By Jordan Reimer
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 19, 2010 - The Defense Department is working with the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure that all military personnel are accounted for in the 2010 census, a defense official said here today. All servicemembers and their families, whether stationed domestically or overseas, must be counted and attributed to their proper place of residence, Mary Dixon, director of the Defense Manpower Data Center, said in an interview with the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service.
"The important thing is making sure that the states and the federal government are allocating funds to those communities where our bases are located, so they can properly support our military members," she said.
The constitution mandates that the government take a census of United States residents every 10 years. All residents, regardless of citizenship or legal status, are legally required to take part in the census.
Census information primarily is used to reapportion the number of seats allotted to each state in the House of Representatives. The government also draws on the data to distribute about $400 billion in aid for programs such as Medicaid. States use the records to determine how to allocate funds to cities and neighborhoods for critical projects such as infrastructure, hospitals and schools.
The Defense Department and the Census Bureau established a joint working group in 2004 to coordinate the process of counting military members and their families. All four military services and the Coast Guard are included. The Defense Manpower Data Center -- which collects, archives, and maintains manpower and personnel data -- represents the Defense Department in the committee.
"This group works together to figure out what that process is going to be, making sure we have all the designated points of contact, so that the census will run smoothly during the course of the census process," Dixon said.
Defense officials said the department is on track to submit the count forms to the bureau ahead of the July deadline.
All servicemembers who receive a census form are required to fill it out and mail it back to the Census Bureau. The data of military members stationed overseas – who will not receive any forms – will be processed administratively. Servicemembers who live in group quarters will be required to fill out a "military census report" that will be distributed and collected by their installation's service representative and submitted on their behalf to the bureau.
Servicemembers who are not U.S. citizens will be counted in the census. Servicemembers stationed overseas still are considered U.S. residents because they normally reside in the United States but are assigned abroad, Dixon said.
Because some servicemembers maintain more than one place of residence, the concern exists that some people will be counted twice, or not at all, Dixon acknowledged. But she added that she's is confident that the Defense Department, which fine-tunes its process after each census, will accomplish the mission accurately and efficiently.
"There haven't been any substantial differences in what we're doing," she said. "[And] I think we've been pretty successful in the past."
Friday, March 19, 2010
General Officer Assignments
The chief of staff, Air Force announced today the following assignments.
Maj. Gen. David W. Eidsaune, director, Air, Space and Information Operations, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, to director, strategic plans, programs and analyses, and director, Develop and Sustain Warfighting Systems, Air Force Process Office, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
Col. William J. Thornton, who has been selected for the rank brigadier general, commander, 412th Test Wing, Air Force Materiel Command, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to director, Air, Space and Information Operations, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
Brig. Gen. David S. Fadok, director for policy and strategy, J-5, Headquarters U.S. Southern Command, Miami, Fla., to commander, Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education and vice commander, Air University, Air Education and Training Command, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
Col. Steven M. Shepro, who has been selected for the rank of brigadier general, commander, 316th Wing, Air Force District of Washington, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to director for policy and strategy, J-5, Headquarters U.S. Southern Command, Miami, Fla.
Maj. Gen. David W. Eidsaune, director, Air, Space and Information Operations, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, to director, strategic plans, programs and analyses, and director, Develop and Sustain Warfighting Systems, Air Force Process Office, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
Col. William J. Thornton, who has been selected for the rank brigadier general, commander, 412th Test Wing, Air Force Materiel Command, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to director, Air, Space and Information Operations, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
Brig. Gen. David S. Fadok, director for policy and strategy, J-5, Headquarters U.S. Southern Command, Miami, Fla., to commander, Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education and vice commander, Air University, Air Education and Training Command, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.
Col. Steven M. Shepro, who has been selected for the rank of brigadier general, commander, 316th Wing, Air Force District of Washington, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to director for policy and strategy, J-5, Headquarters U.S. Southern Command, Miami, Fla.
Additional Bidder Could Enter Tanker Competition
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 19, 2010 - A company that had been partnering with Northrop Grumman before it withdrew from the KC-X tanker competition has asked for additional time to submit a proposal, a senior defense official confirmed today. The Defense Department is considering European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co.'s request for 90 days beyond the May 10 deadline to prepare its bid, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters today.
The department is considering whether it will allow a "reasonable extension," Whitman said, without specifying how long that might be. Extensions aren't unusual for requests for proposals, Whitman said, and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
EADS indicated in a statement posted on its Web site today that other issues could affect its decision to compete against Boeing Co. for the Air Force KC-135 modernization program contract, estimated to be worth $35 billion.
Whitman reiterated an interest in the broadest competition possible. "The department remains committed to fair and open competition and welcomes proposals from all qualified offerers," he said.
American Forces Press Service
March 19, 2010 - A company that had been partnering with Northrop Grumman before it withdrew from the KC-X tanker competition has asked for additional time to submit a proposal, a senior defense official confirmed today. The Defense Department is considering European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co.'s request for 90 days beyond the May 10 deadline to prepare its bid, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters today.
The department is considering whether it will allow a "reasonable extension," Whitman said, without specifying how long that might be. Extensions aren't unusual for requests for proposals, Whitman said, and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
EADS indicated in a statement posted on its Web site today that other issues could affect its decision to compete against Boeing Co. for the Air Force KC-135 modernization program contract, estimated to be worth $35 billion.
Whitman reiterated an interest in the broadest competition possible. "The department remains committed to fair and open competition and welcomes proposals from all qualified offerers," he said.
Association Pledges Support for Troops
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
March 19, 2010 - The world's largest association for human resource management today affirmed its commitment to bettering employment opportunities and benefits for citizen servicemembers by signing a statement of support endorsed by the Defense Department's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve agency. The Society of Human Resource Management, and its more than 260,000 members, formally made this pledge during the society's Employment Law and Legislative Conference here, which hosted more than 650 human resources professionals.
Dennis McCarthy, assistant defense secretary for reserve affairs, joined the society's president and CEO Lon O'Neil and board chairman Rob Van Cleave as they signed the statement.
"Thank you for the action of your leadership and organization," McCarthy told the society's representatives. "This is a great opportunity for [the Defense Department] to witness your commitment."
The society's partnership with the Defense Department will ensure human resources organizations throughout the nation continue to solicit support and take part in National Guard and Reserve programs, he added.
McCarthy stressed that today's generation of citizen servicemembers may be the nation's "next greatest generation." He urged employers to look at hiring and retaining those servicemembers, calling them the best young Americans the nation has to offer.
"Thanking them for their service is very important," he said, "but so, too, is to tap into their potential."
Van Cleave agreed, calling the partnership mutually beneficial to the civilian work force and the military.
"If we look at the situation somewhat selfishly, these returning Guard and Reserve members represent a terrific talent pool," he said. "They are skilled, mature individuals whose dedication and work ethic have been tested and proven."
He praised citizen warriors for putting the nation's needs ahead of their own. Americans owe the military a debt of gratitude for their selfless service and willingness to sacrifice, he said.
"They have given Uncle Sam a blank check to be used as needed, a check payable with anything, including their lives," he said of U.S. military members. "We owe them our worry, and in gratitude, we pledge to support them as they support and protect us."
The society is made up of more than 260,000 members in all 50 states. Along with hiring and ensuring pay, compensation and benefits for employed citizen servicemembers called to duty, local chapters in several states also have headed working groups to help military members find work.
Programs have been implemented, most recently in New Jersey and Indiana, to help military members and veterans prepare resumes and improve interviewing skills.
"It's our expertise ... [and] knowledge of organizational structures and business trends that can steer [citizen servicemembers] toward job opportunities," Van Cleave said. "It's our dedication that will drive development of policies and practices that support and encourage our organizations to participate in Guard and Reserve programs."
American Forces Press Service
March 19, 2010 - The world's largest association for human resource management today affirmed its commitment to bettering employment opportunities and benefits for citizen servicemembers by signing a statement of support endorsed by the Defense Department's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve agency. The Society of Human Resource Management, and its more than 260,000 members, formally made this pledge during the society's Employment Law and Legislative Conference here, which hosted more than 650 human resources professionals.
Dennis McCarthy, assistant defense secretary for reserve affairs, joined the society's president and CEO Lon O'Neil and board chairman Rob Van Cleave as they signed the statement.
"Thank you for the action of your leadership and organization," McCarthy told the society's representatives. "This is a great opportunity for [the Defense Department] to witness your commitment."
The society's partnership with the Defense Department will ensure human resources organizations throughout the nation continue to solicit support and take part in National Guard and Reserve programs, he added.
McCarthy stressed that today's generation of citizen servicemembers may be the nation's "next greatest generation." He urged employers to look at hiring and retaining those servicemembers, calling them the best young Americans the nation has to offer.
"Thanking them for their service is very important," he said, "but so, too, is to tap into their potential."
Van Cleave agreed, calling the partnership mutually beneficial to the civilian work force and the military.
"If we look at the situation somewhat selfishly, these returning Guard and Reserve members represent a terrific talent pool," he said. "They are skilled, mature individuals whose dedication and work ethic have been tested and proven."
He praised citizen warriors for putting the nation's needs ahead of their own. Americans owe the military a debt of gratitude for their selfless service and willingness to sacrifice, he said.
"They have given Uncle Sam a blank check to be used as needed, a check payable with anything, including their lives," he said of U.S. military members. "We owe them our worry, and in gratitude, we pledge to support them as they support and protect us."
The society is made up of more than 260,000 members in all 50 states. Along with hiring and ensuring pay, compensation and benefits for employed citizen servicemembers called to duty, local chapters in several states also have headed working groups to help military members find work.
Programs have been implemented, most recently in New Jersey and Indiana, to help military members and veterans prepare resumes and improve interviewing skills.
"It's our expertise ... [and] knowledge of organizational structures and business trends that can steer [citizen servicemembers] toward job opportunities," Van Cleave said. "It's our dedication that will drive development of policies and practices that support and encourage our organizations to participate in Guard and Reserve programs."
Guard Must Maintain Readiness, McKinley Says
By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill
National Guard Bureau
March 19, 2010 - A new threat environment means a transformed National Guard should maintain its force after drawdowns in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Guard's highest-ranking general said here this week. "The National Guard must remain a full-spectrum force, available to our governors to assist when disaster strikes and available to the president to execute his duties as commander in chief," Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said March 17 to the Advisory Panel on Department of Defense Capabilities for Support of Civil Authorities After Certain Incidents.
The Air National Guard has been at war for almost 20 years since Operation Desert Storm and the no-fly zone enforcement that followed until the war in Iraq while the Army National Guard has fought for almost a decade since the attacks of 9/11. The National Guard, McKinley said, has transformed in that time from a strategic reserve to an operational force.
"We have proven we can operate side by side with our active-component brothers and sisters on the battlefield," McKinley said, "and, in doing so, have built a National Guard that is better-trained, better-equipped and better-led than at any other time."
Throughout its 373-year history, the National Guard typically has been put back on the shelf following major conflicts, the general said. As a consequence, he noted, training fades, skills atrophy, equipment ages and readiness recedes. McKinley urged the congressionally mandated panel not to let that happen this time.
"The current threat environment does not allow us to accept this risk," he said. "Our enemies can strike us here at home. We are unlikely to get advance warning."
In the Cold War paradigm, the United States would dust off the Guard, re-equip it and devote months to pre-mobilization training, but times have changed, he said.
"We must be prepared, like the Minutemen of our heritage, to immediately make the transition from citizen to soldier or airman," McKinley told the panel. "We must maintain the readiness we have built."
The advisory panel is assessing how the Defense Department can support civil authorities for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives incidents in the homeland. It is chaired by retired Navy Adm. Steve Abbot, a former presidential assistant for homeland security and deputy commander of U.S. European Command.
Former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating, who has served as associate U.S. attorney general and assistant treasury secretary, is the vice chairman. Also among the panel's 13 members are five current or former Guard senior leaders.
To some people, the statutorily established panel, a new Council of Governors and enhancements to the National Guard "seem to reflect a sense to Congress that [the Defense Department] has not adequately planned for or provided resources to respond to catastrophic incidents," McKinley said.
Not true, he told the panel.
"I want to challenge the assumption that [the Defense Department] is either complacent or takes this mission lightly," he said. McKinley noted he is included in meetings with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other top-level discussions, and he meets regularly with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the secretary of defense. He is the first four-star general to serve as National Guard Bureau chief.
"I can attest that the department's senior leaders take no issue more seriously than the safety of our citizens here at home," he said.
The panelists are navigating a labyrinth that requires lessons in constitutional law; the relationships between local, state and federal authorities; the different statuses National Guard members serve under with their "dual-hatted" state and federal missions; and the interplay among institutions such as U.S. Northern Command, the National Guard Bureau, the Defense Department, state emergency managers, governors and other institutions and individuals.
The panel is will report its findings to the secretary of defense and the House and Senate armed services committees.
National Guard Bureau
March 19, 2010 - A new threat environment means a transformed National Guard should maintain its force after drawdowns in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Guard's highest-ranking general said here this week. "The National Guard must remain a full-spectrum force, available to our governors to assist when disaster strikes and available to the president to execute his duties as commander in chief," Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said March 17 to the Advisory Panel on Department of Defense Capabilities for Support of Civil Authorities After Certain Incidents.
The Air National Guard has been at war for almost 20 years since Operation Desert Storm and the no-fly zone enforcement that followed until the war in Iraq while the Army National Guard has fought for almost a decade since the attacks of 9/11. The National Guard, McKinley said, has transformed in that time from a strategic reserve to an operational force.
"We have proven we can operate side by side with our active-component brothers and sisters on the battlefield," McKinley said, "and, in doing so, have built a National Guard that is better-trained, better-equipped and better-led than at any other time."
Throughout its 373-year history, the National Guard typically has been put back on the shelf following major conflicts, the general said. As a consequence, he noted, training fades, skills atrophy, equipment ages and readiness recedes. McKinley urged the congressionally mandated panel not to let that happen this time.
"The current threat environment does not allow us to accept this risk," he said. "Our enemies can strike us here at home. We are unlikely to get advance warning."
In the Cold War paradigm, the United States would dust off the Guard, re-equip it and devote months to pre-mobilization training, but times have changed, he said.
"We must be prepared, like the Minutemen of our heritage, to immediately make the transition from citizen to soldier or airman," McKinley told the panel. "We must maintain the readiness we have built."
The advisory panel is assessing how the Defense Department can support civil authorities for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives incidents in the homeland. It is chaired by retired Navy Adm. Steve Abbot, a former presidential assistant for homeland security and deputy commander of U.S. European Command.
Former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating, who has served as associate U.S. attorney general and assistant treasury secretary, is the vice chairman. Also among the panel's 13 members are five current or former Guard senior leaders.
