U.S., Japan to Negotiate Environmental Stewardship Pact

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 25, 2013 – The Department of Defense welcomes the announcement today in Tokyo that the United States and Japan will negotiate a framework to further address environmental stewardship of United States military activities in Japan, according to a DOD news release issued today.

"The United States Armed Forces appreciates its close partnership with Japanese Self Defense Forces and the government of Japan," Hagel said in the release.

Hagel added, "This framework will help guide our activities going forward related to our shared goal of reducing impact to Japan's precious natural landscape as we continue to conduct operations that provide for the common defense of Japan. This is yet another step we are taking together in order to update and modernize our alliance to ensure it is able meet the security challenges of the 21st century."

This framework will include a bilateral agreement that will supplement the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), and will apply to all U.S. activities across Japan, including Okinawa, the DOD release said.

The Embassy of the United States in Tokyo, Japan, today issued a news release about the framework.

Here is the text of the U.S. Embassy’s release:

The Government of Japan and the U.S. Government recognize the two Governments’ successful efforts on the environment, including 36 years of close cooperation in the Environmental Subcommittee and other relevant subcommittees of the Joint Committee, as well as the implementation of the “Joint Statement of Environmental Principles” announced in 2000. Bearing in mind such bilateral efforts on the environment, the two Governments reached a common view on the significance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation in this field by recognizing the importance of the environmentally friendly operations of U.S. Forces in Japan, as well as by enhancing positive relations between local communities and U.S. Forces in Japan. Regarding U.S. Armed Forces facilities and areas scheduled for return, including those identified in the 2013 Consolidation Plan for Facilities and Areas in Okinawa, the Government of Japan affirmed its responsibility for environmental restoration.

Based upon the above mentioned shared view, the two Governments announce the launch of bilateral consultations towards producing a framework further addressing environmental stewardship relating to U.S. Armed Forces facilities and areas in Japan. This framework is to include a bilateral agreement that would supplement the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) as well as other documents. The two Governments understand that the consultations are to be conducted based on the following:

1. Recognition of the importance of environmental protection and its contribution to managing risk to human health and safety. The two Governments affirmed their continuing commitment to implement the “Joint Statement of Environmental Principles.”

2. Application by U.S. Forces in Japan of high environmental standards:

A. U.S. Forces in Japan, in accordance with U.S. policy, apply the Japan Environmental Governing Standards (JEGS), which are drawn from the more protective of U.S. standards, generally applied and enforced Japanese national standards, or any applicable international agreement standards.

B. The U.S. Government’s review of local installation procedures periodically to ensure consistency with the JEGS, and to communicate that report to the Joint Committee.

3. Producing uniform procedures for reasonable host nation access to facilities and areas:

A. Following a contemporaneous environmental incident, i.e., a spill;

B. For site surveys associated with land returns as announced in the October 3, 2013, Security Consultative Committee (SCC) Joint Statement.

4. Commitment by the Government of Japan to take measures to support environmentally friendly projects by U.S. Forces in Japan as well as to enhance positive relations between local communities and U.S. Forces in Japan, in close consultation with the U.S. Government. Measures to be taken by the Government of Japan include:

A. Taking new environment-related financial measures additional to the current Facilities Improvement Program (FIP), which the Government of Japan committed to under the June 21, 2011, SCC document on Host Nation Support (HNS).

B. Assuming costs for other environmental measures within the U.S. Armed Forces facilities and areas under a new framework constituting an additional exception relating to Article XXIV of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

C. Taking environmental measures around the U.S. Armed Forces facilities and areas to improve further environmentally friendly living conditions of both local communities and those within the U.S. Armed Forces facilities and areas.

Former AF General Counsel appointed as Homeland Security secretary

By Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie, Air Force Public Affairs Agency

December 24, 2013

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- A former Air Force general counsel was sworn in as the fourth Homeland Security secretary Dec. 23.

Secretary Jeh Johnson, joined by his family, took the oath at his home in Montclair, New Jersey. As Secretary of Homeland Security, Johnson now oversees the third largest federal department in the United States and leads 240,000 men and women working to implement the department’s important homeland security mission.

