without a single American loss. A popular hero of his day, Dewey was commissioned admiral of the Navy, a rank created for him, in March 1903.
Two previous ships have carried his name. The first was a destroyer that survived the attack on Pearl Harbor and went on to receive 13 battle stars for World War II service. This newest destroyer is the 55th of 62 Arleigh Burke class destroyers. It has a crew of about 360.
At the ceremony's rehearsal yesterday, the breaking of the bottle was the biggest concern of the petite ship sponsor. In her sponsor packet were printed "horror" stories of some before who kept striking the ship six or more times unsuccessfully with the ceremonial bottles.
"We need bottles that don't break," teased her husband, the chairman.
"I'll just keep hitting it," she respondd with a laugh.
Just remember "persistence and fortitude," teased back Kevin Jarvis, a vice president of ship production with Northrop Grumman.
Mrs. Mullen laughed later about the number of people who would be standing with her on the platform extended from the ceremonial platform to the bow of the ship.
"I need all the swing room I can get," she joked.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 26, 2008 - Under gray skies providing a slight, cold drizzle, Deborah Mullen stepped before the massive 9,200-ton guided-missile destroyer and, with all the grit her slight frame could muster, gave it a good whack, just under the "bullnose." The ship's freshly-painted gray hull gave up only a hollow "clunk" as the bottle she gripped with both hands in baseball-bat fashion glanced off its edge.
Laughing, she took another more determined swing, and this time the christening bottle of champagne broke, wetting the bow of the Navy's newest Arleigh Burke class ship, the Dewey, today in a ceremony before a crowd of about 1,000 at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems Ingalls Operations here.
"There are actually no words to describe today. Having been a Navy wife for all these years, having my sons serve, being a sponsor of a ship is probably the greatest honor I have ever had," said Mullen, wife of Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Mrs. Mullen's service as the ship's sponsor puts her in the same company as presidents' wives and descendents of war heroes in a tradition that dates back to 1797. Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter invited Mrs. Mullen to serve as the ship's sponsor last year while her husband was serving as chief of naval operations.
Before the ceremonial bottle breaking, the chairman and his wife extolled the need for readiness in the force. The admiral called readiness the warrior's response to the nation's call.
"It's practice, training, it's an undaunted commitment to develop skills that produce efficiency," he said.
Mrs. Mullen, however, added family readiness to the equation.
"I believe family readiness ... is integral to military readiness," she said. "And we need to make sure that our military families are given the support, resources, and education to succeed, to become resilient families ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the military lifestyle."
Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England called Mrs. Mullen "a champion for those in uniform and dynamic family advocate." England named the ship as Navy Secretary in May 2004, and said today that Winter made the right choice for its sponsor.
"The saying goes that the hardest job in the Navy is that of a Navy wife. And Deb has given 37 years to our Navy, and she and Mike together have met every challenge," England said. "Our Navy and our nation are better for her contributions."
During the admiral's tenure as chief of naval operations, Mrs. Mullen worked to enhance the Navy ombudsman program by creating training programs, said Navy Capt. John Kirby, the chairman's spokesman. She also was critical in creating a network of family and spouse support programs, such as Navy's FamilyLine, an online spouse-support network.
"Mrs. Mullen has been a champion of military families for decades and has worked very, very hard to make sure that their sacrifices and their hard work and their efforts are both recognized and supported," Kirby said.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Mrs. Mullen helped man the phones at Task Force Navy Family, reaching out to affected Navy families, including retirees.
Kirby called Mullen's selection as sponsor a "very fitting tribute to the depth to which she cares."
"Mrs. Mullen cares to her very marrow about the people who serve and the people who wait and worry for those who serve -- the families who are providing all the love and support for those who are going into harm's way," Kirby said.
At the ceremony, Mrs. Mullen was flanked by her two sons, John and Michael, who both are Navy officers, one in aviation and the other in surface warfare. Also with her were long-time friends Emmy White and Laurie Armstrong, who served as her matrons-of-honor. Another matron-select, Lori Tamulevich, could not be present for the ceremony.
The Mullens spent yesterday touring the Dewey. The christening signifies that the ship is seaworthy, but it is still about a year away from being operational as a destroyer. While the outside is painted and pristine, with colorful signal flags adorning the ship from bow to stern, the inside is a literal web of wires – 1.5 million feet worth – and the floors are planked with plywood. The unfinished steel walls are covered with hand-scrawled numbers and directions for placement. Computer systems and equipment are covered and protected.
The ship was put in the water Jan. 18. Northrop Grumman officials said they hope to have all of its power working in June. Its crew will then be brought in and the ship will be put through a battery of performance tests before being commissioned and turned over to the crew for sailing to its home port of San Diego.
The ships here are put together like "Lego blocks" as described by Northrop Grumman officials. Each is built in one of its cavernous bays on the sprawling 800,000-acre shipyard on the Pascagoula River at the Mississippi Sound. After the sections are built individually, they are moved and pieced together by huge transporters and cranes capable of hauling hundreds of tons.
In all, there are about 3.5 million pieces to the ship and more than 2,000 workers will be involved in building a destroyer over five years. Northrop Grumman has more than 11,000 employees at the yard in Pascagoula. The yard suffered about $1 billion worth of damage from Hurricane Katrina. It is now back to about 85 percent of its capacity, officials said. Eight other ships are under construction here.
Designated the DDG 105, the new destroyer honors Adm. George Dewey, most famous for leading his squadron of warships into Manila Bay on April 30, 1898, and destroying the Spanish fleet in only two hours without a single American loss. A popular hero of his day, Dewey was commissioned admiral of the Navy, a rank created for him, in March 1903.
