AFSPC commander visits cyber wings

by 2nd Lt. Meredith Hein
24th Air Force Public Affairs

12/13/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- The Commander of Air Force Space Command, General William L. Shelton, visited the 67th and 688th Cyberspace Wings during a visit to Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland Dec. 4-6.

The General toured the facilities and met with personnel from both wings.

General Shelton's first stop was the 67th CW and its units, whose mission is to operate, manage and defend Air Force networks. In addition, the wing trains and readies Airmen to execute computer network exploitation and attack.

"Our Airmen enjoyed showcasing our mission and initiatives, and there's no better venue than the operations floor for General Shelton to personally engage with our Cyber Airmen, witness innovation in action and admire our talented force," said Col. William Poirier, 67th CW commander.

In addition to updates on the Cyber Mission Force and mission evaluation, the AFSPC commander was briefed on the status of personally identifiable information breaches and the efforts to reduce those breaches.

"It was an amazing opportunity to be able to tell our message directly to General Shelton," said Senior Airman Matthew Welch, 68th Network Warfare Squadron cyberspace operations controller. "He was extremely enthusiastic and to see such a high ranking leader caring about what we do was an uplifting experience."

The wing commander agreed.

"Our Airmen gained unique senior leader perspective firsthand while they shared stories with the general that will help inform the discourse among senior Air Force leadership on this exciting mission area," said Poirier.

General Shelton then visited the 688th CW, which delivers proven information operations and engineering infrastructure capabilities integrated across air, space and cyberspace domains.

"General Shelton's visit was a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate how the 688th Cyberspace Wing is delivering asymmetric advantage across the air, space and cyberspace domains," said Col. Michael Harasimowicz, 688th CW commander.

The 688th CW represents the largest single growth area in the Air Force, noted Harasimowicz. He cited the Cyber Protection Teams and National and Combat Support teams, who make up the majority of Air Force investment in the Cyber Mission Force construct.

"We were able to reinforce that we are his 'go-to' leaders in the still largely uncharted domain of cyberspace," said Harasimowicz.

Wounded Troops Rev Up to Restore Cars, Lives

 

By Elaine Sanchez

Brooke Army Medical Center

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Dec. 13, 2013 – Wounded troops soon will be trading their rifles for wrenches as they gear up to participate in a newly launched car restoration and repair program dubbed “Automotivation.”

After more than a year without a site, the program raised the garage door on its new location in Northeast San Antonio during a grand re-opening Dec. 9. Through the program, seasoned mechanics share their automotive savvy with wounded service members from Brooke Army Medical Center and with veterans from throughout the city.

“Working on cars is good physical and mental therapy,” said Janis Roznowski, director of the nonprofit organization Operation Comfort, which sponsors the program. “It teaches them skills they can take into the world and offers them a safe place to open up to others who understand what they’re going through.”

Roznowski dreamed up the idea for an automotive skills therapy program in 2006 after visiting a soldier recovering at BAMC whose hands had been badly burned in Iraq. “He said he hoped his hands would be well enough to work on a car with his dad when he returned home,” she recalled. “He was worried about disappointing his father. I wanted to help in any way I could.”

Roznowski already had launched a number of successful sports programs, including sled hockey and cycling, but decided to shift in a different direction. She rented a garage, loaded it with two donated project vehicles -- a 1984 Ford Bronco and a 1954 Dodge Power Wagon -- and asked Army veteran Chris Leverkuhn to oversee the program.

Leverkuhn, who had lost his right leg below the knee in a blast in Iraq, drew from general automotive knowledge and dove right in to help. First up was helping a group of wounded service members tear down the Bronco. Rather than build it back up, they opted to pull the body off of the Dodge and put it on the Bronco’s frame. “It took a core group of 15 to 20 guys -- plus at least 100 more who were hands-on in some way -- five years to build,” he said.

This hybrid of vehicles, now fondly referred to as “The Beast,” was on hand at the grand opening -- as was their next project, a donated 1966 Cobra kit car built from the ground up in two years. Leverkuhn proudly showed off both cars to a group of soldiers and veterans who had turned out for the ceremony. He raised the hood of the Cobra as Army Staff Sgt. Troy Drebenstedt of BAMC’s Warrior Transition Battalion checked out the tricked-out engine.