To some people, the statutorily established panel, a new Council of Governors and enhancements to the National Guard "seem to reflect a sense to Congress that [the Defense Department] has not adequately planned for or provided resources to respond to catastrophic incidents," McKinley said.
Not true, he told the panel.
"I want to challenge the assumption that [the Defense Department] is either complacent or takes this mission lightly," he said. McKinley noted he is included in meetings with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other top-level discussions, and he meets regularly with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the secretary of defense. He is the first four-star general to serve as National Guard Bureau chief.
"I can attest that the department's senior leaders take no issue more seriously than the safety of our citizens here at home," he said.
The panelists are navigating a labyrinth that requires lessons in constitutional law; the relationships between local, state and federal authorities; the different statuses National Guard members serve under with their "dual-hatted" state and federal missions; and the interplay among institutions such as U.S. Northern Command, the National Guard Bureau, the Defense Department, state emergency managers, governors and other institutions and individuals.
The panel is will report its findings to the secretary of defense and the House and Senate armed services committees.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Defense Department Prepares for Recruiting Challenges
By Jordan Reimer
American Forces Press Service
March 18, 2010 - Despite historic recruitment rates since the end of the military draft, the Defense Department continues to take measures to ensure prolonged recruitment successes, a senior Pentagon official informed Congress yesterday. Several challenges loom ahead, particularly in the eligibility of potential recruits, Clifford L. Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said in written testimony submitted to the House Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on military personnel.
"I do not take our recent success for granted, nor do I assume the current environment will continue," Stanley said.
In fiscal 2009, for the first time in the history of the all-volunteer force, all four military services and all six reserve components reached their recruiting targets in quantity and quality. All active components also met their retention goals.
These trends have continued through the current fiscal year and are expected to do so, Stanley said.
The economic downturn is partially responsible for this success, he acknowledged, but he added that officials noted a renewed interest in military service as a large contributing factor. A 2007 Army survey demonstrated that 40 percent of new recruits cited patriotism as their primary reason for enlistment.
However, these factors lessen, but do not alleviate, the challenges to maintain recruiting levels," Stanley told the panel.
Of particular concern to defense officials is the eligibility of American youth to serve in the military. Obesity is the most prominent disqualifying factor, along with other medical issues, drug or alcohol abuse, low aptitude, criminal misbehavior, and having too many dependents. Expected economic recovery and high school graduates choosing to go directly to college also affect recruitment rates, Stanley said.
Combining disqualifiers, including college attendance, only 15 percent of Americans ages 17 to 24 are both available and qualified for military service, defense officials said.
Despite these concerns, Stanley said, the military remains committed to end "Stop Loss," a program that permits involuntary extension of a servicemember's active-duty contract. The Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force have ended the policy, and the Army is on track to phase it out by March 2011. In the meantime, two retroactive payments have been enacted for members whose service was extended since September 2001.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department must ensure a steady supply of experienced recruiters to prevent a "boom or bust" recruiting cycle, Stanley said. The military currently fields more than 15,000 active-duty recruiters.
"These recruiters often are the sole representative of our military forces in local communities, and they have both my and the department's most sincere respect and gratitude," he said.
Another factor that greatly assists recruiting efforts is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, implemented in August, Stanley said. Of particular note was a provision servicemembers had long sought to transfer the bill's education benefits to their immediate families. The new law is the most extensive restructuring of education benefits for servicemembers since the original GI Bill.
"The [bill] should enhance our recruiting efforts even more," Stanley said, adding that it will play a crucial role in retention, as well.
American Forces Press Service
March 18, 2010 - Despite historic recruitment rates since the end of the military draft, the Defense Department continues to take measures to ensure prolonged recruitment successes, a senior Pentagon official informed Congress yesterday. Several challenges loom ahead, particularly in the eligibility of potential recruits, Clifford L. Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said in written testimony submitted to the House Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on military personnel.
"I do not take our recent success for granted, nor do I assume the current environment will continue," Stanley said.
In fiscal 2009, for the first time in the history of the all-volunteer force, all four military services and all six reserve components reached their recruiting targets in quantity and quality. All active components also met their retention goals.
These trends have continued through the current fiscal year and are expected to do so, Stanley said.
The economic downturn is partially responsible for this success, he acknowledged, but he added that officials noted a renewed interest in military service as a large contributing factor. A 2007 Army survey demonstrated that 40 percent of new recruits cited patriotism as their primary reason for enlistment.
However, these factors lessen, but do not alleviate, the challenges to maintain recruiting levels," Stanley told the panel.
Of particular concern to defense officials is the eligibility of American youth to serve in the military. Obesity is the most prominent disqualifying factor, along with other medical issues, drug or alcohol abuse, low aptitude, criminal misbehavior, and having too many dependents. Expected economic recovery and high school graduates choosing to go directly to college also affect recruitment rates, Stanley said.
Combining disqualifiers, including college attendance, only 15 percent of Americans ages 17 to 24 are both available and qualified for military service, defense officials said.
Despite these concerns, Stanley said, the military remains committed to end "Stop Loss," a program that permits involuntary extension of a servicemember's active-duty contract. The Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force have ended the policy, and the Army is on track to phase it out by March 2011. In the meantime, two retroactive payments have been enacted for members whose service was extended since September 2001.
Meanwhile, the Defense Department must ensure a steady supply of experienced recruiters to prevent a "boom or bust" recruiting cycle, Stanley said. The military currently fields more than 15,000 active-duty recruiters.
"These recruiters often are the sole representative of our military forces in local communities, and they have both my and the department's most sincere respect and gratitude," he said.
Another factor that greatly assists recruiting efforts is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, implemented in August, Stanley said. Of particular note was a provision servicemembers had long sought to transfer the bill's education benefits to their immediate families. The new law is the most extensive restructuring of education benefits for servicemembers since the original GI Bill.
"The [bill] should enhance our recruiting efforts even more," Stanley said, adding that it will play a crucial role in retention, as well.
Military Women
Gates Notes Contributions of Military Women
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
March 18, 2010 - The nation depends upon women, both military and civilian, at all levels of the Defense Department, from the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan to the upper echelons of military command, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Gates traced the evolving role of women in the Defense Department, from the Revolutionary War through today, during remarks at the Pentagon's Women's History Month observance.
"For over 230 years, American women have served with distinction on the battlefield," he said, "even when they have had to do so in secret."
Gates cited the example of Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to enlist in the Revolutionary War and was wounded twice during battles with British forces. After the war, Sampson was given a $4 annual pension, he said, noting that "a dollar went further in those days."
In World War II, more than 300,000 women volunteered for service, and about 1,000 Women Airforce Service Pilots, known as WASPs, flew more than 60 million miles in nearly every type of aircraft and role, he said. These women, however, were denied benefits until 1977.
Earlier this month, WASPs were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their wartime service, a "belated recognition of the debt that we owe these and many other patriotic women," Gates said.
Moving to the present, Gates noted the importance of women to the nation's current conflicts.
"Since 9/11, women have served everywhere and are critical to our war effort," he said.
Gates described the heroism of Army Spc. Monica Lin Brown. In 2007, Brown was serving as a medic in Afghanistan's Paktia province when her convoy was ambushed by insurgents. She braved mortar and small-arms fire to aid soldiers wounded by a homemade bomb. Brown is credited with saving the lives of five soldiers, he said, and was awarded the Silver Star for her selfless actions.
Gates also noted the contributions of women at the highest levels of military command.
"They are quietly leading large, diverse institutions with honor, integrity and skill," he said. Gates said he had the privilege of promoting the U.S. military's first female four-star general, Army Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, two years ago.
"General Dunwoody now leads the 66,000 men and women of Army Materiel Command, providing critical supplies and support to our military forces around the world," he said.
Gates praised the nation's civilian leaders as well. Michele Flournoy, the undersecretary of defense for policy, is the first woman with undersecretary rank in the Defense Department, he said, and Christine Fox is the first female director of the cost assessment and program evaluation office.
"All of these women, and many here in this audience, have volunteered to serve our nation during times of great peril both past and present," the secretary said. "Their example teaches us to persevere in the face of adversity and also to realize that all Americans willing to serve can make magnificent contributions."
Following the secretary's remarks, Air Force Lt. Col. Nicole M.E. Malachowski, the first female member of the Air Force Thunderbirds, expressed her admiration for her predecessors in military aviation. She credits WASPs as the inspiration for her own career.
"These World War II vanguards moved everybody forward, unknowingly shaping the environment that I would inherit and generations of other women military aviators," she said.
"Countless military women like me are part of this vanguard, advancing, changing and shaping our environment," she continued. "We are the greatest military in the world because we combine our unique gifts, women and men alike."
She thanked her predecessors for teaching modern military women the valuable lesson that "women can love their country too and that many of us choose to show it by wearing our nation's uniform."
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
March 18, 2010 - The nation depends upon women, both military and civilian, at all levels of the Defense Department, from the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan to the upper echelons of military command, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Gates traced the evolving role of women in the Defense Department, from the Revolutionary War through today, during remarks at the Pentagon's Women's History Month observance.
"For over 230 years, American women have served with distinction on the battlefield," he said, "even when they have had to do so in secret."
Gates cited the example of Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to enlist in the Revolutionary War and was wounded twice during battles with British forces. After the war, Sampson was given a $4 annual pension, he said, noting that "a dollar went further in those days."
In World War II, more than 300,000 women volunteered for service, and about 1,000 Women Airforce Service Pilots, known as WASPs, flew more than 60 million miles in nearly every type of aircraft and role, he said. These women, however, were denied benefits until 1977.
Earlier this month, WASPs were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their wartime service, a "belated recognition of the debt that we owe these and many other patriotic women," Gates said.
Moving to the present, Gates noted the importance of women to the nation's current conflicts.
"Since 9/11, women have served everywhere and are critical to our war effort," he said.
Gates described the heroism of Army Spc. Monica Lin Brown. In 2007, Brown was serving as a medic in Afghanistan's Paktia province when her convoy was ambushed by insurgents. She braved mortar and small-arms fire to aid soldiers wounded by a homemade bomb. Brown is credited with saving the lives of five soldiers, he said, and was awarded the Silver Star for her selfless actions.
Gates also noted the contributions of women at the highest levels of military command.
"They are quietly leading large, diverse institutions with honor, integrity and skill," he said. Gates said he had the privilege of promoting the U.S. military's first female four-star general, Army Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, two years ago.
"General Dunwoody now leads the 66,000 men and women of Army Materiel Command, providing critical supplies and support to our military forces around the world," he said.
Gates praised the nation's civilian leaders as well. Michele Flournoy, the undersecretary of defense for policy, is the first woman with undersecretary rank in the Defense Department, he said, and Christine Fox is the first female director of the cost assessment and program evaluation office.
"All of these women, and many here in this audience, have volunteered to serve our nation during times of great peril both past and present," the secretary said. "Their example teaches us to persevere in the face of adversity and also to realize that all Americans willing to serve can make magnificent contributions."
Following the secretary's remarks, Air Force Lt. Col. Nicole M.E. Malachowski, the first female member of the Air Force Thunderbirds, expressed her admiration for her predecessors in military aviation. She credits WASPs as the inspiration for her own career.
"These World War II vanguards moved everybody forward, unknowingly shaping the environment that I would inherit and generations of other women military aviators," she said.
"Countless military women like me are part of this vanguard, advancing, changing and shaping our environment," she continued. "We are the greatest military in the world because we combine our unique gifts, women and men alike."
She thanked her predecessors for teaching modern military women the valuable lesson that "women can love their country too and that many of us choose to show it by wearing our nation's uniform."
MILITARY CONTRACTS March 18, 2010
NAVY
Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Irvine, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5405); Harper Construction Co., Inc., San Diego, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5406); Barnhart, Inc., San Diego, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5407); Sundt Construction, Inc., Tempe, Ariz. (N62473-10-D-5408); RQ Construction, Inc., Carlsbad, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5409); R. A. Burch Construction Co., Inc., Ramona, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5410); Solpac Construction, Inc., dba Soltek Pacific Construction Co., San Diego, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5411); T. B. Penick & Sons, Inc., San Diego, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5412); and Clark Construction Group - California, LP, Costa Mesa, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5413), are each being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple-award construction contract for commercial and institutional building construction at various locations predominantly within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all nine contracts combined is $900,000,000. Hensel Phelps Construction Co. is being awarded task order 0001 at $5,775,000 for the design and construction of an industrial machine shop facility at the Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, Calif. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by December 2010. All work will be performed at various federal sites within the NAVFAC Southwest AOR including, but not limited to, Southern California (94 percent), Arizona (5 percent), and New Mexico (1 percent). The term of the contracts is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of March 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with 54 proposals received. These nine contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contracts. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Simulation, Training and Support, Orlando, Fla., is being awarded an $83,305,442 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to design, develop, fabricate, integrate, and test the electronic Consolidated Automated Support System. In addition, this provides for the procurement of 14 engineering development models during the system design and development phase of the contract. Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla. (61 percent); Hunt Valley, Md. (26 percent); North Reading, Mass.(12 percent); and Reston, Va. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals; three offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-10-C-0225).
AECOM Technical Services, Inc., Raleigh, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $30,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect-engineering contract for utilities design and engineering services for projects located at Marine Corps installations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Work performed includes utility infrastructure design projects; providing/replacing/upgrading sanitary collection and treatment systems; potable water supply, treatment, and distribution systems; stormwater collection and conveyance systems; installation of security fencing and entry control facilities; installation/repair of shoreline erosion control measures; design of new and resurfacing of existing airfields, roads, and parking lots; performing property and topographic surveys; and facility site work to include demolition, underground storage tank removal, layout, and site preparation. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C. (75 percent), and Havelock, N.C. (25 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with 28 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-10-D-5313).
Mikros Systems Corp.*, Fort Washington, Pa.,is being awarded a maximum amount $25,959,991 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of adaptive diagnostic electronic portable test sets that will be used by technicians to maintain, calibrate and diagnose problems with complex electronic radar systems. Work will be performed in Fort Washington, Pa. (90 percent), and various other locations (10 percent), and is expected be completed by September 2015. Contract funds willnot expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research action; one offer was received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-D-GR63).