Two previous ships have carried his name. The first was a destroyer that survived the attack on Pearl Harbor and went on to receive 13 battle stars for World War II service. This newest destroyer is the 55th of 62 Arleigh Burke class destroyers. It has a crew of about 360.
At the ceremony's rehearsal yesterday, the breaking of the bottle was the biggest concern of the petite ship sponsor. In her sponsor packet were printed "horror" stories of some before who kept striking the ship six or more times unsuccessfully with the ceremonial bottles.
"We need bottles that don't break," teased her husband, the chairman.
"I'll just keep hitting it," she respondd with a laugh.
Just remember "persistence and fortitude," teased back Kevin Jarvis, a vice president of ship production with Northrop Grumman.
Mrs. Mullen laughed later about the number of people who would be standing with her on the platform extended from the ceremonial platform to the bow of the ship.
"I need all the swing room I can get," she joked.
America Supports You Summit Helps Groups Build on Momentum
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 25, 2008 - More than 180 representatives of 122 troop-support groups gathered today at the Pentagon to share information and insights about ways to boost their efforts during the third annual America Supports You National Summit. Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Allison Barber, the program's architect, opened the all-day session welcoming the participants she credits with making America Supports You such a big success. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is slated to close the summit, thanking the groups for their contributions.
The Defense Department launched the America Supports you program in November 2004 to showcase support for the country's men and women in uniform from the American public as well as the corporate sector. More than three years later, it continues to expand, directing people who want to do something to support the troops to myriad initiatives already under way, and enabling those behind these efforts to share ideas and encouragement.
Barber told the group she had no clue when the program first began how big it would grow -- with 343 grassroots groups as well as corporate members now participating --- or how powerful its impact would be.
"What we didn't know is that we would create this amazing network -- an amazing network for you to work together, and an amazing network for our troops to get more support (and) for their families back home to get the support they need ... because of what you do," she said.
The Defense Department counts on America Supports You groups to provide support to troops in ways it and the individual services can't, Barber said.
"When people ask how they can support the troops," she said, "we tell them, go to the America Supports You Web site and find our groups who are making a real difference in the lives of our troops and their families."
Although initially introduced as a campaign, America Supports You has evolved into a permanent Defense Department program.
"What we have created is something that will never go away," Barber told the group. "America Supports You has become institutionalized throughout the Department of Defense because it is our connection to you -- citizen support for the men and women in the military."
The agenda for this year's America Supports You summit, the largest yet, was built around suggestions from participants in the last summit. It's packed with breakout sessions designed to help grassroots leaders maintain the momentum they've built, Barber said.
Participants are learning how to motivate and manage volunteers, find the resources needed to support their operations and get word out through the media about their efforts. One of the breakout sessions is focusing on compassion fatigue and ways to identify symptoms of burnout and treat it before it takes hold.
"Home-front groups are our first line of support," Barber said. "Through these sessions, we're providing some new tools to help them provide that support. We want them to walk out of here refreshed so they can go back home and continue what they're doing.
"Our goal for this summit is threefold: to let them know how much we appreciate what they're doing, and to help equip them and encourage them to keep on doing it," she said.
Attendees said they welcomed the opportunity to meet other America Supports You members and swap experiences and ideas.
Calvin K. Coolidge, program director for Freedom Alliance, returned for his second summit to pick up more tips for his group, which provides scholarships and grants to children whose parents have been killed or permanently disabled in combat. Coolidge said he benefitted from last year's meeting, where he learning new processes and better ways to communicate and work with the military.
"It's a real benefit to have the opportunity to meet new people and talk about how they are doing things and how to do things better to be more effective," he said.
Ann Johnson, founder of the Adopt a U.S. Soldier program, is attending her first America Supports You summit with hopes of learning how to improve her operations, which rely solely on volunteers. Jeff and Patti Patton-Bade from the Soldiers' Angels group traveled from Pasadena, Calif., for ideas for their program, which sends care packages to deployed troops and supports fallen heroes' families.
"We came here for the opportunity to network with everyone else," Patti said. "If every one of our groups communicated with each other, imagine the kind of support we could offer."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 25, 2008 - More than 180 representatives of 122 troop-support groups gathered today at the Pentagon to share information and insights about ways to boost their efforts during the third annual America Supports You National Summit. Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Allison Barber, the program's architect, opened the all-day session welcoming the participants she credits with making America Supports You such a big success. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is slated to close the summit, thanking the groups for their contributions.
The Defense Department launched the America Supports you program in November 2004 to showcase support for the country's men and women in uniform from the American public as well as the corporate sector. More than three years later, it continues to expand, directing people who want to do something to support the troops to myriad initiatives already under way, and enabling those behind these efforts to share ideas and encouragement.
Barber told the group she had no clue when the program first began how big it would grow -- with 343 grassroots groups as well as corporate members now participating --- or how powerful its impact would be.
"What we didn't know is that we would create this amazing network -- an amazing network for you to work together, and an amazing network for our troops to get more support (and) for their families back home to get the support they need ... because of what you do," she said.
The Defense Department counts on America Supports You groups to provide support to troops in ways it and the individual services can't, Barber said.
"When people ask how they can support the troops," she said, "we tell them, go to the America Supports You Web site and find our groups who are making a real difference in the lives of our troops and their families."
Although initially introduced as a campaign, America Supports You has evolved into a permanent Defense Department program.
"What we have created is something that will never go away," Barber told the group. "America Supports You has become institutionalized throughout the Department of Defense because it is our connection to you -- citizen support for the men and women in the military."