However impressive, these automotive transformations are nothing compared to the transformation he has seen within the wounded service members, Leverkuhn said. Through the program, “guys went from being quiet and antisocial to talking to anyone about anything and becoming great peers to fellow service members,” he said. “We saw quite a few who realized they could do a lot more than they initially thought.”

Army veteran Vic Hash credits the program with helping his own and countless others’ recovery. Hash, injured in Afghanistan in 2010, was being treated at BAMC when he heard about the auto program. The experienced mechanic and welder, who rebuilt his first engine on a farm at age 12, pitched right in to help, and he is now the program’s lead mechanic.

“Guys would come in without arms and ask to learn to weld or to woodwork,” he recalled. “We’d figure it out. It helped me, and I know it helped others get our minds off of the negative stuff.”

He recalled a wounded sailor, a double amputee with severe burns, who stopped by the garage week after week for six months -- but only to observe. “He eventually came up and wanted to help,” Hash said. They gave him a modified wheelchair so he could work on an engine and he stuck with the program for months.

“The last time I saw him, he was on his trike working out, sweating, engaging,” he said. “That’s the point: to get these guys re-engaged in life. Instead of sitting at home playing a video game, being an introvert and bored and angry, they’re out there doing something.”

Now housed in their new site, Leverkuhn and Hash said they’re revved up for a new influx of budding car enthusiasts. They already have a project lined up: the restoration of a World War II-era WC-54 Army ambulance that belongs to the Army Medical Department Center for History and Heritage here. Along with the 1942 Dodge Power Wagon, AMEDD also will pass on a second Dodge for parts.

“This is a great opportunity to help wounded service members learn auto skills and also help preserve history,” said retired Army Col. Bob Driscoll, chief of the AMEDD Center for History and Heritage.

“It’s a massive undertaking,” Hash noted. “We’re going to completely take it apart and restore it, down to the paint and original markings. Once we get it up and running, we’ll give it back to the [AMEDD] museum.”

Army Lt. Col. Eric Edwards, BAMC Warrior Transition Battalion commander, said he’s expecting a few dozen soldiers to join. The battalion, he explained, is completing a contract that will allow Automotivation to be recognized under the Career, Education and Readiness Program, which provides work studies, educational opportunities and internships for medically eligible soldiers.

“Given that the AMEDD Museum is contributing a World War II vintage ambulance to be repaired -- our contract will recognize this project as another CER opportunity,” he said. “The therapeutic benefits and socialization gained in this type of environment will certainly prove to have a positive impact during their rehabilitation phase of transition.”

Hash said he’s simply looking forward to getting back under the hood again.

“It’s a huge mental boost to see a service member learn how to do something that they thought they couldn’t,” he said, “to see a guy with no arms doing woodworking with a huge grin on his face.”

Above all, the service members are not just restoring vehicles, Hash said. “They’re restoring themselves.”

86th Airlift Wing hosts COMUSAFE, command chief

by Maj. Tony Wickman
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

12/13/2013 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa commander, and USAFE-AFAFRICA Command Chief Master Sgt. James Davis visited the 86th Airlift Wing for an immersion tour to see firsthand the capabilities the wing brings to the command Dec. 2.

The visit gave Gorenc and Davis a chance to see and hear about the work 86th AW Airmen do to provide combat airlift and operate the Air Force's largest mobility hub in support of three geographic combatant commanders and NATO.

"I visited Ramstein and Vogelweh and we captured a lot of mission areas today. All I can say is 'wow,'" Gorenc said. "86 Airlift Wing Airmen are doing a fantastic job delivering combat power for America. So, right up front, I want to thank you for everything you do. I'm grateful for all the work that goes on here at Ramstein."

The general said Ramstein provides a benefit for him in that it's also his home.

"Now, the good news for me is I actually live on this base and so it's like a double treat for me; I love being here," said Gorenc.

The visit wasn't the general's first tour of the wing. He also served as the 3rd Air Force commander at Ramstein from August 2009 to March 2012.

The day included Gorenc and Davis having breakfast and lunch with officers and enlisted personnel, while also visiting the 700th Contracting Squadron, 569th United States Forces Police Squadron, 86th Communications Squadron, 86th Maintenance Group, 37th Airlift Squadron, the Ramstein fire department, and 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron.

