USS Cole Returns Home

By Ensign Kerry Gablin, USS Cole Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Following a nine-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) returned to Naval Station Norfolk today marking the successful conclusion of her maiden Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) deployment.

The ship departed last April for the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. Cole is the fourth BMD-capable ship to deploy to the European theater as part of the Phased Adaptive Approach, the purpose of which is to protect European allies, partners, U.S. forces in the region, and the U.S. homeland against current and emerging ballistic threats.

While deployed, Cole achieved new records of success in equipment availability and mission readiness, being 100 percent operationally capable. Both Command Master Chief Larry Dean and Commanding Officer Cmdr. Peter K. Nilsen praised the crew's motivation and morale during the extended deployment.

"We're very blessed to have an outstanding crew who love what they do," said Nilsen. "They understand the commitment they've made and have done a great job over these nine months. I couldn't be more proud of what they've done."

"Our success is indicative of the hard work, training, ownership, and pride of our crew," added Dean. "Not only have they performed magnificently as a unit, but the individual accomplishments are equally outstanding with 85 Sailors earning their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pins, over 88 Sailors advancing in rate, and eight new chief petty officers. There's a lot of history and pride on this ship, which isn't forgotten. Cole is not a museum; it's an active warship, and our crew honors its legacy by doing their jobs the best they can."

Cole is named in honor of Marine Sergeant Darrell S. Cole, who was awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II.

Ground-Based Interceptor Completes Successful Flight Test

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) successfully completed a flight test of a three-stage ground-based interceptor (GBI), launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., at 2 p.m. (PST) today.
 
Data from this flight test will be used to evaluate the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle system performance in a flight environment.  If a target missile were present, the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle would collide directly with the threat warhead to perform a hit-to-kill intercept.  Engineering data from this test will be used to improve confidence for future intercept missions.
 
A target missile launch was not planned for this flight test.  After performing fly out maneuvers, the three-stage booster deployed the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle to a designated point in space.  After separating from the booster, the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle executed a variety of pre-planned maneuvers to collect performance data in space.
 
Initial indications are that all components performed as designed.  Program officials will assess and evaluate system performance based upon telemetry and other data obtained during the test.

Today’s event, designated Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Control Test Vehicle (GM CTV)-01, is part of an extensive test series initiated after the Flight Test Ground-Based Interceptor (FTG)-06a failure in December 2010.  The Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle flown during GM CTV-01 was modified based on findings from the FTG-06a Failure Review Board.  This test is the critical first step in returning GMD to successful intercept testing.

USS Milius Begins Installation of New Afloat Network

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Karolina A. Martinez, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Capt. D.J. LeGoff, the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) program manager at Program Executive Office, Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (PEO C4I) command, toured USS Milius (DDG 69) Jan. 23 to discuss and review the installation plans for the new CANES shipboard network program.

CANES is a new afloat network where five legacy networks are merged together to create one centralized program that will be used fleet-wide creating consistency within the ships. This strategy creates a stronger performance and network infrastructure, greater network security, and immensely decreases the total ownership cost. The Arleigh-Burke Class Guided-Missile Destroyer USS Milius will become the first ship in the fleet to possess the CANES system.

"We are trying to make it easier for the ITs (Information Systems Technicians) on board to do their job," said LeGoff. "The legacy systems were never built together, and they grew at different rates which made it very hard for our ITs to manage that infrastructure. With CANES, we wanted to build one system that met all of the system requirements."

The Milius will lead the way for other expected ship installations such as the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), the next ship slated for install. The tour consisted of discussions about the projected uses of the CANES program for Wi-Fi in spaces such as shipboard classrooms, internet cafes and the bridge.

"We are providing Wi-Fi inside the skin of the ship to be able to accommodate more users," said LeGoff.

LeGoff also said the user should see better performance and expanded capacity. Network administrators will see a lot more functionality and possess a better ability to manage the infrastructure.

"CANES is going to greatly improve the quality of life for the crew," said Cmdr. Stephen Shedd, commanding officer, USS Milius. "I am really looking forward to that aspect of the installation. The new capabilities that the technology is going to provide us is a vast improvement over what we previously had."

The CANES system will also help make computer based training such as general military training, advancement, and rating training more user friendly and easily accessible.

As part of the CANES program, selected information technology Sailors from the Milius will undergo specialized training from a network administrative perspective.

"There is a sense of responsibility I have for the rest of the fleet," said Shedd. "We need to make sure that we identify any issues that pop up and create feedback learned to benefit future installations of CANES on other ships."

Center for Service Support Announces Domain Civilian of the Year

By CSS Public Affairs

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- The learning standards officer (LSO) assigned to the Center for Service Support (CSS) on board Naval Station Newport, R.I., was selected as the domain's Civilian of the Year Jan 23.

Michael Buechel, a retired Navy master chief petty officer who has worked for CSS since 2009, was selected from a field of other candidates throughout the CSS domain.

CSS Commanding Officer Capt. Dana Weiner said selecting the winner from the pool of nominees was challenging because "the quality of all nominees was exceptional, as were their contributions to the CSS mission. Mr. Buechel displayed a wide range of expertise and critical skills in several areas. His ability to hold three key CSS positions led to his overall selection."

