By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 23, 2008 - For the past 16 years, the United States has worked with leadership in Eurasian countries to reduce the numbers of weapons of mass destruction left behind in former Soviet-bloc states after the Iron Curtain fell, an achievement made possible in part by America's cadre of skilled foreign linguists, the director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency said in an interview here. "It takes a very special person, in my mind, who can speak Russian, who's willing to live in Kazakhstan for two years and who's willing to build rapport with the community to make the 'cooperative' part of 'cooperative threat reduction' work," James Tegnelia said.
Since 1992, the Cooperative Threat Reduction Program, also called the Nunn-Lugar Program after the two U.S. senators behind the initiative, drastically cut the number of leftover weapons, dismantling more than 2,000 intercontinental missiles, eliminating 1,000 missile launchers and deactivating 7,000 nuclear warheads in former Soviet Union states.
U.S. Sens. Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar launched the program amid rising fears that rogue regimes or terrorists sought the remaining stockpiles.
"Maintaining an effective set of threat-reduction activities in former Soviet Union states remains a priority for the United States," according to the DTRA Web site. "These activities are designed to address the proliferation threat stemming from large quantities of Soviet-legacy [weapons of mass destruction] and missile-related expertise and materials remaining in [former Soviet Union] states."
Top graduates from an intensive Russian language and culture course at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif., may qualify for employment at DTRA. These practitioners work with their Russian counterparts in overseeing weapons facilities inspections. They act as interpreters and escorts, and often provide useful insights into the lay of the land, Tegnelia said.
"These people not only speak the language, they understand the culture, and they're expected to have read Russian novels and understand something about the Russian history, and know when you're making a social mistake to not cause those kind of problems," he said. "It's one thing to get a computer to translate your language, but it's another thing to know that you're saying the right thing and that you're not being culturally insensitive."
Under the Nunn-Lugar rubric, the United States and Russia together compelled Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan to eliminate all nuclear weapons from their territories, and in all, the program has disabled more nuclear weapons than exist in the combined arsenals of the United Kingdom, France and China.
Tegnelia credited the language institute for maintaining its high level of Russian proficiency, even as the number of missile silos, warheads and nuclear bombers in those countries has gone down.
"It would have been very easy to let that atrophy," he said. "But they maintain it; my sense is we're going to need it. They've been a very steady hand at the wheel."
The DTRA director said the agency has considered the necessity of expanding programs like the accelerated Russian language training to include other parts of the world, such as Central Asia and sections of U.S. Central Command's area of operations.
Tegnelia said the linguists fulfilling these vital on-site rolls often are young, intrepid, recent post-baccalaureate graduates.
"They've lived in the culture they've tried to learn," he said. "They come back with some real-world experience. They can live in different cultures, they speak different languages, they have a background that not a lot of people have. And oh, by the way, there's not a lot you're going to do in Siberia in the middle of winter, so you end up with some money to pay off your student loans. It's a win-win."
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Gates Salutes New Citizens for Service, Sacrifice
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 23, 2008 - Presiding over a naturalization ceremony here today, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates called it an honor "to welcome into citizenship 42 men and women who have served and sacrificed for their country before it officially was their country." Gates kicked off his first visit to Fayetteville, N.C., home to both Pope Air Force Base and Fort Bragg, presenting citizenship certificates to 42 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who hail from 26 countries, many of whom have served in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Jonathan Scharfen, acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, administered the oath of citizenship.
"The oath you have just sworn brings a deep sense of pride to you and your families and your comrades-in-arms," Gates told the group as he recognized their contributions to American principles. All are volunteers who "have stepped forward at a difficult and dangerous time for freedom-loving people everywhere," he said, willingly putting themselves in harm's way for causes they believe in.
"Throughout U.S. history, new citizens in every walk of life have made America a better place," he said. "As soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, you give what is invaluable: your skills, talents and courage."
Gates noted that nearly 43,000 men and women in uniform have become U.S. citizens since Sept. 11, 2001. He called it fitting and just that President Bush signed an executive order that makes all foreign-born, active-duty servicemembers immediately eligible for U.S. citizenship.
"This nation that welcomes you with warmth and with pride is very much in your debt, because you have shown your love for this country in the most honorable way possible," the secretary said.
Among the new citizens is Army Sgt. 1st Class Ulisses Chavez, a native of Honduras serving with the 504th Brigade Special Troops Battalion. With 11 years in the Army, including two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan, Chavez said, he's proud to now be a U.S. citizen, and particularly proud to have the secretary of defense at his naturalization ceremony.
"It's an honor," he said, citing Gates' "great speech" that drew comparisons between America's founding fathers and those who serve the country today.
"I see this is an accomplishment," Chavez said. "It's the next step forward, and from here I plan to keep moving on and up."
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 23, 2008 - Presiding over a naturalization ceremony here today, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates called it an honor "to welcome into citizenship 42 men and women who have served and sacrificed for their country before it officially was their country." Gates kicked off his first visit to Fayetteville, N.C., home to both Pope Air Force Base and Fort Bragg, presenting citizenship certificates to 42 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who hail from 26 countries, many of whom have served in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Jonathan Scharfen, acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, administered the oath of citizenship.
"The oath you have just sworn brings a deep sense of pride to you and your families and your comrades-in-arms," Gates told the group as he recognized their contributions to American principles. All are volunteers who "have stepped forward at a difficult and dangerous time for freedom-loving people everywhere," he said, willingly putting themselves in harm's way for causes they believe in.
"Throughout U.S. history, new citizens in every walk of life have made America a better place," he said. "As soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, you give what is invaluable: your skills, talents and courage."
Gates noted that nearly 43,000 men and women in uniform have become U.S. citizens since Sept. 11, 2001. He called it fitting and just that President Bush signed an executive order that makes all foreign-born, active-duty servicemembers immediately eligible for U.S. citizenship.
"This nation that welcomes you with warmth and with pride is very much in your debt, because you have shown your love for this country in the most honorable way possible," the secretary said.
Among the new citizens is Army Sgt. 1st Class Ulisses Chavez, a native of Honduras serving with the 504th Brigade Special Troops Battalion. With 11 years in the Army, including two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan, Chavez said, he's proud to now be a U.S. citizen, and particularly proud to have the secretary of defense at his naturalization ceremony.
"It's an honor," he said, citing Gates' "great speech" that drew comparisons between America's founding fathers and those who serve the country today.
"I see this is an accomplishment," Chavez said. "It's the next step forward, and from here I plan to keep moving on and up."
MILITARY CONTRACTS October 23, 2008
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Washington Gas Energy Services, Inc., Herndon, Va. is being awarded a maximum $27,741,396 firm fixed price contract to provide electrical services. Other locations of performance are District of Columbia and Maryland. Using service is Navy. There were originally 100 proposals solicited with 14 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is December 31, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-8035).
Burlington Apparel Fabrics, Greensboro, N.C. is being awarded a maximum $6,410,240 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery contract to provide wool cloth. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There were originally 65 proposals solicited with 2 responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is October 29, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa.(SP0100-05-D-0516).
ARMY
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded Oct. 21, 2008, a $27,344,101 firm/ fixed price contract for Baltimore District maintenance dredging in Baltimore Harbor and Baltimore Channels waterways. Work will be performed in Maryland, Baltimore area waterways in various locations, with an estimated and completion date of April 30, 2009. Bids solicited were via the Web and three bids were received. USA Corp of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-09-C-0002).
Navy
BAE Systems Land & Armaments, Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., is being awarded a $22,932,814firm-fixed-priced modification to previously awarded delivery order #0004 under contract (M67854-07-D-5025) for Field Service Representatives (FSR) and Instructors to support Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by the January 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn. is being awarded a $19,041,627 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2103) for reactor plant planning yard services for nuclear-powered submarines and support yard services for the Navy's moored training ships. The contractor will furnish, fabricate, or acquire such materials, supplies and services as may be necessary to perform the functions of the planning yard for reactor plants and associated portions of the propulsion plants for nuclear powered submarines. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn. (95 percent) and Charleston, S.C. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $17,198,984 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Washington Gas Energy Services, Inc., Herndon, Va. is being awarded a maximum $27,741,396 firm fixed price contract to provide electrical services. Other locations of performance are District of Columbia and Maryland. Using service is Navy. There were originally 100 proposals solicited with 14 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is December 31, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-8035).
Burlington Apparel Fabrics, Greensboro, N.C. is being awarded a maximum $6,410,240 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery contract to provide wool cloth. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There were originally 65 proposals solicited with 2 responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is October 29, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa.(SP0100-05-D-0516).
ARMY
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded Oct. 21, 2008, a $27,344,101 firm/ fixed price contract for Baltimore District maintenance dredging in Baltimore Harbor and Baltimore Channels waterways. Work will be performed in Maryland, Baltimore area waterways in various locations, with an estimated and completion date of April 30, 2009. Bids solicited were via the Web and three bids were received. USA Corp of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-09-C-0002).
Navy
BAE Systems Land & Armaments, Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., is being awarded a $22,932,814firm-fixed-priced modification to previously awarded delivery order #0004 under contract (M67854-07-D-5025) for Field Service Representatives (FSR) and Instructors to support Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by the January 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, Conn. is being awarded a $19,041,627 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2103) for reactor plant planning yard services for nuclear-powered submarines and support yard services for the Navy's moored training ships. The contractor will furnish, fabricate, or acquire such materials, supplies and services as may be necessary to perform the functions of the planning yard for reactor plants and associated portions of the propulsion plants for nuclear powered submarines. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn. (95 percent) and Charleston, S.C. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $17,198,984 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
America Supports You: New Jersey Cities to Welcome Units Home in Grand Style
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 22, 2008 - Two units of the 82nd Airborne Division will be treated to a heroes' welcome in November when Holmdel and Middletown, N.J., host a joint homecoming for their "adopted" troops. The units and the cities were paired by America Supporting Americans, a California-based nonprofit group that links military units with communities across the country.
"The centerpiece of ASA's work is the Adopt-A-Unit Program," said Linda Patterson, the group's president and founder. "Believing that a strong, supportive connection between young men and women of our armed forces and the civilian communities they are ready and willing to serve is crucial to morale, ASA has committed itself to building and strengthening this link."
While the homecoming event is still in the planning stages, it's scheduled to cover three days, Nov. 6 through 8. A Veterans Day parade is expected to be the highlight of the event and will give the cities' residents the opportunity to come out and personally thank their soldiers, Patterson said.
"I'm sure you can imagine the planning that goes into an event such as this, and we are extremely proud of these New Jersey communities, their city leaders and citizens," she said. "This is going to be an ... event in two outstanding ASA cities who have rallied their citizens' participation, businesses, and schools, young and old to support these soldiers throughout their deployment."
Patterson started America Supporting Americans in 1967 when her brother, Army Sgt. Joe Artavia, wrote to her from Vietnam and asked her to do something to raise the morale of his unit. She, in turn, convinced her hometown of San Mateo, Calif., to "adopt" her brother's unit. The adoption did the trick and raised the troops' morale "as high as the clouds," Artavia wrote to his sister.
Artavia, 19, was killed three weeks after San Mateo adopted his unit, and Patterson has continued working to raise troops' morale by encouraging communities across the country to adopt military units.
America Supporting Americans is included on the America Supports You Web site. America Supports You is a Defense Department program that communicates citizen support to servicemembers and their families.
Oct. 22, 2008 - Two units of the 82nd Airborne Division will be treated to a heroes' welcome in November when Holmdel and Middletown, N.J., host a joint homecoming for their "adopted" troops. The units and the cities were paired by America Supporting Americans, a California-based nonprofit group that links military units with communities across the country.
"The centerpiece of ASA's work is the Adopt-A-Unit Program," said Linda Patterson, the group's president and founder. "Believing that a strong, supportive connection between young men and women of our armed forces and the civilian communities they are ready and willing to serve is crucial to morale, ASA has committed itself to building and strengthening this link."
While the homecoming event is still in the planning stages, it's scheduled to cover three days, Nov. 6 through 8. A Veterans Day parade is expected to be the highlight of the event and will give the cities' residents the opportunity to come out and personally thank their soldiers, Patterson said.
"I'm sure you can imagine the planning that goes into an event such as this, and we are extremely proud of these New Jersey communities, their city leaders and citizens," she said. "This is going to be an ... event in two outstanding ASA cities who have rallied their citizens' participation, businesses, and schools, young and old to support these soldiers throughout their deployment."
Patterson started America Supporting Americans in 1967 when her brother, Army Sgt. Joe Artavia, wrote to her from Vietnam and asked her to do something to raise the morale of his unit. She, in turn, convinced her hometown of San Mateo, Calif., to "adopt" her brother's unit. The adoption did the trick and raised the troops' morale "as high as the clouds," Artavia wrote to his sister.