Raytheon Network Centric Systems, St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded a $13,680,670 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-5202) for the design agent and engineering services for the cooperative engagement capability (CEC) system. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (97 percent) and the government of the United Kingdom (3 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Largo, Fla. (80 percent); St. Petersburg, Fla. (19 percent); and Dallas, Texas (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Ocean Systems Engineering Corp., Oceanside, Calif., is being awarded $9,034,935 for task order # 0068 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-02-A-9020). The scope of this effort is to provide on-going engineering, technical, acquisition, administrative, and management support to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Command and Control Systems Program Management Office; and a liaison representative on-site at Communications-Electronics Command, Program Executive Office for Command, Control and Communications Tactical, Project Manager Battle Command. This statement of work includes Combat Operations Center; MAGTF command and control combat operations center capability blocks 2010 and 2012; joint tactical common operational picture workstation; target location designation handoff system; advanced field artillery tactical data system; blue force situational awareness family of systems; joint interface control officer support system; and potential technology insertion opportunities under the science and technology transition office. The programs require support through all phases of the acquisition cycle. Work will be performed in Quantico, Va., and is expected to be completed in March 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $4,458,469 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $7,873,660 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-02-C-3002) for the development, fabrication, and qualification of a polymer matrix composite drag brace for use on the main landing gear on the F-35 joint strike fighter aircraft. Work will be performed in Helmond, the Netherlands (67 percent), and Ft. Worth, Texas (33 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
P&S Construction, Inc.*, Lowell, Mass., is being awarded a $6,257,000 firm-fixed-price contract for main gate security improvements at Naval Weapons Station Earle. Work includes gate access realignment; reinforced fencing; new security fencing surrounding the guardhouse area; new hardened guard house; base-wide alarm duress system; site lighting; permanent vehicle inspection shelter with closed circuit television; undercarriage video surveillance equipment; permanent passive security barriers; two active pop-up vehicle barriers; new connector road to explosive ordnance disposal; demolition of existing pass and identification office; construction of new pass and identification office within a new inspection facility; and 54 parking spaces. The contract also contains one unexercised option which, if exercised, would increase cumulative contract value to $6,276,950. Work will be performed in Colts Neck, N.J., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site with 16 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-10-C-9441).
AIR FORCE
Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., was awarded a $272,581,553 contract which will exercise FY10 third quarter option contract line items for the C17 Globemaster III sustainment partnership contract. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 330 ASW, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P00525).
DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY
Kentucky Bioprocessing, LLC, is being awarded a $17,900,500 other transaction/technology investment agreement for developing a proof-of-concept platform capable of yielding a purified vaccine candidate using a whole plant-based process. Work will be performed in Owensboro, Ky., and is expected to be completed in March 2011. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. A solicitation was issued via Federal Business Opportunities on March 6, 2009; more than 25 bids were received. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-10-3-0004).
ARMY
Disc-O-Bed, LP, Duluth, Ga., was awarded on March 16, 2010, a $12,000,000 firm-fixed-fee contract to procure bunk beds with foot lockers and spare parts. The original estimated dollar value was $1,000,000. This action is to increase the amount of this indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity to $12,000,000. Work is to be performed in Duluth, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 3, 2013. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W58P05-08-D-0015).
Arete Associates, Northridge, Calif., was awarded on March 17, 2010, a $7,810,252 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The program seeks to develop advanced technologies to provide superior situational awareness to war fighters operating in maritime environments. Work is to be performed in Arlington, Va. (76.6 percent); Tucson, Ariz. (9.9 percent); North Billerica, Mass. (4.9 percent); and various other locations (8.9 percent), with an estimated completion date of June 16, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-10-C-0006).
NextiraOne Federal, LLC, Herndon, Va., was awarded on March 12, 2010, a $6,954,688 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This project manager, network service center performance work statement addresses the Installation Information Infrastructure Modernization Program effort to engineer, furnish, install, secure, test, document, migrate, and cutover a turn-key solution to upgrade the existing infrastructure and facilities at Germany 3C (Hohenfels). Work is to be performed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, with an estimated completion date of June 12, 2011. Ten bids were solicited with ten bids received. Army Contracting Command, National Capitol Regional Contracting Center, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W91QUZ-06-D-0027-0005).
Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Irvine, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5405); Harper Construction Co., Inc., San Diego, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5406); Barnhart, Inc., San Diego, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5407); Sundt Construction, Inc., Tempe, Ariz. (N62473-10-D-5408); RQ Construction, Inc., Carlsbad, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5409); R. A. Burch Construction Co., Inc., Ramona, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5410); Solpac Construction, Inc., dba Soltek Pacific Construction Co., San Diego, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5411); T. B. Penick & Sons, Inc., San Diego, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5412); and Clark Construction Group - California, LP, Costa Mesa, Calif. (N62473-10-D-5413), are each being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple-award construction contract for commercial and institutional building construction at various locations predominantly within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all nine contracts combined is $900,000,000. Hensel Phelps Construction Co. is being awarded task order 0001 at $5,775,000 for the design and construction of an industrial machine shop facility at the Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, Calif. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by December 2010. All work will be performed at various federal sites within the NAVFAC Southwest AOR including, but not limited to, Southern California (94 percent), Arizona (5 percent), and New Mexico (1 percent). The term of the contracts is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of March 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with 54 proposals received. These nine contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contracts. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Simulation, Training and Support, Orlando, Fla., is being awarded an $83,305,442 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to design, develop, fabricate, integrate, and test the electronic Consolidated Automated Support System. In addition, this provides for the procurement of 14 engineering development models during the system design and development phase of the contract. Work will be performed in Orlando, Fla. (61 percent); Hunt Valley, Md. (26 percent); North Reading, Mass.(12 percent); and Reston, Va. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals; three offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-10-C-0225).
AECOM Technical Services, Inc., Raleigh, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $30,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect-engineering contract for utilities design and engineering services for projects located at Marine Corps installations at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Work performed includes utility infrastructure design projects; providing/replacing/upgrading sanitary collection and treatment systems; potable water supply, treatment, and distribution systems; stormwater collection and conveyance systems; installation of security fencing and entry control facilities; installation/repair of shoreline erosion control measures; design of new and resurfacing of existing airfields, roads, and parking lots; performing property and topographic surveys; and facility site work to include demolition, underground storage tank removal, layout, and site preparation. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C. (75 percent), and Havelock, N.C. (25 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with 28 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-10-D-5313).
Mikros Systems Corp.*, Fort Washington, Pa.,is being awarded a maximum amount $25,959,991 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of adaptive diagnostic electronic portable test sets that will be used by technicians to maintain, calibrate and diagnose problems with complex electronic radar systems. Work will be performed in Fort Washington, Pa. (90 percent), and various other locations (10 percent), and is expected be completed by September 2015. Contract funds willnot expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research action; one offer was received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-D-GR63).
Raytheon Network Centric Systems, St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded a $13,680,670 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-5202) for the design agent and engineering services for the cooperative engagement capability (CEC) system. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (97 percent) and the government of the United Kingdom (3 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Largo, Fla. (80 percent); St. Petersburg, Fla. (19 percent); and Dallas, Texas (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Ocean Systems Engineering Corp., Oceanside, Calif., is being awarded $9,034,935 for task order # 0068 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-02-A-9020). The scope of this effort is to provide on-going engineering, technical, acquisition, administrative, and management support to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Command and Control Systems Program Management Office; and a liaison representative on-site at Communications-Electronics Command, Program Executive Office for Command, Control and Communications Tactical, Project Manager Battle Command. This statement of work includes Combat Operations Center; MAGTF command and control combat operations center capability blocks 2010 and 2012; joint tactical common operational picture workstation; target location designation handoff system; advanced field artillery tactical data system; blue force situational awareness family of systems; joint interface control officer support system; and potential technology insertion opportunities under the science and technology transition office. The programs require support through all phases of the acquisition cycle. Work will be performed in Quantico, Va., and is expected to be completed in March 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $4,458,469 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $7,873,660 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-02-C-3002) for the development, fabrication, and qualification of a polymer matrix composite drag brace for use on the main landing gear on the F-35 joint strike fighter aircraft. Work will be performed in Helmond, the Netherlands (67 percent), and Ft. Worth, Texas (33 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
P&S Construction, Inc.*, Lowell, Mass., is being awarded a $6,257,000 firm-fixed-price contract for main gate security improvements at Naval Weapons Station Earle. Work includes gate access realignment; reinforced fencing; new security fencing surrounding the guardhouse area; new hardened guard house; base-wide alarm duress system; site lighting; permanent vehicle inspection shelter with closed circuit television; undercarriage video surveillance equipment; permanent passive security barriers; two active pop-up vehicle barriers; new connector road to explosive ordnance disposal; demolition of existing pass and identification office; construction of new pass and identification office within a new inspection facility; and 54 parking spaces. The contract also contains one unexercised option which, if exercised, would increase cumulative contract value to $6,276,950. Work will be performed in Colts Neck, N.J., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site with 16 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-10-C-9441).
AIR FORCE
Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., was awarded a $272,581,553 contract which will exercise FY10 third quarter option contract line items for the C17 Globemaster III sustainment partnership contract. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 330 ASW, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P00525).
DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY
Kentucky Bioprocessing, LLC, is being awarded a $17,900,500 other transaction/technology investment agreement for developing a proof-of-concept platform capable of yielding a purified vaccine candidate using a whole plant-based process. Work will be performed in Owensboro, Ky., and is expected to be completed in March 2011. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. A solicitation was issued via Federal Business Opportunities on March 6, 2009; more than 25 bids were received. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va. (HR0011-10-3-0004).
ARMY
Disc-O-Bed, LP, Duluth, Ga., was awarded on March 16, 2010, a $12,000,000 firm-fixed-fee contract to procure bunk beds with foot lockers and spare parts. The original estimated dollar value was $1,000,000. This action is to increase the amount of this indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity to $12,000,000. Work is to be performed in Duluth, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 3, 2013. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W58P05-08-D-0015).
Arete Associates, Northridge, Calif., was awarded on March 17, 2010, a $7,810,252 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The program seeks to develop advanced technologies to provide superior situational awareness to war fighters operating in maritime environments. Work is to be performed in Arlington, Va. (76.6 percent); Tucson, Ariz. (9.9 percent); North Billerica, Mass. (4.9 percent); and various other locations (8.9 percent), with an estimated completion date of June 16, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-10-C-0006).
NextiraOne Federal, LLC, Herndon, Va., was awarded on March 12, 2010, a $6,954,688 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This project manager, network service center performance work statement addresses the Installation Information Infrastructure Modernization Program effort to engineer, furnish, install, secure, test, document, migrate, and cutover a turn-key solution to upgrade the existing infrastructure and facilities at Germany 3C (Hohenfels). Work is to be performed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, with an estimated completion date of June 12, 2011. Ten bids were solicited with ten bids received. Army Contracting Command, National Capitol Regional Contracting Center, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W91QUZ-06-D-0027-0005).
Senators Salute National Guard's Value
By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 18, 2010 - U.S. senators applauded the National Guard's domestic and overseas contributions at a Capitol Hill breakfast today. Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy and Missouri Sen. Christopher S. Bond co-hosted the 2010 Senate National Guard Caucus Breakfast, which also included newly elected Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, a current Army Guard lieutenant colonel, who joked that he needs to get a haircut before he attends his monthly drill with the Massachusetts National Guard this weekend.
"The National Guard is a tremendous instrument for smart power," Bond said.
Smart power refers to the use of both soft and hard power.
"We must use what has been called smart power he full range of tools at our disposal iplomatic, economic, military, political, legal and cultural picking the right tool, or combination of tools, for each situation," Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said at her 2009 confirmation hearing.
Caucus members heard from Guard officials about the work of National Guard agribusiness development teams in Afghanistan. The teams combine Guard members' civilian-acquired skills with their military training to help Afghans improve agricultural practices.
"To defeat the insurgents the radical extremists who want to destroy us and our way of life we have not only to provide military force, ... but we need to bring along the ability to help countries like Afghanistan develop a good economy where young people can get a profitable job and not have to rely on getting $25 from some terrorist to plant [a roadside bomb]," Bond said. "Smart power is beginning to work."
Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, director of the Air National Guard, told senators about his pride in the Air Guard's contributions to hard power.
The 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan is commanded by Air Force Brig. Gen. Guy M. Walsh, a Maryland National Guard member. He is the first Air National Guard officer to command a wing during combat.
Maj. Gen. Raymond W. Carpenter, acting director of the Army National Guard, gave senators and their staffs a snapshot of Guard operations within the last month.
The National Guard stood by for a possible tsunami in Hawaii after the Chilean earthquake. Guard members continue to help Haitians in the wake of their earthquake, and the Guard is responding to flood threats in North Dakota and Minnesota. More than 53,400 Guard members are currently deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, the Sinai Desert and elsewhere.
Guard members also are furthering state partnerships with 63 countries worldwide. They are running counter-drug operations and pressing toward graduating the 100,000th high school dropout through the Youth ChalleNGe Program that offers a second chance at a better life.
"There's little the National Guard cannot achieve, and we're so proud of what it does nationwide," Bond said. When the United States went after terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Guard was there, he added, as it was during the response to Hurricane Katrina and various floods, earthquakes, fires and other natural disasters.
Leahy said Guard members deserve the best. He urged communities where deployed Guard members live to pitch in with yard work, babysitting and other help for families left behind. "If you know a family member of a National Guard member, offer to help," he said.
"With the families behind the Guardsmen, we can do anything, and will do anything," Brown added.
(Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 18, 2010 - U.S. senators applauded the National Guard's domestic and overseas contributions at a Capitol Hill breakfast today. Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy and Missouri Sen. Christopher S. Bond co-hosted the 2010 Senate National Guard Caucus Breakfast, which also included newly elected Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, a current Army Guard lieutenant colonel, who joked that he needs to get a haircut before he attends his monthly drill with the Massachusetts National Guard this weekend.
"The National Guard is a tremendous instrument for smart power," Bond said.
Smart power refers to the use of both soft and hard power.
"We must use what has been called smart power he full range of tools at our disposal iplomatic, economic, military, political, legal and cultural picking the right tool, or combination of tools, for each situation," Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said at her 2009 confirmation hearing.
Caucus members heard from Guard officials about the work of National Guard agribusiness development teams in Afghanistan. The teams combine Guard members' civilian-acquired skills with their military training to help Afghans improve agricultural practices.
"To defeat the insurgents the radical extremists who want to destroy us and our way of life we have not only to provide military force, ... but we need to bring along the ability to help countries like Afghanistan develop a good economy where young people can get a profitable job and not have to rely on getting $25 from some terrorist to plant [a roadside bomb]," Bond said. "Smart power is beginning to work."
Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, director of the Air National Guard, told senators about his pride in the Air Guard's contributions to hard power.
The 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan is commanded by Air Force Brig. Gen. Guy M. Walsh, a Maryland National Guard member. He is the first Air National Guard officer to command a wing during combat.
Maj. Gen. Raymond W. Carpenter, acting director of the Army National Guard, gave senators and their staffs a snapshot of Guard operations within the last month.
The National Guard stood by for a possible tsunami in Hawaii after the Chilean earthquake. Guard members continue to help Haitians in the wake of their earthquake, and the Guard is responding to flood threats in North Dakota and Minnesota. More than 53,400 Guard members are currently deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, the Sinai Desert and elsewhere.