The agenda for this year's America Supports You summit, the largest yet, was built around suggestions from participants in the last summit. It's packed with breakout sessions designed to help grassroots leaders maintain the momentum they've built, Barber said.
Participants are learning how to motivate and manage volunteers, find the resources needed to support their operations and get word out through the media about their efforts. One of the breakout sessions is focusing on compassion fatigue and ways to identify symptoms of burnout and treat it before it takes hold.
"Home-front groups are our first line of support," Barber said. "Through these sessions, we're providing some new tools to help them provide that support. We want them to walk out of here refreshed so they can go back home and continue what they're doing.
"Our goal for this summit is threefold: to let them know how much we appreciate what they're doing, and to help equip them and encourage them to keep on doing it," she said.
Attendees said they welcomed the opportunity to meet other America Supports You members and swap experiences and ideas.
Calvin K. Coolidge, program director for Freedom Alliance, returned for his second summit to pick up more tips for his group, which provides scholarships and grants to children whose parents have been killed or permanently disabled in combat. Coolidge said he benefitted from last year's meeting, where he learning new processes and better ways to communicate and work with the military.
"It's a real benefit to have the opportunity to meet new people and talk about how they are doing things and how to do things better to be more effective," he said.
Ann Johnson, founder of the Adopt a U.S. Soldier program, is attending her first America Supports You summit with hopes of learning how to improve her operations, which rely solely on volunteers. Jeff and Patti Patton-Bade from the Soldiers' Angels group traveled from Pasadena, Calif., for ideas for their program, which sends care packages to deployed troops and supports fallen heroes' families.
"We came here for the opportunity to network with everyone else," Patti said. "If every one of our groups communicated with each other, imagine the kind of support we could offer."
America Supports You: Caregivers Learn About 'Compassion Fatigue'
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 25, 2008 - Many servicemembers who have experienced combat, and their families, are familiar with the term "combat stress." The effects of combat, however, aren't limited to those directly connected to the experience. Stress can affect anyone who cares for those individuals, Dr. Joseph Bobrow, a clinical psychologist, told representatives of more than 100 troop-support organizations gathered at the Pentagon for the third annual America Supports You National Summit here today.
America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"One of the things that we've learned from experience and research is that 'compassion fatigue,' and the potential for burning out, is not just limited to psychotherapists," he said. "Family members who are caring for wounded veterans are at risk. Veteran service workers, like yourselves, (and) volunteers (are at risk)."
Bobrow, who also is executive director of the Coming Home Project, a troop-support organization, said becoming overwhelmed by the experience of caring for servicemembers and their families is the nature of that work.
"We can anticipate this happening," he said. "It doesn't necessarily ... mean a psychiatric disorder, just like post-traumatic stress ... is not necessarily a psychiatric disorder.
"In fact, it's the body, mind and soul's way of coping with an impossible situation," he explained.
Volunteers can easily fall victim to emotions similar to those that they aim to ease in their charges, he told the support group members. "The same seed of empathy and compassion that draws us to the work that we do, if it's taken to an extreme, is the same seed that could lead us down the slippery slope to burnout," Bobrow said.
Burnout, or compassion fatigue, can be overcome, but it's better to avoid it to begin with, he said. Incorporating positive thoughts and actions into daily life builds resiliency against burnout.
He offered the group several suggestions on how to stave off compassion fatigue, most notably the need to develop the ability to recognize when things start to get overwhelming. When that happens, it's good for individuals to know what refreshes them, he said.
Keeping their attitudes about the work they're doing fresh and upbeat isn't just healthy for volunteers. It can be one of the best things for the people they're working with, Bobrow told the group.
"Our own capacity for peace and joy and well-being ... is really, fundamentally, what we end up giving the next person," he said. "That's what people pick up from us, so if our batteries have run out, then we're no longer those agents of compassion."
Bobrow shared his experiences and advice with two groups during the summit. Army Lt. Gen. Carter F. Ham, operations director for the Joint Staff, and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates also addressed the group, as did Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, the architect of the America Supports You program.
Breakout sessions from the summit were recorded and will be available on the America Supports You Web site.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 25, 2008 - Many servicemembers who have experienced combat, and their families, are familiar with the term "combat stress." The effects of combat, however, aren't limited to those directly connected to the experience. Stress can affect anyone who cares for those individuals, Dr. Joseph Bobrow, a clinical psychologist, told representatives of more than 100 troop-support organizations gathered at the Pentagon for the third annual America Supports You National Summit here today.
America Supports You is a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.
"One of the things that we've learned from experience and research is that 'compassion fatigue,' and the potential for burning out, is not just limited to psychotherapists," he said. "Family members who are caring for wounded veterans are at risk. Veteran service workers, like yourselves, (and) volunteers (are at risk)."
Bobrow, who also is executive director of the Coming Home Project, a troop-support organization, said becoming overwhelmed by the experience of caring for servicemembers and their families is the nature of that work.
"We can anticipate this happening," he said. "It doesn't necessarily ... mean a psychiatric disorder, just like post-traumatic stress ... is not necessarily a psychiatric disorder.
"In fact, it's the body, mind and soul's way of coping with an impossible situation," he explained.
Volunteers can easily fall victim to emotions similar to those that they aim to ease in their charges, he told the support group members. "The same seed of empathy and compassion that draws us to the work that we do, if it's taken to an extreme, is the same seed that could lead us down the slippery slope to burnout," Bobrow said.