Artavia, 19, was killed three weeks after San Mateo adopted his unit, and Patterson has continued working to raise troops' morale by encouraging communities across the country to adopt military units.
America Supporting Americans is included on the America Supports You Web site. America Supports You is a Defense Department program that communicates citizen support to servicemembers and their families.
Mullen Continues Talks with Baltic Allies in Lithuania
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 22, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with officials here today as he continued to reaffirm America's commitment to the collective defense of NATO during meetings with allies in the Baltic republics. A key element of Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's discussions here was "Article 5" of the NATO treaty, which declares that an attack on any NATO member is an attack on all NATO members.
"From the United States perspective, the Article 5 responsibilities are absolute," Mullen said during a news conference.
The chairman visited the region following a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Gen. Nikolai Makarov, in Helsinki, Finland, yesterday. Mullen said all the nations in the region were concerned when Russia invaded Georgia in August, and his presence in the region was to reassure NATO allies of America's continued commitment to mutual defense.
"I believe that Article 5 is not an issue for discussion," Lt. Gen. Valdas Tutkus, Lithuania's chief of defense, said at the news conference. "We in Lithuania strongly believe that the Article 5 is in place. That was one of the reasons for Lithuania to join NATO."
Mullen said he and Tutkus discussed the bilateral military relationship between the United States and Lithuania, including the exercise program and ways to share lessons learned from combat.
"Warfighting and technology are changing," he said. "How do we take the lessons we are learning in real combat and translate that to other militaries and countries in other parts of the world?"
Mullen praised Lithuania for its support in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lithuania commands a provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan and has special operations forces working in the southern part of the country. Tutkus said Lithuania will increase its special forces personnel in Afghanistan next year.
The chairman said he also discussed NATO's air policing mission in the Baltic republics with his Lithuanian counterpart. NATO nations have committed to policing the skies over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania through 2011. Mullen said the Baltic states and their NATO allies have time to further discuss the mission and the way forward.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 22, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with officials here today as he continued to reaffirm America's commitment to the collective defense of NATO during meetings with allies in the Baltic republics. A key element of Navy Adm. Mike Mullen's discussions here was "Article 5" of the NATO treaty, which declares that an attack on any NATO member is an attack on all NATO members.
"From the United States perspective, the Article 5 responsibilities are absolute," Mullen said during a news conference.
The chairman visited the region following a meeting with his Russian counterpart, Gen. Nikolai Makarov, in Helsinki, Finland, yesterday. Mullen said all the nations in the region were concerned when Russia invaded Georgia in August, and his presence in the region was to reassure NATO allies of America's continued commitment to mutual defense.
"I believe that Article 5 is not an issue for discussion," Lt. Gen. Valdas Tutkus, Lithuania's chief of defense, said at the news conference. "We in Lithuania strongly believe that the Article 5 is in place. That was one of the reasons for Lithuania to join NATO."
Mullen said he and Tutkus discussed the bilateral military relationship between the United States and Lithuania, including the exercise program and ways to share lessons learned from combat.
"Warfighting and technology are changing," he said. "How do we take the lessons we are learning in real combat and translate that to other militaries and countries in other parts of the world?"
Mullen praised Lithuania for its support in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lithuania commands a provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan and has special operations forces working in the southern part of the country. Tutkus said Lithuania will increase its special forces personnel in Afghanistan next year.
The chairman said he also discussed NATO's air policing mission in the Baltic republics with his Lithuanian counterpart. NATO nations have committed to policing the skies over Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania through 2011. Mullen said the Baltic states and their NATO allies have time to further discuss the mission and the way forward.
Creative Arts Festival Gives Wounded Warriors Therapeutic Outlet
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 22, 2008 - Veterans of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are among more than 120 disabled veterans from across the country attending the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival this week in Riverside, Calif. The week-long festival kicked off yesterday, bringing together medal winners in national creative writing, music, dance, drama or visual arts competitions. Each participant edged out more than 3,000 competitors to earn spots at the national festival, Department of Veterans Affairs officials said.
Retired Army Sgt. Maj. Michael Slatton, a veteran of operations Iraq Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Desert Storm; and retired Air Force Lt. Col. Dennis Linn, a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, are among the participants.
Slatton retired in 2005 at Fort Gordon, Ga., and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder. He and his VA group, The Heavenly Harmonizers, sang their way to this year's National Veterans Creative Arts Festival -- Slatton's fourth -- by winning a gold medal during a preliminary competition in Houston with their gospel song, "Jesus, You Are the Center of My Joy."
Linn retired in 2004 and suffers from cardiovascular disease. A former military artist who once taught art at the Air Force Academy, he painted his way to the VA national festival with gold medals for three paintings in three different media: pastel, oil and watercolor.
Veterans Affairs Secretary James B. Peake called the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival an extension of VA's rehabilitative care.
"Creative expression is an important component of healthy living," Peake said. "This annual festival shows that real healing goes well beyond our patients' physical needs. Creative arts therapy has a key role at VA in rehabilitation and recovery."
Slatton was introduced to the benefits of music therapy while undergoing treatment at the VA hospital near his Chicago home. He'd been singing in church since he was young and had his own music group for years, but now sings mostly with groups he's met through the VA.
"It's true what they say: Music really does soothe the savage beast," he said. "It gives me an outlet and a way to express myself in ways other than combat."
Slatton called the festival a great opportunity for veterans to share their love of the arts along with each other's company.
"I love the fellowship of the other veterans. I'm hooked on it," he said. "There's no competition here, because to get here, you've already won. So the atmosphere here is all about camaraderie. It's a real pleasure to be here with all these veterans."
Linn, now a professional artist in Rapid City, S.D., called art an outlet that helps him transcend his physical limitations. "Art has always been therapeutic for me," he said. "It cultivates your imagination and creativity and serves as an avenue for self-expression."
Linn called the festival a valuable experience for veterans that takes their minds off the physical or mental challenges they face. "It helps take away the stress," he said. "This is a great program for veterans, and I hope more get involved."
Annie Tuttle, the festival's host site coordinator, said a full schedule of rehearsals, workshops, art showings and other activities this week is showcasing the veterans' talents as well as the benefits of the visual and performing arts as therapy.
A grand-finale stage and art show later this week is expected to be a program highlight. The veterans will exhibit their artwork or perform musical, dance, dramatic or original writing selections in a gala variety show.
The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is sponsored by the VA, Help Hospitalized Veterans and the American Legion Auxiliary, and is hosted by the VA's Loma Linda Healthcare System.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 22, 2008 - Veterans of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are among more than 120 disabled veterans from across the country attending the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival this week in Riverside, Calif. The week-long festival kicked off yesterday, bringing together medal winners in national creative writing, music, dance, drama or visual arts competitions. Each participant edged out more than 3,000 competitors to earn spots at the national festival, Department of Veterans Affairs officials said.
Retired Army Sgt. Maj. Michael Slatton, a veteran of operations Iraq Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Desert Storm; and retired Air Force Lt. Col. Dennis Linn, a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, are among the participants.
Slatton retired in 2005 at Fort Gordon, Ga., and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder. He and his VA group, The Heavenly Harmonizers, sang their way to this year's National Veterans Creative Arts Festival -- Slatton's fourth -- by winning a gold medal during a preliminary competition in Houston with their gospel song, "Jesus, You Are the Center of My Joy."
Linn retired in 2004 and suffers from cardiovascular disease. A former military artist who once taught art at the Air Force Academy, he painted his way to the VA national festival with gold medals for three paintings in three different media: pastel, oil and watercolor.
Veterans Affairs Secretary James B. Peake called the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival an extension of VA's rehabilitative care.
"Creative expression is an important component of healthy living," Peake said. "This annual festival shows that real healing goes well beyond our patients' physical needs. Creative arts therapy has a key role at VA in rehabilitation and recovery."
Slatton was introduced to the benefits of music therapy while undergoing treatment at the VA hospital near his Chicago home. He'd been singing in church since he was young and had his own music group for years, but now sings mostly with groups he's met through the VA.
"It's true what they say: Music really does soothe the savage beast," he said. "It gives me an outlet and a way to express myself in ways other than combat."
Slatton called the festival a great opportunity for veterans to share their love of the arts along with each other's company.
"I love the fellowship of the other veterans. I'm hooked on it," he said. "There's no competition here, because to get here, you've already won. So the atmosphere here is all about camaraderie. It's a real pleasure to be here with all these veterans."
Linn, now a professional artist in Rapid City, S.D., called art an outlet that helps him transcend his physical limitations. "Art has always been therapeutic for me," he said. "It cultivates your imagination and creativity and serves as an avenue for self-expression."
Linn called the festival a valuable experience for veterans that takes their minds off the physical or mental challenges they face. "It helps take away the stress," he said. "This is a great program for veterans, and I hope more get involved."
Annie Tuttle, the festival's host site coordinator, said a full schedule of rehearsals, workshops, art showings and other activities this week is showcasing the veterans' talents as well as the benefits of the visual and performing arts as therapy.
A grand-finale stage and art show later this week is expected to be a program highlight. The veterans will exhibit their artwork or perform musical, dance, dramatic or original writing selections in a gala variety show.
The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is sponsored by the VA, Help Hospitalized Veterans and the American Legion Auxiliary, and is hosted by the VA's Loma Linda Healthcare System.
Gates Lauds Improvements in Wounded Warrior Care
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 22, 2008 - The military has made "some significant steps forward" in caring for wounded warriors, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a Pentagon Channel interview broadcast today. Inpatient care provided to wounded warriors always has been world-class, Gates said.
"We've never had a problem with that," he said, "and the medical treatment that our soldiers and Marines and airmen and sailors get from the battlefield to these hospitals has no peer anywhere in the world."
The military has made "some significant steps forward" over the past year, Gates said, citing the services' creation of wounded warrior transition organizations.
"I think that the services have really taken a lot of forward steps in terms of improving care, having care managers who make sure that appointments get made and that they're sequenced correctly," he said.
Other improvements are under way with the disability evaluation system that's used to determine how much money injured servicemembers receive after they're discharged, Gates said, as DoD and Department of Veterans Affairs officials work together toward streamlining that process.
"We have a pilot [disability rating] program where there is just one exam and one rating between us and the VA, but it is just a pilot program," Gates said.
Gates acknowledged that still more can be achieved in caring for wounded warriors.
"Part of the problem is we make decisions here and we budget money here for things, and it takes awhile, often, for that to trickle down to individual posts and bases and to the individuals involved," Gates said.
"So, while I think we've accomplished a lot and we are headed absolutely in the right direction, there's no question that we still have further to go, and there's still a gap between where we want to be and where we are," he said.
About $900 million in resources have been earmarked for treatment and research of servicemembers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, Gates said, and the Defense Department will establish a Center for Excellence at Bethesda, Md., that will specialize in research and development in finding new treatments for PTSD and TBI.
"It will be a world-class facility at Bethesda, serving all of the services," Gates said. "There's a lot that we don't know about TBI and post-traumatic stress, so we've got a lot of experiments going on around the country."
To help change the military culture to accept that psychological injuries are as devastating as physical wounds, Gates supported the initiative to remove a question on the security clearance form that asked servicemembers whether they ever had received psychological counseling or other kinds of mental health treatment. There's no question, Gates said, that more military people of all ranks are seeking care for mental health issues.
"This is another area where we have a strong culture to overcome, where people basically say, 'Suck it up and get on with the job,' and so on," Gates said, "without realizing that people who have PTSD have suffered a wound just like they've been shot and need to be treated."
The secretary credited Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. with leading his service in promoting the need for soldiers of all ranks to care for their mental health. Noncommissioned officers of all the services, Gates said, play a key role in monitoring young troops' mental health and encouraging them to seek help, if necessary.
Changing military attitudes about mental health issues will take time, Gates acknowledged.
"I think changing Question 21 to where people don't have to worry about losing their security clearance or have their career affected is an important step," Gates said. "But fundamentally, it's a leadership issue in terms of setting an example, of senior officers even acknowledging that they may have had to seek help ... and set the example that way."
Gates signs condolence letters for the families of servicemembers who have died in service to their country, and he provides hand-written notes with each one. It's important, he said, for the fallen to be remembered as people and not become statistics.
Shortly after he took office, Gates said, he told his staff he wanted to see photos of each fallen servicemember, as well as the hometown newspaper obituary, attached to the condolence letters he was to sign.
"I want to get to know every one of these people and the sacrifice that they'd made," Gates said.
Though all military members are expected to do their duty, the secretary said, the sacrifices they make in doing so must not be overlooked. "I think not forgetting the sacrifice that has been made and not letting people become a number is absolutely essential," he said.
With a new administration taking over in January, Gates said, the bonds he has forged with U.S. military members will make it hard for him to leave the Defense Department.
"The opportunity to serve with our troops and to lead them has been the best thing that's ever happened to me," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 22, 2008 - The military has made "some significant steps forward" in caring for wounded warriors, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a Pentagon Channel interview broadcast today. Inpatient care provided to wounded warriors always has been world-class, Gates said.