Buechel assumed the position of LSO April 10, after temporarily filling this position for three months due to a staff departure. During this time, he still maintained the duties and responsibilities as the domain and technology director and filled the role as Corporate Enterprise Training Activity Resource Systems (CETARs) analyst for three months due to another staff vacancy.

"I am humbled to say the least," said Buechel, a Mystic, Conn. resident. "This selection is more a reflection of the excellent team I have to work with here at CSS and our learning sites throughout the domain as opposed to my individual efforts."

In his position as CSS LSO, Buechel supervises a combined staff of 23 civilian and military personnel in two departments. These departments directly assist the Navy with cost savings by ensuring student wait times for training are minimal and the resources available for the students provide the highest quality training.

"We at CSS are on a continual process improvement journey where innovation and communication are keys to improving our effectiveness and efficiency in the development and delivery of quality training to our warfighters," Buechel said.

CSS and its seven learning sites provide Sailors with the knowledge and skills required to support the fleet's warfighting mission. Each year, the nearly 250 staff and faculty members of CSS deliver training to more than 10,000 personnel serving in the Navy's administration, logistics and media communities.

Spirit of Hope Award Nominations Deadline Announced

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Personnel is seeking nominations for the 2012 Spirit of Hope award, which must be submitted by March 15.

The award recognizes an individual or organization that epitomizes the values of Bob Hope: duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity, and selfless dedication.

Since 2005, the Navy has nominated one outstanding individual or support organization to receive the distinguished Spirit of Hope Award. Nomination criteria and instructions were announced in NAVADMIN 011/13.

"We are seeking nominations of individuals or organizations that reflect Mr. Hope's service to the spiritual, social, welfare, education, and entertainment needs of our Sailors," said Millie King, Chief of Naval Personnel, Personal Readiness and Community Support Branch program analyst, who is coordinating the Navy's nomination process. "Nominations should describe extraordinary achievements and contributions above and beyond normal duties during 2012."

Originally commissioned by the USO, the Spirit of Hope Award was inspired by Hope's dedication to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for five decades. Since 1997, this award has been formally presented by the Wiegand Foundation, Inc., during an annual ceremony held in Washington, D.C.

The Spirit of Hope Award is open to active duty, Reserve, veteran and civilian Navy employees or an organization. Members of the civilian community or non-governmental organizations voluntarily supporting Sailors and embodying the Navy's core values are also eligible.

The Navy's Calendar Year 2011 Spirit of Hope Award winner was Mrs. Carolyn Blashek. Mrs. Blashek founded Operation Gratitude out of her home in 2003, just after the start of the Iraq War. The organization has sent more than 875,000 care packages to deployed Servicemembers, their families, and wounded warriors.

Navy Calls for Humanitarian Award Nominations

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The deadline to submit nominations for the calendar year 2012 Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award is March 15.

The award recognizes a private sector individual or organization that has demonstrated exceptional patriotism and humanitarian concerns for members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their families, according to NAVADMIN 013/13 released Jan. 23.

"This award is an opportunity to honor those individuals who have supported our Servicemembers and their families during the past decade of war. It is amazing the impact our nominees have on Sailors and I wish we could select more than one nominee to the all service selection process", said Millie King, Chief of Naval Personnel, Personal Readiness and Community Support Branch program analyst, who is coordinating the Navy's nomination process.

Submissions must be sent via command channels to chief of naval personnel.

The nominee selected by the Navy will further compete with nominees from the other services for the award. The winner will receive the award and be honored during a ceremony in the fall, at the Pentagon.

The Navy's selected Calendar Year 2011 Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Award nominee was Mrs. Heidi Martin. Mrs. Martin, devoted to community service endeavors, is the founder and director of Martin Ministries, a small seven day a week military food/bread ministry with 186 volunteers providing services to 28 home site locations, six church ministries all over San Diego area, four referral sites, and eight sub-ministries throughout the United States.

In 1996, the award was established by the military departments in honor of Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, who contributed extensively to the support and welfare of members of the armed forces.

For complete nomination information and award questions, see NAVADMIN 013/13.

TR Trains to Rejoin Fleet with Readiness Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian G. Reynolds, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) participated in a third readiness exercise Jan. 22 to train Sailors to safely fight the ship as TR prepares to rejoin the operational fleet.

During the exercise, the entire crew stayed on the ship overnight in order to simulate a day at sea.

While aboard, the crew trained on several routine underway evolutions, including line handling, sea and anchor detail, a man overboard drill and a general quarters drill, to ensure the crew is qualified and the carrier is ready to proceed safely to sea.

"Right now, while we are coming out of refueling and complex overhaul [RCOH], is a great opportunity for us to form the habit patterns that will determine how we actually respond during a real situation," said Capt. Mark Colombo, TR's executive officer. "If we do these things well enough and often enough, they become muscle memory. These exercises will give us the opportunity to form those basic habits."

TR is simulating these underway conditions while the ship is completing its final year of midlife RCOH at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division Huntington Ingalls Industries.

"Some of the things that we do can be dangerous tasks," said Ens. William Boll, TR's boatswain. "The only way that we can make this a less dangerous task is through training. That way everyone knows where they are supposed to be and what they are supposed to do."