Burnout, or compassion fatigue, can be overcome, but it's better to avoid it to begin with, he said. Incorporating positive thoughts and actions into daily life builds resiliency against burnout.
He offered the group several suggestions on how to stave off compassion fatigue, most notably the need to develop the ability to recognize when things start to get overwhelming. When that happens, it's good for individuals to know what refreshes them, he said.
Keeping their attitudes about the work they're doing fresh and upbeat isn't just healthy for volunteers. It can be one of the best things for the people they're working with, Bobrow told the group.
"Our own capacity for peace and joy and well-being ... is really, fundamentally, what we end up giving the next person," he said. "That's what people pick up from us, so if our batteries have run out, then we're no longer those agents of compassion."
Bobrow shared his experiences and advice with two groups during the summit. Army Lt. Gen. Carter F. Ham, operations director for the Joint Staff, and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates also addressed the group, as did Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for internal communications and public liaison, the architect of the America Supports You program.
Breakout sessions from the summit were recorded and will be available on the America Supports You Web site.
Joint Staff Ops Director Cites Value of 'America Supports You'
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 25, 2008 - The Joint Staff's operations director told participants in the third annual America Supports You National Summit here today it would be impossible to put a price tag on what they give the country's men and women in uniform. Army Lt. Gen. Carter F. Ham told more than 180 representatives of 122 troop-support groups at the Pentagon for the all-day summit that the work they do and the support of the American people provide "the center of gravity for our operations."
Troops rely on equipment, supplies, food and other resources to carry out their mission. But just as important, he said, is knowing the country stands solidly behind them and appreciates the sacrifices they and their families make. "And that's what you do," Ham told the group.
America Supports You organizations provide "a gentle reminder that somebody cares about them," he said. "What you do signals to them that we care (and) your country is supportive of you. The message you send is, 'Thank you, soldiers; thank you, sailors; thank you, airmen; and thank you, Marines; and thank you to your families for what you're doing.'"
Ham recalled his first exposure to the America Supports You program, when he was working as the Joint Staff's deputy director for regional operations shortly after the Defense Department unveiled the program in November 2004. "I don't think any of us who saw this at the start thought that America Supports You would turn into what it's become," he told the group.
"What you do truly does make a difference," he said. "I don't know what it would be like if you weren't here, doing what you do day in and day out. But I do know that it wouldn't be as good as it is."
Traveling frequently between the Pentagon and forward locations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ham said, he's witnessed firsthand the program's impact on deployed servicemembers.
He said he watched troops return to their operating base after a mission, pausing to pick up and read a letter from a stack of thank-yous sent by an America Supports You group. "It's not uncommon to see them sit down and write a note back to somebody they have no idea who they are, just to say, 'Thank you for thinking of us. Thank you for thinking of me and my buddies,'" he said.
Ham said he's also seen servicemembers -- particularly those who aren't married or have no immediate family -- respond to a care package or card expressing appreciation. "You can almost physically see their reaction when their commander or sergeant hands them a little bag or one of the mailings," he said. "These are tough folks that have been in combat, and they're moved by that.
"So if you ever wonder if what you're doing matters, if folks appreciate it, let me give you an unequivocal 'yes,'" Ham told the group. "You see it so many different ways."
Ham said the impact of the America Supports You program expands far beyond each individual care package, letter to the troops or other single show of support.
"Collectively, the power you bring to our servicemembers around the world, especially to those who are in harm's way, simply can't be overstated," he said. "It is a little touch of home. It is a little, gentle remember that somebody cares about them. ... You can't put a price tag on that."
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 25, 2008 - The Joint Staff's operations director told participants in the third annual America Supports You National Summit here today it would be impossible to put a price tag on what they give the country's men and women in uniform. Army Lt. Gen. Carter F. Ham told more than 180 representatives of 122 troop-support groups at the Pentagon for the all-day summit that the work they do and the support of the American people provide "the center of gravity for our operations."
Troops rely on equipment, supplies, food and other resources to carry out their mission. But just as important, he said, is knowing the country stands solidly behind them and appreciates the sacrifices they and their families make. "And that's what you do," Ham told the group.
America Supports You organizations provide "a gentle reminder that somebody cares about them," he said. "What you do signals to them that we care (and) your country is supportive of you. The message you send is, 'Thank you, soldiers; thank you, sailors; thank you, airmen; and thank you, Marines; and thank you to your families for what you're doing.'"
Ham recalled his first exposure to the America Supports You program, when he was working as the Joint Staff's deputy director for regional operations shortly after the Defense Department unveiled the program in November 2004. "I don't think any of us who saw this at the start thought that America Supports You would turn into what it's become," he told the group.
"What you do truly does make a difference," he said. "I don't know what it would be like if you weren't here, doing what you do day in and day out. But I do know that it wouldn't be as good as it is."
Traveling frequently between the Pentagon and forward locations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ham said, he's witnessed firsthand the program's impact on deployed servicemembers.
He said he watched troops return to their operating base after a mission, pausing to pick up and read a letter from a stack of thank-yous sent by an America Supports You group. "It's not uncommon to see them sit down and write a note back to somebody they have no idea who they are, just to say, 'Thank you for thinking of us. Thank you for thinking of me and my buddies,'" he said.
Ham said he's also seen servicemembers -- particularly those who aren't married or have no immediate family -- respond to a care package or card expressing appreciation. "You can almost physically see their reaction when their commander or sergeant hands them a little bag or one of the mailings," he said. "These are tough folks that have been in combat, and they're moved by that.
"So if you ever wonder if what you're doing matters, if folks appreciate it, let me give you an unequivocal 'yes,'" Ham told the group. "You see it so many different ways."