Guard members also are furthering state partnerships with 63 countries worldwide. They are running counter-drug operations and pressing toward graduating the 100,000th high school dropout through the Youth ChalleNGe Program that offers a second chance at a better life.
"There's little the National Guard cannot achieve, and we're so proud of what it does nationwide," Bond said. When the United States went after terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Guard was there, he added, as it was during the response to Hurricane Katrina and various floods, earthquakes, fires and other natural disasters.
Leahy said Guard members deserve the best. He urged communities where deployed Guard members live to pitch in with yard work, babysitting and other help for families left behind. "If you know a family member of a National Guard member, offer to help," he said.
"With the families behind the Guardsmen, we can do anything, and will do anything," Brown added.
(Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
U.S.-Japan Relations Remain Strong, Official Says
By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service
March 18, 2010 - U.S. military relations with Japan remain strong despite disagreements over basing and other aspects of the bilateral security agreement, the Pentagon's head of East Asian relations said here yesterday. The strength of U.S.-Japan security relations can be seen in the totality of its 50-year relationship and progress moving forward, Michael Schiffer, deputy assistant defense secretary for East Asia, told the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Japan's desire to relocate U.S. Marines on Okinawa, the government's recent halt of refueling operations in the Indian Ocean and other disagreements do not match deeper challenges the alliance faced in years past and have not prevented the two countries from moving forward, Schiffer said in prepared testimony to the committee.
Public support for the alliance is high in both countries, and bilateral relations are strong on nuclear nonproliferation and missile defense, reconstruction in Afghanistan and stability in Pakistan, counter-piracy efforts and preserving open sea lines of communication, Schiffer said.
The Japanese government "has made clear its commitment to the U.S.-Japan alliance, as well as to principles of transparency and accountability in a vibrant democracy," he said. "By working patiently and persistently through areas of disagreement, we will ensure the continued expansion and strengthening of our relationship, even as core commitments remain unshaken."
Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who was elected in September, has said he will resolve by May the years-long debate about relocating Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Schiffer said. He reiterated the U.S. position that the base should stay on Okinawa.
"The only readily deployable U.S. ground forces between Hawaii and India are the U.S. Marines located on Okinawa," Schiffer said. The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit has a broader role than responding to military contingencies in the area, he said, noting that they led the U.S. effort to respond to natural disasters in Indonesia, Bangladesh and Burma.
At the same time, existing U.S.-Japanese agreements call for more joint training between the two militaries on Okinawa and Guam, and for co-location of air and missile defense commands at Yokota Air Base and the Ground Self-Defense Force's Central Readiness Force with a transformed U.S. Army command and control structure, Schiffer said.
"Forces who have established ingrained patterns of cooperation, deep friendships, and a better understanding of each other's plans and decision-making processes will be better equipped to respond with speed and efficiency in a crisis situation," he said. Schiffer noted other progress, most importantly strengthened ties in the trilateral relationship among the United States, Japan and South Korea. He also cited Japan's contribution of four Aegis destroyers for ballistic-missile defense for the region, its collaboration with the United States on the land-based missile-defense system planned for Europe, and its assistance with humanitarian relief to Haiti and other areas.
Moving forward, Schiffer said, the United States hopes Japan will provide more funding for its defense, relax restrictions on its military operations, and continue its support in broader Asia and in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
"Much more will be required of Japan and our alliance in the coming months and years," he said. "I am confident that Japan will continue to step up and find ways to do more. It will do so not because the United States asks it to, but rather because Japan has interests at stake, responsibilities to bear, and the capacity to make a difference."
American Forces Press Service
March 18, 2010 - U.S. military relations with Japan remain strong despite disagreements over basing and other aspects of the bilateral security agreement, the Pentagon's head of East Asian relations said here yesterday. The strength of U.S.-Japan security relations can be seen in the totality of its 50-year relationship and progress moving forward, Michael Schiffer, deputy assistant defense secretary for East Asia, told the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Japan's desire to relocate U.S. Marines on Okinawa, the government's recent halt of refueling operations in the Indian Ocean and other disagreements do not match deeper challenges the alliance faced in years past and have not prevented the two countries from moving forward, Schiffer said in prepared testimony to the committee.
Public support for the alliance is high in both countries, and bilateral relations are strong on nuclear nonproliferation and missile defense, reconstruction in Afghanistan and stability in Pakistan, counter-piracy efforts and preserving open sea lines of communication, Schiffer said.
The Japanese government "has made clear its commitment to the U.S.-Japan alliance, as well as to principles of transparency and accountability in a vibrant democracy," he said. "By working patiently and persistently through areas of disagreement, we will ensure the continued expansion and strengthening of our relationship, even as core commitments remain unshaken."
Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who was elected in September, has said he will resolve by May the years-long debate about relocating Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Schiffer said. He reiterated the U.S. position that the base should stay on Okinawa.
"The only readily deployable U.S. ground forces between Hawaii and India are the U.S. Marines located on Okinawa," Schiffer said. The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Unit has a broader role than responding to military contingencies in the area, he said, noting that they led the U.S. effort to respond to natural disasters in Indonesia, Bangladesh and Burma.
At the same time, existing U.S.-Japanese agreements call for more joint training between the two militaries on Okinawa and Guam, and for co-location of air and missile defense commands at Yokota Air Base and the Ground Self-Defense Force's Central Readiness Force with a transformed U.S. Army command and control structure, Schiffer said.
"Forces who have established ingrained patterns of cooperation, deep friendships, and a better understanding of each other's plans and decision-making processes will be better equipped to respond with speed and efficiency in a crisis situation," he said. Schiffer noted other progress, most importantly strengthened ties in the trilateral relationship among the United States, Japan and South Korea. He also cited Japan's contribution of four Aegis destroyers for ballistic-missile defense for the region, its collaboration with the United States on the land-based missile-defense system planned for Europe, and its assistance with humanitarian relief to Haiti and other areas.
Moving forward, Schiffer said, the United States hopes Japan will provide more funding for its defense, relax restrictions on its military operations, and continue its support in broader Asia and in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
"Much more will be required of Japan and our alliance in the coming months and years," he said. "I am confident that Japan will continue to step up and find ways to do more. It will do so not because the United States asks it to, but rather because Japan has interests at stake, responsibilities to bear, and the capacity to make a difference."
Illinois Guard helps prepare Polish army for Afghanistan
By Capt. Sonie L. Munson
Army News Service
(3/16/10) -- The phrase "train as we fight" is applicable across the Army and around the world, and it was the standard during the recent training exercise here at Bukowka Barracks March 4-10.
Bagram VII is a joint training exercise, which included members of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command's 18th Engineer Brigade, the Joint Forces Headquarters of the Illinois National Guard, the Polish 2nd Mechanized Corps and the Joint Multi-National Simulations Center Grafenwoehr.
These agencies worked together to prepare and certify the 1st Polish Armored Brigade and Soldiers from the Illinois National Guard for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
During the opening ceremony, Polish army Maj. Gen. Zbigniew Glowienka, the exercise director and commander of the Polish 2nd Mech. Corps, said the exercise's aim was to ensure that the Task Force White Eagle's headquarters is prepared for International Security Assistance Force operations in Afghanistan.
During the exercise, the unit will be tested for combat for the first time using Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulations, Glowienka added.
Bagram VII was the seventh readiness exercise to certify the Polish task force is ready for its six-month rotation to Afghanistan. However, there were a lot of firsts during the exercise.
Some of these firsts included the use of simulation platforms provided by the Joint Multi-National Simulations Center Grafenwoehr, the use of the 18th Engineering Brigade as the higher headquarters and the embedding of Soldiers from the Illinois National Guard, who will deploy with the 1st Polish Armored Brigade to Afghanistan.
The Joint Multi-National Simulations Center Grafenwoehr assisted the exercise by providing all the simulation systems free of charge, including JCATS, Blue Force Tracker, Command Post of the Future and Unmanned Aerial Simulation Systems. These simulation systems provided the task force with the ability to respond to numerous scenarios, which better tested the task force's tactical operations procedures.
When Polish army Lt. Col. Piotr Fajkowski, B Battle Group commander, 1st Polish Armored Brigade, was asked what the hardest part of Bagram VII was, he said, "to learn the systems and to compare what information it provided. But it was nice to learn the systems we will use in theater step-by-step before our deployment."
The 18th Engineering Brigade, with members of the Illinois National Guard and the Polish 2nd Mech. Corps, made the exercise even more realistic by role-playing Combined Joint Task Force-East, the unit the task force will report to in Afghanistan.
During the exercise, the 18th monitored how Task Force White Eagle responded to the scenarios, from tactical operations to responding to the civilian populous and the local media.
"Our mission is twofold: to ensure Task Force White Eagle receives the most realistic training possible and to build a positive relationship with our Polish allies," said Col. Paul M. Paolozzi, the 18th brigade commander.
This was accomplished by selecting subject matter experts from the brigade in areas such as operations, logistics, intelligence, signal, interpreters and public affairs, resulting in relevant training and a new lasting relationship with the 2nd Mechanized Corps and Task Force White Eagle.
"We are one team, not Polish or American Soldiers," said Polish army Maj. Stanislaw Koppczynski, the chief of the Tactical Operation Center for Polish Land Forces.
This exercise and the upcoming deployment is the first time in the 17-year relationship between the Illinois National Guard and the Polish army where National Guard Soldiers will embed with Task Force White Eagle during its six-month rotation.
"Partnering with the Polish army is a vital part of our mission success and being allowed to train prior to deployment together will allow us to be mission effective once we reach Afghanistan," said Cpt. Tim Newman, the battle captain for Task Force White Eagle, from Plainfield, Ill.
U.S. Military Support Continues in Chile
By Christen N. McCluney
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 18, 2010 - U.S. military support to relief efforts in Chile continues in the wake of a magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck the country Feb. 27.
"U.S. military personnel have been working with local and international responders to provide relief to the hard-hit areas," Air Force Col. Byron Mathewson, commander of U.S. military forces deployed to Chile, said during a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable yesterday.
Shortly after the earthquake, the Chilean government requested support from the U.S. military, which provided two C-130 transport aircraft, naval assessment experts and an expeditionary medical support team.
"They needed help with some specific challenges," Mathewson said. The U.S. team began operations March 7.
The C-130s were brought in to augment the Chilean air force's air bridge of relief supplies. In seven days, the colonel said, the U.S. team completed 17 missions and flew more than 37 hours evacuating 205 Chileans and moving more than 300,000 pounds of cargo in support of the relief efforts.
"The airmen worked closely with the Chilean air force throughout their deployment to integrate into their flight schedule and move the appropriate cargo and passengers," Mathewson said.
U.S. Navy experts also provided the Chilean navy with assessments of the shipyard and naval base at Talcahuano. The team, composed of 12 sailors and civilians from various commands, was able to provide damage assessment and determine what capabilities were needed to repair the base and the shipyard.
"They were quickly able to integrate with the Chilean navy's assessment teams, providing a fresh set of eyes and offering their expertise," Mathewson said.
One of the larger tasks in Chile was building a mobile hospital in the city of Angol after one of the major regional hospitals was deemed structurally unsound.
"Prior to that expeditionary hospital's completion, local Chilean medics treated members of the local community in a small clinic or referred them to a nearby hospital some 40 miles away," he said.
Air Force expeditionary medical support airmen and members of the Chilean army built a new mobile hospital for the community in three-and-a-half days. The hospital is equipped to provide surgical, primary care, pediatric, radiological, gynecologic, laboratory and pharmaceutical services to nearly 110,000 Chileans in that region. Mathewson said the hospital has been operational since March 13.
The medical team performed its first surgery two days after opening, and has since treated more than 55 patients and performed six surgeries.
Mathewson added that the personnel deployed with the medical support unit will work alongside Chilean health professionals until March 26, when the United States will turn the facility over to Chilean officials.
Mathewson said the recent earthquake in Haiti helped the U.S. servicemembers know what to expect in Chile.
"We were able to understand what our role here was and how we could best integrate with the Chileans and help them in their time of need," he said. "It's been a truly remarkable experience working alongside the Chileans to bring help to those most in need.
"The U.S. and Chile have a long history of partnership and friendship," he continued. "We're honored to be a part of this important mission."
(Christen N. McCluney writes for Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 18, 2010 - U.S. military support to relief efforts in Chile continues in the wake of a magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck the country Feb. 27.
"U.S. military personnel have been working with local and international responders to provide relief to the hard-hit areas," Air Force Col. Byron Mathewson, commander of U.S. military forces deployed to Chile, said during a "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable yesterday.
Shortly after the earthquake, the Chilean government requested support from the U.S. military, which provided two C-130 transport aircraft, naval assessment experts and an expeditionary medical support team.
"They needed help with some specific challenges," Mathewson said. The U.S. team began operations March 7.
The C-130s were brought in to augment the Chilean air force's air bridge of relief supplies. In seven days, the colonel said, the U.S. team completed 17 missions and flew more than 37 hours evacuating 205 Chileans and moving more than 300,000 pounds of cargo in support of the relief efforts.
"The airmen worked closely with the Chilean air force throughout their deployment to integrate into their flight schedule and move the appropriate cargo and passengers," Mathewson said.
U.S. Navy experts also provided the Chilean navy with assessments of the shipyard and naval base at Talcahuano. The team, composed of 12 sailors and civilians from various commands, was able to provide damage assessment and determine what capabilities were needed to repair the base and the shipyard.
"They were quickly able to integrate with the Chilean navy's assessment teams, providing a fresh set of eyes and offering their expertise," Mathewson said.
One of the larger tasks in Chile was building a mobile hospital in the city of Angol after one of the major regional hospitals was deemed structurally unsound.
"Prior to that expeditionary hospital's completion, local Chilean medics treated members of the local community in a small clinic or referred them to a nearby hospital some 40 miles away," he said.
Air Force expeditionary medical support airmen and members of the Chilean army built a new mobile hospital for the community in three-and-a-half days. The hospital is equipped to provide surgical, primary care, pediatric, radiological, gynecologic, laboratory and pharmaceutical services to nearly 110,000 Chileans in that region. Mathewson said the hospital has been operational since March 13.
The medical team performed its first surgery two days after opening, and has since treated more than 55 patients and performed six surgeries.
Mathewson added that the personnel deployed with the medical support unit will work alongside Chilean health professionals until March 26, when the United States will turn the facility over to Chilean officials.
Mathewson said the recent earthquake in Haiti helped the U.S. servicemembers know what to expect in Chile.
"We were able to understand what our role here was and how we could best integrate with the Chileans and help them in their time of need," he said. "It's been a truly remarkable experience working alongside the Chileans to bring help to those most in need.