During the line handling evolution, the ship's Deck department simulated mooring to a pier - a fairly routine evolution while underway. However, the exercise did not go without risk involved.

"This line that we are using can be very dangerous," said Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Quinton Thorpe, a Sailor with TR's 1st Division. "The line can snap back at the speed of light. So we have to be very careful."

"This isn't your standard three-inch line," said Boll. "This gives our guys the experience of maneuvering these big mooring lines around."

The final exercise of the evening was a general quarters drill (GQ). During the drill, TR Sailors simulated fighting fires during a combat situation.

"Every drill is a plus for us," said Chief Warrant Officer Noel Genao, TR's fire marshal. "Every evolution that we do, we learn something. We were doing a lot of things that we didn't see during the last GQ. But, overall, I think that it went well."

This is the third exercise of this kind for TR as the crew prepares to rejoin the operational fleet. The readiness exercises are scheduled to be held bimonthly for the foreseeable future.

USS William P. Lawrence Participates in USWEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carla Ocampo, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

USS WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE, At Sea (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) along with the Nimitz Strike Group Surface Action Group (SAG) conducted an under sea warfare exercise (USWEX) Jan. 20-23.

The goal of USWEX was to test the undersea warfare capabilities of the SAG in real-world scenarios. Lawrence Sailors received the opportunity to practice identifying and tracking a sub, using both active and passive detection techniques.

"This was a good learning experience, especially for our junior Sailors," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Nickolas Neilan. "The fact that we got to work with actual submarines and not just simulated contacts gave Sailors forceful back up of what we teach them and what they learn in our schools."

Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Reginald Carter said that the exercise also helped the bridge watch team, lookouts and sonar watch teams learn about the different aspects of a submarine.

"This exercise has helped us hone our skills not only on board the ship but with the strike group," said Carter. "It was very successful."

Lawrence is currently underway on its maiden deployment as part of the Nimitz SAG, which consists of the guided missile destroyers Lawrence, USS Stockdale (106), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Shoup (DDG 86) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23.

The SAG is deploying to the Western Pacific to focus on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, which help establish conditions for regional stability.

U.S. and Timor-Leste Naval Forces Build Maritime Partnerships

From Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific Public Affairs

PORT HERA NAVY BASE, Timor-Leste (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy and Timorese Navy commenced the first Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Timor-Leste exercise Jan. 25, with an opening ceremony held at Port Hera Navy Base.

U.S. Ambassador Judith Fergin and Col. Falur Rate Laek, Chief of Staff of the Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL), officiated the ceremony.

Fergin reaffirmed U.S. support for Timor-Leste's efforts to consolidate peace and security gains, noting the exercise enhanced mutual cooperation.

"The contributions that the participants in Exercise CARAT will make this week will strengthen the foundations of cooperation between our two countries for years to come," said Fergin.

In his opening remarks, Laek noted that the upcoming exercises build a stronger relationship between Timor-Leste and U.S. naval forces.

"The partnership between the Timor-Leste and U.S. Navy and Marines is not a new one. These Naval and Marine exercises between Timor-Leste and United States help to will ensure peace, build experience, and strengthen the permanent partnership between Timor-Leste and the United States," said Laek.

Over the next four days, Marines from U.S. Fleet Antiterrorism and Security Team (FAST), Pacific, will conduct hands on skill transfers and combat fundamentals with their F-FDTL counterparts.

In addition to FAST, Coast Guardsmen from the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Training Branch homeported in Yorktown, Va., and Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, homported in Port Hueneme, Calif., will conduct subject matter expert exchanges with the F-FDTL Navy on several F-FDTL ships. Coast Guardsmen will hold training on engineering, navigation, seamanship and damage control, while the Seabees will conduct medical, mechanical and electrical classroom courses.

Representing U.S. forces, Lt. Cmdr. Jennie Stone, CARAT Liaison Officer, Logistics Group Western Pacific, noted these exchanges allowed maritime professionals to share best practices and build partnerships.

"Our partners in the F-FDTL are skilled professionals, and this exercise helps increase interoperability between our forces, while at the same time building personal and professional relationships. This ongoing development becomes critical should future events call for our forces to work side-by-side," said Stone.

CARAT is a series of annual, bilateral maritime exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.

Nimitz Earns 7th Consecutive Gold Anchor Award

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan J. Mayes, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) received confirmation Jan. 13, it was among the list of commands to receive the Pacific Fleet Command's Retention Excellence Award, known to many Sailors as the 'Gold Anchor Award'.

The award recognizes commands which have met or exceeded the benchmarks of 100 percent on-time Perform to Serve submissions, 100 percent professional apprentice career track Sailors, a score of 85 or higher on the annual career information program review and an attrition rate not exceeding five percent.

The criterion is set by Navy Personnel Command, and it ensures every command handles the careers of its Sailors properly.

"The big thing this year was making sure everyone was submitted on-time for PTS approval," said Navy Counselor 1st Class Domenique Sanchez. "They were also looking at attrition rate. The criteria can change year to year."

As each command goes through an annual inspection, every Sailor's career file is looked at to make sure nothing is overlooked.