"We've never had a problem with that," he said, "and the medical treatment that our soldiers and Marines and airmen and sailors get from the battlefield to these hospitals has no peer anywhere in the world."
The military has made "some significant steps forward" over the past year, Gates said, citing the services' creation of wounded warrior transition organizations.
"I think that the services have really taken a lot of forward steps in terms of improving care, having care managers who make sure that appointments get made and that they're sequenced correctly," he said.
Other improvements are under way with the disability evaluation system that's used to determine how much money injured servicemembers receive after they're discharged, Gates said, as DoD and Department of Veterans Affairs officials work together toward streamlining that process.
"We have a pilot [disability rating] program where there is just one exam and one rating between us and the VA, but it is just a pilot program," Gates said.
Gates acknowledged that still more can be achieved in caring for wounded warriors.
"Part of the problem is we make decisions here and we budget money here for things, and it takes awhile, often, for that to trickle down to individual posts and bases and to the individuals involved," Gates said.
"So, while I think we've accomplished a lot and we are headed absolutely in the right direction, there's no question that we still have further to go, and there's still a gap between where we want to be and where we are," he said.
About $900 million in resources have been earmarked for treatment and research of servicemembers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, Gates said, and the Defense Department will establish a Center for Excellence at Bethesda, Md., that will specialize in research and development in finding new treatments for PTSD and TBI.
"It will be a world-class facility at Bethesda, serving all of the services," Gates said. "There's a lot that we don't know about TBI and post-traumatic stress, so we've got a lot of experiments going on around the country."
To help change the military culture to accept that psychological injuries are as devastating as physical wounds, Gates supported the initiative to remove a question on the security clearance form that asked servicemembers whether they ever had received psychological counseling or other kinds of mental health treatment. There's no question, Gates said, that more military people of all ranks are seeking care for mental health issues.
"This is another area where we have a strong culture to overcome, where people basically say, 'Suck it up and get on with the job,' and so on," Gates said, "without realizing that people who have PTSD have suffered a wound just like they've been shot and need to be treated."
The secretary credited Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. with leading his service in promoting the need for soldiers of all ranks to care for their mental health. Noncommissioned officers of all the services, Gates said, play a key role in monitoring young troops' mental health and encouraging them to seek help, if necessary.
Changing military attitudes about mental health issues will take time, Gates acknowledged.
"I think changing Question 21 to where people don't have to worry about losing their security clearance or have their career affected is an important step," Gates said. "But fundamentally, it's a leadership issue in terms of setting an example, of senior officers even acknowledging that they may have had to seek help ... and set the example that way."
Gates signs condolence letters for the families of servicemembers who have died in service to their country, and he provides hand-written notes with each one. It's important, he said, for the fallen to be remembered as people and not become statistics.
Shortly after he took office, Gates said, he told his staff he wanted to see photos of each fallen servicemember, as well as the hometown newspaper obituary, attached to the condolence letters he was to sign.
"I want to get to know every one of these people and the sacrifice that they'd made," Gates said.
Though all military members are expected to do their duty, the secretary said, the sacrifices they make in doing so must not be overlooked. "I think not forgetting the sacrifice that has been made and not letting people become a number is absolutely essential," he said.
With a new administration taking over in January, Gates said, the bonds he has forged with U.S. military members will make it hard for him to leave the Defense Department.
"The opportunity to serve with our troops and to lead them has been the best thing that's ever happened to me," he said.
Face of Defense: Logistics Agency Employee Rises Above Disability
By Beth Reece
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 22, 2008 - Sasha Puyans is used to getting "The Look." Strangers have gasped, pointed and stared. Some have stopped to take her picture. The attention usually doesn't faze Puyans, who will happily pose for photos with a smile so wide and friendly that observers can't help but see past her short stature and the electric scooter she uses to get around.
"People who've never seen a dwarf before are genuinely shocked when they see me," said Puyans, who has worked with the Defense Logistics Agency's Information Operations Directorate since September 2000.
"Yes, I use a scooter and crutches, but I'm over it, Honey. I'm going to keep on cruising and make the best of things," she said.
Puyans was diagnosed at age 3 with diastrophic dysplasia, a rare cartilage and bone disorder that causes joint pain and restricts movement. Those who have the disorder have a short stature with very short arms and legs, commonly known as dwarfism.
While people with diastrophic dysplasia are protected from discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Puyans said she doesn't feel disabled.
"Since I was little, I always knew I was smart. I knew this was going to get me ahead," she said, pointing to her head.
The 31-year-old is the only one of four siblings to earn a college degree.
"As a disabled person, it's not like I can just go get a construction job. Either I get an education and a professional job doing the best I can, or my options are cut in half."
Puyans' DLA career began with the Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities, a 14-week summer program that gives disabled college students real-world work experience. She was taking classes at Baltimore City Community College and working part time for the Social Security Administration when a friend recommended she submit a resume.
After turning down seven different job offers she received through the Workforce Recruitment Program, Puyans accepted a position with DLA.
"I could see a future here," she said. "Things have worked out quite well, and there's still room for growth."
Puyans calls DLA a "fabulous place to work." Though she's held various positions in the agency, she said she loves her current job of handling the checkbook and credit-card purchases for the Information Operations Directorate.
When back and leg surgeries and infections kept her in the hospital or homebound for an extended period two years ago, Puyans' supervisors made arrangements for her to work from home when able.
"At that time, I was doing a lot of training database work and spreadsheets. I was really busy, which was wonderful," she said. "A lot of people were like, 'Don't you just want to rest?' But if I sat there with nothing to do, I would have fallen apart. Having my computer, interacting with people from work, it was my way of having some kind of normalcy."
Other employers may not have been as accommodating, Puyans said. "The agency went above and beyond. DLA is really a wonderful place for a disabled person to work."
Puyans is active in Little People of America, a national nonprofit group that provides support and information to people with dwarfism. According to the LPA, more than 80 percent of children born with dwarfism have average-height parents. Puyans' Cuban-born parents are of average height, and only her brother, Brian, shares her genetic condition.
Puyans said she long ago accepted being in the minority in her day-to-day life, so the LPA conventions she attends with Brian always leave her awestruck.
"Rarely do you see even two dwarves in a room, but at these conventions we see 3,000 other people just like ourselves," she said.
Puyans said a recent trip to Mexico for her first Little People of Mexico Convention renewed her appreciation for being a disabled person living in America.
"If you're disabled and live in Mexico, you're not a normal part of society. They don't have the same opportunities for education there, and many of them are reclusive," she said. "But here, I go to work, I have a career. I live a full life."
Even the scooter she relies on doesn't stop Puyans from commuting an hour and a half on a mix of buses and trains from her home in Baltimore.
"I've had surgeries since I was a month old – from my head to my feet. I could very well be doing nothing, sitting at home collecting a Social Security check. But that's not what I chose," she said.
(Beth Reece works at the Defense Logistics Agency Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 22, 2008 - Sasha Puyans is used to getting "The Look." Strangers have gasped, pointed and stared. Some have stopped to take her picture. The attention usually doesn't faze Puyans, who will happily pose for photos with a smile so wide and friendly that observers can't help but see past her short stature and the electric scooter she uses to get around.
"People who've never seen a dwarf before are genuinely shocked when they see me," said Puyans, who has worked with the Defense Logistics Agency's Information Operations Directorate since September 2000.
"Yes, I use a scooter and crutches, but I'm over it, Honey. I'm going to keep on cruising and make the best of things," she said.
Puyans was diagnosed at age 3 with diastrophic dysplasia, a rare cartilage and bone disorder that causes joint pain and restricts movement. Those who have the disorder have a short stature with very short arms and legs, commonly known as dwarfism.
While people with diastrophic dysplasia are protected from discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Puyans said she doesn't feel disabled.
"Since I was little, I always knew I was smart. I knew this was going to get me ahead," she said, pointing to her head.
The 31-year-old is the only one of four siblings to earn a college degree.
"As a disabled person, it's not like I can just go get a construction job. Either I get an education and a professional job doing the best I can, or my options are cut in half."
Puyans' DLA career began with the Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities, a 14-week summer program that gives disabled college students real-world work experience. She was taking classes at Baltimore City Community College and working part time for the Social Security Administration when a friend recommended she submit a resume.
After turning down seven different job offers she received through the Workforce Recruitment Program, Puyans accepted a position with DLA.
"I could see a future here," she said. "Things have worked out quite well, and there's still room for growth."
Puyans calls DLA a "fabulous place to work." Though she's held various positions in the agency, she said she loves her current job of handling the checkbook and credit-card purchases for the Information Operations Directorate.
When back and leg surgeries and infections kept her in the hospital or homebound for an extended period two years ago, Puyans' supervisors made arrangements for her to work from home when able.
"At that time, I was doing a lot of training database work and spreadsheets. I was really busy, which was wonderful," she said. "A lot of people were like, 'Don't you just want to rest?' But if I sat there with nothing to do, I would have fallen apart. Having my computer, interacting with people from work, it was my way of having some kind of normalcy."
Other employers may not have been as accommodating, Puyans said. "The agency went above and beyond. DLA is really a wonderful place for a disabled person to work."
Puyans is active in Little People of America, a national nonprofit group that provides support and information to people with dwarfism. According to the LPA, more than 80 percent of children born with dwarfism have average-height parents. Puyans' Cuban-born parents are of average height, and only her brother, Brian, shares her genetic condition.
Puyans said she long ago accepted being in the minority in her day-to-day life, so the LPA conventions she attends with Brian always leave her awestruck.
"Rarely do you see even two dwarves in a room, but at these conventions we see 3,000 other people just like ourselves," she said.
Puyans said a recent trip to Mexico for her first Little People of Mexico Convention renewed her appreciation for being a disabled person living in America.
"If you're disabled and live in Mexico, you're not a normal part of society. They don't have the same opportunities for education there, and many of them are reclusive," she said. "But here, I go to work, I have a career. I live a full life."
Even the scooter she relies on doesn't stop Puyans from commuting an hour and a half on a mix of buses and trains from her home in Baltimore.
"I've had surgeries since I was a month old – from my head to my feet. I could very well be doing nothing, sitting at home collecting a Social Security check. But that's not what I chose," she said.
(Beth Reece works at the Defense Logistics Agency Public Affairs Office.)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Officials Call Energy Efficiency 'Huge Priority' for Air Force
By Navy Seaman William Selby
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 22, 2008 - As the largest consumer of energy in the federal government, the Air Force has made conserving resources a priority, officials said yesterday. "We have to continue with our strategy of reducing demand and increasing [energy] supply and changing the culture within the Air Force," Kevin Billings, acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics, told bloggers during a teleconference.
Billings said finding cheaper, more efficient energy remains a top priority, because the Air Force uses so much energy.
The Air Force is spending more time looking for best practices and collaborating with the other services in terms of how to move forward, Billings said. In addition to changing facilities management activities and aviation operations, he added, the Air Force now wants to address the general outlook airmen have toward conserving energy.
"Technology can provide us better aviation operation procedures and, certainly, more alternative energy and renewable energy resources," Mike Aimone, assistant deputy chief of staff for logistics and installations, said. "But the culture can significantly reduce the demand for electricity if we, in fact, build this culture where airmen make energy a consideration."
In addition to changing its energy conservation culture, the Air Force is exploring ways to use its land for energy sources, Billings said. For example, he said, the Air Force sold 140 acres of land at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., to developers to build 72,000 solar arrays that created 14 megawatts of clean, renewable energy for Nevada Power. As a result, he said, the Air Force received a 20-year reduction of $1 million per year off its energy bill.
The Air Force also has begun a significant effort to monitor how much petroleum is being used on its bases, Aimone said, initiating an audit to find out the best methods of satisfying energy needs besides putting convoys of petroleum products.
Another project is the ongoing application of insulating foam to worn-out tents in Iraq and Afghanistan. At one location, Aimone said, eight air conditioning units were needed to cool the tents before the foam was applied. Now, only three air conditioning units are needed, he said.
Looking forward, Billings said, the Air Force plans to research more opportunities to use wind and solar energy and to test different fuels for vehicles. However, he said, some of the more efficient fuels are more expensive.
"We're not going to subsidize it in terms of paying a premium for the fuel, because we've got a fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers to fly our missions as cost-effectively as possible," Billings explained.
While the Air Force will continue to search for more efficient energy, Billings said, it will not interfere with their overall mission.
"The No. 1 thing is providing our mission and making sure that we fulfill our mission ... while developing energy resources -- whether they be wind, geothermal, solar or mineral resources under our land," he said.
(Navy Seaman William Selby works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 22, 2008 - As the largest consumer of energy in the federal government, the Air Force has made conserving resources a priority, officials said yesterday. "We have to continue with our strategy of reducing demand and increasing [energy] supply and changing the culture within the Air Force," Kevin Billings, acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics, told bloggers during a teleconference.