"The U.S. and Chile have a long history of partnership and friendship," he continued. "We're honored to be a part of this important mission."
(Christen N. McCluney writes for Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity.)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
More Dwell Time Coming in 2011, Army Vice Chief Says
By C. Todd Lopez
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 17, 2010 - Soldiers should find themselves spending twice as much time at home station as they do deployed by 2011, the Army's vice chief of staff said on Capitol Hill yesterday. "2011 is definitely a transition year for the U.S. Army -- that is a year we see ourselves getting back into balance," Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli said. "We define balance as 12 months deployed, 24 months or greater at home. That's the interim goal for us in 2011."
The general told the House Armed Forces Committee readiness subcommittee that the larger part of the Army likely will reach that goal next year, but soldiers in some specialties, such as aviation, might reach it later.
Chiarelli was on Capitol Hill to discuss the Army's $107.3-billion fiscal 2011 base and overseas contingency operations budget request for operations and maintenance.
Lawmakers asked the four vice service chiefs in attendance at the hearing about the increasing cost of weapons purchases. Chiarelli said the Army now is looking at weapons systems in "portfolios" to get a clearer picture of where it may be paying for things it might not need.
"If you take any single system and look at it individually, you can make a pretty strong argument that it is required," he said. "But if you take and look at them in a portfolio of common systems -- example: precision munitions -- you will find that there are probably systems that we ... made precision that don't need to be precision, or don't need to be at the numbers that we've bought them at."
The general cited a 155 mm cannon round that might cost $650. Adding precision technology to that round could increase its cost, over its lifetime, to about $78,000.
The time has come to "look at these systems in a portfolio and see where we might not be able to find efficiency," he said.
The general also discussed the numbers of mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles soldiers have for training purposes, efforts to ensure there are plenty of MRAPs going to Afghanistan, and plans to reset the MRAP after it no longer is needed in either Iraq or Afghanistan.
"We have over 500 MRAPs that are in the training base today," the general said. "And, at the same time, we are trying to do a balance [with] what is needed downrange. We don't have any yet that have come out of Iraq that have not been needed in Afghanistan -- even the larger models."
The general said the Army is "a little nervous" about the number of MRAPs in the United States for training versus being used operationally, but that the Army has been able so far to pull this off. He said MRAP training simulators, such as at Camp Shelby, Miss., are a partial solution. He also said the Army is working to get more MRAPs to meet its needs.
Also, he said, when MRAPs no longer are needed for Iraq and Afghanistan, they will become part of the Army inventory.
"MRAP vehicles will in fact be moved into our formations," he said. "We have over 3,000 MRAP vehicles that will be part of our [table of organization and equipment], particularly in combat service and combat service support brigades. And we will be establishing a number of sets of MRAPs that will be available for units that go into an environment that requires the MRAP vehicle. We do plan to reset them -- and that started the process that we are starting at Red River now."
The Army initiated a pilot program to make Red River Army Depot in Texas the source of repair for three of the Army's MRAP variants. This year there will be 53 MRAPs in the program.
"That is going to significantly improve the maintenance and reset of MRAPs coming back," Chiarelli said.
The general also told legislators he expects the Army to be in reset mode for up to three years after leaving Iraq and Afghanistan.
(C. Todd Lopez writes for Army News Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 17, 2010 - Soldiers should find themselves spending twice as much time at home station as they do deployed by 2011, the Army's vice chief of staff said on Capitol Hill yesterday. "2011 is definitely a transition year for the U.S. Army -- that is a year we see ourselves getting back into balance," Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli said. "We define balance as 12 months deployed, 24 months or greater at home. That's the interim goal for us in 2011."
The general told the House Armed Forces Committee readiness subcommittee that the larger part of the Army likely will reach that goal next year, but soldiers in some specialties, such as aviation, might reach it later.
Chiarelli was on Capitol Hill to discuss the Army's $107.3-billion fiscal 2011 base and overseas contingency operations budget request for operations and maintenance.
Lawmakers asked the four vice service chiefs in attendance at the hearing about the increasing cost of weapons purchases. Chiarelli said the Army now is looking at weapons systems in "portfolios" to get a clearer picture of where it may be paying for things it might not need.
"If you take any single system and look at it individually, you can make a pretty strong argument that it is required," he said. "But if you take and look at them in a portfolio of common systems -- example: precision munitions -- you will find that there are probably systems that we ... made precision that don't need to be precision, or don't need to be at the numbers that we've bought them at."
The general cited a 155 mm cannon round that might cost $650. Adding precision technology to that round could increase its cost, over its lifetime, to about $78,000.
The time has come to "look at these systems in a portfolio and see where we might not be able to find efficiency," he said.
The general also discussed the numbers of mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles soldiers have for training purposes, efforts to ensure there are plenty of MRAPs going to Afghanistan, and plans to reset the MRAP after it no longer is needed in either Iraq or Afghanistan.
"We have over 500 MRAPs that are in the training base today," the general said. "And, at the same time, we are trying to do a balance [with] what is needed downrange. We don't have any yet that have come out of Iraq that have not been needed in Afghanistan -- even the larger models."
The general said the Army is "a little nervous" about the number of MRAPs in the United States for training versus being used operationally, but that the Army has been able so far to pull this off. He said MRAP training simulators, such as at Camp Shelby, Miss., are a partial solution. He also said the Army is working to get more MRAPs to meet its needs.
Also, he said, when MRAPs no longer are needed for Iraq and Afghanistan, they will become part of the Army inventory.
"MRAP vehicles will in fact be moved into our formations," he said. "We have over 3,000 MRAP vehicles that will be part of our [table of organization and equipment], particularly in combat service and combat service support brigades. And we will be establishing a number of sets of MRAPs that will be available for units that go into an environment that requires the MRAP vehicle. We do plan to reset them -- and that started the process that we are starting at Red River now."
The Army initiated a pilot program to make Red River Army Depot in Texas the source of repair for three of the Army's MRAP variants. This year there will be 53 MRAPs in the program.
"That is going to significantly improve the maintenance and reset of MRAPs coming back," Chiarelli said.
The general also told legislators he expects the Army to be in reset mode for up to three years after leaving Iraq and Afghanistan.
(C. Todd Lopez writes for Army News Service.)
Wisconsin shows support for wounded warriors
March 17, 2010 - Taking care of Soldiers and Airmen is the number one priority for Wisconsin National Guard leaders - evident by their recent trip to visit wounded warriors.
Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin and commander of the Wisconsin National Guard, and several members of his staff traveled to Fort Knox, Ky., Thursday [March 11] to visit approximately 30 Wisconsin Guard Soldiers at the Fort Knox Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) to demonstrate that priority.
"These Soldiers are constantly in our thoughts and prayers," said Dunbar. "These are my Soldiers and I care passionately about them, it's not a burden for me to [visit], it's a privilege."
While most Soldiers return home when they complete their active duty tours some - currently about 40 Wisconsin Guard members - need medical care and remain on duty at one of the nine WTUs located on Army installations throughout the U.S. Medical professionals and case managers dedicated to caring for wounded warriors are overseeing the care for these Soldiers, mostly from the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, with injuries ranging from broken bones and torn ligaments to back pain and mental health issues.
Wisconsin leaders make it a priority to visit all of them at least quarterly. Dunbar emphasized the importance of showing support and concern for Soldiers on a mission to get well, and ensuring they are receiving the care they need.
"It's easy to say to a Soldier, 'I appreciate you,' when they leave for a combat zone and pat them on the back when they return," Dunbar explained. "It's equally important to realize that these Soldiers are on a mission to get well. It's a very serious mission and [they are] entitled to our full support. No matter what we say on a website or write in a letter to the Soldier it doesn't replace the adjutant general, deputy adjutant general and [state] command sergeant major walking into the room and taking a day to say, 'we're here, what's on your mind?'"
After a year-long deployment, Soldiers are sometimes apprehensive about staying on active duty longer to take care of medical issues especially when while their fellow Guard members transition and return home. During their visit Guard leaders emphasize the importance of tending to their medical needs and continuing their healing process.
Soldiers are also sometimes concerned with the old stigma of being a "broken Soldier" but leader's also address that falsehood and stress the importance of rehabilitation and the time they spend at the WTU is insignificant compared to the benefit they receive of returning home healed and ready for duty.
"It was a tough issue that I talked over with my wife," said Sgt. Kent Milam, a member of the 32nd Military Police Company, who deployed with the 32nd IBCT. "We decided [WTU] was the only way to do it because I had to get fixed."
Milam, who is a deputy sheriff for Racine County in his civilian job, suffered a shoulder injury which requires surgery. "By going back - not fixed - it would have been a burden to my family and I couldn't go back to work the way I was," Milam added.
"We were at Fort McCoy for the 32nd brigade demobilization and there were a lot of people who didn't want to go to Fort Knox to the WTU," said Staff Sgt. Tim Touchett, warrior transition liaison for the Wisconsin National Guard. "We talked a lot of Soldiers into doing it because once they realized how good the program is and the benefits of the program they thought, 'I'd be stupid not to take this.'
"You get six months of Tricare [insurance] after deployment but what happens if you're still broke? You're not getting paid anymore, and you can't go back to work," Touchett added. "Regardless of the injury, the Soldier is treated with dignity and respect. That's the way it should be, that's the intent of the program."
Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin and commander of the Wisconsin National Guard, and several members of his staff traveled to Fort Knox, Ky., Thursday [March 11] to visit approximately 30 Wisconsin Guard Soldiers at the Fort Knox Warrior Transition Unit (WTU) to demonstrate that priority.
"These Soldiers are constantly in our thoughts and prayers," said Dunbar. "These are my Soldiers and I care passionately about them, it's not a burden for me to [visit], it's a privilege."
While most Soldiers return home when they complete their active duty tours some - currently about 40 Wisconsin Guard members - need medical care and remain on duty at one of the nine WTUs located on Army installations throughout the U.S. Medical professionals and case managers dedicated to caring for wounded warriors are overseeing the care for these Soldiers, mostly from the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, with injuries ranging from broken bones and torn ligaments to back pain and mental health issues.
Wisconsin leaders make it a priority to visit all of them at least quarterly. Dunbar emphasized the importance of showing support and concern for Soldiers on a mission to get well, and ensuring they are receiving the care they need.
"It's easy to say to a Soldier, 'I appreciate you,' when they leave for a combat zone and pat them on the back when they return," Dunbar explained. "It's equally important to realize that these Soldiers are on a mission to get well. It's a very serious mission and [they are] entitled to our full support. No matter what we say on a website or write in a letter to the Soldier it doesn't replace the adjutant general, deputy adjutant general and [state] command sergeant major walking into the room and taking a day to say, 'we're here, what's on your mind?'"
After a year-long deployment, Soldiers are sometimes apprehensive about staying on active duty longer to take care of medical issues especially when while their fellow Guard members transition and return home. During their visit Guard leaders emphasize the importance of tending to their medical needs and continuing their healing process.
Soldiers are also sometimes concerned with the old stigma of being a "broken Soldier" but leader's also address that falsehood and stress the importance of rehabilitation and the time they spend at the WTU is insignificant compared to the benefit they receive of returning home healed and ready for duty.
"It was a tough issue that I talked over with my wife," said Sgt. Kent Milam, a member of the 32nd Military Police Company, who deployed with the 32nd IBCT. "We decided [WTU] was the only way to do it because I had to get fixed."
Milam, who is a deputy sheriff for Racine County in his civilian job, suffered a shoulder injury which requires surgery. "By going back - not fixed - it would have been a burden to my family and I couldn't go back to work the way I was," Milam added.
"We were at Fort McCoy for the 32nd brigade demobilization and there were a lot of people who didn't want to go to Fort Knox to the WTU," said Staff Sgt. Tim Touchett, warrior transition liaison for the Wisconsin National Guard. "We talked a lot of Soldiers into doing it because once they realized how good the program is and the benefits of the program they thought, 'I'd be stupid not to take this.'
"You get six months of Tricare [insurance] after deployment but what happens if you're still broke? You're not getting paid anymore, and you can't go back to work," Touchett added. "Regardless of the injury, the Soldier is treated with dignity and respect. That's the way it should be, that's the intent of the program."
Nuclear Review Nears Completion
By Jordan Reimer
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 17, 2010 - Several conclusions drawn from a nearly complete review of the nation's nuclear posture already have been incorporated into the Defense Department's fiscal 2011 budget request, a senior Pentagon official told Congress yesterday.
The 2010 Nuclear Posture Review will be presented to Congress within a month, James N. Miller, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, told the House Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on strategic forces.
"The Nuclear Posture Review will be a foundational document for this administration," Miller said in a hearing on the status of U.S. strategic forces. It's intended to be a practical work plan for the agenda laid out by President Barack Obama, he added.
The congressionally mandated review establishes U.S. nuclear policy, strategy, capabilities and force posture for the next five to 10 years. It's conducted by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Staff, with representation from the military services and combatant commands. It is written in collaboration with the Energy and State departments and in coordination with the National Security Council.
The process was done concurrently with the Quadrennial Defense Review and the Ballistic Missile Defense Review, both published last month. The Nuclear Posture Review originally was scheduled to be released this month, Miller said, but defense officials concluded that additional time was needed to address the range of issues under consideration in the report.
Obama has sought to minimize the role of nuclear weapons in defense policy, with the ultimate goal of ridding the world of nuclear weapons. The report will provide concrete steps outlining how the United States will carry out this process while still maintaining a secure and effective nuclear arsenal as long as other nuclear states remain, Miller said.
The nuclear review also was valuable for the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty negotiations with Russia, he said, helping to refine several U.S. negotiating positions, particularly on the treaty's limitations of nuclear warheads and delivery vehicles. The talks are ongoing in Switzerland and could prove historic, Miller told the panel.
"U.S. and Russian negotiators are now meeting in Geneva to complete an agreement that will reduce operationally deployed strategic nuclear weapons to their lowest levels in decades," he said in a prepared statement.
The fiscal 2011 defense budget submission already reflects several conclusions drawn from the review, Miller said. The United States will retain a "nuclear triad" under the new START, composed of land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles and bomber aircraft.
Budget submissions for added infrastructure investment, such as in nuclear facilities at Los Alamos National Laboratory in California and Oak Ridge, Tenn., also were determined based on the review. The Defense Department also requested a 13-percent increase for the National Nuclear Security Administration, in part to support life-extension program research to maintain the usefulness of aging warheads.
Miller said it's essential that the United States continues to invest in its nuclear arsenal and infrastructure while pursuing a nuclear-free world.
"Guaranteeing the safety, security and effectiveness of our stockpile, coupled with broader research and development efforts, will allow us to pursue nuclear reductions without compromising our security," he said.