"The worst thing we could do is allow a Sailor to fall through the cracks," said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Alberto Perez Badillo, USS Nimitz command career counselor.

Receiving this reward indicates careers of Nimitz Sailors are not falling by the wayside. These accomplishments are directly related to the efforts of the command's career counselors, departmental career counselors and divisional career counselors.

"The departmental counselors and the division counselors make it a lot easier," said Sanchez. "The program runs smoothly because of them, and this award proves it."

This isn't the first time Nimitz has been recognized for its outstanding career-counseling program.

"This is our seventh consecutive year to receive the award," said Perez Badillo. "This means we are doing our job. The biggest satisfaction is knowing our Sailors are being taken care of."

As visual recognition for the award, Nimitz will receive a special pennant as well as the privilege to paint her two, 30 ton anchors gold. This signals to other ships that Nimitz Sailors are receiving great career management from a team of dedicated professionals.

"Without everyone on this team, those anchors would be grey," said Perez Badillo.

Sanchez explained that moving forward Nimitz' Career Counseling department will continue to ensure every Sailor's career is handled with care. He said the gold anchors serve as well deserved bragging rights for the command.

Army Training Commander Promises Fair Standards for Combat Jobs

By David Vergun
Army News Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2013 – Fairness will be important as officials develop their plan for opening more direct-combat jobs to women, the commander of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command said here yesterday.

Gen. Robert W. Cone spoke with reporters after Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced the Defense Department has rescinded an exclusion dating to 1994 that barred women from being assigned to combat positions below brigade level.
“Soldiers -- both men and women -- want fair and meaningful standards” to be developed for accepting women into previously restricted specialties, Cone said. “I think that fairness is very important in a values-based organization like our Army.”

The memo Panetta and Dempsey signed rescinding the policy does not spell out which military occupational specialties will be open to women. Rather, it directs the services to provide their implementation strategies to the Defense Department by May. Implementation will begin this year and be completed by the beginning of 2016, Panetta said at a news conference yesterday.

“This year we will begin to assign women to previously closed occupations using clear standards of performance in all occupational specialties,” Dempsey said at the news conference.

“The burden of proof used to be, ‘Why should a woman serve in a particular specialty?’” the chairman added. “Now, it’s, ‘Why shouldn’t a woman serve in a particular specialty?’”

As of September, 418 of the Army’s 438 MOSs were open to women of all ranks, according to an Oct. 31 Army report titled: “Women in the Army.”

TRADOC already has been studying armies in other countries, such as Canada and Israel, where women successfully have been integrated into combat specialties. Army officials will consider knowledge, skills and attributes of soldiers and get the best match in specialties now restricted, Cone said, such as infantry, armor, field artillery and engineers.

Physical requirements will be one of the important attributes, he added.

“Soldiers don’t want to see [that] degraded,” the general said.

Objective assessments and validation studies, many of which already are complete, will look at each requirement by specialty, Cone told reporters. Tasks include such things as how much infantry soldiers must be able to lift, how much they have to carry, and for what distance, Cone said. Once the validations are done, scientists will then develop specialty-specific physical fitness tests that will, in turn, be validated with field studies, he explained.

Besides physical ability, Cone said, Army officials will look at “traditional impediments” -- the attitudes regarding the acceptance of women into previously male-only jobs.

“A lot of this is about leadership and the organizational climate,” he added.

The Army will take “proactive measures to mitigate resistance to women going into these specialties,” the general said.

“We want the right environment for women,” he said.

AF to open remaining combat positions to women

1/24/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Martin Dempsey announced today the rescission the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule for women and that the Department of Defense plans to remove gender-based barriers to service.

"Women have shown great courage and sacrifice on and off the battlefield, contributed in unprecedented ways to the military's mission and proven their ability to serve in an expanding number of roles," Panetta said. "The Department's goal in rescinding the rule is to ensure that the mission is met with the best-qualified and most capable people, regardless of gender."

While 99 percent of Air Force positions are currently open to women, Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III said the service will now pursue opening the final 1 percent.

"2013 marks the twentieth anniversary of the Department of Defense allowing women to serve as combat pilots," Welsh said. "By rescinding the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule, we can pursue integrating women into the seven remaining Air Force career fields still closed, all associated with special operations. We're focused on ensuring America's Air Force remains capable and ready with the best-qualified people serving where we need them."

The Air Force will partner with U.S. Special Operations Command and the other services to review opening these positions in a deliberate, measured, and responsible way, officials said. Those positions are:

Officer / Enlisted Air Force Specialty Codes closed to women:
- 13DXA (Combat Control Officer - special operations forces / direct ground combat)
- 13DXB (Combat Rescue/Special Tactics Officer - special operations forces / direct ground combat)
- 15WXC (Special Operations Weather Officer - special operations forces / direct ground combat)
- 1C2XX (Enlisted Combat Controller - special operations forces /direct ground combat)
- 1C4XX (Enlisted Tactical Air Command and Control - some special operations forces /direct ground combat)
- 1T2XX (Enlisted Pararescue - special operations forces /direct ground combat)
- 1W0X2 (Enlisted Special Operations Weather - special operations forces /direct ground combat)

These career fields comprise approximately 3,235 positions.