Billings said finding cheaper, more efficient energy remains a top priority, because the Air Force uses so much energy.
The Air Force is spending more time looking for best practices and collaborating with the other services in terms of how to move forward, Billings said. In addition to changing facilities management activities and aviation operations, he added, the Air Force now wants to address the general outlook airmen have toward conserving energy.
"Technology can provide us better aviation operation procedures and, certainly, more alternative energy and renewable energy resources," Mike Aimone, assistant deputy chief of staff for logistics and installations, said. "But the culture can significantly reduce the demand for electricity if we, in fact, build this culture where airmen make energy a consideration."
In addition to changing its energy conservation culture, the Air Force is exploring ways to use its land for energy sources, Billings said. For example, he said, the Air Force sold 140 acres of land at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., to developers to build 72,000 solar arrays that created 14 megawatts of clean, renewable energy for Nevada Power. As a result, he said, the Air Force received a 20-year reduction of $1 million per year off its energy bill.
The Air Force also has begun a significant effort to monitor how much petroleum is being used on its bases, Aimone said, initiating an audit to find out the best methods of satisfying energy needs besides putting convoys of petroleum products.
Another project is the ongoing application of insulating foam to worn-out tents in Iraq and Afghanistan. At one location, Aimone said, eight air conditioning units were needed to cool the tents before the foam was applied. Now, only three air conditioning units are needed, he said.
Looking forward, Billings said, the Air Force plans to research more opportunities to use wind and solar energy and to test different fuels for vehicles. However, he said, some of the more efficient fuels are more expensive.
"We're not going to subsidize it in terms of paying a premium for the fuel, because we've got a fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers to fly our missions as cost-effectively as possible," Billings explained.
While the Air Force will continue to search for more efficient energy, Billings said, it will not interfere with their overall mission.
"The No. 1 thing is providing our mission and making sure that we fulfill our mission ... while developing energy resources -- whether they be wind, geothermal, solar or mineral resources under our land," he said.
(Navy Seaman William Selby works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Rules for Political Activities Apply to Troops, Civilian Employees
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 22, 2008 - With the national election less than two weeks away, Defense Department officials are stressing to troops and civilian employees that federal law and DoD directives limit their involvement in certain political activities. Political-related "dos and don'ts" pertaining to members of all service branches are proscribed within Defense Department Directive 1344.10, titled, "Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty."
The federal Hatch Act delineates what federal civilians, including those working for the Defense Department, may or may not do in the political realm.
For example, servicemembers and government civilians may attend political events such as meetings and rallies, but military members must only be spectators and may not wear their uniforms. In addition, servicemembers aren't permitted to make public political speeches, serve in any official capacity within political groups, or take part in partisan political campaigns or conventions.
Under Hatch Act rules, government civilians may be active in and speak before political gatherings or serve as officers of political parties or partisan groups. They're also allowed to manage political campaigns and may distribute literature, but not at work. They also may write political articles, or serve as spokespersons for political parties or candidates.
military members generally aren't allowed to campaign for political office. Civilians can campaign for office in nonpartisan elections. Partisan political activity is defined as activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party or candidate for a partisan political office or partisan political group.
Yet, basic rules apply to both military members and government civilians. Neither can use their position in the military or the government to influence or interfere with elections. Servicemembers and federal civilians never can engage in political activity on the job, in a government vehicle, or while wearing an official uniform.
For example, servicemembers and government civilians are not to distribute political literature at work. This also applies to politically partisan e-mail messages forwarded over the Internet.
Servicemembers and government civilians are encouraged to exercise their right to vote and participate in the democratic process. But they should know there are rules in place that govern the extent of their involvement in political activities, officials said.
Oct. 22, 2008 - With the national election less than two weeks away, Defense Department officials are stressing to troops and civilian employees that federal law and DoD directives limit their involvement in certain political activities. Political-related "dos and don'ts" pertaining to members of all service branches are proscribed within Defense Department Directive 1344.10, titled, "Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty."
The federal Hatch Act delineates what federal civilians, including those working for the Defense Department, may or may not do in the political realm.
For example, servicemembers and government civilians may attend political events such as meetings and rallies, but military members must only be spectators and may not wear their uniforms. In addition, servicemembers aren't permitted to make public political speeches, serve in any official capacity within political groups, or take part in partisan political campaigns or conventions.
Under Hatch Act rules, government civilians may be active in and speak before political gatherings or serve as officers of political parties or partisan groups. They're also allowed to manage political campaigns and may distribute literature, but not at work. They also may write political articles, or serve as spokespersons for political parties or candidates.
military members generally aren't allowed to campaign for political office. Civilians can campaign for office in nonpartisan elections. Partisan political activity is defined as activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party or candidate for a partisan political office or partisan political group.
Yet, basic rules apply to both military members and government civilians. Neither can use their position in the military or the government to influence or interfere with elections. Servicemembers and federal civilians never can engage in political activity on the job, in a government vehicle, or while wearing an official uniform.
For example, servicemembers and government civilians are not to distribute political literature at work. This also applies to politically partisan e-mail messages forwarded over the Internet.
Servicemembers and government civilians are encouraged to exercise their right to vote and participate in the democratic process. But they should know there are rules in place that govern the extent of their involvement in political activities, officials said.
MILITARY CONTRACTS October 22, 2008
ARMY
AM General LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded Oct. 21, 2008, a $179,586,188 firm/ fixed price contract for High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled vehicles to contract. Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., with an estimated and completion date of Dec. 31, 2009. Bids solicited were via Broad Agency Announcement and nine bids were received. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S-001).
CPP Construction Co., Gaithersburg, Md., was awarded Oct. 17, 2008, a $14,850,000 firm/fixed price contract. Construct facilities at the Dalecarlia and McMillian Water Treatment Plants to replace existing chlorine storage and feed systems with aqueous hypochlorite storage. Work will be performed in Wash., with an estimated and completion date of July 3, 2010. Bids solicited were via the Web and nine bids were received. USA Corp of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity
(W912DR-09-C-0005).
Air Force
Assurance Technologies of Carlisle, Mass., and Lockheed Martin Space Systems of Denver, Colo., are being awarded cost plus incentive fee/fixed fee contracts for $29 million. This action will provide for Self-Awareness Space Situations Awareness acquisition, which is born out of the Air Force's need to provide threat-warning instruments or sensors for our nation's space-based assets. This two-year developmental project will work towards demonstrating a viable sensing capability, as well as integration, for high-value space assets to include detection, assessment and notification of any attribute interference or attacks from multiple threats. At this time $10 million per contract has been obligated. Space and Missile Systems Center, Space Superiority Systems Wing, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8819-09-C-0021 (AT) and FA8819-09-C-0023 (Lockheed)).
ATK Mission Research of Santa Barbara, Calif., is being awarded a cost plus incentive fee contract for $26,116,415. The contractor shall accomplish all the effort necessary to design, fabricate, install, and test the Space Threat Assessment Testbed (STAT) System to meet all specification requirements (one lot). The STAT will create a realistic space environment to perform developmental and early operational testing of space hardware for Department of Defense, national Reconnaissance Office, and other agencies against man-made threats and naturally occurring environmental phenomena. STAT will emulate the environmental conditions existing at various orbits and self-induced effects. Additionally, STAT will emulate man-made threats to perform real-time system test and evaluation. Finally, STAT will lay the foundation for near real-time connectivity to a satellite operations center for integrated system testing, training, tactics, techniques, and procedures development. This action is a 54-month effort. At this time $1 million has been obligated. AEDC/PKM, Arnold AFB, Tenn., is the contracting activity (FA9101-09-C-0002).
Missile Defense Agency Contract Award
Alliant Techsystems Inc. of Elkton, Maryland, is being awarded a $8,331,652 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for designing, fabricating and testing components as a risk reduction program for future unitary kill vehicle divert and attitude control systems. Award is in response to the Broad Agency Announcement HQ0006-06-MP-BAA. Work will be performed at Elkton, Maryland with an estimated completion date of January 2010. The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity (HQ0006-08-C-0045). The contract will be incrementally funded by $850,000 using Fiscal Year 2008 Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation funds.
NAVY
Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Va. is being awarded a $5,851,025 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2104) for planning and design yard functions for Standard Navy Valves in support of Nuclear Powered Submarines. Work will be performed in Newport News, Va. and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AM General LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded Oct. 21, 2008, a $179,586,188 firm/ fixed price contract for High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled vehicles to contract. Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., with an estimated and completion date of Dec. 31, 2009. Bids solicited were via Broad Agency Announcement and nine bids were received. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S-001).
CPP Construction Co., Gaithersburg, Md., was awarded Oct. 17, 2008, a $14,850,000 firm/fixed price contract. Construct facilities at the Dalecarlia and McMillian Water Treatment Plants to replace existing chlorine storage and feed systems with aqueous hypochlorite storage. Work will be performed in Wash., with an estimated and completion date of July 3, 2010. Bids solicited were via the Web and nine bids were received. USA Corp of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity
(W912DR-09-C-0005).
Air Force
Assurance Technologies of Carlisle, Mass., and Lockheed Martin Space Systems of Denver, Colo., are being awarded cost plus incentive fee/fixed fee contracts for $29 million. This action will provide for Self-Awareness Space Situations Awareness acquisition, which is born out of the Air Force's need to provide threat-warning instruments or sensors for our nation's space-based assets. This two-year developmental project will work towards demonstrating a viable sensing capability, as well as integration, for high-value space assets to include detection, assessment and notification of any attribute interference or attacks from multiple threats. At this time $10 million per contract has been obligated. Space and Missile Systems Center, Space Superiority Systems Wing, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8819-09-C-0021 (AT) and FA8819-09-C-0023 (Lockheed)).
ATK Mission Research of Santa Barbara, Calif., is being awarded a cost plus incentive fee contract for $26,116,415. The contractor shall accomplish all the effort necessary to design, fabricate, install, and test the Space Threat Assessment Testbed (STAT) System to meet all specification requirements (one lot). The STAT will create a realistic space environment to perform developmental and early operational testing of space hardware for Department of Defense, national Reconnaissance Office, and other agencies against man-made threats and naturally occurring environmental phenomena. STAT will emulate the environmental conditions existing at various orbits and self-induced effects. Additionally, STAT will emulate man-made threats to perform real-time system test and evaluation. Finally, STAT will lay the foundation for near real-time connectivity to a satellite operations center for integrated system testing, training, tactics, techniques, and procedures development. This action is a 54-month effort. At this time $1 million has been obligated. AEDC/PKM, Arnold AFB, Tenn., is the contracting activity (FA9101-09-C-0002).
Missile Defense Agency Contract Award
Alliant Techsystems Inc. of Elkton, Maryland, is being awarded a $8,331,652 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for designing, fabricating and testing components as a risk reduction program for future unitary kill vehicle divert and attitude control systems. Award is in response to the Broad Agency Announcement HQ0006-06-MP-BAA. Work will be performed at Elkton, Maryland with an estimated completion date of January 2010. The Missile Defense Agency, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity (HQ0006-08-C-0045). The contract will be incrementally funded by $850,000 using Fiscal Year 2008 Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation funds.
NAVY
Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Newport News, Va. is being awarded a $5,851,025 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-2104) for planning and design yard functions for Standard Navy Valves in support of Nuclear Powered Submarines. Work will be performed in Newport News, Va. and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Navy Commissions Submarine New Hampshire
The Navy's newest attack submarine New Hampshire (SSN 778) will be commissioned Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008, during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine.
Sen. Judd Gregg will deliver the ceremony's principal address. The ship's sponsor, Cheryl McGuinness of Portsmouth, N.H., is the widow of Lt. Cmdr. Thomas McGuinness, a veteran Navy pilot and co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 which was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when McGuinness gives the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"
The fifth submarine of the Virginia-class, New Hampshire was delivered eight months early thanks to the Navy's on-going cost-reduction initiatives. This will mark the first time since 1996 that the Navy has commissioned two submarines of the same class in the same year -- USS North Carolina was commissioned in May.
Through their unique capabilities of stealth and endurance, Virginia-class submarines directly enable the Maritime Strategy Core Capabilities of forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, and maritime security. Equally adept at operating in the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, New Hampshire will significantly contribute to the mission areas of anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; special operations forces; strike; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare.
Cmdr. Mike Stevens, a native of Tacoma, Wash., will become the ship's first commanding officer, leading a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.
The 7,800-ton New Hampshire was built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding. New Hampshire is 337 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at depths greater than 800 feet and at speeds exceeding 25 knots submerged. New Hampshire is also designed with a reactor plant which will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs while increasing operational availability.
Additional information about this class of submarine is available online at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4100&tid=100&ct=4 .