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 17, 2010 - Several conclusions drawn from a nearly complete review of the nation's nuclear posture already have been incorporated into the Defense Department's fiscal 2011 budget request, a senior Pentagon official told Congress yesterday.
The 2010 Nuclear Posture Review will be presented to Congress within a month, James N. Miller, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, told the House Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on strategic forces.
"The Nuclear Posture Review will be a foundational document for this administration," Miller said in a hearing on the status of U.S. strategic forces. It's intended to be a practical work plan for the agenda laid out by President Barack Obama, he added.
The congressionally mandated review establishes U.S. nuclear policy, strategy, capabilities and force posture for the next five to 10 years. It's conducted by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Staff, with representation from the military services and combatant commands. It is written in collaboration with the Energy and State departments and in coordination with the National Security Council.
The process was done concurrently with the Quadrennial Defense Review and the Ballistic Missile Defense Review, both published last month. The Nuclear Posture Review originally was scheduled to be released this month, Miller said, but defense officials concluded that additional time was needed to address the range of issues under consideration in the report.
Obama has sought to minimize the role of nuclear weapons in defense policy, with the ultimate goal of ridding the world of nuclear weapons. The report will provide concrete steps outlining how the United States will carry out this process while still maintaining a secure and effective nuclear arsenal as long as other nuclear states remain, Miller said.
The nuclear review also was valuable for the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty negotiations with Russia, he said, helping to refine several U.S. negotiating positions, particularly on the treaty's limitations of nuclear warheads and delivery vehicles. The talks are ongoing in Switzerland and could prove historic, Miller told the panel.
"U.S. and Russian negotiators are now meeting in Geneva to complete an agreement that will reduce operationally deployed strategic nuclear weapons to their lowest levels in decades," he said in a prepared statement.
The fiscal 2011 defense budget submission already reflects several conclusions drawn from the review, Miller said. The United States will retain a "nuclear triad" under the new START, composed of land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles and bomber aircraft.
Budget submissions for added infrastructure investment, such as in nuclear facilities at Los Alamos National Laboratory in California and Oak Ridge, Tenn., also were determined based on the review. The Defense Department also requested a 13-percent increase for the National Nuclear Security Administration, in part to support life-extension program research to maintain the usefulness of aging warheads.
Miller said it's essential that the United States continues to invest in its nuclear arsenal and infrastructure while pursuing a nuclear-free world.
"Guaranteeing the safety, security and effectiveness of our stockpile, coupled with broader research and development efforts, will allow us to pursue nuclear reductions without compromising our security," he said.
MILITARY CONTRACTS March 17, 2010
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Cardinal Health, Inc., Dublin, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $206,434,187 requirements-type, prime vendor contract for distribution of pharmaceutical items. Other locations of performance are North Carolina and California. Using service is the Department of Defense. The original proposal was solicited on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a 20-month base with two 20-month option periods. The date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM2DX-10-D-0027).
Cardinal Health, Inc., Dublin, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $150,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity, prime vendor contract for pharmaceutical items for the U.S. Naval fleet, USNS Mercy, and USNS Comfort. Other locations of performance are Massachusetts, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Washington, New Jersey and California. Using service is the Department of Defense. The original proposal was solicited on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM2DX-10-D-0001).
Coastal Pacific Food Distributors*, Stockton, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $18,000,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, sole-source contract for full-line food distribution. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 13, 2010. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DESP), Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-09-D-3280).
World Fuel Services, Inc., dba World Fuel Services of FL, Miami, Fla., is being awarded a maximum $9,606,443 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in Hawaii. Using services are Army, Navy and Air Force. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2014. The Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-10-D-0040).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a maximum $7,157,519 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for transfer transmission. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 12, 2015. The Defense Logistics Agency -Warren (DSCC-ZG), Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (SPRDL1-10-D-0020).
DMS Pharmaceutical Group, Inc.*, Park Ridge, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $2,245,907 requirements-type, prime vendor contract for distribution of pharmaceutical items. Using service is Department of Defense. The original proposal was solicited on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a 20-month base with two 20-month option periods. The date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM2DX-10-D-0130).
NAVY
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Inc., Newport News, Va., is being awarded an $80,886,408 cost-plus-fixed-fee, level-of-effort contract for fiscal 2010 advance planning to prepare and make ready for the refueling complex overhaul of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and its reactor plants. This effort will provide for all advanced planning, ship checks, design, documentation, engineering, procurement, fabrication, and preliminary shipyard or support facility work. The contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $678,568,820. Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be complete by February 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-2110).
BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP, Santa Clara, Calif., is being awarded $74,090,258 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0006 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5026) for the purchase of Marine Corps transparent armor gun system kits, battery powered motorized traversing unit - manual traversing unit kits, and turret assemblies. Work will be performed in Santa Clara, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $4,740,748 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems and Sensors, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $26,604,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-6207) to exercise a cost-plus-incentive fee/award-fee option for engineering and technical services for the acoustic system improvement and integration in support of the commercial-off-the-shelf Acoustic Rapid Insertion System (A-RCI) program. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., and is expected to be completed by June 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $1,759,160 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
DCS Corp.*, Alexandria, Va., is being awarded an $11,499,976 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N68936-05-D-0002) to provide weapons and systems integration support services to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division's integrated product teams and weapons support facilities, and their associated weapons. The estimated level of effort for this modification is 176,017 man-hours. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif. (90 percent), and Pt. Mugu, Calif. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Oasys Technology, LLC*, Manchester, N.H., is being awarded a $10,726,660 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for hand-held thermal binoculars. The thermal binoculars are used for detection, targeting, and surveillance in low visibility environments. Multiple lenses are available for use to modify the field of view for broader or more focused detection as required. The thermal binocular systems will allow the operators to fulfill their mission more quickly, efficiently, and safely. The thermal binoculars are thermal imaging devices that can be used as either a hand-held detector or a mounted detector. Work will be performed in Manchester, N.H., and is expected to be completed by March 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-D-JQ65).
ARMY
Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., was awarded on March 12, 2010, a $45,576,936 firm-fixed-price contract for the delivery order to purchase Generation III extreme cold weather clothing system kits. Work is to be performed in Newark, N.J. (24 percent); Mayagüez, Puerto Rico (24 percent); Lansing, Mich. (18 percent); Fall River, Mass. (10 percent); Tullahoma, Tenn. (10 percent); Virginia Beach, Va. (5 percent); Post Falls, Idaho (5 percent); North Conway, N.H. (2 percent); and Mukilteo, Wash. (2 percent), with an estimated completion date of Dec. 20, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-07-D-0003).
General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on March 12, 2010, a $37,380,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the modification P00142, exercising an option for systems technical support for the ABRAMS tank program. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 19, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM-Warren, AMSCC-TAC-AHLC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046).
AC First, Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded on March 12, 2010, a $25,688,609 firm-fixed-price contract for the Installation Information Infrastructure Modernization Program telecommunications systems program management, information technology planning, logistics, and field support service, in support of Project Manager Network Service Center, Project Director Defense Communication Systems-Southwest Asia. This requirement was competed amongst the unrestricted suite of contractors covered under Task Area 12, within the Field & Installation Readiness Support Team multiple-award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity. Work is to be performed throughout various locations worldwide with focus on Southwest Asia - primarily Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq - with an estimated completion date of March 14, 2011. Fifteen bids were solicited with one bid received. Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W911SE-07-D-0004).
Elite CNC Machining, Largo, Fla., was awarded on March 12, 2010, a $20,038,550 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 1,628,827 M918 projectile assemblies in support of the M918 target practice cartridge. Work is to be performed in Largo, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2013. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. Army Contracting Command, CCRC-AL, Laser Devices, Inc., Monterey, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 10, 2010 a $6,940,000 firm-fixed-price contract for a sustainment order 10,000 PEQ-15A multi-functional aiming lights for the U.S. project manager soldier sensors and lasers. Delivery of all units will be completed by January 2011. Work is to be performed in Monterey, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited by limited sources justification with one bid received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-05-D-0029).
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems of Woburn, Mass., is being awarded a sole-source modification for $17,421,524 under contract HQ0006-03-C-0047. The modification includes both fixed-price and cost-plus-award-fee line items. Under this contract modification, Raytheon will continue concurrent test, training, and operations support unit integration (Phase II) for AN/TYP-2 X-Band radar. The work will be performed in Woburn, Mass. The performance period is through November 2010. Fiscal year 2010 research, development, test and evaluation funds will be utilized for this effort. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity (HQ0006).
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., of Canoga Park, Calif., is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee change order modification for $14,222,473 under its contract, HQ0006-08-C-0044. Under this contract modification, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne will complete risk reduction efforts to demonstrate the technology and improve the technology and manufacturing readiness of the components needed in a high performance interceptor liquid fuel upper stage system. The work will be performed in Canoga Park, Calif. This performance period ends in March 2011. The amount obligated on this action is $12,300,000 using fiscal year 2009 research, development, test and evaluation funds. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
United Launch Services, Littleton, Colo., was awarded a $15,065,010 contract which will provide for the acquisition of launch vehicle propellants and gaseous commodities for Air Force space missions. At this time, $15,065,101 has been obligated. SMC/LRSW, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8816-06-C-0002, P00194).
Aleut Facilities Support Services, LLC, Aurora, Colo., was awarded a $6,876,579 contract which will exercise the fourth option year, to provide non-personal services for customer support; infrastructure and facility maintenance; physical plant operation; and environmental and property management for Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colorado. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 21 CONS/LGCAB, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity (FA25174-06-C-5005, P00027).
Cardinal Health, Inc., Dublin, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $206,434,187 requirements-type, prime vendor contract for distribution of pharmaceutical items. Other locations of performance are North Carolina and California. Using service is the Department of Defense. The original proposal was solicited on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a 20-month base with two 20-month option periods. The date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM2DX-10-D-0027).
Cardinal Health, Inc., Dublin, Ohio, is being awarded a maximum $150,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity, prime vendor contract for pharmaceutical items for the U.S. Naval fleet, USNS Mercy, and USNS Comfort. Other locations of performance are Massachusetts, North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Washington, New Jersey and California. Using service is the Department of Defense. The original proposal was solicited on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM2DX-10-D-0001).
Coastal Pacific Food Distributors*, Stockton, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $18,000,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment, sole-source contract for full-line food distribution. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 13, 2010. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DESP), Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-09-D-3280).
World Fuel Services, Inc., dba World Fuel Services of FL, Miami, Fla., is being awarded a maximum $9,606,443 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in Hawaii. Using services are Army, Navy and Air Force. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2014. The Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-10-D-0040).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a maximum $7,157,519 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for transfer transmission. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 12, 2015. The Defense Logistics Agency -Warren (DSCC-ZG), Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (SPRDL1-10-D-0020).
DMS Pharmaceutical Group, Inc.*, Park Ridge, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $2,245,907 requirements-type, prime vendor contract for distribution of pharmaceutical items. Using service is Department of Defense. The original proposal was solicited on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a 20-month base with two 20-month option periods. The date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM2DX-10-D-0130).
NAVY
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Inc., Newport News, Va., is being awarded an $80,886,408 cost-plus-fixed-fee, level-of-effort contract for fiscal 2010 advance planning to prepare and make ready for the refueling complex overhaul of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and its reactor plants. This effort will provide for all advanced planning, ship checks, design, documentation, engineering, procurement, fabrication, and preliminary shipyard or support facility work. The contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $678,568,820. Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be complete by February 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-2110).
BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP, Santa Clara, Calif., is being awarded $74,090,258 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0006 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5026) for the purchase of Marine Corps transparent armor gun system kits, battery powered motorized traversing unit - manual traversing unit kits, and turret assemblies. Work will be performed in Santa Clara, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $4,740,748 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems and Sensors, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $26,604,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-6207) to exercise a cost-plus-incentive fee/award-fee option for engineering and technical services for the acoustic system improvement and integration in support of the commercial-off-the-shelf Acoustic Rapid Insertion System (A-RCI) program. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., and is expected to be completed by June 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $1,759,160 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
DCS Corp.*, Alexandria, Va., is being awarded an $11,499,976 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N68936-05-D-0002) to provide weapons and systems integration support services to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division's integrated product teams and weapons support facilities, and their associated weapons. The estimated level of effort for this modification is 176,017 man-hours. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif. (90 percent), and Pt. Mugu, Calif. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Oasys Technology, LLC*, Manchester, N.H., is being awarded a $10,726,660 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for hand-held thermal binoculars. The thermal binoculars are used for detection, targeting, and surveillance in low visibility environments. Multiple lenses are available for use to modify the field of view for broader or more focused detection as required. The thermal binocular systems will allow the operators to fulfill their mission more quickly, efficiently, and safely. The thermal binoculars are thermal imaging devices that can be used as either a hand-held detector or a mounted detector. Work will be performed in Manchester, N.H., and is expected to be completed by March 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-D-JQ65).
ARMY
Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., was awarded on March 12, 2010, a $45,576,936 firm-fixed-price contract for the delivery order to purchase Generation III extreme cold weather clothing system kits. Work is to be performed in Newark, N.J. (24 percent); Mayagüez, Puerto Rico (24 percent); Lansing, Mich. (18 percent); Fall River, Mass. (10 percent); Tullahoma, Tenn. (10 percent); Virginia Beach, Va. (5 percent); Post Falls, Idaho (5 percent); North Conway, N.H. (2 percent); and Mukilteo, Wash. (2 percent), with an estimated completion date of Dec. 20, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. U.S. Army RDECOM Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-07-D-0003).
General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on March 12, 2010, a $37,380,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the modification P00142, exercising an option for systems technical support for the ABRAMS tank program. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 19, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM-Warren, AMSCC-TAC-AHLC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0046).
AC First, Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded on March 12, 2010, a $25,688,609 firm-fixed-price contract for the Installation Information Infrastructure Modernization Program telecommunications systems program management, information technology planning, logistics, and field support service, in support of Project Manager Network Service Center, Project Director Defense Communication Systems-Southwest Asia. This requirement was competed amongst the unrestricted suite of contractors covered under Task Area 12, within the Field & Installation Readiness Support Team multiple-award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity. Work is to be performed throughout various locations worldwide with focus on Southwest Asia - primarily Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq - with an estimated completion date of March 14, 2011. Fifteen bids were solicited with one bid received. Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W911SE-07-D-0004).
Elite CNC Machining, Largo, Fla., was awarded on March 12, 2010, a $20,038,550 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 1,628,827 M918 projectile assemblies in support of the M918 target practice cartridge. Work is to be performed in Largo, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2013. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. Army Contracting Command, CCRC-AL, Laser Devices, Inc., Monterey, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 10, 2010 a $6,940,000 firm-fixed-price contract for a sustainment order 10,000 PEQ-15A multi-functional aiming lights for the U.S. project manager soldier sensors and lasers. Delivery of all units will be completed by January 2011. Work is to be performed in Monterey, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited by limited sources justification with one bid received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-05-D-0029).