Today, women make up approximately 15 percent, or nearly 202,400, of the U.S. military's 1.4 million active personnel. Over the course of the past decade, more than 280,000 women have deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Today's announcement follows an extensive review by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who unanimously concluded that now is the time to move forward with the full intent to integrate women into occupational fields to the maximum extent possible.

It builds on a February 2012 decision to open more than 14,000 additional positions to women by rescinding the co-location restriction and allowing women to be assigned to select positions in ground combat units at the battalion level.

"The Joint Chiefs share common cause on the need to start doing this now and to doing this right. We are committed to a purposeful and principled approach," said Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey.

The DoD is determined to successfully integrate women into the remaining restricted occupational fields within our military, while adhering to the following guiding principles developed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

- Ensuring the success of our nation's warfighting forces by preserving unit readiness, cohesion, and morale.

- Ensuring all service men and women are given the opportunity to succeed and are set up for success with viable career paths.

- Retaining the trust and confidence of the American people to defend this nation by promoting policies that maintain the best quality and most qualified people.

- Validating occupational performance standards, both physical and mental, for all military occupational specialties (MOS), specifically those that remain closed to women. Eligibility for training and development within designated occupational fields should consist of qualitative and quantifiable standards reflecting the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for each occupation. For occupational specialties open to women, the occupational performance standards must be gender-neutral as required by Public Law 103-160, Section 542 (1993).

- Ensuring that a sufficient cadre of midgrade/senior women enlisted and officers are assigned to commands at the point of introduction to ensure success in the long run. This may require an adjustment to recruiting efforts, assignment processes, and personnel policies. Assimilation of women into heretofore "closed units" will be informed by continual in-stride assessments and pilot efforts.

Using these guiding principles, positions will be opened to women following service reviews and the congressional notification procedures established by law. Panetta directed the military departments to submit detailed plans by May 15, 2013, for the implementation of this change, and to move ahead expeditiously to integrate women into previously closed positions. The secretary's direction is for this process to be complete by Jan. 1, 2016.

The Joint Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Women in Service Review Memorandum can be viewed at: http://www.defense.gov/news/WISRJointMemo.pdf

The Chairman's Women in Service Review Memorandum can be viewed at: http://www.defense.gov/news/WISRImplementationPlanMemo.pdf

Schriever issues active-shooter guidance

by Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
50th Space Wing Public Affairs

1/24/2013 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo -- Every emergency scenario requires having a plan, including an active-shooter scenario. The 50th Space Wing Antiterrorism office, 50th Security Forces Squadron and the 50th Civil Engineer Squadron Emergency Management Flight recently issued guidance on how to survive an active-shooter incident.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, an active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and/or populated area. In most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are typically unpredictable and can evolve quickly.

"The active shooter phenomenon represents a significant change in criminal methodology, and has in turn required a significant change in tactics for both responders and potential victims," said Lt. Col. Jasin Cooley, 50 SFS commander. "In decades past, bystanders were only a tool for acquiring another target, now they are the target. With this in mind, escape and compartmentalization need to be the primary motivation of bystanders. Everyone should have a plan for escape, and assist others if forced to escape."

How individuals respond to an active shooter will be dictated by the specific circumstances of the encounter, bearing in mind there could be more than one shooter involved in the same situation.

"As active-shooter scenarios become more and more prevalent, people need to realize that it can happen to them at any time," said Lou Fischer, 50th Space Wing antiterrorism officer. "Now is the time to think about it, not when the crisis is happening. "

Increased attention should be placed on personnel who have been involuntarily discharged or fired from their job, awaiting disciplinary action, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and making unsolicited comments about violence, firearms or death. People should also observe individuals who have been served with a restraining order, are known to be mentally or emotionally unstable, made comments about being disenchanted with the military and displayed anti-war or anti-military sentiments.

"Personnel need to maintain a reasonable level of awareness at all times and to have a plan in place if presented with this situation," Fischer said. "It's all about going home to your family at the end of the day."

The following are tips on how to survive an active-shooter scenario:

If caught outside in the open:
- Seek cover and concealment. Use whatever is available, such as walls, trees or buildings, to obscure yourself from the shooter. Hide behind something capable of stopping a bullet such as masonry or brick wall.
- Run if safe. Do not run in a straight line.
- Play dead if unable to run or hide, then wait for help.
- Summon help when safe.
- Fight as a last option; use any object to disable the shooter.
- Upon arrival of security forces, leave hands in plain view. Do not make sudden movements. Wait for all clear signal from recognized authority.

If shooter is outside the building:
- Lock doors and windows; close curtains and shades.
- Lay down on floor or crouch below the window line out of the line of fire.
- If safe, move to a central secure area.
- Stay in place until all clear signal issued by recognized authority.
- Follow all directions of police and security personnel.

If shooter is inside the building:
- If safe to exit, flee the area; if not safe, stay in place (do not roam hallways).
- Do not pull the fire alarm.
- Lock and barricade door; stay low; remain silent; use furniture for cover; if possible hide behind something capable of stopping a bullet.
- Stay in place until all clear signal issued by recognized authority.
- Follow all directions of police and security personnel.