“I am honored to assume the important responsibilities of this office,” said Secretary Johnson. “The men and women of the Department of Homeland Security deserve strong leadership and I look forward to supporting them every day as we work together to make our communities and our nation safer, more secure, and more resilient.”

Former President William Clinton appointed Johnson as Air Force general counsel following nomination and confirmation by the Senate in Oct. 1998. He served in that position for 27 months and returned to private law practice at Paul Weiss in January 2001.

Following the 2008 election, Johnson served on President-Elect Obama’s transition team, and was then publicly designated by the President-Elect for nomination to the position of General Counsel of the Department of Defense on January 8, 2009, followed by formal nomination on January 20, 2009, and confirmation by the Senate on February 9, 2009.

Johnson’s legal career has been a mixture of private practice and distinguished public service and began his career in public service as an U.S. assistant attorney in the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted public corruption cases.  

“Johnson will play a leading role in our efforts to protect the homeland against terrorist attacks, adapt to changing threats, stay prepared for natural disasters, strengthen our border security, and make our immigration system fairer, while upholding the values, civil liberties, and laws that make America great,” said President Barack Obama.

Top AF leaders: Happy holidays to all!

By Tech. Sgt. Lesley Waters, Air Force Public Affairs Agency,

December 24, 2013

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force’s senior leaders send a holiday message to Airmen and family members throughout the force.

Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh II and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody thank service members and family members for their dedication and perseverance throughout the year.

They ask everyone to remember those who paid the ultimate price for this country.

“We are enormously privileged to serve with you in the world’s finest Air Force and look forward to a great year ahead in 2014,” Air Force top three leaders said.  “We wish you and yours all the best during this holiday season and throughout the New Year.”

Eligible officers, enlisted members offered early retirement

by Debbie Gildea
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

12/24/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- Staff through senior master sergeants and captains through lieutenant colonels in certain Air Force specialty codes may apply to retire with fewer than 20 years of active service under the Temporary Early Retirement Authority, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced.

Commonly referred to as the 15-year retirement, TERA will be implemented to help achieve manpower and force structure goals as the service focuses on 2015 and beyond, said Lt. Col. Rick Garcia, the AFPC retirements and separations branch chief.

To be eligible for consideration, members in certain AFSCs must have at least 15, but less than 20 years of total active duty time as of July 31, 2014. Members with at least 19 years of service but less than 20 years of total active federal military service by July 31, 2014 may apply to retire, regardless of control or core AFSC. Lengthy service staff sergeants (those with "grandfathered" high year of tenure at 20 years) who have at least 15, but less than 20 years of TAFMS as of July 31 may also apply to retire, regardless of control AFSC.

Applications will be accepted Jan. 14, 2014, through March 26, 2014, and those approved must be retired by Aug. 1, 2014.

Airmen must apply through the virtual military personnel flight, accessible via the Air Force Portal or the myPers website. After submission, applicants can check the status in vMPF.

Airmen with an approved date of separation or a separation/retirement application pending prior Dec. 16, 2013, are not eligible for TERA. If an otherwise eligible member's separation or retirement application is disapproved, the member may be eligible to apply for TERA.

In addition, approved applicants who are subsequently selected for promotion will be allowed to withdraw their application, but must do so within 10 weekdays of their promotion notification. Airmen who have been selected for an assignment are ineligible to apply for TERA.

"If and when you are notified that you are eligible, you are strongly encouraged to contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center and talk to your transition assistance program representatives," Garcia said. "TAP is a requirement mandated by federal law to aid Airmen in making a successful transition to civilian life and make informed decisions about their future. Therefore, we recommend you take advantage of resources available to you and consider registering for TAP early rather than wait for a retirement or separation decision. Members must complete TAP prior to starting terminal leave."

For full application instructions, eligibility requirements and a chart showing eligible Airmen, go to the myPers website at https://mypers.af.mil and search for FY14 Force Management, or enter PSDM 13-127 for the enlisted program or PSDM 13-128 for the officer program.

Rescue Airmen work together to save an injured hiker

by Senior Airman Josh Slavin
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/23/2013 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- On the evening of Dec. 19 Airmen from the 48th Rescue Squadron and 55th Rescue Squadron performed a real-world rescue mission to save an elderly woman who had fallen while hiking in the mountains.