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems of Woburn, Mass., is being awarded a sole-source modification for $17,421,524 under contract HQ0006-03-C-0047. The modification includes both fixed-price and cost-plus-award-fee line items. Under this contract modification, Raytheon will continue concurrent test, training, and operations support unit integration (Phase II) for AN/TYP-2 X-Band radar. The work will be performed in Woburn, Mass. The performance period is through November 2010. Fiscal year 2010 research, development, test and evaluation funds will be utilized for this effort. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity (HQ0006).
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., of Canoga Park, Calif., is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee change order modification for $14,222,473 under its contract, HQ0006-08-C-0044. Under this contract modification, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne will complete risk reduction efforts to demonstrate the technology and improve the technology and manufacturing readiness of the components needed in a high performance interceptor liquid fuel upper stage system. The work will be performed in Canoga Park, Calif. This performance period ends in March 2011. The amount obligated on this action is $12,300,000 using fiscal year 2009 research, development, test and evaluation funds. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
United Launch Services, Littleton, Colo., was awarded a $15,065,010 contract which will provide for the acquisition of launch vehicle propellants and gaseous commodities for Air Force space missions. At this time, $15,065,101 has been obligated. SMC/LRSW, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8816-06-C-0002, P00194).
Aleut Facilities Support Services, LLC, Aurora, Colo., was awarded a $6,876,579 contract which will exercise the fourth option year, to provide non-personal services for customer support; infrastructure and facility maintenance; physical plant operation; and environmental and property management for Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colorado. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 21 CONS/LGCAB, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity (FA25174-06-C-5005, P00027).
National Guard (In Federal Status) And Reserve Activated as of March 16, 2010
This week the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force announced a decrease in activated reservists, while the Coast Guard announced an increase. The Army had no change. The net collective result is 51 fewer reservists activated than last week.
At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 108,647; Navy Reserve, 6,228; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 16,062; Marine Corps Reserve, 6,515; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 714. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 138,166, including both units and individual augmentees.
A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20100316ngr.pdf.
At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 108,647; Navy Reserve, 6,228; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 16,062; Marine Corps Reserve, 6,515; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 714. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 138,166, including both units and individual augmentees.
A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20100316ngr.pdf.
From the Desk of the ASD/HA
By: Charles L. Rice, M.D.
Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
March 17, 2010 - One of Secretary Gates’ top priorities is high quality health care. As President of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences since 2005, a retired Navy Reserve Captain and the father of a serving officer, I have a deep personal commitment to ensuring that quality health care and support is provided to our active duty force and their families, particularly our nation’s wounded, ill or injured warriors, as well as our retirees and their families.
I was asked by the senior DoD leadership to temporarily perform the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, effective March 1, while the process for appointing a permanent candidate is underway. As such, my number one priority is to ensure that this care and support meets expectations and, to do that, I have outlined the four goals on which I will focus the majority of my attention:
Care for Wounded Warriors, Their Families, and Those Who Care for Them
1. Shaping the way ahead for the DoD electronic health record. Our current electronic health records provide critical support for health care delivery and management, force health protection and readiness, medical surveillance and for sharing with health care partners. Our Electronic Health Record Way Ahead will modernize our current system, align it with national objectives, and empower patients through access to personal health record. It will be designed by and for those who provide the care for our patients and will facilitate the use by our patients and their families.
2. Ensuring that Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) initiatives update and enhance our health care facilities. The BRAC recommendations are bringing about comprehensive changes, will improve use and distribution of our facilities nationwide, and will enhance health care delivery and state-of-the-art medical education and training, and cutting-edge basic science and clinical research across the MHS. By September 11, 2011, two of the largest regions (National Capital Area and San Antonio) will integrate the existing military treatment facilities into new facilities that will seamlessly function, incorporating assets from all of the military services. These medical centers will incorporate patient-focused, family-centered health care delivery with evidence-based structural design to provide beneficiaries with the absolute best healing environment.
3. Focusing the TRICARE contracting process for civilian-provided care to ensure our beneficiaries receive superior care. The MHS is responsible to promote health and provide care for 9.6 million individuals, so it is imperative that we contract efficiently with the civilian health care sector to provide those services which are beyond the capacity of our military treatment facilities’ capabilities to ensure that care.
4. Sharpening our communications to provide everyone the information they need to navigate our MHS. Our beneficiaries have questions and they deserve answers. It is vital that our service members and their families are able to understand their health care benefits and easily access the care they so rightfully deserve. We will sharpen our strategic communications so that all of our beneficiaries know where to turn, or who to ask, for the information they need about health care.
As I transition into my new duties, I am particularly grateful to Mr. Allen Middleton, who stepped up from Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Budgets and Financial Policy into the Health Affairs “front office” in April 2009 and provided invaluable leadership when and where it was needed. His expertise will be critical to me as he continues to perform the duties of Acting Principal Deputy, and I hope to live up to the standards both he and Ms. Ellen Embrey set before me.
Dr. Clifford Stanley, our newly appointed Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness, said in a memorandum to Health Affairs and TRICARE Management Activity staff recently that "compassion, excellence and a heightened sense of urgency will help us fulfill our duty." I assure you that we will increase our efforts to fulfill our duty to our most important assets – our service members and their families.
Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
March 17, 2010 - One of Secretary Gates’ top priorities is high quality health care. As President of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences since 2005, a retired Navy Reserve Captain and the father of a serving officer, I have a deep personal commitment to ensuring that quality health care and support is provided to our active duty force and their families, particularly our nation’s wounded, ill or injured warriors, as well as our retirees and their families.
I was asked by the senior DoD leadership to temporarily perform the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, effective March 1, while the process for appointing a permanent candidate is underway. As such, my number one priority is to ensure that this care and support meets expectations and, to do that, I have outlined the four goals on which I will focus the majority of my attention:
Care for Wounded Warriors, Their Families, and Those Who Care for Them
1. Shaping the way ahead for the DoD electronic health record. Our current electronic health records provide critical support for health care delivery and management, force health protection and readiness, medical surveillance and for sharing with health care partners. Our Electronic Health Record Way Ahead will modernize our current system, align it with national objectives, and empower patients through access to personal health record. It will be designed by and for those who provide the care for our patients and will facilitate the use by our patients and their families.
2. Ensuring that Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) initiatives update and enhance our health care facilities. The BRAC recommendations are bringing about comprehensive changes, will improve use and distribution of our facilities nationwide, and will enhance health care delivery and state-of-the-art medical education and training, and cutting-edge basic science and clinical research across the MHS. By September 11, 2011, two of the largest regions (National Capital Area and San Antonio) will integrate the existing military treatment facilities into new facilities that will seamlessly function, incorporating assets from all of the military services. These medical centers will incorporate patient-focused, family-centered health care delivery with evidence-based structural design to provide beneficiaries with the absolute best healing environment.
3. Focusing the TRICARE contracting process for civilian-provided care to ensure our beneficiaries receive superior care. The MHS is responsible to promote health and provide care for 9.6 million individuals, so it is imperative that we contract efficiently with the civilian health care sector to provide those services which are beyond the capacity of our military treatment facilities’ capabilities to ensure that care.
4. Sharpening our communications to provide everyone the information they need to navigate our MHS. Our beneficiaries have questions and they deserve answers. It is vital that our service members and their families are able to understand their health care benefits and easily access the care they so rightfully deserve. We will sharpen our strategic communications so that all of our beneficiaries know where to turn, or who to ask, for the information they need about health care.
As I transition into my new duties, I am particularly grateful to Mr. Allen Middleton, who stepped up from Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Budgets and Financial Policy into the Health Affairs “front office” in April 2009 and provided invaluable leadership when and where it was needed. His expertise will be critical to me as he continues to perform the duties of Acting Principal Deputy, and I hope to live up to the standards both he and Ms. Ellen Embrey set before me.
Dr. Clifford Stanley, our newly appointed Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness, said in a memorandum to Health Affairs and TRICARE Management Activity staff recently that "compassion, excellence and a heightened sense of urgency will help us fulfill our duty." I assure you that we will increase our efforts to fulfill our duty to our most important assets – our service members and their families.
More than 200 Attend the U.S. Army Women Foundation’s 2nd Annual Army Women in Transition Symposium
Hon. Duckworth and Brig. Gen. Vaught, USAF (Ret.) Inducted into Foundation’s Hall of Fame
March 17, 2010 – The U.S. Army Women’s Foundation today hosted its 2nd Annual Army Women in Transition Symposium and Hall of Fame Luncheon on Capitol Hill from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with more than 200 people attending the two events.
The Symposium included three panels, which analyzed current programs helping servicewomen transition from the frontlines to a civilian career, the corporate world, or the classroom:
• Combat to Classroom addressed the relevant needs to ensuring a successful transition from the battlefield to the academic sector.
• Combat to Career analyzed issues and needs of service women considering transitioning into a new career path within the civilian workforce.
• Combat to Corporate focused on soldiers transitioning to the business world.
The panels were moderated by Brig. Gen. Foote, USA (Ret.) and cultivated dialogue among federal legislators, government agencies, academic institutions, corporate leaders, and non-profit organizations. U.S. Representatives J. Randy Forbes (R – Va.), Jan Schakowsky (D – Ill.), and Ike Skelton (D – Mont.) all made remarks. Last year’s inaugural Symposium focused on the often unique roles, abilities, and needs of Army women as they leave the service.
“Army women, past and presently serving, have sacrificed a lot to safeguard our country. The Foundation’s Army Women in Transition in Symposium helps to focus on our Army women as they move from the Army to civilian life,” said retired Maj. Gen. Dee Ann McWilliams, president of the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation. “Army women have much to offer as they enter civilian life, and we need to better recognize their capabilities and leadership skills.”
Following the Symposium, the Foundation inducted two esteemed servicewomen pioneers into its Hall of Fame for 2010: The Honorable L. Tammy Duckworth, Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs; and, Brigadier General Wilma Vaught, USAF (Ret), President of Board of Directors of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, Inc. The Hall of Fame awards are presented to women who have contributed extraordinary service to the Army and to women in the Army.
“Through their extraordinary dedication, valor, patriotism, and service, Assistant Secretary Duckworth and Brigadier General Vaught have paved the way as leaders and role models for the following generations of Army women,” said retired Maj. Gen. McWilliams.
Duckworth is an Iraq War veteran; former U.S. Army helicopter pilot; and, recipient of many distinguished service awards, including a Purple Heart, an Air Medal, and an Army Commendation Medal.
Vaught, one of the most highly decorated women to serve in the U.S. military, achieved many "firsts" that helped pave the way for thousands of Army women to be judged based on their abilities—not gender.
Kimberly Dozier, CBS News correspondent, emceed the ceremony. Lieut. Gen. James Lovelace, USA (Ret.), former Commanding General, Third United States Army Central, keynoted. Representatives John Carter (R – Texas), Carolyn Kilpatrick (D – Mich.), and Gene Taylor (D – Miss.) were all present for the ceremony. Last year, the Foundation launched its Hall of Fame on March 24, 2009, with the first two inductees: Brig. Gen. Evelyn “Pat” Foote (Ret.) and Command Sgt. Maj. Cynthia Pritchett.
Following the inductions, the Foundation presented five Legacy Scholarships, including three Fort Hood Scholarships. The Fort Hood Scholarships will commemorate fallen soldiers Sgt. Amy Krueger of Kiel, Wis.; Pfc. Francheska Velez of Chicago, Ill.; and, Lieut. Col. Juanita Warman of Havre De Grace, Md.
The Foundation Legacy Scholarship program recognizes the importance of education and helps recipients to achieve their educational goals. The program offers financial support toward undergraduate degrees to Army women and their lineal descendents. Scholarships are based on merit, academic potential, community service, and need.
ABOUT THE U.S ARMY WOMEN’S FOUNDATION
The U.S. Army Women's Foundation is the premier center for educational excellence, the national network for today's Army women, and a dynamic advocate for telling the history of Army women.
Through its programs, research and scholarships, the Foundation honors the service of Army women and supports the U.S. Army Women's Museum. Originally established in 1969, the Foundation is headquartered in Fort Lee, Va. For more information, visit www.awfdn.org.
March 17, 2010 – The U.S. Army Women’s Foundation today hosted its 2nd Annual Army Women in Transition Symposium and Hall of Fame Luncheon on Capitol Hill from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with more than 200 people attending the two events.
The Symposium included three panels, which analyzed current programs helping servicewomen transition from the frontlines to a civilian career, the corporate world, or the classroom:
• Combat to Classroom addressed the relevant needs to ensuring a successful transition from the battlefield to the academic sector.
• Combat to Career analyzed issues and needs of service women considering transitioning into a new career path within the civilian workforce.
• Combat to Corporate focused on soldiers transitioning to the business world.
The panels were moderated by Brig. Gen. Foote, USA (Ret.) and cultivated dialogue among federal legislators, government agencies, academic institutions, corporate leaders, and non-profit organizations. U.S. Representatives J. Randy Forbes (R – Va.), Jan Schakowsky (D – Ill.), and Ike Skelton (D – Mont.) all made remarks. Last year’s inaugural Symposium focused on the often unique roles, abilities, and needs of Army women as they leave the service.
“Army women, past and presently serving, have sacrificed a lot to safeguard our country. The Foundation’s Army Women in Transition in Symposium helps to focus on our Army women as they move from the Army to civilian life,” said retired Maj. Gen. Dee Ann McWilliams, president of the U.S. Army Women’s Foundation. “Army women have much to offer as they enter civilian life, and we need to better recognize their capabilities and leadership skills.”
Following the Symposium, the Foundation inducted two esteemed servicewomen pioneers into its Hall of Fame for 2010: The Honorable L. Tammy Duckworth, Assistant Secretary of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs; and, Brigadier General Wilma Vaught, USAF (Ret), President of Board of Directors of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, Inc. The Hall of Fame awards are presented to women who have contributed extraordinary service to the Army and to women in the Army.
“Through their extraordinary dedication, valor, patriotism, and service, Assistant Secretary Duckworth and Brigadier General Vaught have paved the way as leaders and role models for the following generations of Army women,” said retired Maj. Gen. McWilliams.
Duckworth is an Iraq War veteran; former U.S. Army helicopter pilot; and, recipient of many distinguished service awards, including a Purple Heart, an Air Medal, and an Army Commendation Medal.
Vaught, one of the most highly decorated women to serve in the U.S. military, achieved many "firsts" that helped pave the way for thousands of Army women to be judged based on their abilities—not gender.