If shooter enters room or office:
- Immediately drop to the floor; seek cover and concealment; play dead.
- As a last resort, fight the shooter. Rush with available people, throw things or use improvised weapons to take shooter to the ground.
- Stay in place until all clear signal issued by recognized authority.
- Follow all directions of police and security personnel.

After the scenario
- Follow the direction of emergency responders.
- Do not speak to the media. Information will be released to the community and media as quickly as possible by official sources. Refer inquiries to the 50 SW Public Affairs office at 567-5040. Straight Talk Line, 567-8255, is also available for accurate information about the status of any disturbance or crisis situation and the actions taken or being taken
- The entire area will be treated as a crime scene.
- Once evacuated, people will not be permitted to retrieve items or access the crime scene.
- After evacuation, people will be taken to a holding area for medical care, interviewing, counseling, etc.

For all situations, dial 911 from a landline or 567-3911 from a personal phone and give information, such as location, incident details such as number of shooters, physical description, type of weapons and number of potential victims.

Safety Professionals of the Year

by Senior Master Sgt. Ray Lloyd
107th Airlift Wing

1/25/2013 - Niagara Falls Reserve Station -- Members of the Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) were recognized as the 107 AW Safety Professional(s) of the year for 2012 at the January meeting of the Commander's Quarterly Safety Sub Group. This award is given annually to the unit member or members who demonstrated a commitment to the safety ethos, risk management, and mishap prevention. The Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) Commander LT. Col. Kenneth J Anderson, Deployment and Distribution Flight, OIC Capt. Kiley Hand, Operations and Compliance Superintendent Senior Master Sgt. Matthew R. Rose, Asset Management Supervisor Senior Master Sgt. Ralph Burrows, Unit Safety Representative Tech. Sgt. Joanna M Blackburn, assistant Unit Safety Representative Senior Airman Andrew Thompson, and Building Manager Master Sgt. Melissa N. Shenefiel work together as a team to support and comply with the 107 Airlift Wing Mishap Prevention Program.

The combined effort of this group helped to make their building a safe and healthful environment. Their attention to detail was demonstrated during a recent renovation which included the loss of the building's fire alarm system and a significant water damage event. Using daily construction related hazard assessments and appropriate risk management measures, their efforts allowed the LRS to occupy their facility and still remain insulated from all construction related hazards resulting in zero mishaps. Their commitment to the safety ethos, risk management, and mishap prevention are exemplary. Col. John Higgins, Wing Commander gave a letter of appreciation and unit coin to the Airmen for a job well done.

"Safety is about preserving combat capabilities. If we don't think in those terms every day -- on and off duty -- we're not doing our job." Air Force Chief of Safety, Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward

AF Reserve announces revised force structure actions

1/25/2013 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Air Force Reserve Command is moving forward with force structure changes authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2013.

In response to concerns raised by state governors and Congress regarding the FY13 President's Budget submission - and subsequent Congressional marks placing proposed force structure actions on hold the - Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard leadership collaborated to develop one Total Force Proposal.

As enacted into law, the NDAA included the entire "amended" Air Force Total Force Proposal, as well as the retention of additional intra-theater airlift aircraft, retention of the Global Hawk Block 30s, and a delay of the retirement of 26 C-5A aircraft until 45 days after delivery of a new Mobility Requirements and Capabilities Study. It also directed a National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force and limited retirement of B-1 aircraft.

"In a difficult economy, the Air Force has to make tough choices," said Maj. Gen. Craig Gourley, vice commander of Air Force Reserve Command. "These force structure changes will take place over the next three years and are necessary to help meet Budget Control Act of 2011 resource levels."

New Air Force Reserve units authorized by the act include:

· 14th Intelligence Squadron, a classic associate unit at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
· 28th Intelligence Squadron, a classic associate unit at Hurlburt Field, Fla.
· 37th Intelligence Squadron, a classic associate unit at Fort Meade, Md.
· 41st Intelligence Squadron, a classic associate unit at Offut AFB, Neb.
· 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, Wright-Patterson AFB
· 960th Cyber Operations Group, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas
· 960th Network Warfare Squadron, a classic associate unit at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland

Other force structure actions authorized by the act include:

· Barksdale AFB, La.--Inactivate the 917th Fighter Group and retire 24 A-10C aircraft and transfer three A-10C aircraft to Whiteman AFB, Mo.
· Beale AFB, Calif.--Inactivate the 13th Reconnaissance Squadron
· Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.--Gain 24 A-10C aircraft from the Air Force in 2014
· Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland--Retire 16 C-5A aircraft over the next three years and gain 8 C-5M aircraft from Westover ARB, Mass., in 2016 (C-5 retirements are delayed until 45 days after delivery of a new Mobility Requirements and Capabilities Study.)
· Westover ARB, Mass.--Transfer eight C-5M aircraft to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in 2016
· Tinker AFB, Okla.--Retire four KC-135 aircraft
· Whiteman AFB--Gain three A-10C aircraft from Barksdale AFB
· Robins AFB--Inactivate the Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve
· March ARB, Calif.--Retire one KC-135 aircraft in 2013

The Air Force has convened an intra-theater airlift working group and is using a deliberate approach to develop courses of action to determine the placement of additional intra-theater airlift assets. Additional changes to Air Force Reserve C-130 units will be made based upon decisions made by the working group.