Ham said the impact of the America Supports You program expands far beyond each individual care package, letter to the troops or other single show of support.
"Collectively, the power you bring to our servicemembers around the world, especially to those who are in harm's way, simply can't be overstated," he said. "It is a little touch of home. It is a little, gentle remember that somebody cares about them. ... You can't put a price tag on that."
Ops Chief Briefs Support Groups on Military Efforts Worldwide
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 25, 2008 - More than 150 people attending the America Supports You National Summit here today received a quick overview of the American military as it fights the war on terror. This is the third summit for the Defense Department's America Supports You program, through which hundreds of volunteer groups and corporations are reaching out to American servicemembers.
Ham, who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2005, gave the group a quick tour of the world, starting with the United States and U.S. Northern Command, based in Colorado Springs, Colo.
"It is the command tasked to defend our country and provide support to civilian authorities and to respond to emergencies inside the United States," he said.
The command has worked to ensure the United States is not attacked again, and it also helps local, state and civilian agencies when natural disasters strike. Northern Command "is almost never in the headlines; you almost never read about them, but day in, day out they are the ones doing hard work here at home to keep us safe," he said.
The general moved the tour to U.S. Southern Command, which covers Central and South America, and talked about a new strategy called "soft power." This is the realization that the application of overwhelming combat power is not always the right solution. "Maybe it's better to do something quieter, lower key, to build capacity of partner nations, to do something that might deter something from building to a crisis," he said.
There is a role for the military in soft power, he said. He cited the U.S. Navy partnering with nongovernmental agencies aboard Navy hospital ships to provide medical assistance to more than 100,000 patients in Central and South America in the last year. Soft power has applications well beyond Southern Command.
In Europe, times have changed from the Cold War era, he said. While much of the continent is prosperous, there are still places such as the Balkans where there is conflict. U.S. servicemembers are working with NATO allies to maintain peace in Kosovo and Bosnia. He said U.S. forces there deploy to U.S. Central Command and help train NATO allies in conducting counterinsurgency operations. U.S. servicemembers also work with countries to help them build their military forces to provide security for economic development.
U.S. Africa Command is the new kid on the block, yet it has a crucial mission. Many of the suicide bombers that strike in other parts of the world are from the countries of North Africa, Ham said. "We have a choice: Do you want to fight them here, or do you want to deter them there?" he said. "My vote goes to trying to deter them there."
Again, soft power plays a part. "If you can get to a young African boy and say, 'You have an alternative. There's education, employment for you; there's a stable government; there's a better life for you,'" Ham said. "I'd sure like him to have that rather than somebody who turns to him and says, 'Son, your best destiny is to put on this suicide vest and go kill Americans.'"
U.S. Pacific Command contains almost half of the Earth's land space and two of the world's biggest countries: China and India. Those two countries are not U.S. adversaries, but are competitors. The U.S. military has a role with them to stay engaged. "We would very much like to be open with them and increase our programs with their militaries," he said.
South Korea and Japan are U.S. treaty allies, and thousands of U.S. troops are in those countries, Ham said. De-nuclearizing the Korean peninsula is an imperative to the United States and the countries of North Asia. "A nuclear North Korea is one of those things that keep you awake at night," Ham said.
U.S. Central Command holds the two hot conflicts of the war on terror. In Iraq, the United States has just under 160,000 troops. Hamm said he sees dramatic changes in the country each time he visits. Problems remain in the country, he acknowledged, and operations continue to chase down extremists of all sorts.
"There is some tough, tough fighting that needs to be done," he said. "But I'm convinced ... that increasingly the Iraqi security forces are able to take on that fight themselves. They need us for right now, but they are increasingly able to do this on their own."
He said another decision on U.S. force levels in Iraq will be made in the coming months. "I don't know what the decision is going to be, but from my view there has been accelerated progress over these past couple of months," he said.
About 27,000 U.S. servicemembers are in Afghanistan, and 3,200 Marines will sail to join those forces beginning in March, Ham said. "We need to do that because there's been an opportunity that's been created by the forces that are there now that have the Taliban in what we think is a bit of a weakened state," Hamm said.
The Taliban will try to renew their efforts in the spring, but they will not be successful, the general said. "But like Iraq, ultimately, success depends on transferring security responsibility to the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police," Ham said. "The forces have some great commanders; these are some tough hombres. They have been through tough times against tough enemies."
Ham left the group with the importance of the idea of soft power. "We know that we've got sufficient military power ... that we can win every fight that we engage in," he said. "And that's OK, if you just want to keep fighting all the time.
"We want to use the military force necessary to provide the security under which other types of activities can grow and flourish," he continued, explaining that military force is needed to establish security so people can send their children to school, and leave their houses to work or go to receive medical care. "Only by doing that do you get lasting success," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Jan. 25, 2008 - More than 150 people attending the America Supports You National Summit here today received a quick overview of the American military as it fights the war on terror. This is the third summit for the Defense Department's America Supports You program, through which hundreds of volunteer groups and corporations are reaching out to American servicemembers.
Ham, who served in Iraq from 2004 to 2005, gave the group a quick tour of the world, starting with the United States and U.S. Northern Command, based in Colorado Springs, Colo.
"It is the command tasked to defend our country and provide support to civilian authorities and to respond to emergencies inside the United States," he said.
The command has worked to ensure the United States is not attacked again, and it also helps local, state and civilian agencies when natural disasters strike. Northern Command "is almost never in the headlines; you almost never read about them, but day in, day out they are the ones doing hard work here at home to keep us safe," he said.