Kimberly Dozier, CBS News correspondent, emceed the ceremony. Lieut. Gen. James Lovelace, USA (Ret.), former Commanding General, Third United States Army Central, keynoted. Representatives John Carter (R – Texas), Carolyn Kilpatrick (D – Mich.), and Gene Taylor (D – Miss.) were all present for the ceremony. Last year, the Foundation launched its Hall of Fame on March 24, 2009, with the first two inductees: Brig. Gen. Evelyn “Pat” Foote (Ret.) and Command Sgt. Maj. Cynthia Pritchett.
Following the inductions, the Foundation presented five Legacy Scholarships, including three Fort Hood Scholarships. The Fort Hood Scholarships will commemorate fallen soldiers Sgt. Amy Krueger of Kiel, Wis.; Pfc. Francheska Velez of Chicago, Ill.; and, Lieut. Col. Juanita Warman of Havre De Grace, Md.
The Foundation Legacy Scholarship program recognizes the importance of education and helps recipients to achieve their educational goals. The program offers financial support toward undergraduate degrees to Army women and their lineal descendents. Scholarships are based on merit, academic potential, community service, and need.
ABOUT THE U.S ARMY WOMEN’S FOUNDATION
The U.S. Army Women's Foundation is the premier center for educational excellence, the national network for today's Army women, and a dynamic advocate for telling the history of Army women.
Through its programs, research and scholarships, the Foundation honors the service of Army women and supports the U.S. Army Women's Museum. Originally established in 1969, the Foundation is headquartered in Fort Lee, Va. For more information, visit www.awfdn.org.
Wounded Warrior Hopes to Inspire Others
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
March 17, 2010 - Army Lt. Col. Marc Hoffmeister has endured some of the most grueling conditions on the planet.
In the past 15 years, Hoffmeister has tackled extreme challenges with adventure and expedition races through the Rocky Mountains, treks through the Alaskan wilderness and an Eco Challenge in Fiji, not to mention combat tours in Iraq and throughout the Middle East. Adventuring is very much a part of who he is.
But in the blink of an eye, a roadside bomb in Iraq all but crushed Hoffmeister's spirit. He nearly lost his life, and was left with little feeling in his left arm.
After months of surgeries and rehabilitation, he found himself falling into a depression, he said.
"Being wounded was a significant experience," Hoffmeister said. "It's a major setback, and it's pretty easy to succumb to your wounds and say, 'I can't do this anymore.'"
Hoffmeister found himself in an unfamiliar situation: stuck at home with nothing to train for and nothing to do. He battled with post-traumatic stress and severe pain, and wasn't sure if he'd ever be competitive again.
That was April 2007. Flash forward to this month: Hoffmeister was voted National Geographic magazine's first Reader's Choice Adventurer of the Year. As part of a six-member team that included three others who are disabled from combat injuries, he conquered Mount McKinley, North America's highest peak -- in June.
"It's pretty humbling to say the least and it's a team recognition," Hoffmeister said of the award. "You look at a lot of the people who've been recognized as adventurer of the year for National Geographic [and] they're incredible people and challenges. To be ranked among these people is amazing to me, but it's also a credit to the way our nation looks at our wounded and recognizes the efforts that we're going through to recover."
Hoffmeister credited his wife, Gayle, for getting him off the couch after months of feeling sorry for himself. A former Army medic and fellow adventure enthusiast, Gayle wouldn't let her Army Ranger husband stay down for long, he added.
"My wife didn't give me a whole lot of time," he said. Gayle began "dragging" her husband to the gym to build up his fitness again. By August 2007, the couple ventured into the Alaskan wilderness for a 26-mile climb and hike on Quail Creek Path.
At the time, Hoffmeister still had a tube inserted into his arm that ran to his chest, providing him with antibiotics four times a day. He found his drive again, and soon thereafter, his wife offered another challenge: climbing Mount McKinley, which also is known as Denali.
"She pretty much told me she was going to climb Denali with or without me," he said. "It's probably one of the best things she's ever done for me. I definitely wasn't going to let her climb without me."
The idea came to the couple in January 2008 to form a team of wounded veterans for the climb. The Hoffmeisters got their team together and began training and finding sponsorships for their expedition. They spent 12 days training on a mountaineering course at Denali National Park, he said.
Hoffmeister said he felt anxious and a bit nervous. After months of surgeries and recovery time to save his arm, he said, possibly losing his arm to frostbite on a mountain wasn't at the top of the list of things he wanted to do.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a sense of doubt and fear about my own ability," he said. "After having gone through a load of surgeries and rehab, doing this was a big risk. I was scared and intimidated, and didn't know what I could do."
The team reached North America's highest point in 16 days. Three members of the team finished the 20,320-foot climb: Hoffmeister, wounded soldier Army Spc. David Shebib and retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Bob Haines.
Gayle succumbed to severe frostbite on her toes at 18,200 feet. Retired Marine Corps Capt. Jonathan Kuniholm, who lost his right arm to combat in Iraq, and retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Matt Nyman fell to altitude sickness at 16,200 feet and 17,200 feet, respectively.
Hoffmeister and crew accomplished a great deal despite the entire team not finishing the climb, he said, as the disabled teammates learned that they weren't as hindered by their disabilities as they may have thought. Most importantly, he added, they overcame any psychological issues they may have had, and they set an example for other disabled veterans and civilians to follow.
"The message goes far beyond what we did on the mountain," Hoffmeister said. "We're trying to set the example for the other guys who are coming behind us and at the same stage we were in, doubting ourselves in the hospital bed, trying to figure it out and [wondering] what [we] can achieve. Anyone who has disabilities, who wants to throw in the towel, hopefully they hear our message and think otherwise. They can pursue things they thought were not possible."
Hoffmeister said he hopes his team's story inspires others. Their journey to 20,000 feet shows that any hardship or disability can be overcome through teamwork and determination, he said.
"We all deal with shared hardships, whether it's long deployments or the fear of combat, and no one gets through it on their own," he said. "They get through it by the strength of a team, knowing when people are weak and when they're strong, and stepping up when you're strong and accepting help when you're weak. If you understand that psychology, you understand success."
Hoffmeister is assigned to U.S. Alaska Command and Joint Task Force Alaska as the chief engineer. He is set to assume command of the 6th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade this summer and is scheduled to deploy to Iraq in the fall.
He and his wife scaled Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania last month. While her husband is deployed, Gayle hopes to scale Denali, and after he returns from Iraq, they hope to form another team of veterans to climb 22,000 feet up Cerro Aconcaqua in Argentina, the highest point in the Americas.
American Forces Press Service
March 17, 2010 - Army Lt. Col. Marc Hoffmeister has endured some of the most grueling conditions on the planet.
In the past 15 years, Hoffmeister has tackled extreme challenges with adventure and expedition races through the Rocky Mountains, treks through the Alaskan wilderness and an Eco Challenge in Fiji, not to mention combat tours in Iraq and throughout the Middle East. Adventuring is very much a part of who he is.
But in the blink of an eye, a roadside bomb in Iraq all but crushed Hoffmeister's spirit. He nearly lost his life, and was left with little feeling in his left arm.
After months of surgeries and rehabilitation, he found himself falling into a depression, he said.
"Being wounded was a significant experience," Hoffmeister said. "It's a major setback, and it's pretty easy to succumb to your wounds and say, 'I can't do this anymore.'"
Hoffmeister found himself in an unfamiliar situation: stuck at home with nothing to train for and nothing to do. He battled with post-traumatic stress and severe pain, and wasn't sure if he'd ever be competitive again.
That was April 2007. Flash forward to this month: Hoffmeister was voted National Geographic magazine's first Reader's Choice Adventurer of the Year. As part of a six-member team that included three others who are disabled from combat injuries, he conquered Mount McKinley, North America's highest peak -- in June.
"It's pretty humbling to say the least and it's a team recognition," Hoffmeister said of the award. "You look at a lot of the people who've been recognized as adventurer of the year for National Geographic [and] they're incredible people and challenges. To be ranked among these people is amazing to me, but it's also a credit to the way our nation looks at our wounded and recognizes the efforts that we're going through to recover."
Hoffmeister credited his wife, Gayle, for getting him off the couch after months of feeling sorry for himself. A former Army medic and fellow adventure enthusiast, Gayle wouldn't let her Army Ranger husband stay down for long, he added.
"My wife didn't give me a whole lot of time," he said. Gayle began "dragging" her husband to the gym to build up his fitness again. By August 2007, the couple ventured into the Alaskan wilderness for a 26-mile climb and hike on Quail Creek Path.
At the time, Hoffmeister still had a tube inserted into his arm that ran to his chest, providing him with antibiotics four times a day. He found his drive again, and soon thereafter, his wife offered another challenge: climbing Mount McKinley, which also is known as Denali.
"She pretty much told me she was going to climb Denali with or without me," he said. "It's probably one of the best things she's ever done for me. I definitely wasn't going to let her climb without me."
The idea came to the couple in January 2008 to form a team of wounded veterans for the climb. The Hoffmeisters got their team together and began training and finding sponsorships for their expedition. They spent 12 days training on a mountaineering course at Denali National Park, he said.
Hoffmeister said he felt anxious and a bit nervous. After months of surgeries and recovery time to save his arm, he said, possibly losing his arm to frostbite on a mountain wasn't at the top of the list of things he wanted to do.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a sense of doubt and fear about my own ability," he said. "After having gone through a load of surgeries and rehab, doing this was a big risk. I was scared and intimidated, and didn't know what I could do."
The team reached North America's highest point in 16 days. Three members of the team finished the 20,320-foot climb: Hoffmeister, wounded soldier Army Spc. David Shebib and retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Bob Haines.
Gayle succumbed to severe frostbite on her toes at 18,200 feet. Retired Marine Corps Capt. Jonathan Kuniholm, who lost his right arm to combat in Iraq, and retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Matt Nyman fell to altitude sickness at 16,200 feet and 17,200 feet, respectively.
Hoffmeister and crew accomplished a great deal despite the entire team not finishing the climb, he said, as the disabled teammates learned that they weren't as hindered by their disabilities as they may have thought. Most importantly, he added, they overcame any psychological issues they may have had, and they set an example for other disabled veterans and civilians to follow.
"The message goes far beyond what we did on the mountain," Hoffmeister said. "We're trying to set the example for the other guys who are coming behind us and at the same stage we were in, doubting ourselves in the hospital bed, trying to figure it out and [wondering] what [we] can achieve. Anyone who has disabilities, who wants to throw in the towel, hopefully they hear our message and think otherwise. They can pursue things they thought were not possible."
Hoffmeister said he hopes his team's story inspires others. Their journey to 20,000 feet shows that any hardship or disability can be overcome through teamwork and determination, he said.
"We all deal with shared hardships, whether it's long deployments or the fear of combat, and no one gets through it on their own," he said. "They get through it by the strength of a team, knowing when people are weak and when they're strong, and stepping up when you're strong and accepting help when you're weak. If you understand that psychology, you understand success."
Hoffmeister is assigned to U.S. Alaska Command and Joint Task Force Alaska as the chief engineer. He is set to assume command of the 6th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade this summer and is scheduled to deploy to Iraq in the fall.
He and his wife scaled Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania last month. While her husband is deployed, Gayle hopes to scale Denali, and after he returns from Iraq, they hope to form another team of veterans to climb 22,000 feet up Cerro Aconcaqua in Argentina, the highest point in the Americas.
TRICARE and VA Work Together
March 17, 2010 - FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Service members who became ill or injured while serving on active duty and are then medically retired have health benefits available to them through both the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs.
Like all retirees, medically-retired veterans can choose TRICARE Prime where it’s available, or TRICARE Standard and Extra if they are not eligible for Medicare. Their family members have the same TRICARE choices. Veterans who are eligible for Medicare because of disability must maintain Medicare Parts A and B to keep their TRICARE coverage.
Retirees with a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or higher; are unemployable due to the service-connected disability; or are seeking care for the service-connected disability are automatically eligible but must request care from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Retirees eligible for VA health benefits along with their TRICARE retiree health care benefits can receive care from the VA or TRICARE. These retirees must apply for health benefits from the VA. Though there is an initial choice each time they seek care for a non-service related condition—VA or TRICARE—once treatment has begun, it must be completed using the same benefit. However, when seeking care for a service-related condition, they must use VA benefits.
Almost all VA health care facilities are part of the TRICARE network, however treatment of TRICARE beneficiaries is provided on a space and resource available basis only. When choosing to use their TRICARE benefit, retirees may be authorized to receive non-service related care at participating VA medical centers, a military treatment facility (MTF) or a TRICARE network provider. Representatives are available at VA facilities to assist veterans who are eligible for TRICARE and VA health care, and VA liaisons and benefit counselors are available at many MTFs to assist veterans transferring from Defense Department to VA care.
Veterans can learn about the different financial responsibilities for TRICARE-covered services and VA benefits by contacting their TRICARE regional contractor, or VA Health Benefits Service Center at 877-222-VETS. Regional contractor contact information can be found at www.tricare.mil/contactus.
There are many programs available through TRICARE, VA, the armed services and TRICARE’s regional contractors supporting veterans who became ill or were injured serving on active duty. Visit www.warriorcare.mil for more information about these resources.
Like all retirees, medically-retired veterans can choose TRICARE Prime where it’s available, or TRICARE Standard and Extra if they are not eligible for Medicare. Their family members have the same TRICARE choices. Veterans who are eligible for Medicare because of disability must maintain Medicare Parts A and B to keep their TRICARE coverage.
Retirees with a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or higher; are unemployable due to the service-connected disability; or are seeking care for the service-connected disability are automatically eligible but must request care from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Retirees eligible for VA health benefits along with their TRICARE retiree health care benefits can receive care from the VA or TRICARE. These retirees must apply for health benefits from the VA. Though there is an initial choice each time they seek care for a non-service related condition—VA or TRICARE—once treatment has begun, it must be completed using the same benefit. However, when seeking care for a service-related condition, they must use VA benefits.
Almost all VA health care facilities are part of the TRICARE network, however treatment of TRICARE beneficiaries is provided on a space and resource available basis only. When choosing to use their TRICARE benefit, retirees may be authorized to receive non-service related care at participating VA medical centers, a military treatment facility (MTF) or a TRICARE network provider. Representatives are available at VA facilities to assist veterans who are eligible for TRICARE and VA health care, and VA liaisons and benefit counselors are available at many MTFs to assist veterans transferring from Defense Department to VA care.
Veterans can learn about the different financial responsibilities for TRICARE-covered services and VA benefits by contacting their TRICARE regional contractor, or VA Health Benefits Service Center at 877-222-VETS. Regional contractor contact information can be found at www.tricare.mil/contactus.
There are many programs available through TRICARE, VA, the armed services and TRICARE’s regional contractors supporting veterans who became ill or were injured serving on active duty. Visit www.warriorcare.mil for more information about these resources.
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