According to Brig. Gen. Patrick X. Mordente, 86th AW commander, the visit was important because it allowed the theater Air Force commander and the major command chief to gain valuable insight into the many facets of the mission here.

"It's always great to have the opportunity to show our senior leaders what you, the Airmen of the 86 Airlift Wing, do to support theater requirements," Mordente said. "I think the general and chief walked away with a greater appreciation of the work our Ramstein Airmen do to strengthen and leverage capabilities to support U.S., allied and partner activities on three continents."

Mordente said he was proud of the work done by the Airmen here and pleased with how everyone stepped up to showcase what they do on behalf of the nation to Gorenc and Davis.

The general and command chief concluded the day with an all call in Hangar 1 to address the wing and answer a few questions.

Davis told the crowd the visit was impressive and that everyone should be proud of their duty at Ramstein.

"It was a good visit today...to see all the moving parts that we have here on Ramstein," Davis said. "There are a lot of things taking place and you're at the forefront of everything that we're doing here in USAFE, and you should be proud of that."

The general closed by energizing Airmen to continue to do their best.

"There is always room in our Air Force for fantastic Airmen," Gorenc said. "So, be confident and keep doing what you're doing, and I think we'll meet the aspirations of the chief (of staff) and continue to be the world's greatest Air Force; powered by Airmen and fueled by innovation."

CJCS visits Aviano, stresses resiliency to overseas service members

by Airman Ryan Conroy
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/12/2013 - AVIANO AIR Base, Italy -- Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, lauded service members on their selfless service and encouraged resiliency throughout the forces during a day-long visit Dec. 11 here.

The highest ranking military officer in the U.S. Armed Forces, accompanied by Marine Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with leadership throughout the day and held a base all-call as part of the United Services Organization's 'Annual Chairman's Holiday Tour.'

Dempsey fielded questions from Airmen regarding budgetary concerns, force management and physical fitness policy changes, while stressing the prominence of the continued sacrifice of the Armed Forces' men and women and emphasized the necessity of resiliency throughout the upcoming holiday season.

"I remember, even in my own career as a single solider, being away from home that first Christmas and I remember how sad it was," said Dempsey. "I'm going to make sure that [service members at forward bases] are aware of the fact that even though they are serving in places that are pretty exciting --they are still away from home. They're away from home because we've asked them to be away from home. I want to remind them of that, express my appreciation and also encourage them to recall that, in our profession, this is what we do."

Dempsey communicated that the service member's profession, regardless of job title, is deployment readiness and promoting the nation's interests abroad.

Understanding that depression may be a factor this holiday season, the 18th CJCS also reflected upon the influence and significance of battle buddies and wingmen.

"We all know how important a battle buddy is," began Dempsey. "The battle buddy system is an integral part of our lives, especially as young as some of our service members happen to be at this point. It's important you have someone who can help look after you, and you look after them."

Battaglia stipulated that the battle buddy, or wingman, concept encourages Airmen to grow resilient. Having someone to rely on when enduring hardship allows for service members to maneuver through adversity when it transpires.

"You can't, or shouldn't, go through life alone," said Battaglia. "No matter who you are, we all have problems, we all go through challenges and adversity...battle buddy is just a word that epitomizes the methodology of relying on something or someone when life throws us speed bumps and trips us up. The wingman can be a spouse, the service member's NCO or company grade officer, it's just important to have somebody--it's vital."

With Airmen relying on each other, service members will be able to prolong the Air Force's illustrious legacy, exemplified through a long-standing dominance in the air.

"April 15, 1953 was the last date that anyone attacked the U.S. Army on the ground from the air," said Dempsey. "That's your standard--to never let that happen again. Since 1953, you have kept our country safe by absolutely dominating the air domain and that's really what we need you to do."

Volunteers bring holiday spirit to Aviano Airmen

by Allyson Dinges
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/13/2013 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- On December 9, 2013, volunteers from the Aviano community gathered at the La Bella Vista club to collect, bake and sort cookies to be distributed to the dorm- dwelling Airmen of Aviano as part of the annual base cookie drive.