The general moved the tour to U.S. Southern Command, which covers Central and South America, and talked about a new strategy called "soft power." This is the realization that the application of overwhelming combat power is not always the right solution. "Maybe it's better to do something quieter, lower key, to build capacity of partner nations, to do something that might deter something from building to a crisis," he said.
There is a role for the military in soft power, he said. He cited the U.S. Navy partnering with nongovernmental agencies aboard Navy hospital ships to provide medical assistance to more than 100,000 patients in Central and South America in the last year. Soft power has applications well beyond Southern Command.
In Europe, times have changed from the Cold War era, he said. While much of the continent is prosperous, there are still places such as the Balkans where there is conflict. U.S. servicemembers are working with NATO allies to maintain peace in Kosovo and Bosnia. He said U.S. forces there deploy to U.S. Central Command and help train NATO allies in conducting counterinsurgency operations. U.S. servicemembers also work with countries to help them build their military forces to provide security for economic development.
U.S. Africa Command is the new kid on the block, yet it has a crucial mission. Many of the suicide bombers that strike in other parts of the world are from the countries of North Africa, Ham said. "We have a choice: Do you want to fight them here, or do you want to deter them there?" he said. "My vote goes to trying to deter them there."
Again, soft power plays a part. "If you can get to a young African boy and say, 'You have an alternative. There's education, employment for you; there's a stable government; there's a better life for you,'" Ham said. "I'd sure like him to have that rather than somebody who turns to him and says, 'Son, your best destiny is to put on this suicide vest and go kill Americans.'"
U.S. Pacific Command contains almost half of the Earth's land space and two of the world's biggest countries: China and India. Those two countries are not U.S. adversaries, but are competitors. The U.S. military has a role with them to stay engaged. "We would very much like to be open with them and increase our programs with their militaries," he said.
South Korea and Japan are U.S. treaty allies, and thousands of U.S. troops are in those countries, Ham said. De-nuclearizing the Korean peninsula is an imperative to the United States and the countries of North Asia. "A nuclear North Korea is one of those things that keep you awake at night," Ham said.
U.S. Central Command holds the two hot conflicts of the war on terror. In Iraq, the United States has just under 160,000 troops. Hamm said he sees dramatic changes in the country each time he visits. Problems remain in the country, he acknowledged, and operations continue to chase down extremists of all sorts.
"There is some tough, tough fighting that needs to be done," he said. "But I'm convinced ... that increasingly the Iraqi security forces are able to take on that fight themselves. They need us for right now, but they are increasingly able to do this on their own."
He said another decision on U.S. force levels in Iraq will be made in the coming months. "I don't know what the decision is going to be, but from my view there has been accelerated progress over these past couple of months," he said.
About 27,000 U.S. servicemembers are in Afghanistan, and 3,200 Marines will sail to join those forces beginning in March, Ham said. "We need to do that because there's been an opportunity that's been created by the forces that are there now that have the Taliban in what we think is a bit of a weakened state," Hamm said.
The Taliban will try to renew their efforts in the spring, but they will not be successful, the general said. "But like Iraq, ultimately, success depends on transferring security responsibility to the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police," Ham said. "The forces have some great commanders; these are some tough hombres. They have been through tough times against tough enemies."
Ham left the group with the importance of the idea of soft power. "We know that we've got sufficient military power ... that we can win every fight that we engage in," he said. "And that's OK, if you just want to keep fighting all the time.
"We want to use the military force necessary to provide the security under which other types of activities can grow and flourish," he continued, explaining that military force is needed to establish security so people can send their children to school, and leave their houses to work or go to receive medical care. "Only by doing that do you get lasting success," he said.
MILITARY CONTRACTS - January 25, 2008
ARMY
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on Jan. 24, 2008, a $171,847,946 firm-fixed price contract for modernized target acquisition designation night vision sensors for the Apache aircraft. Work will be performed it Lockheed Martin Systems in Orlando, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Apri. 19, 2007, and one bid received. The Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity W58RGZ-06-C-0169.
General Dynamics Network Systems, Needham, Mass., was awarded on Jan. 24, 2008, a $8,613,929 modification to a fixed price incentive contract for continuing efforts to survey, plan, design, install and implement the information technology systems and infrastructure for Wedges 2-5 as part of the Pentagon IT infrastructure. Work will be performed at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Mar. 28, 2002, and one bid was received. The Pentagon Renovation & Construction Program Office, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity MDA947-98-C-2002.
Anthony & Gordon Construction Co. Inc., Knoxville, Tenn., was awarded on Jan. 24, 2008, an $8,426,000 firm fixed price contract for the design and construction of the Corpus Christi Controlled Humidity Warehouse in Robstown, Texas. Work will be performed in Robstown, Texas and is expected to be completed by Jan. 19, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Oct. 16 2007, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity W912QR-08-C-004.
NAVY
Raytheon Technical Services Co. Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded $34,077,192 for firm-fixed-price order #7005 under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement contract (N00383-07-G-008D) for repair of components of the APG-65 and 73 radar system, which is used to support the F/A-18 aircraft. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., (39 percent); Forest, Miss., (32 percent); El Segundo, Calif., (25 percent); and Andover, Mass., (4 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Jan. 2010. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Rothenbuhler Engineering, Sedro Woolley, Wash., is being awarded an $11,518,054 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the MK 186 Mod 2 Radio Firing Device, MK 313 Mod 0 Shock Tube Igniter, MK 67 Demolition Firing Device and various components. MK 67 MOD 0 Demolition Firing Device, MK 313 MOD 0 Shock Tube Igniter, MK 186 MOD 2 Remote Firing Device systems are all radio firing device kits that together provide for the initiation of both pyrotechnic and ordnance devices remotely in both the electric initiator and shock tube initiator configurations. Additional contract line items are subcomponents of these systems and will be used for system maintenance purposes. Work will be performed in Sedro Woolley, Wash., and work is expected to be completed by Jan. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-08-D-4279).