The 70-year-old hiker, who was visiting from Portal, Ariz., slipped on the loose terrain and sustained a fractured hip. A member of her group hiked to the nearest populated area and called for help. Once the local authorities were notified the rescue Airmen were called into action.

Staff Sgt. Robert Trubee and Staff Sgt. James Barnard, 48th RQS pararescuemen, worked with an aircrew from the 55th RQS to evacuate the injured woman.

While conducting the rescue mission the crew met several obstacles such as harsh weather conditions, rough terrain and low visibility. They had to rely on their years of experience to successfully evacuate the patient.

"To be in that kind of area, at night, with high winds like that is not something we normally do," said Master Sgt. William Fritsch, 55th RQS operations superintendent. "I think in the five years that I've been doing this it was probably the most challenging mission that I've had, even in combat."

After Trubee and Barnard successfully reached the patient, they applied a splint and performed precautionary procedures to prevent any further injuries.

Once the patient was lifted into the helicopter the crew evacuated her to University Medical Center where she received further medical attention.

Thanks to the expertise and swift actions of the crew they were able to complete a successful evacuation.

Face of Defense: U.S., Afghan Troops Share Holiday Festivities

By Army Sgt. 1st Class E.L. Craig

4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

LAGHMAN, Afghanistan, Dec. 24, 2013 – There were holiday decorations all around the room and not one, but two Christmas trees in the dining facility’s reserved room at Forward Operating Base Fenty Dec. 18.

Leaders from the U.S. Army’s 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division invited leaders from Nangarhar province and Afghan security forces assigned to the area over for Christmas dinner. The event would continue the annual custom that strengthens the friendships of two different cultures.

“This is extremely important for our relationship with our Afghan partners,” said Army Lt. Col. Al Boyer, commander of 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment. “As part of respect for their culture, we spend time honoring and participating in their holidays, so we decided to invite them to participate in one of ours.”

It was taco night at the dining facility, and the command had traditional Afghan food brought in to offer variety to the meal.

According to Boyer the event was well received.

“Everyone’s here,” Boyer said. “We have every single Nangarhar ANSF leader here, as well as several local government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan leaders, the generals with their deputies, as well as the deputy governor of Nangarhar, to celebrate one of our holidays.”

During the event, Army Col. Mario Diaz, commander of 4th BCT, 10th Mountain Division, expressed his appreciation for everyone’s attendance and emphasized the importance Nangarhar plays in his brigade’s mission in Regional Command-East, north of Kabul.

“What is present in Nangarhar is a special bond of friendship and respect, and it is my honor to be here with you today to share in the holidays,” Diaz said. “We use the holidays to focus on ourselves as a people, to enjoy our families and look forward to the future.”

During the event, 2nd Battalion’s command presented a gift to each Afghan leader and, although this was a time to mingle and enjoy food, this was also a chance for the leaders to exchange important dialogue.

“We are able to provide a lot in the way of advising our [Afghan] counterparts ... and they look forward to having that interaction with us,” Diaz said.

The command has specific ideas of what they wanted the Afghan leaders attending to leave with.

“I want them to take away the fact that we have an understanding of each other’s culture -- that we’re very cognizant of their culture and they are cognizant of ours, -- and they are,” Boyer said. “That’s why they all showed up, out of respect for our culture and their willingness to celebrate our holiday with us.”

Marine Corps Becomes First Service to Pass Inspector General Audit

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel released a statement following the first successful audit of a military service. The U.S. Marine Corps was granted an unqualified favorable audit for its current-year budget.

Hagel’s statement reads as follows:

Last Friday, the United States Marine Corps became the first military service to successfully undergo an audit when the DOD Inspector General granted it an unqualified, favorable audit opinion for its current-year budget statement. I want to congratulate the Marine Corps and the Department of the Navy on this significant achievement.

This was the first audit of its kind for any of our armed services. Along with the progress some DOD agencies have made in generating auditable financial statements, this development marks an important milestone on the path to achieving greater accountability in our financial operations and more effective management of the defense enterprise writ large. There is more work to do in preparing our other military services to pass an audit, but I remain fully committed to making the Pentagon fully audit-ready by 2017.