During this project, members of Aviano Officers and Civilians Spouses' Club, Aviano Community Enlisted Spouses, and volunteers from the base community worked together to provide holiday cheer to the Airmen separated from their families, some for the first time.

"We do this to give the airmen a little piece of home," said Kim Norman, volunteer, "These are cookies made especially for them."

Amber Krowinski, AOCSC President, and Dena Wolff, volunteer, organized and lead the event. Volunteers began collecting cookies at 7 a.m. in the LBV parking lot and were then taken inside and sorted into individual bags to be distributed.

The drive is dependent on involvement from the entire base community; volunteers within the community donate the cookies and supplies, and on the day of the drive, approx. 40 volunteers showed up to help. That evening, the 1st sergeants delivered the bags of cookies to their Airmen in the dorms.

"We could not do it without the entire community coming together," Wolff said. "The holidays can be a lonely time, especially for the Airmen away from home. Our goal is to show them they are thought about."

The goal for this year's cookie drive was for each Airman in the dorms to get a dozen cookies, and with the drive collecting a total of 10,924 cookies, they were able to do just that. The excess cookies were distributed between offices operating 24-hours, army units, Italian Airmen, and Operation Yellow Ribbon.

"This is important to the Aviano community because it boosts the moral and is a great way for the community to come together as one," Wolff said.

Cookies weren't the only gifts being delivered this year. During the drive the Red Cross and Aviano Elementary School dropped off handmade Christmas cards, which were distributed with each bag of cookies.

Face of Defense: Corps Brings Order to Marine’s Life

By Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Brown

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., Dec. 13, 2013 – A college student who was struggling to balance his academic life and his responsibilities as a parent found the balance he needed in the Marine Corps.

Sgt. Xavier Velez is a data systems specialist with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit here. The Terryville, Conn., native has been in the Marine Corps for more than three years. He said he loves his occupation, which has him working on computers, systems and their functionality.

Velez expressed his passion for his job with a smile. His brown eyes stared upward as he recalled tinkering with computers as a child.

“I’ve always loved computers,” he said. “When I was a kid, I used to take them apart and try to figure them out. The thing I love about it is there’s always something new. There’s always a challenge and something to learn.”

Throughout his deployment with the 26th MEU, his skills and contribution to mission success afforded him recognition in the form of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Marine Corps Sgt. Leonardo Avila, an Ozark, Ala., native and radio operator with the 26th MEU, was Velez’s first noncommissioned officer in charge, and he has become a mentor and close friend. The two Marines provide each other with support and advice.

Avila said he recognized Velez’s potential right away, noticing his maturity and his ability to take every responsibility seriously and accomplish tasks efficiently.

“Velez always does what it takes to get the job done,” Avila said. “Marines go to him for help, because they can tell he’s good at what he does.”

Velez helps to keep the 26th MEU’s computer and Internet capabilities running, and Avila said he gets much of his motivation from being a father.

“He works so hard because he supports his son,” he said. “He loves his son and always puts him first, before anything.”

Avila said he and Velez share parenting advice, and he tries to mirror Velez’s concern and sacrifice for his son with his own children.

“The hard part is I’m not there with [my son],” Velez said. “He’s back home with his mother in Connecticut, and I wish I could be there for him more often.”

Velez said his work schedule, deployments and distance from his son combine to limit opportunities to be with him. But that sacrifice makes him successful in his career, he added, which allows him to provide support for his son.

“I’ve only been to one of his birthdays and a couple of holidays, but he knows I love him, and he’s starting to understand what I do,” he said.

“Velez is a good Marine and a really great dad,” Avila said. “He really loves his son, and I am really proud of him as a leader. He’s become more than just a friend and fellow Marine. He’s a brother to me, like he’s part of my family, and I’m really proud of what he’s accomplished.”

Velez said he does not intend to re-enlist, and that he plans to pursue further work in the computer and data systems fields upon completion of his contract with the Marine Corps. He plans to save the benefits of his GI Bill to pay for his son’s education, he added.

“I want my son to be successful,” he said, “and I want to do what I can to make that happen.”

908th AW celebrates 50th anniversary

by Gene H. Hughes
908th Airlift Wing

12/13/2013 - MAXWELL AIRFORCE BASE, Ala. -- The 908th Airlift Wing, Alabama's only Air Force Reserve unit, celebrated 50 years of service to the country Dec. 7 with a gala event at the Embassy Suites Hotel in downtown Montgomery.