Team BOS Signella, Joint Venture of Gemmo/Del-Jen, Inc./LA.RA S.r.l., Vicenza, Italy, is being awarded a $9,382,988 firm-fixed-price contract for Base Operating and Support (BOS) services at Naval Air Station (NAS), Sigonella. The work to be performed provides for all labor, supervision, tools, materials, equipment and transportation necessary to provide BOS services for the NAS Sigonella and supported installations. This contract contains options, which if exercised would bring the total not to exceed cumulative value of the contract to $50,110,676. Work will be performed in Sicily, Italy, and work is expected to be completed Feb. 2009, (Feb. 2013 with options). Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with five proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Europe and Southwest Asia, is the contracting activity (N33191-08-D-0212).
Canadian Commercial Corp. General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, is being awarded $6,063,302 for delivery order #0001 under previously awarded firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-07-D-5028) for the purchase of Objective Gunner Protection Kit Parts required for their Mine Resistant Ambush ProtectedCategory I vehicles. Work will be performed in Ontario, Canada, and work is expected to be completed by Feb. 2009. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Kollmorgen Corp. Electro-Optical Division, Northampton, Mass., is being awarded a $5,754,914 modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6248) to exercise an option for the production of one AN/BVS-1 Photonics Mast System. The Photonics Mast is a non-hull penetrating electronic imaging subsystem of the command and control system. The Photonics Mast incorporates visible, infrared and electronic support measures sensors, and stealth features that will provide new capabilities for attack submarines. The subsystem comprises the Sensor Group, the Mast Group, the Data Transmission Group, and the Control and Display Group. The AN/BVS-1 Photonics Mast Systems will be installed on the Va. Class Submarines (SSN 780 - SSN 783). Work will be performed in Northampton, Mass., (70 percent); Seattle, Wash., (8 percent); Westfield, Mass., (6 percent); Boston, Mass., (6 percent); Joplin, Mo., (4 percent); Cincinnati, Ohio, (2 percent); Orlando, Fla., (2 percent); and Hackensack, N.J., (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by Aug. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Reinhart Food Service, La Crosse, Wis., is being awarded a maximum $19,400,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, prime vendor contract for subsistence. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Federal Civilian Agencies, and National Guard. This proposal was originally Web solicited with one response. This contract includes a two-year base and three option periods. Date of performance completion is Jan. 24, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-08-D-3236).
Hatco Corp. Fords, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $12,341,351.34 indefinite quantity contract for oil. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. The proposals were originally solicited on DIBBS with one response. This is a base year contract with one option year. Date of performance completion is Jan. 24, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., (SPM4A6-08-D-0097).
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on Jan. 24, 2008, a $171,847,946 firm-fixed price contract for modernized target acquisition designation night vision sensors for the Apache aircraft. Work will be performed it Lockheed Martin Systems in Orlando, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Apri. 19, 2007, and one bid received. The Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity W58RGZ-06-C-0169.
General Dynamics Network Systems, Needham, Mass., was awarded on Jan. 24, 2008, a $8,613,929 modification to a fixed price incentive contract for continuing efforts to survey, plan, design, install and implement the information technology systems and infrastructure for Wedges 2-5 as part of the Pentagon IT infrastructure. Work will be performed at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There was one bid solicited on Mar. 28, 2002, and one bid was received. The Pentagon Renovation & Construction Program Office, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity MDA947-98-C-2002.
Anthony & Gordon Construction Co. Inc., Knoxville, Tenn., was awarded on Jan. 24, 2008, an $8,426,000 firm fixed price contract for the design and construction of the Corpus Christi Controlled Humidity Warehouse in Robstown, Texas. Work will be performed in Robstown, Texas and is expected to be completed by Jan. 19, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Oct. 16 2007, and four bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity W912QR-08-C-004.
NAVY
Raytheon Technical Services Co. Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded $34,077,192 for firm-fixed-price order #7005 under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement contract (N00383-07-G-008D) for repair of components of the APG-65 and 73 radar system, which is used to support the F/A-18 aircraft. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., (39 percent); Forest, Miss., (32 percent); El Segundo, Calif., (25 percent); and Andover, Mass., (4 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Jan. 2010. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Rothenbuhler Engineering, Sedro Woolley, Wash., is being awarded an $11,518,054 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the MK 186 Mod 2 Radio Firing Device, MK 313 Mod 0 Shock Tube Igniter, MK 67 Demolition Firing Device and various components. MK 67 MOD 0 Demolition Firing Device, MK 313 MOD 0 Shock Tube Igniter, MK 186 MOD 2 Remote Firing Device systems are all radio firing device kits that together provide for the initiation of both pyrotechnic and ordnance devices remotely in both the electric initiator and shock tube initiator configurations. Additional contract line items are subcomponents of these systems and will be used for system maintenance purposes. Work will be performed in Sedro Woolley, Wash., and work is expected to be completed by Jan. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-08-D-4279).