McChord Reservist presents employer with ESGR Patriot Award

by Airman 1st Class Madelyn McCullough
446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

1/24/2013 - MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- What seemed like the usual morning meeting at the Wal-Mart in Yelm, Wash., quickly turned into teary-eyed celebration when a 446th Airlift Wing Reservist, along with her squadron commander, presented an Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award to the store manager.

Staff Sgt. Stefanie McKee, who doubles as a member of the 446th Security Forces Squadron and an asset protection manager for Wal-Mart, nominated store manager John Peasley for this award because, although he is not her direct supervisor, he has supported her both as a co-worker and a military member.

"Any time it comes to anything in the military, he never says no," McKee said. "He always ensures Reservists have the necessary time off to make it to UTAs and annual tours without costing the associates any hours for the week."

The award is only fitting as, according to the ESGR website, it reflects the efforts made to support Citizen Warriors through a wide range of measures, including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.

This kind of support is not only found in McKee's civilian job; her boss in the Reserve decided to lend a helping hand by taking his own time to join in the celebration.

Commander of the 446th SFS, Maj. Ray Schierhoff, extended his night shift as a Washington state trooper to be the presenter in blues for Peasley's surprise award ceremony. Schierhoff awarded the framed certificate to a red-faced Peasley in front of more than 30 Wal-Mart associates, Peasley's wife, and his bosses.

After choking back tears and accepting the award from Schierhoff, Peasley signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve, pledging to continue in providing the help and understanding his 57 Reserve and Guard employees need.

Peasley's commitment to the military comes partly from his father, a Vietnam veteran, and partly from his desire to have served himself, he said.

"This is my way of giving back," he said.

The ESGR has many more awards for supportive employers with a nomination process that can be completed online or over the phone. To nominate, call 800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

Navy Secretary: Rescinding Combat Ban Continues Inclusion Trend

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2013 – In a statement expressing his support of a Defense Department policy change that rescinds a ban on military women serving in certain ground-combat positions, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus noted that the Navy and Marine Corps already had taken steps to open up fields previously available only to men.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced the policy change yesterday and signed a joint memo to set the process in motion.

"I am pleased the Navy has completed an initiative I announced several months ago to open up one of the few areas not currently available to women, that of service on Virginia-class submarines,” Mabus said. “Three years ago, we announced a policy change allowing women to serve in guided-missile attack and ballistic missile submarines, and this is a planned continuation of that effort.”

Newly commissioned female officers have been selected for assignment to Virginia-class subs upon successful completion of the naval nuclear powered training pipeline, Mabus said.

“We expect these officers, along with female supply corps officers, to report to their submarines in [fiscal 2015],” he added. “We also plan to include female enlisted sailors in this process.

“The Navy has a long history of inclusion and integration,” he continued, “and I am proud we have achieved another important milestone during my tenure as secretary.”

Rescinding the direct ground-combat exclusion allows the Navy to expand opportunities for women in its riverine forces and in billets that directly support Marine infantry operations, such as hospital corpsmen and chaplains, Mabus noted.

He also pointed out that the Marine Corps -- which is part of the Navy Department -- already has opened officer and staff noncommissioned officer billets in unrestricted mission occupational specialties in ground combat units that were previously closed to women, such as artillery, armor, low-altitude air defense and combat engineer battalions.

“We will continue to seek female volunteers to train at the Infantry Officer Course to prepare women to serve in the infantry as part of a comprehensive research plan that will inform the Marine Corps' implementation plan,” the Navy secretary said.

As the Marine Corps moves forward with this process, he added, the focus will remain on combat readiness and generating combat-ready units while simultaneously ensuring maximum success for every Marine.

"Women continue to serve bravely and honorably at sea and ashore,” Mabus said. “Drawing from their talent in additional assignments increases our ability to maintain readiness.”

Marine Commandant: Focus Remains on Combat Readiness

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2013 – The Marine Corps will continue to focus on combat readiness and generating combat-ready units in validating occupational standards, the service’s top officer said yesterday.
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, yesterday announced the end of the Defense Department policy that had barred women from serving in direct ground-combat positions.

In a statement released after the announcement, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos said maintaining the highest levels of combat readiness and capitalizing upon every opportunity to enhance warfighting capabilities and the contributions of every Marine is “simply the right thing to do.”

“Our ongoing deliberate, measured and responsible approach to validate occupational performance standards for all Marines is consistent with [the defense secretary’s] decision to rescind the direct combat exclusion rule for women,” the general said. “As our Corps moves forward with this process, our focus will remain on combat readiness and generating combat-ready units while simultaneously ensuring maximum success for every Marine.”

The talent pool from which officials select the Marine Corps’ finest warfighters will consist of all qualified individuals, regardless of gender, Amos added.

13th reaches alert milestone

by Master Sgt. Jerry Harlan
AFNORTH Public Affairs

1/25/2013 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 113th Aerospace Control Alert Detachment of the District of Columbia Air National Guard at Joint Base Andrews passed a major air defense milestone January 9, responding to its 4,000th alert event since Operation Noble Eagle started in September, 2001.