More than 1,000 current and former members spanning the unit's five decades were in attendance for the festivities, traveling from as far as Texas and even Hong Kong.

"I joined the 908th in April of 1988 -- 10 wing commanders ago," said Senior Master Sgt. James Rickels, loadmaster superintendant of the 357th Airlift Squadron. "Seeing my first wing commander was fun, also my first three squadron commanders. I saw numerous friends and acquaintances, some of whom I haven't seen in 15-plus years."

Among the distinguished guests were Alabama Lt. Governor Kay Ivey, Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange and several former commanders. Although unable to attend, U.S. Representatives Mike Rogers and Martha Roby and Alabama Governor Robert Bentley communicated their congratulations via video presentations.

Planning for the event began in earnest in early fall, with the formation of a planning committee, which held weekly meetings. Master Sgt Jon Butterbaugh led the committee , ensuring preparations stayed on track, despite the challenges of sequestration and a government shutdown.

"Our initial guidance was to put together an elegant event with maximum participation which would capture the significance of our 50 years," he said. "Our initial hurdles were choosing the location, the four-month timeframe, and of course, our current fiscal climate."

"The celebration was quite an undertaking," said Chief Master Sgt. Connie Rollins. "Fundraising was a big effort requiring every group and squadron to get involved. Each was committed to raising a portion of the funds so member ticket costs could be kept at a reasonable price."

Embassy Suites was chosen to host the celebration. Afterwards, committee members said it was the best decision they'd made.

"Everyone from the sales department, food and beverage, lodging, and the chef went out of their way to ensure we were impressed," Butterbaugh said. "Their willingness to accommodate our budget, anticipate problems, provide additional rooms, and allow use of their beautiful atrium made the night what it was."

Another unknown was unit participation. With the summer furloughs, the recent government shutdown and with the upcoming holidays, budgets would be tight for everyone. Originally, the committee estimated an attendance between 350 and 500. Shortly after ticket sales began, the number had soared to more than 500, and even higher as word of the event spread.

"Initially hoping for 350 guests, an audible had to be called when we hit 800 tickets sold after the first month of sales," Butterbaugh said. "All together, we had approximately 1,100 guests, several of which were members' families. I feel this crucially important as they may not often have the opportunity to get to know those with whom their loved ones serve."

Surrounded by good food, music and displays commemorating the wing's 50 years, alumni and current members mingled, sharing stories of camaraderie, sacrifice and service. Many alumni and current longtime members remarked the event was the best they'd ever seen, commenting on the elegance of the layout and the atmosphere.

"One long retired member told me he thought some of his friends were no longer with us, until he saw them at the celebration," said Butterbaugh. "It was great for him to reconnect, and now he has their contact information for the future. I truly knew this event was a success when I witnessed two alumni embracing in the atrium, one wiping away a tear."

Early in the evening there were two huge screens showing the Auburn-Missouri football game. Given the size of the crowd, 908th's 50th Anniversary event was also one of, if not the largest, SEC Championship game watch parties in the state.

Chief Master Sgt. Gary Looney, a 25-year member of the wing, said the event was one of the finest military functions he has seen.

"It was great to see my old friends and to meet current wing members," he said "Hopefully the newer members saw that we older members came out, and understand they haven't joined just a unit, but a family. It was an awesome event, and my hat is off to those who put it together."

Middle school sends holiday spirit to deployed Airmen

by Staff Sgt. Amber R. Kelly-Herard
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

12/13/2013 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.  -- For the eighth year in a row, Highland Middle School, with the Air Mobility Command Directorate of Financial Management Booster Club, brought holiday joy to 30 deployed service members.

Since 2006, every deployed Financial Management Airmen in AMC has received a handcrafted box with food, games, toiletries and a personal letter from the HMS students and staff.

"This started when one of my students had a mother who worked at Scott Air Force Base," said Dawn Hubbard, HMS troop drive coordinator and teacher. "It has been a wonderful service project for the kids to show their support and give back and we coordinate it with our Veterans Day assembly."

The students are very involved in the process. Some of them even include small presents to accompany their letters in hopes their service member writes them back. In the past, deployed members have sent pictures, flown flags and written 'thank you' notes for the packages.