Team BOS Signella, Joint Venture of Gemmo/Del-Jen, Inc./LA.RA S.r.l., Vicenza, Italy, is being awarded a $9,382,988 firm-fixed-price contract for Base Operating and Support (BOS) services at Naval Air Station (NAS), Sigonella. The work to be performed provides for all labor, supervision, tools, materials, equipment and transportation necessary to provide BOS services for the NAS Sigonella and supported installations. This contract contains options, which if exercised would bring the total not to exceed cumulative value of the contract to $50,110,676. Work will be performed in Sicily, Italy, and work is expected to be completed Feb. 2009, (Feb. 2013 with options). Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website with five proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Europe and Southwest Asia, is the contracting activity (N33191-08-D-0212).
Canadian Commercial Corp. General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, is being awarded $6,063,302 for delivery order #0001 under previously awarded firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-07-D-5028) for the purchase of Objective Gunner Protection Kit Parts required for their Mine Resistant Ambush ProtectedCategory I vehicles. Work will be performed in Ontario, Canada, and work is expected to be completed by Feb. 2009. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Kollmorgen Corp. Electro-Optical Division, Northampton, Mass., is being awarded a $5,754,914 modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6248) to exercise an option for the production of one AN/BVS-1 Photonics Mast System. The Photonics Mast is a non-hull penetrating electronic imaging subsystem of the command and control system. The Photonics Mast incorporates visible, infrared and electronic support measures sensors, and stealth features that will provide new capabilities for attack submarines. The subsystem comprises the Sensor Group, the Mast Group, the Data Transmission Group, and the Control and Display Group. The AN/BVS-1 Photonics Mast Systems will be installed on the Va. Class Submarines (SSN 780 - SSN 783). Work will be performed in Northampton, Mass., (70 percent); Seattle, Wash., (8 percent); Westfield, Mass., (6 percent); Boston, Mass., (6 percent); Joplin, Mo., (4 percent); Cincinnati, Ohio, (2 percent); Orlando, Fla., (2 percent); and Hackensack, N.J., (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by Aug. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Reinhart Food Service, La Crosse, Wis., is being awarded a maximum $19,400,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, prime vendor contract for subsistence. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Federal Civilian Agencies, and National Guard. This proposal was originally Web solicited with one response. This contract includes a two-year base and three option periods. Date of performance completion is Jan. 24, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-08-D-3236).
Hatco Corp. Fords, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $12,341,351.34 indefinite quantity contract for oil. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. The proposals were originally solicited on DIBBS with one response. This is a base year contract with one option year. Date of performance completion is Jan. 24, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., (SPM4A6-08-D-0097).
Undercover Angel
Editor's Note: The author is a former servicemember.
January 25, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) The January 16, 2008 program of Conversations with Cops at the Watering Hole features an interview with former police officer Lisa Lockwood – the author of Undercover Angel.
Program Date: January 30, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Undercover Angel
Guest: Lisa Lockwood
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
About the Guest
Lisa Lockwood is a former Chicago area police officer. During her law enforcement career she worked as a police officer, undercover detective and SWAT team member. Lisa Lockwood is the author of Undercover Angel.
According to the book description, “Lisa Lockwood endured childhood poverty and an abusive marriage to become a soldier in Desert Storm, a police officer, undercover narcotics detective and the first female SWAT team member. A former beauty pageant contestant, Lisa had to suppress her obvious femininity in order to conquer the "Boys Club" of law enforcement, but her beguiling beauty would become her best asset as an undercover narcotics detective. It was in the gritty world of drug rings, Mafia members and child molesters that she rediscovered the power of her femininity and learned to use her disarming sexuality as a professional asset in ensnaring criminals.
Lisa's journey was fraught with inner conflict as she struggled to balance her dangerous profession with a desire to be a complete woman, worthy of genuine love. Undercover Angel is Lisa Lockwood’s illuminating story of perseverance and unstoppable drive, that took her deep into the heart of a violent world and left her in a place of happiness, self-confidence and inner peace.”
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting. During the first half-hour of the show, the host, a nationally recognized expert on law enforcement, interviews a subject matter expert on the topic. During the second half-hour the program is joined by two other cops who give a street-level perspective to the conversation.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
January 25, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) The January 16, 2008 program of Conversations with Cops at the Watering Hole features an interview with former police officer Lisa Lockwood – the author of Undercover Angel.
Program Date: January 30, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Undercover Angel
Guest: Lisa Lockwood
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
About the Guest
Lisa Lockwood is a former Chicago area police officer. During her law enforcement career she worked as a police officer, undercover detective and SWAT team member. Lisa Lockwood is the author of Undercover Angel.
According to the book description, “Lisa Lockwood endured childhood poverty and an abusive marriage to become a soldier in Desert Storm, a police officer, undercover narcotics detective and the first female SWAT team member. A former beauty pageant contestant, Lisa had to suppress her obvious femininity in order to conquer the "Boys Club" of law enforcement, but her beguiling beauty would become her best asset as an undercover narcotics detective. It was in the gritty world of drug rings, Mafia members and child molesters that she rediscovered the power of her femininity and learned to use her disarming sexuality as a professional asset in ensnaring criminals.
Lisa's journey was fraught with inner conflict as she struggled to balance her dangerous profession with a desire to be a complete woman, worthy of genuine love. Undercover Angel is Lisa Lockwood’s illuminating story of perseverance and unstoppable drive, that took her deep into the heart of a violent world and left her in a place of happiness, self-confidence and inner peace.”
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting. During the first half-hour of the show, the host, a nationally recognized expert on law enforcement, interviews a subject matter expert on the topic. During the second half-hour the program is joined by two other cops who give a street-level perspective to the conversation.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
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