Sen. Judd Gregg will deliver the ceremony's principal address. The ship's sponsor, Cheryl McGuinness of Portsmouth, N.H., is the widow of Lt. Cmdr. Thomas McGuinness, a veteran Navy pilot and co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 which was flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when McGuinness gives the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"
The fifth submarine of the Virginia-class, New Hampshire was delivered eight months early thanks to the Navy's on-going cost-reduction initiatives. This will mark the first time since 1996 that the Navy has commissioned two submarines of the same class in the same year -- USS North Carolina was commissioned in May.
Through their unique capabilities of stealth and endurance, Virginia-class submarines directly enable the Maritime Strategy Core Capabilities of forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, and maritime security. Equally adept at operating in the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, New Hampshire will significantly contribute to the mission areas of anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; special operations forces; strike; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare.
Cmdr. Mike Stevens, a native of Tacoma, Wash., will become the ship's first commanding officer, leading a crew of approximately 134 officers and enlisted personnel.
The 7,800-ton New Hampshire was built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding. New Hampshire is 337 feet in length, has a beam of 34 feet, and can operate at depths greater than 800 feet and at speeds exceeding 25 knots submerged. New Hampshire is also designed with a reactor plant which will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs while increasing operational availability.
Additional information about this class of submarine is available online at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4100&tid=100&ct=4 .
Serbian, U.S. Officials View Balkans Regionally, Mullen Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - Serbian and American military officials understand the two nations disagree about Kosovo, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today, but they recognize the relationship has to be about more than just that nation. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen met with Serbian President Boris Tadic last night and discussed ways the U.S. and Serbian militaries can work together.
Tadic recognizes that there is more to the U.S.-Serbian relationship than their disagreement on Kosovo, Mullen said. The United States quickly recognized Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia in February.
Serbia has turned to the West, and is working to join the European Union. It is also a member of NATO's Partnership for Peace program, often a stepping-stone to full membership in the alliance. The nation is working to eliminate the barriers to full integration in the European economy and the Euro-Atlantic community, the chairman said.
This includes energetically searching for Ratko Mladic and other war criminals from the Bosnian war.
"I get the sense that they are focused on the underpinning of the military-to-military [relationship] and a future that has them as members of the European Union and NATO," Mullen said.
Serbia has a strong strategic commitment to keep tensions low and to make sure violence doesn't break out over Kosovo, Mullen said. The United States and Serbia must continue to make progress in Kosovo, he said, and the next big way is to support the European Union Rule of Law Commission in Kosovo.
"There is so much focus on security and stability in Kosovo that everything is seen through the prism of Kosovo," Mullen said. "We have got to look beyond Kosovo independence, because that isn't the end of the importance of the region. We have to focus on the Balkans writ large. I'm mindful to focus on Serbia as Serbia affects the region, and not just how Serbia affects Kosovo.
"There has to be a balance there," he said.
Mullen said he is pleased with the path of the military-to-military relationship between the United States and Serbia. "Part of that is the great relationship with the Ohio National Guard [as part of a Guard partnership program], but part of it is the general slope-up."
The chairman said he'd like to see Serbian forces working alongside U.S. forces in actual operations. "You can only learn so much from training," he said. "There's always learning that goes on from a real-world operation."
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - Serbian and American military officials understand the two nations disagree about Kosovo, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today, but they recognize the relationship has to be about more than just that nation. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen met with Serbian President Boris Tadic last night and discussed ways the U.S. and Serbian militaries can work together.
Tadic recognizes that there is more to the U.S.-Serbian relationship than their disagreement on Kosovo, Mullen said. The United States quickly recognized Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia in February.
Serbia has turned to the West, and is working to join the European Union. It is also a member of NATO's Partnership for Peace program, often a stepping-stone to full membership in the alliance. The nation is working to eliminate the barriers to full integration in the European economy and the Euro-Atlantic community, the chairman said.
This includes energetically searching for Ratko Mladic and other war criminals from the Bosnian war.
"I get the sense that they are focused on the underpinning of the military-to-military [relationship] and a future that has them as members of the European Union and NATO," Mullen said.
Serbia has a strong strategic commitment to keep tensions low and to make sure violence doesn't break out over Kosovo, Mullen said. The United States and Serbia must continue to make progress in Kosovo, he said, and the next big way is to support the European Union Rule of Law Commission in Kosovo.
"There is so much focus on security and stability in Kosovo that everything is seen through the prism of Kosovo," Mullen said. "We have got to look beyond Kosovo independence, because that isn't the end of the importance of the region. We have to focus on the Balkans writ large. I'm mindful to focus on Serbia as Serbia affects the region, and not just how Serbia affects Kosovo.
"There has to be a balance there," he said.
Mullen said he is pleased with the path of the military-to-military relationship between the United States and Serbia. "Part of that is the great relationship with the Ohio National Guard [as part of a Guard partnership program], but part of it is the general slope-up."
The chairman said he'd like to see Serbian forces working alongside U.S. forces in actual operations. "You can only learn so much from training," he said. "There's always learning that goes on from a real-world operation."
Police Union Signs Statement of Support for Guardsmen, Reservists
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - The National Fraternal Order of Police formalized its support here yesterday for the men and women who wear both the military uniform and that of their local law enforcement agencies. "I don't know of any other profession that has as many people in the National Guard and Reserve as law enforcement," said Chuck Canterbury, president of the Police union. "It just seems like the two go hand in hand. I'd just like to apologize that we haven't done this before."
Canterbury signed his organization's commitment to ensure job security as well as employee benefits for its police officer in the nation's military reserve components and their families during war and peacetime. The organization understands the requirements and essential roles military volunteers hold in preserving national security, he said.
"So many of our members are in the Guard or Reserves, and we just wanted to show our support and make sure the people that are mobilized are remembered and taken care of," Canterbury said. "Law enforcement and the military are both highly regarded by the national public, and it's always good for these groups to speak in a united voice."
Now that the National Fraternal Order of Police has formally affirmed support of its military members and the federal government, the next step is to challenge local chapters and lodges nationwide to make the same commitment, he said.
"The next step is to go out to our 2,200 lodges and chapters throughout the country and having them sign a show of support," he said. "We've just done it at the national level, so now we've got to do it at the local levels, so they will know what we're doing."
The Fraternal Order of Police is more than 320,000 members strong and is the most affected among organizations working with the Defense Department's National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, said Thomas F. Hall, assistant defense secretary for reserve affairs.
"This show of commitment is going to mean a lot throughout the country," Hall said. "Service as a police officer is very compatible with that of military service. With that, the support of organizations like the [Fraternal Order of Police], who understand the rules and the laws and go far beyond that, are critical."
ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between reserve-component members and their civilian employers, and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. It is the lead Defense Department organization for this mission.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - The National Fraternal Order of Police formalized its support here yesterday for the men and women who wear both the military uniform and that of their local law enforcement agencies. "I don't know of any other profession that has as many people in the National Guard and Reserve as law enforcement," said Chuck Canterbury, president of the Police union. "It just seems like the two go hand in hand. I'd just like to apologize that we haven't done this before."
Canterbury signed his organization's commitment to ensure job security as well as employee benefits for its police officer in the nation's military reserve components and their families during war and peacetime. The organization understands the requirements and essential roles military volunteers hold in preserving national security, he said.
"So many of our members are in the Guard or Reserves, and we just wanted to show our support and make sure the people that are mobilized are remembered and taken care of," Canterbury said. "Law enforcement and the military are both highly regarded by the national public, and it's always good for these groups to speak in a united voice."
Now that the National Fraternal Order of Police has formally affirmed support of its military members and the federal government, the next step is to challenge local chapters and lodges nationwide to make the same commitment, he said.
"The next step is to go out to our 2,200 lodges and chapters throughout the country and having them sign a show of support," he said. "We've just done it at the national level, so now we've got to do it at the local levels, so they will know what we're doing."
The Fraternal Order of Police is more than 320,000 members strong and is the most affected among organizations working with the Defense Department's National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, said Thomas F. Hall, assistant defense secretary for reserve affairs.
"This show of commitment is going to mean a lot throughout the country," Hall said. "Service as a police officer is very compatible with that of military service. With that, the support of organizations like the [Fraternal Order of Police], who understand the rules and the laws and go far beyond that, are critical."
ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between reserve-component members and their civilian employers, and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. It is the lead Defense Department organization for this mission.
Airman Missing In Action From Wwii is Identified
The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War Two, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
He is 2nd Lt. Ray D. Packard, U.S. Army Air Forces, of Atwood, Calif. He will be buried on Oct. 22 in Prescott, Ariz.
Representatives from the Army met with Packard's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
On Aug. 25, 1944, Packard was a pilot in a flight of 22 P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft that left the allied airfield at St. Lambert, France, to attack enemy airfields near Laon-Chambry, France. Enroute to their target, the fighter group was intercepted by more than 80 German fighters near Beauvais, France. During the ensuing dogfight, 11 P-38s were shot down, including Packard's which crashed 15 miles south of Beauvais near the town of Angy. Five of the pilots escaped and evaded enemy capture and two were taken as prisoners of war. Of the four men who were missing in action, three were later recovered and identified, but Packard remained unaccounted-for.
In 1951, a U.S. Army Graves Registration Command team investigated the incident and interviewed a French citizen who said he recovered human remains from a P-38 crash site in Angy. The team also interviewed the mayor of Angy who said that the remains had been buried in a local cemetery, but had later been exhumed and he didn't know what happened after the disinterment. The team went to the crash site, but only found small pieces of aircraft wreckage.
In 2006, a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) team traveled to Angy to investigate the incident. The team interviewed the son of the French citizen interviewed in 1951. He turned over to the team human remains and other non-biological evidence recovered from the crash site. The team interviewed another French citizen, an aircraft wreckage hunter, who turned over remains and other evidence from an excavation that he conducted at the site.
In 2006 and 2007, JPAC teams conducted two excavations and recovered more human remains, aircraft wreckage, and material evidence including Packard's identification tag.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC used dental comparisons in the identification of Packard's remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
He is 2nd Lt. Ray D. Packard, U.S. Army Air Forces, of Atwood, Calif. He will be buried on Oct. 22 in Prescott, Ariz.
Representatives from the Army met with Packard's next-of-kin to explain the recovery and identification process and to coordinate interment with military honors on behalf of the Secretary of the Army.
On Aug. 25, 1944, Packard was a pilot in a flight of 22 P-38 Lightning fighter aircraft that left the allied airfield at St. Lambert, France, to attack enemy airfields near Laon-Chambry, France. Enroute to their target, the fighter group was intercepted by more than 80 German fighters near Beauvais, France. During the ensuing dogfight, 11 P-38s were shot down, including Packard's which crashed 15 miles south of Beauvais near the town of Angy. Five of the pilots escaped and evaded enemy capture and two were taken as prisoners of war. Of the four men who were missing in action, three were later recovered and identified, but Packard remained unaccounted-for.
In 1951, a U.S. Army Graves Registration Command team investigated the incident and interviewed a French citizen who said he recovered human remains from a P-38 crash site in Angy. The team also interviewed the mayor of Angy who said that the remains had been buried in a local cemetery, but had later been exhumed and he didn't know what happened after the disinterment. The team went to the crash site, but only found small pieces of aircraft wreckage.
In 2006, a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) team traveled to Angy to investigate the incident. The team interviewed the son of the French citizen interviewed in 1951. He turned over to the team human remains and other non-biological evidence recovered from the crash site. The team interviewed another French citizen, an aircraft wreckage hunter, who turned over remains and other evidence from an excavation that he conducted at the site.
In 2006 and 2007, JPAC teams conducted two excavations and recovered more human remains, aircraft wreckage, and material evidence including Packard's identification tag.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC used dental comparisons in the identification of Packard's remains.
For additional information on the Defense Department's mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call (703) 699-1169.
Defense Department at Forefront of Energy Conservation, Official Says
By Navy Seaman William Selby
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - The Defense Department is constantly looking for ways to proactively conserve and reuse energy, a department official said. "We're really leading the nation in looking at energy and considering energy," Mindy Montgomery, deputy director for investment, Office of the Director for Defense Research and Engineering, said during a teleconference with bloggers Oct. 20.
Montgomery said that every $10 increase in the price of a barrel of oilraises the DoD's fuel spending by $1.3 billion per year. The department has spent $3 billion to $5 billion extra each year due to the price increase over the last couple years, she said.
But energy conservation does more than help to compensate for rising prices, Montgomery said. It makes operational sense, too, she noted.
"Seventy percent of the convoys in Iraq and Afghanistan are for fuel and water," she said. "So if we can reduce those, we can reduce all the security assets that go along with all ... these convoys."
While DoD has made progress in energy conservation, Montgomery said, it still has a long way to go.
"Since 2005 we've reduced our total energy consumption by 6 percent," Montgomery said. "On the installation side, since 2003, we've reduced our demand by 10 percent."