"People in Afghanistan won't have Christmas with their family, so I spent extra money I had on them," said 12-year-old Seth.

In addition to donations from the school, this year's contributions included locally made summer sausage and special requests from service members such as coffee. The booster club normally pays postage costs, but this year an anonymous donor paid the nearly $450 postage bill.

After the school completed its collection drive, booster club members Col. George Coggins, AMC/FM director, and Tech. Sgt. Sandra Schmidt, AMC/FM warplanner, personally went to HMS to collect the donations and thank the students for their efforts and contributions.

"The students and staff contribute every year to make this happen," said Denise Schau, AMC/FM project coordinator for the packages and Non-appropriated Funds financial analyst. "This is what Christmas is all about."

Climate survey enhancements to improve awareness for commanders

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) --

More than 3.2 million Defense Department and Coast Guard military and civilian personnel have the opportunity to affect their organization's readiness using the newest release of the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute's Organizational Climate Survey, DEOCS 4.0, DEOMI officials said.

DEOMI is responsible for the primary training of all DOD military and civilian personnel assigned to military equal opportunity billets and civilian equal employment opportunity positions. The institute provides specialized analysis and reports to the respective service headquarters equal opportunity offices as part of its DOD-wide support role.

The climate survey anonymously assesses perceptions of organizational effectiveness, equal opportunity, equal employment opportunity, fair treatment, and sexual assault prevention and response. Several new factors have been added, officials said, including favoritism, diversity management, organizational processes, intention to stay, help-seeking behaviors, exhaustion or burnout, demeaning behaviors, and hazing.

"These factors help leaders receive a well-rounded picture of their organization by identifying perceived attitudes and behaviors that could affect morale and organizational performance," DEOMI officials said in a statement announcing the new version of the survey.

Scheduled to be released in January, DEOCS 4.0 is a commander's management tool that allows military and civilian leaders to proactively assess critical organizational climate dimensions that can have positive or negative impacts on an organization's effectiveness, officials said. The DEOCS 4.0 enhancements resulted from DEOMI working closely with each service to identify their emerging requirements, they added.

The DEOCS represents the first component of an overall organizational climate assessment, officials said, which also should include focus groups, interviews with unit members, and observations.

The DEOCS also includes a section devoted to characterizing an organization's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response environment. The SAPR section illuminates members' views on:

-- Their feelings of safety from sexual assault

-- Chain of command support

-- Awareness of SAPR resources

-- Perception of whether or not the chain of command would take appropriate actions to address an unrestricted report of sexual assault, and

-- The social and professional environment envisioned following a sexual assault report.

The new SAPR questions meet legislative and secretary of defense requirements to assess the command for purposes of preventing and responding to sexual assaults, DEOMI officials said, adding that this critical information will inform commanders, the services and decision-makers on the current status of the sexual assault prevention and response climate within commands and across the Defense Department.

Recent Defense Department directives also ensure that every command conducts climate assessments more frequently, officials noted. Military commanders now are required to conduct a climate assessment within 120 days after assuming command, and at least annually thereafter. This requirement ensures that leaders are apprised of members' perceptions of how leaders respond to incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault in their units, they explained.

To further bolster leadership accountability for climates of dignity and respect, the next senior commander in the chain of command will receive climate survey results. This mechanism provides higher-echelon commanders with direct knowledge of their subordinate commands' DEOCS climate assessment results.

The DEOCS report has expanded to include an Executive Review section that provides an overview, highlighting the report's three highest and three lowest factor averages. The results of each DEOCS are compared to service-wide norms. Additionally, officials said, the report includes a summary of all responses to each item listed by factor, providing commanders with a more detailed account of response patterns.

The climate survey's newly developed recommendations area now includes linkage to an "assessment to solutions" tool found on DEOMI's website, DEOMI officials noted, calling it a major improvement that uses survey results to help commanders or survey administrators in the transition into the next stages of a comprehensive climate assessment. It offers supporting resources that can improve organizational effectiveness and the overall human relations climate, they added.

"DEOMI continues to develop tools for commanders to help them address all aspects of their total climate assessment," said Rebecca Marcum, director of DEOMI's technology development and clearinghouse management branch here.