An alert event is designated when the unit's F-16 fighters are alerted to the runway or beyond responding to a possible airborne threat.

"Day, night, rain or shine, our forces are on alert 24/7 protecting the NCR," stated Lt. Col. Chris Hardgrave, the 113th ACA commander. "I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of the men and women of the 113th ACA detachment for hitting this alert milestone. It is a testament to the dedication, professionalism and daily sacrifice of our folks who have done the alert mission day in and day out for over 11 years."

The 113th ACA, protecting the National Capital Region (NCR), is the most active air defense unit in the nation; responding to more alert events than the entire nation's other ACA units combined. In 2012 alone the unit responded to 509 events and has been conducting steady state alert from Joint Base Andrews since the attacks on 9/11.

"The defense of the NCR is a team effort. We couldn't accomplish our assigned tasking without support from the Eastern Air Defense Sector, Joint Air Defense Operations Center, U.S. Coast Guard assets, 11th Wing, 89th Wing, Air Force District of Washington, and the FAA, just to name a few of our partners here at Joint Base Andrews and around the NCR," said Brig. Gen. Marc Sasseville, the 113th Wing commander.

Operation Noble Eagle is an ongoing NORAD mission started in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to protect the continental United States from further airborne aggression from inside and outside of U.S. borders. Since then, Continental U.S. NORAD Region fighters have responded to more than 5,000 possible air threats in the United States and have flown more than 62,500 sorties with the support of Airborne Warning and Control System and air-to-air-refueling aircraft.

Southcom Commander: Cooperation Vital in Confronting Threats

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2013 – Three months into the job as the top U.S. military officer at U.S. Southern Command, Marine Corps Gen. John F. Kelly is reaching out to partners in the region and emphasizing the importance of cooperation among nations directly to America’s south.

Marine Corps Gen. John F. Kelly, commander of U.S. Southern Command, left, is greeted by Peruvian President Ollanta Humala, Jan. 22, 2013. Kelly visited Lima, Peru, to meet with senior defense and government officials to discuss shared security concerns and cooperation. Photo courtesy of the Peruvian Presidential Palace   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Kelly, who assumed command Nov. 19, returned to his Miami headquarters this week after a two-day visit to Peru. There, he met with President Ollanta Humala, Vice Defense Minister Mario Sanchez, and Peruvian Chief of Defense Adm. Jose Cueto to explore ways to strengthen the two countries’ military partnership and enhance regional collaboration in support of shared security goals, Southcom officials reported.

The visit followed one earlier this month to Honduras and El Salvador, where the discussions centered on enhancing the already-robust military-to-military relationships with both countries.
In Honduras, Kelly and other Southcom leaders met with President Porfirio Lobo Sosa, Foreign Minister Arturo Corrales, Defense Minister Marlon Pascua, and the chief of joint staff, Gen. Rene Osorio, as well as U.S. Ambassador to Honduras Lisa Kubiske and the embassy staff, officials said. In El Salvador, they visited Defense Minister Jose Benitez, Defense Chief Maj. Gen. Cesar Acosta and U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador Mari Carmen Aponte.

Central to the discussion was ways to cooperate closer to combat organized crime, drug trafficking and other transnational threats, and to improve natural disaster response and increase joint training opportunities, officials said.

Cooperation is vital in dealing with challenges throughout Southcom’s area of responsibility, which encompasses Central and South America and the Caribbean and covers about 15.6 million square miles, Kelly told members of U.S. Army South, Southcom’s Army component, while visiting its headquarters at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Jan. 15.

“What we do in this part of the world is very, very different than what some of the other folks are doing,” he said. “Clearly it’s different than what they’re doing in the Middle East, but it’s no less important. We have challenges in this part of the [world], and the nations down here want to partner with us.”

Kelly recognized the devastating toll of transnational threats, particularly narcotrafficking, and the need for regional nations to work together.

“[Nations within the region] have already been shouldering tremendous burdens in terms of drugs and narcoterrorism. Those are things that we want to help them get after,” he told the U.S. Army South staff. “The issue of drugs is an influence in our country that costs nearly 200 billion dollars and somewhere around 30,000 lives a year.”

Hosting defense and security leaders from 15 nations last month at the 2012 Caribbean Nations Security Conference, Kelly underscored the need to strengthen multinational security efforts to prevent traffickers from shifting their operations to the Caribbean.

“I’m very concerned about the Caribbean vulnerability,” he told the forum. “[In response] to shifts in any illicit trafficking that could be on the horizon, and likely is, I’m confident we can take steps now to ensure continued regional security. The U.S. will continue to be engaged in the Caribbean.”

While visiting U.S. Army South, Kelly recognized the key role members of Southcom play in helping stand up to these challenges.

“The first line of defense is here under Southcom,” he told the group. “I would say to all of the professionals, regardless of the uniform that you wear, what you do here is important and it has a direct effect on large cities and small towns in America.”

(Editor’s Note: Michael Wimbish and Jose Ruiz from U.S. Southern Command and Robert R. Ramon from U.S. Army South contributed to this article.)