Unfortunately, reduced energy consumption doesn't automatically translate to money saved, Montgomery said. DoD has spent $13 billion in total energy costs since 2005 due to rising fuel costs, she said.
"I'd like to say we've saved, but unfortunately, energy costs have gone way up," Montgomery said. "Even though we've reduced consumption, it still costs us more in the long run."
Montgomery said that some electricity costs have stabilized, which should lead to savings in the near future. Installation-specific improvements also should lead to savings, she said.
To reduce energy consumption at installations, the department created the Power Surety Task Force to focus on combatant commanders' energy needs, Montgomery said. For instance, in Iraq and Afghanistan, soldiers were using tents that were worn out and were not energy efficient, Montgomery said. The task force recently found a substance called installation foam to spray on the tents, which is reducing energy consumption by about 30 percent.
"Now, we're keeping the air inside," Montgomery said. "By the way, the tents are actually about 20 percent cooler than they ever got with the air conditioning," she added.
Montgomery estimated that the DoD will save about $400,000 a day and take about 13 fuel trucks off the roads a day as a result of using the insulation foam.
The Department also is looking at more efficient turbine engines for aircraft, more fuel-efficient engines for the next generation Humvee, and other alternatives that may decrease energy and fuel costs, Montgomery added.
"That program is run by the Army tank and automotive command," she said. "They're looking at different drivetrains, different kinds of engines, [and] different power systems on the vehicle."
Montgomery said the task force also has been focusing on modifying technologies and looking for new methods of power generation.
"We actually just opened a solar farm [that produces] over 14 megawatts in Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada," she said. "We've also, for the last 20 years, had a geothermal plant at China Lake [Naval Air Weapons Station, Calif.]," she added. "I want to say it produces somewhere between 180 and 200 megawatts."
Officials also are looking at expanding its use of geothermal power generation, which uses heat from the Earth.
(Navy Seaman William Selby works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - The Defense Department is constantly looking for ways to proactively conserve and reuse energy, a department official said. "We're really leading the nation in looking at energy and considering energy," Mindy Montgomery, deputy director for investment, Office of the Director for Defense Research and Engineering, said during a teleconference with bloggers Oct. 20.
Montgomery said that every $10 increase in the price of a barrel of oilraises the DoD's fuel spending by $1.3 billion per year. The department has spent $3 billion to $5 billion extra each year due to the price increase over the last couple years, she said.
But energy conservation does more than help to compensate for rising prices, Montgomery said. It makes operational sense, too, she noted.
"Seventy percent of the convoys in Iraq and Afghanistan are for fuel and water," she said. "So if we can reduce those, we can reduce all the security assets that go along with all ... these convoys."
While DoD has made progress in energy conservation, Montgomery said, it still has a long way to go.
"Since 2005 we've reduced our total energy consumption by 6 percent," Montgomery said. "On the installation side, since 2003, we've reduced our demand by 10 percent."
Unfortunately, reduced energy consumption doesn't automatically translate to money saved, Montgomery said. DoD has spent $13 billion in total energy costs since 2005 due to rising fuel costs, she said.
"I'd like to say we've saved, but unfortunately, energy costs have gone way up," Montgomery said. "Even though we've reduced consumption, it still costs us more in the long run."
Montgomery said that some electricity costs have stabilized, which should lead to savings in the near future. Installation-specific improvements also should lead to savings, she said.
To reduce energy consumption at installations, the department created the Power Surety Task Force to focus on combatant commanders' energy needs, Montgomery said. For instance, in Iraq and Afghanistan, soldiers were using tents that were worn out and were not energy efficient, Montgomery said. The task force recently found a substance called installation foam to spray on the tents, which is reducing energy consumption by about 30 percent.
"Now, we're keeping the air inside," Montgomery said. "By the way, the tents are actually about 20 percent cooler than they ever got with the air conditioning," she added.
Montgomery estimated that the DoD will save about $400,000 a day and take about 13 fuel trucks off the roads a day as a result of using the insulation foam.
The Department also is looking at more efficient turbine engines for aircraft, more fuel-efficient engines for the next generation Humvee, and other alternatives that may decrease energy and fuel costs, Montgomery added.
"That program is run by the Army tank and automotive command," she said. "They're looking at different drivetrains, different kinds of engines, [and] different power systems on the vehicle."
Montgomery said the task force also has been focusing on modifying technologies and looking for new methods of power generation.
"We actually just opened a solar farm [that produces] over 14 megawatts in Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada," she said. "We've also, for the last 20 years, had a geothermal plant at China Lake [Naval Air Weapons Station, Calif.]," she added. "I want to say it produces somewhere between 180 and 200 megawatts."
Officials also are looking at expanding its use of geothermal power generation, which uses heat from the Earth.
(Navy Seaman William Selby works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS October 21, 2008
Navy
EDO Communications and Countermeasures Systems, Inc., Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $205,802,682 modification to previously awarded contract N00024-07-C-6311 for the production and support of 2,866 JCREW 2.1 Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems to meet urgent Department of Defense (DoD) requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Vehicle-mounted CREW systems are one element of the DoD's Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program. Spiral 2.1 CREW systems are vehicle mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices. This contract is for the urgent procurement and support of CREW systems, to be used by forces in each of the military services of the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility. The Navy manages the joint CREW program for Office of the Secretary of Defense's Joint IED Defeat Organization. Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif. and is expected to be completed by April 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $17,409,817 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for technical and engineering services for communications-electronics advanced technology systems supporting the special communications requirements division of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland. The estimated level of effort for this option is 150,028 man-hours. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md. (70 percent) and St. Inigoes, Md. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured by electronic solicitation, with three firms solicited and one offer received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md. is the contracting activity (N00421-09-C-0016).
ARMY
Grandis Inc, Milpitas, Calif., was awarded Oct. 17, 2008, a $6,048,181 cost/sharing contract. This program relates to DARPA Spin /Torque/Transfer/Random /Access/Memory technologies program. The goal of this program is to develop materials and processes to fully exploit the spin/torque transfer phenomenon for creating universal memory elements. Work will be performed in Milpitas, Calif., Charlottesville, Va., and Tuscaloosa, Ala., with an estimated and completion date of Oct. 20, 2012. Bids solicited were via broad agency announcement and nine bids were received. Defense advanced research projects agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-09-C-0023).
EDO Communications and Countermeasures Systems, Inc., Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $205,802,682 modification to previously awarded contract N00024-07-C-6311 for the production and support of 2,866 JCREW 2.1 Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems to meet urgent Department of Defense (DoD) requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Vehicle-mounted CREW systems are one element of the DoD's Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program. Spiral 2.1 CREW systems are vehicle mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices. This contract is for the urgent procurement and support of CREW systems, to be used by forces in each of the military services of the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility. The Navy manages the joint CREW program for Office of the Secretary of Defense's Joint IED Defeat Organization. Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif. and is expected to be completed by April 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., McLean, Va., is being awarded a $17,409,817 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for technical and engineering services for communications-electronics advanced technology systems supporting the special communications requirements division of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland. The estimated level of effort for this option is 150,028 man-hours. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md. (70 percent) and St. Inigoes, Md. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured by electronic solicitation, with three firms solicited and one offer received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md. is the contracting activity (N00421-09-C-0016).
ARMY
Grandis Inc, Milpitas, Calif., was awarded Oct. 17, 2008, a $6,048,181 cost/sharing contract. This program relates to DARPA Spin /Torque/Transfer/Random /Access/Memory technologies program. The goal of this program is to develop materials and processes to fully exploit the spin/torque transfer phenomenon for creating universal memory elements. Work will be performed in Milpitas, Calif., Charlottesville, Va., and Tuscaloosa, Ala., with an estimated and completion date of Oct. 20, 2012. Bids solicited were via broad agency announcement and nine bids were received. Defense advanced research projects agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-09-C-0023).
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
America Supports You: New Jersey Guardsmen to Benefit from Joint Event
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - A day-long event Oct. 18, hosted by five branches of a major retailer, netted a plethora of items for Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon to pack up and ship to members of the New Jersey Army National Guard. Food, personal care items, small electronics, entertainment items and cash donations were collected in bins placed in five Best Buy stores to benefit New Jersey units, said Alan Krutchkoff, Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon's president.
"We've found that people enjoy connecting with our troops, especially when their donations reach soldiers from the local area," he said. "Best Buy is helping us make that happen, and it's very exciting to partner with this community-minded organization."
The event was sponsored by the chain's "Women's Leadership Forum."
"The WOLF mission is to engage and inspire female employees and customers and create new opportunities for Leadership, networking and community service," said Amie Gustanski, senior project manager. "Supporting [Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon] not only fits in with this mission, but also enables our employees and customers to feel engaged and provide valuable community service to our local soldiers and their families."
Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon is included on the America Supports You Web site. America Supports You is a Defense Department program that communicates citizen support to military members and their families.
Oct. 21, 2008 - A day-long event Oct. 18, hosted by five branches of a major retailer, netted a plethora of items for Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon to pack up and ship to members of the New Jersey Army National Guard. Food, personal care items, small electronics, entertainment items and cash donations were collected in bins placed in five Best Buy stores to benefit New Jersey units, said Alan Krutchkoff, Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon's president.
"We've found that people enjoy connecting with our troops, especially when their donations reach soldiers from the local area," he said. "Best Buy is helping us make that happen, and it's very exciting to partner with this community-minded organization."
The event was sponsored by the chain's "Women's Leadership Forum."
"The WOLF mission is to engage and inspire female employees and customers and create new opportunities for Leadership, networking and community service," said Amie Gustanski, senior project manager. "Supporting [Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon] not only fits in with this mission, but also enables our employees and customers to feel engaged and provide valuable community service to our local soldiers and their families."
Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon is included on the America Supports You Web site. America Supports You is a Defense Department program that communicates citizen support to military members and their families.
Gates Honors Career Civilian Employees for Service, Dedication
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today honored career civilian employees from throughout the department, crediting them with providing extraordinary support to warfighters and their families while improving efficiency and saving taxpayer dollars. Gates presented seven employees the Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the highest department honor recognizing exceptional contributions by a civil servant. He also presented the David O. Cooke Excellence in Public Administration Award that recognizes a nonmanagerial department employee who exhibits potential as a future federal executive.
"It has been an honor to work with the people in this department – professionals whose overriding priority is the defense of our nation," Gates told the honorees.
He noted the broad range of pursuits in which the group has excelled: providing housing for troops, fielding new weapons systems while ensuring support for troops in the field, teaching safety training to foreign partners, helping to stand up U.S. Africa Command, negotiating treaties with allies and training new leaders.
Gates conceded that it's not always fashionable in Washington to honor federal government employees, and that some politicians have been elected by criticizing the people they seek to lead.
"During my career, however, I have dealt with governments all over the world, and have found that the United States has the most dedicated, most honest and most capable public servants of any," he said.
The secretary praised dedicated career employees he said provide stability through leadership changes. "You are the foundation that allows the Defense Department, the largest and most complex organization on the planet, to operate smoothly and efficiently," he said.
"Public service can often seem to be a thankless job," he said, adding that he counsels young people to accept the challenges because, "in truth, the satisfactions far outnumber the difficulties."
Gates told today's honorees their decision to dedicate themselves to public service "is to the betterment of our 2.7 million men and women serving in the active and reserve armed forces and to our leaders here."
Michael L. Rhodes, acting director for the DoD Office of Administration and Management and host of today's awards ceremony, said the award recipients demonstrate the tremendous dedication public servants take on every day.
The winners were selected through an extensive review process that culminated in 25 nominations, Rhodes said. Ultimately, those chosen for honors today "have truly set themselves apart and proved themselves worthy," he said.
Honorees awarded today were:
-- Stephen A. Fleet, director of Missile Defense Agency's Warfighter Support Center, who was recognized for excellence in leading the center through rapid changes while providing vital support to the warfighter community;
-- Steven M. Huybrechts, a director in the DoD Networks and Information Integration Office, for championing the strategy that provided precision targeting, secure unmanned aerial vehicle operations while denying these capabilities to the enemy;
-- Frank D. Kenlon, a director in the DoD Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Office, for his roles as the lead negotiator on the Joint Strike Fighter memorandum of understanding and in drafting and negotiating the U.S.-United Kingdom and U.S.-Australia Defense Trade Cooperation Treaties.
-- Claudia S. Knott, the Defense Logistics Agency's acquisition management director, for leading programs that transformed the agency's business practices while improving customer service in its global logistics mission.
-- Barbara Estock Mays, deputy intelligence enterprise manager for the Defense Intelligence Agency, for applying innovative approaches to transfer responsibilities and design an intelligence enterprise for the new U.S. Africa Command.
-- John K. Russell, tactical safety specialist for Marine Corps Base Hawaii's Base Safety Center, for developing the Marine Corps' forward-deployed ground safety program during Operation Iraqi Freedom II that provided a model for follow-on operations there; and
-- Edmund G. Zelnio, an engineer in the Air Force Research Laboratory's Sensor Automatic Target Recognition Technology Division, for contributions leading to the successful deployment of new sensor and sensor exploitation technologies in numerous weapons systems.
Gates also presented Umit A. Spencer the David O. Cooke Excellence in Public Administration Award. Spencer, housing maintenance contract monitor with the 354th Civil Engineering Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, was honored for excellence in improving and maintaining 1,474 military family housing units, 48 playgrounds and five athletic courts.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today honored career civilian employees from throughout the department, crediting them with providing extraordinary support to warfighters and their families while improving efficiency and saving taxpayer dollars. Gates presented seven employees the Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the highest department honor recognizing exceptional contributions by a civil servant. He also presented the David O. Cooke Excellence in Public Administration Award that recognizes a nonmanagerial department employee who exhibits potential as a future federal executive.
"It has been an honor to work with the people in this department – professionals whose overriding priority is the defense of our nation," Gates told the honorees.
He noted the broad range of pursuits in which the group has excelled: providing housing for troops, fielding new weapons systems while ensuring support for troops in the field, teaching safety training to foreign partners, helping to stand up U.S. Africa Command, negotiating treaties with allies and training new leaders.
Gates conceded that it's not always fashionable in Washington to honor federal government employees, and that some politicians have been elected by criticizing the people they seek to lead.
"During my career, however, I have dealt with governments all over the world, and have found that the United States has the most dedicated, most honest and most capable public servants of any," he said.
The secretary praised dedicated career employees he said provide stability through leadership changes. "You are the foundation that allows the Defense Department, the largest and most complex organization on the planet, to operate smoothly and efficiently," he said.
"Public service can often seem to be a thankless job," he said, adding that he counsels young people to accept the challenges because, "in truth, the satisfactions far outnumber the difficulties."
Gates told today's honorees their decision to dedicate themselves to public service "is to the betterment of our 2.7 million men and women serving in the active and reserve armed forces and to our leaders here."
Michael L. Rhodes, acting director for the DoD Office of Administration and Management and host of today's awards ceremony, said the award recipients demonstrate the tremendous dedication public servants take on every day.
The winners were selected through an extensive review process that culminated in 25 nominations, Rhodes said. Ultimately, those chosen for honors today "have truly set themselves apart and proved themselves worthy," he said.
Honorees awarded today were:
-- Stephen A. Fleet, director of Missile Defense Agency's Warfighter Support Center, who was recognized for excellence in leading the center through rapid changes while providing vital support to the warfighter community;
-- Steven M. Huybrechts, a director in the DoD Networks and Information Integration Office, for championing the strategy that provided precision targeting, secure unmanned aerial vehicle operations while denying these capabilities to the enemy;
-- Frank D. Kenlon, a director in the DoD Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Office, for his roles as the lead negotiator on the Joint Strike Fighter memorandum of understanding and in drafting and negotiating the U.S.-United Kingdom and U.S.-Australia Defense Trade Cooperation Treaties.
-- Claudia S. Knott, the Defense Logistics Agency's acquisition management director, for leading programs that transformed the agency's business practices while improving customer service in its global logistics mission.
-- Barbara Estock Mays, deputy intelligence enterprise manager for the Defense Intelligence Agency, for applying innovative approaches to transfer responsibilities and design an intelligence enterprise for the new U.S. Africa Command.
-- John K. Russell, tactical safety specialist for Marine Corps Base Hawaii's Base Safety Center, for developing the Marine Corps' forward-deployed ground safety program during Operation Iraqi Freedom II that provided a model for follow-on operations there; and
-- Edmund G. Zelnio, an engineer in the Air Force Research Laboratory's Sensor Automatic Target Recognition Technology Division, for contributions leading to the successful deployment of new sensor and sensor exploitation technologies in numerous weapons systems.
Gates also presented Umit A. Spencer the David O. Cooke Excellence in Public Administration Award. Spencer, housing maintenance contract monitor with the 354th Civil Engineering Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, was honored for excellence in improving and maintaining 1,474 military family housing units, 48 playgrounds and five athletic courts.
Mullen Meets With Russian Counterpart in Helsinki
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with his Russian counterpart here today in the first face-to-face meeting between the two powers since Russia's invasion of Georgia in August. The Russians requested the meeting between Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and Gen. Nikolai Makarov, officials said.
Makarov, who was installed as the chief of the General Staff in June, presided over Russia's incursion into Georgia over the breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhasia.
Mullen spoke on the phone with the new Russian military leader when the crisis broke on Aug. 6, a senior U.S. military official, speaking on background, told reporters. The chairman appreciated the fact that there was an open line of communication between Washington and the Kremlin at that critical time, the official said.
The conversations covered the flight of U.S. Air Force C-17 transport jets carrying Georgian troops serving in Iraq back to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, and later, the USS Mount Whitney carrying humanitarian supplies to the port of Poti. Makarov gave assurances that Russia would not interfere, the official said.
The two men disagree on many points, but they could still maintain a dialogue and are looking to work together where the two nations can, the official said.
Today's meeting is not a replacement for a formal visit, the official said. Mullen hosted the previous Russian defense chief in Washington in December, and had been invited to Russia for a reciprocal visit in July. The change in command stopped that visit.
With no set agenda, the official said, Mullen entered the meeting ready to listen to whatever Makarov wished to discuss.
Officials regard the meeting itself as a positive sign. Strategically, it is important to have a dialogue with Russia, and the United States and Russia must sustain a relationship, the official said. The two nations will disagree on some issues – Georgia would head the list now – but there are other areas, such as Iran, where there should be agreement, the official said.
Iran is seeking to build nuclear weapons and is looking to deploy them. Those weapons would have the range to target Europe and Russia, and within seven to 10 years, could hit the United States, the official said.
Intelligence services in the United States and Russia know that Iran is developing these weapons, the official noted, adding that the threat emanating from Iran should be enough to convince the Russians that the missile defense system to be based in the Czech Republic and Poland is for defense against Iran and is not aimed at countering Russian weapons.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with his Russian counterpart here today in the first face-to-face meeting between the two powers since Russia's invasion of Georgia in August. The Russians requested the meeting between Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and Gen. Nikolai Makarov, officials said.
Makarov, who was installed as the chief of the General Staff in June, presided over Russia's incursion into Georgia over the breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhasia.
Mullen spoke on the phone with the new Russian military leader when the crisis broke on Aug. 6, a senior U.S. military official, speaking on background, told reporters. The chairman appreciated the fact that there was an open line of communication between Washington and the Kremlin at that critical time, the official said.
The conversations covered the flight of U.S. Air Force C-17 transport jets carrying Georgian troops serving in Iraq back to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, and later, the USS Mount Whitney carrying humanitarian supplies to the port of Poti. Makarov gave assurances that Russia would not interfere, the official said.
The two men disagree on many points, but they could still maintain a dialogue and are looking to work together where the two nations can, the official said.
Today's meeting is not a replacement for a formal visit, the official said. Mullen hosted the previous Russian defense chief in Washington in December, and had been invited to Russia for a reciprocal visit in July. The change in command stopped that visit.
With no set agenda, the official said, Mullen entered the meeting ready to listen to whatever Makarov wished to discuss.
Officials regard the meeting itself as a positive sign. Strategically, it is important to have a dialogue with Russia, and the United States and Russia must sustain a relationship, the official said. The two nations will disagree on some issues – Georgia would head the list now – but there are other areas, such as Iran, where there should be agreement, the official said.
Iran is seeking to build nuclear weapons and is looking to deploy them. Those weapons would have the range to target Europe and Russia, and within seven to 10 years, could hit the United States, the official said.
Intelligence services in the United States and Russia know that Iran is developing these weapons, the official noted, adding that the threat emanating from Iran should be enough to convince the Russians that the missile defense system to be based in the Czech Republic and Poland is for defense against Iran and is not aimed at countering Russian weapons.
National Guard Gains in Full-Time Manning, Controlled Grades
By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - An increase in full-time manning for the Army National Guard and controlled grades for both the Army and Air National Guard were included in the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act signed by President Bush on Oct. 14. The increase in full-time manning for the Army National Guard authorizes an additional 3,564 personnel, including 2,110 Active Guard Reserve slots above the budget request.
National Guard officials said it is the biggest increase in the Army Guard in 22 years.
"Full-time manning is a critical component to increasing readiness in the Army National Guard," said Army Col. Marianne Watson, the Army National Guard's personnel chief. "The full-time manning increases will be targeted to support personnel readiness, transformation initiatives and increasing unit level readiness throughout all 54 states and territories.
"This growth, although significant, must be continued to fully support the transition of the ARNG from the strategic reserve construct to an operational force," Watson said.
The increase in controlled grades for full-time officers and senior enlisted members of the Army and Air National Guard will help to reduce delays in promotions. This applies to lieutenant colonels and colonels in the Air Guard, and first sergeants, master sergeants and sergeants major, as well as majors through colonels, for the Army Guard.
"The increase in Air National Guard controlled grades and military construction authorizations will provide needed flexibility to the ANG as it continues to bed down critical new Air Force missions to meet our responsibilities to the combatant commanders and our governors," said Air Force Col. Jeffrey A. Lewis, director of Manpower, Personnel and Services for the Air National Guard.
National Guard officials said this increase provides a total of more than 1,000 new Active Guard Reserve promotion opportunities across the National Guard.
Other major National Guard provisions included in the NDAA include:
-- Mobilized officers can be considered for unit vacancy promotions back at home.
-- The president and governors can consent to the appointment of a National Guard officer for "dual hat" status in advance of actually taking command of forces, which will guarantee continuity of command. This section of the legislation also specifies that they will not be subject to the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits federal military personnel and units of the National Guard under federal authority from acting in a law enforcement capacity within the United States.
-- The age limit for chaplains and medical officers increases from age 64 to 68, which equalizes the age limits between the reserve and active-duty components.
-- Funding was authorized for seven Army joint cargo aircraft, but none for the Air Force program.
-- For fiscal 2009, Congress appropriated $22.9 billion for the National Guard, which is an additional $1.2 billion, or 5.4 percent, over the president's request of $21.6 billion.
-- The Army Guard's operations and maintenance account and the Air Guard's personnel account were funded below the president's request, but all other accounts were appropriated more than requested, National Guard officials said.
-- The law also authorizes a 3.9 percent pay raise for servicemembers, to take effect Jan. 1. This represents a 0.5 percent increase over the president's initial request.
-- Funds were appropriated to continue action on recommendations of the president's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors. Defense Department officials said the funds will ensure world-class health and rehabilitative care to warfighters who are wounded, ill or injured in service to the nation.
(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - An increase in full-time manning for the Army National Guard and controlled grades for both the Army and Air National Guard were included in the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act signed by President Bush on Oct. 14. The increase in full-time manning for the Army National Guard authorizes an additional 3,564 personnel, including 2,110 Active Guard Reserve slots above the budget request.
National Guard officials said it is the biggest increase in the Army Guard in 22 years.
"Full-time manning is a critical component to increasing readiness in the Army National Guard," said Army Col. Marianne Watson, the Army National Guard's personnel chief. "The full-time manning increases will be targeted to support personnel readiness, transformation initiatives and increasing unit level readiness throughout all 54 states and territories.
"This growth, although significant, must be continued to fully support the transition of the ARNG from the strategic reserve construct to an operational force," Watson said.
The increase in controlled grades for full-time officers and senior enlisted members of the Army and Air National Guard will help to reduce delays in promotions. This applies to lieutenant colonels and colonels in the Air Guard, and first sergeants, master sergeants and sergeants major, as well as majors through colonels, for the Army Guard.
"The increase in Air National Guard controlled grades and military construction authorizations will provide needed flexibility to the ANG as it continues to bed down critical new Air Force missions to meet our responsibilities to the combatant commanders and our governors," said Air Force Col. Jeffrey A. Lewis, director of Manpower, Personnel and Services for the Air National Guard.
National Guard officials said this increase provides a total of more than 1,000 new Active Guard Reserve promotion opportunities across the National Guard.
Other major National Guard provisions included in the NDAA include:
-- Mobilized officers can be considered for unit vacancy promotions back at home.
-- The president and governors can consent to the appointment of a National Guard officer for "dual hat" status in advance of actually taking command of forces, which will guarantee continuity of command. This section of the legislation also specifies that they will not be subject to the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits federal military personnel and units of the National Guard under federal authority from acting in a law enforcement capacity within the United States.
-- The age limit for chaplains and medical officers increases from age 64 to 68, which equalizes the age limits between the reserve and active-duty components.
-- Funding was authorized for seven Army joint cargo aircraft, but none for the Air Force program.
-- For fiscal 2009, Congress appropriated $22.9 billion for the National Guard, which is an additional $1.2 billion, or 5.4 percent, over the president's request of $21.6 billion.
-- The Army Guard's operations and maintenance account and the Air Guard's personnel account were funded below the president's request, but all other accounts were appropriated more than requested, National Guard officials said.
-- The law also authorizes a 3.9 percent pay raise for servicemembers, to take effect Jan. 1. This represents a 0.5 percent increase over the president's initial request.
-- Funds were appropriated to continue action on recommendations of the president's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors. Defense Department officials said the funds will ensure world-class health and rehabilitative care to warfighters who are wounded, ill or injured in service to the nation.
(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Mullen Offers Reassurance to Baltic Republics
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - Following a meeting this morning in Helsinki, Finland, with his Russian counterpart, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff traveled here to discuss defense issues with Latvian officials. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, accompanied by Latvian Brig. Gen. Juris Maklakovs, the chief of defense, discussed defense and NATO issues with Latvian President Vladis Zatlers, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Defense Minister Vinets Veldre.
The Baltic republics – all members of NATO – are nervous following Russia's invasion of Georgia in August. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia all want more precise NATO defense plans in the wake of the Russian action in the Caucasus. Mullen said his trip is designed to assuage some of the nations' concerns.
"One of the reasons I am here is to send a very visible message of reassurance," the chairman said during a news conference with Zatlers.
Alliance members are having discussions on the Russian actions and all nations remain committed to staying unified on the Georgia invasion, the chairman said. "It's been pretty clear across the board that NATO was not accepting in any way, shape or form what Russia has done in Georgia," he said.
"All of us are concerned by the recent invasion into Georgia of Russia," Mullen said. "In my past experience in NATO, I've always tried to understand the views of the Baltic [republics] because of the history and how they view what has happened. Those are part of the conversations we have had today. I think it is very important that ... NATO recognizes what the alliance means and the responsibilities and obligations that go with it."
NATO fighters guard the Baltic nations' airspace and perform the peacetime air defense and air policing function. U.S. Air Force F-15 aircraft based at Lakenheath, England, currently have that mission as part of NATO.
The mission over the Baltic republics is an important one, Mullen said. The alliance had a recent exercise of that mission, he noted. All nations realize its importance to the alliance and to the Baltic nations, he said, though he would not go into specifics about air police plans or specific scenarios used to train the NATO flyers.
"It is a NATO mission that many nations have stepped up to in the past and will continue, certainly through 2011," Mullen said.
The chairman thanked Latvia for its support in the Balkans and for sending personnel to Afghanistan.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - Following a meeting this morning in Helsinki, Finland, with his Russian counterpart, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff traveled here to discuss defense issues with Latvian officials. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, accompanied by Latvian Brig. Gen. Juris Maklakovs, the chief of defense, discussed defense and NATO issues with Latvian President Vladis Zatlers, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Defense Minister Vinets Veldre.
The Baltic republics – all members of NATO – are nervous following Russia's invasion of Georgia in August. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia all want more precise NATO defense plans in the wake of the Russian action in the Caucasus. Mullen said his trip is designed to assuage some of the nations' concerns.
"One of the reasons I am here is to send a very visible message of reassurance," the chairman said during a news conference with Zatlers.
Alliance members are having discussions on the Russian actions and all nations remain committed to staying unified on the Georgia invasion, the chairman said. "It's been pretty clear across the board that NATO was not accepting in any way, shape or form what Russia has done in Georgia," he said.
"All of us are concerned by the recent invasion into Georgia of Russia," Mullen said. "In my past experience in NATO, I've always tried to understand the views of the Baltic [republics] because of the history and how they view what has happened. Those are part of the conversations we have had today. I think it is very important that ... NATO recognizes what the alliance means and the responsibilities and obligations that go with it."
NATO fighters guard the Baltic nations' airspace and perform the peacetime air defense and air policing function. U.S. Air Force F-15 aircraft based at Lakenheath, England, currently have that mission as part of NATO.
The mission over the Baltic republics is an important one, Mullen said. The alliance had a recent exercise of that mission, he noted. All nations realize its importance to the alliance and to the Baltic nations, he said, though he would not go into specifics about air police plans or specific scenarios used to train the NATO flyers.
"It is a NATO mission that many nations have stepped up to in the past and will continue, certainly through 2011," Mullen said.
The chairman thanked Latvia for its support in the Balkans and for sending personnel to Afghanistan.
Dialogue With Russian Defense Chief Encourages Mullen
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today he is encouraged that his Russian counterpart reached out to keep the dialogue between the two countries open. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen met Russian army Gen. Nikolai Makarov, the chief of the General Staff, here this morning. The mood of the meeting was positive, Mullen said during an interview with reporters traveling with him following the meeting.
The chairman would not discuss the specifics of the meeting, but did sketch the general nature of the talks. He told reporters he went to listen and wanted to hear what Makarov had to say and what concerns he has.
The two men discussed Georgia, operations in the Black Sea, Afghanistan, and the relationship between NATO and Russia. While Russia has isolated itself with its invasion of Georgia in August, the United States and Russia have been able to cooperate in other areas, Mullen said. Russia, for example, has supported the U.S. position on Afghanistan in the United Nations Security Council, he noted.
"The most important part of [today's meeting] was the dialogue and the commitment to continue the dialogue ... into the future and not put us into an all-on or all-off situation," Mullen said. "Obviously, the relationship has changed because of what happened in Georgia, but by no means does it – or should it – end."
Mullen said he does not believe the two countries have cut off all relations, "nor do I believe that it should resume on the old plan, like Georgia didn't occur." The relationship should be somewhere in the middle of that continuum, he said.
"As I pointed out during the meeting, even in the darkest days of the Cold War, we were talking to each other," he said.
The chairman said his Russian counterpart was personable and engaging. "I would characterize these as discussions," he said. "[They were] not by rote or by reading a script. So it was an engagement, and it was a meaningful engagement across a lot of important areas."
The two men covered other areas of mutual concern including the threat of Iran, counter-terrorism, counter-drug strategy and combating weapons of mass destruction, Mullen said. Concrete proposals would come out of the meeting, he added, but he wouldn't discuss them.
The chairman said he was encouraged by the opportunity to speak face-to-face with Makarov, and that he is pleased that his Russian counterpart wants to stay engaged and involved.
"It's also very important for all of us to walk the walk, not just talk the talk," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today he is encouraged that his Russian counterpart reached out to keep the dialogue between the two countries open. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen met Russian army Gen. Nikolai Makarov, the chief of the General Staff, here this morning. The mood of the meeting was positive, Mullen said during an interview with reporters traveling with him following the meeting.
The chairman would not discuss the specifics of the meeting, but did sketch the general nature of the talks. He told reporters he went to listen and wanted to hear what Makarov had to say and what concerns he has.
The two men discussed Georgia, operations in the Black Sea, Afghanistan, and the relationship between NATO and Russia. While Russia has isolated itself with its invasion of Georgia in August, the United States and Russia have been able to cooperate in other areas, Mullen said. Russia, for example, has supported the U.S. position on Afghanistan in the United Nations Security Council, he noted.
"The most important part of [today's meeting] was the dialogue and the commitment to continue the dialogue ... into the future and not put us into an all-on or all-off situation," Mullen said. "Obviously, the relationship has changed because of what happened in Georgia, but by no means does it – or should it – end."
Mullen said he does not believe the two countries have cut off all relations, "nor do I believe that it should resume on the old plan, like Georgia didn't occur." The relationship should be somewhere in the middle of that continuum, he said.
"As I pointed out during the meeting, even in the darkest days of the Cold War, we were talking to each other," he said.
The chairman said his Russian counterpart was personable and engaging. "I would characterize these as discussions," he said. "[They were] not by rote or by reading a script. So it was an engagement, and it was a meaningful engagement across a lot of important areas."
The two men covered other areas of mutual concern including the threat of Iran, counter-terrorism, counter-drug strategy and combating weapons of mass destruction, Mullen said. Concrete proposals would come out of the meeting, he added, but he wouldn't discuss them.
The chairman said he was encouraged by the opportunity to speak face-to-face with Makarov, and that he is pleased that his Russian counterpart wants to stay engaged and involved.
"It's also very important for all of us to walk the walk, not just talk the talk," he said.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Defense Media Activity Officially Stands Up with Pentagon Ceremony
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - The Defense Media Activity gives public affairs within the Defense Department a new structure to move forward as a consolidated and integrated team, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England said during the organization's activation ceremony at the Pentagon today. "This is where jointness really pays off," England said. "But this is an area where jointness has real dividends, and it's hugely important that we do this."
Born out of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's 2005 conclusions, the Defense Media Activity will unite DoD internal information programs -- the Army Broadcasting Service, Soldiers Radio and TV, the Soldiers Media Center, the Naval Media Center, the Air Force News Agency, Marine Corps internal information assets and the Army and Air Force Hometown News Service with the American Forces Information Service -- under one roof at Fort Meade, Md., in 2011. Meanwhile, the new activity will operate with its components in place at their current locations.
American Forces Radio and Television Service, American Forces Press Service, the Pentagon Channel, Stars and Stripes and the Joint Combat Camera Center are among the offices that transferred to the new activity.
The activity will work under the direction of the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs.
"[The new structure] helps consolidate organizations to do a better job in terms of the quality [and] timeliness of a product," England said. "Now we have a consolidated organization where we can bring people from all these different functions together in one place, under one organizational structure, and my judgment is that this will be vastly superior to how we have operated in the past."
Army Col. Mike Galloucis, chief of staff for the Defense Media Activity, and Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. Al Moore, the activity's senior enlisted advisor, unfurled the new organization's colors, marking the activity's official activation.
Robert T. Hastings Jr., principal deputy assistant defense secretary for public affairs, said the activation is one of the most significant changes to happen to public affairs in a lifetime because of the opportunities for improvements it affords to Defense Department public affairs.
"What we have is the opportunity to fundamentally look at the way we deliver news and information to the men and women of the armed forces and their families, and determine if that's right, and look at how we can make improvements," Hastings said.
The change in how the Defense Department provides news and information "represents the fact that we are one Department of Defense, and we do operate jointly," he said.
The idea is that teams of reporters, photographers, videographers and TV producers will deploy to an area and send command information products back. Experts at the activity can package the reports for distribution by any media. "The DMA is how we will deliver that," he said.
The concept of operations for the new activity is still developing, Hastings said. The activity's focus will be more on information and audience, and less about the medium used.
"[With the DMA], we're able to improve efficiencies in the back office," he said. It'll free up resources to support the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that are delivering. No one can even imagine yet what the DMA can provide.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - The Defense Media Activity gives public affairs within the Defense Department a new structure to move forward as a consolidated and integrated team, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England said during the organization's activation ceremony at the Pentagon today. "This is where jointness really pays off," England said. "But this is an area where jointness has real dividends, and it's hugely important that we do this."
Born out of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's 2005 conclusions, the Defense Media Activity will unite DoD internal information programs -- the Army Broadcasting Service, Soldiers Radio and TV, the Soldiers Media Center, the Naval Media Center, the Air Force News Agency, Marine Corps internal information assets and the Army and Air Force Hometown News Service with the American Forces Information Service -- under one roof at Fort Meade, Md., in 2011. Meanwhile, the new activity will operate with its components in place at their current locations.
American Forces Radio and Television Service, American Forces Press Service, the Pentagon Channel, Stars and Stripes and the Joint Combat Camera Center are among the offices that transferred to the new activity.
The activity will work under the direction of the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs.
"[The new structure] helps consolidate organizations to do a better job in terms of the quality [and] timeliness of a product," England said. "Now we have a consolidated organization where we can bring people from all these different functions together in one place, under one organizational structure, and my judgment is that this will be vastly superior to how we have operated in the past."
Army Col. Mike Galloucis, chief of staff for the Defense Media Activity, and Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. Al Moore, the activity's senior enlisted advisor, unfurled the new organization's colors, marking the activity's official activation.
Robert T. Hastings Jr., principal deputy assistant defense secretary for public affairs, said the activation is one of the most significant changes to happen to public affairs in a lifetime because of the opportunities for improvements it affords to Defense Department public affairs.
"What we have is the opportunity to fundamentally look at the way we deliver news and information to the men and women of the armed forces and their families, and determine if that's right, and look at how we can make improvements," Hastings said.
The change in how the Defense Department provides news and information "represents the fact that we are one Department of Defense, and we do operate jointly," he said.
The idea is that teams of reporters, photographers, videographers and TV producers will deploy to an area and send command information products back. Experts at the activity can package the reports for distribution by any media. "The DMA is how we will deliver that," he said.
The concept of operations for the new activity is still developing, Hastings said. The activity's focus will be more on information and audience, and less about the medium used.
"[With the DMA], we're able to improve efficiencies in the back office," he said. It'll free up resources to support the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that are delivering. No one can even imagine yet what the DMA can provide.
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