DOD official discusses nuclear deterrence in Congress

by Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

3/10/2014 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Defense Department's nuclear deterrent is the ultimate protection for the United States while also assuring distant allies of their security against regional aggression, a senior Pentagon official told Congress March 7.

Elaine Bunn, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for nuclear and missile defense policy told the Senate Armed Services Committee's strategic forces subcommittee that while Defense Department modernization goals largely have not changed since 2010, some adjustments are on the horizon.

One such change, she reported, involves the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty force structure.

"The administration is considering how to reduce non-deployed strategic delivery vehicles to comply with the limits of the new START treaty by February 2018," she said. "And we will make a final force structure decision and inform Congress prior to the start of fiscal year 2015."

Bunn expressed concern about Russian activity that appears to be inconsistent with the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

"We've raised the issue with Russia," she told the senators. "They provided an answer that was not satisfactory to us, and we told them that the issue is not closed."

With regard to recent ethical issues involving Air Force and Navy nuclear personnel, Bunn noted that Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has created both internal and external special review panels.

"Those reviews are not about assigning blame," she said. "They're about identifying, assessing, and correcting any systemic deficiencies that we may uncover and in applying the best practices for carrying out our nuclear mission across the nuclear force."

Bunn also said the recently released 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review makes clear the key role of nuclear forces in the DOD strategy.

"It ... supports our ability to project power by communicating to potential nuclear-armed adversaries that they cannot escalate their way out of failed conventional aggression," Bunn said.

The department's budget request for fiscal 2015 supports DOD's nuclear policy goals as laid out in the 2010 nuclear posture review, in President Barack Obama's June 2013 nuclear employment strategy, and in the 2014 QDR, she added.

As a result, Bunn reported, Pentagon officials will continue to ensure that the current and future administrations have suitable options for deterring, responding to, and managing a diverse range of situations, including regional deterrence challenges.

"We continue to work closely with our allies, some of whom live in very dangerous neighborhoods, to ensure continuing confidence in our shared national security goals, including assurance of our extended nuclear deterrence commitments," she told the Senate panel.

Critical to maintaining a safe, secure and effective force is the preservation of the nuclear triad: strategic bombers, intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, Bunn said.

Chairman Stresses Professionalism to Combat Ethical Lapses

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Mar. 10, 2014 – The Defense Department needs to hammer home to service members what it means to be members of the profession of arms, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said March 7 on the PBS “Newshour” program.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told Judy Woodruff that ethical lapses such as the recent cheating scandals in the Air Force and Navy and the failures of some Army and Marine Corps officers are an urgent matter for senior department leaders.

Dempsey gave his best guess on what’s causing these lapses. “I think what happened … is we’ve gotten a little careless, maybe sloppy, over the last 10 years with the mechanisms that used to provide oversight, checks and balances – a safety net, if you will, for professionalism,” he said.

Military personnel became consumed with preparing for deployment, deploying, coming back and then getting ready to go again, he said. “We stopped sending young men and women to our professional military education when they should have gone,” Dempsey said. “We stopped doing things like command climate surveys. We got sloppy with contracting oversight.”

The military must “go back to the small disciplines that really make a difference in defining ourselves as a profession,” Dempsey said. “And we will.”

The chairman stressed that it is a small number of service members who have tarnished the profession. “We need to deal with those, but we also need to continue to reinforce what it means to be a professional,” he said.

Dempsey cautioned that the lapses run the gamut and cannot be treated the same way or lumped together. Some of the lapses are criminal, and others are ethical and behavioral issues, he said. Still others are “sophomoric cultural issues, and some of them are just plain stupidity, and each of those has to be dealt with in a different way,” he said.

“I understand the desire of some for me to be more public about this,” he added, “but don’t … underestimate the degree to which this has my attention internal to the profession.”

On the subject of sexual assault in the military, Dempsey stressed that the military must produce results. A bill that would have placed prosecution for sexual assaults in the military out of commanders’ hands was defeated in Congress. But a bare majority of those in the Senate -- the bill required a supermajority to pass -- voted for the bill.

President Barack Obama gave DOD leaders a year to review the situation and put in place corrective measures. “We’re nowhere near me declaring that we’ve turned the corner on this thing,” Dempsey said. Still, he said, some young women and men are coming forward to report assaults that occurred years ago, a sign that the propensity to report may be increasing. “And that seems to me to be a positive sign,” he added. “But we haven’t turned the corner yet. We’re working on it.”

USS Kidd joins USS Pinckney in Search Efforts of Flight MH370

From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

Gulf of Thailand (NNS) -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) has joined USS Pinckney (DDG 91) in the search efforts of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, March 10.

Kidd brings the same Arleigh-Burke Class capabilities as Pinckney with its two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters which are designed for search and rescue, as well as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, surveillance, communications relay, naval gunfire support and logistics support.

The helicopters can fly a maximum of 180 knots with a ceiling of 13,000 ft., have a maximum range of 245 nautical miles and the capability to conduct searches at night using its Forward Looking Infra-red (FLIR) camera. Kidd, like Pinckney, was conducting training and maritime security operations in international waters in the South China Sea before being sent to assist in the search efforts.

Both ships have crews of more than 300 Sailors each and are multi-mission ships designed to operate independently or with an associated strike group.

The US Navy still has one maritime patrol aircraft, a P-3C Orion from the Grey Knights of Patrol Squadron 46 (VP-46), on station flying from Subang Jaya, Malaysia.

The two destroyers departed Naval Base San Diego Jan. 7 on independent deployments to the Western Pacific Ocean.

20th MDG fine tunes patient care

by Senior Airman Laura L. Valentine
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/6/2014 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Medical Group was recently competitively selected as one of only three out of 74 Air Force military treatment facilities to receive specialized training on the patient centered medical home model in order to fine-tune the quality of care the facility provides.

A Patient-Centered Medical Home team from Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, Texas, led by Maj. Ernest Perez, 383rd Training Squadron PCMH Operations program course director, delivered the training to 20th MDG personnel here, Feb. 25-28.

"The patient-centered medical home is an approach to providing comprehensive primary care through an individual's life by facilitating partnerships between the patient, their personal providers, and when appropriate, the patient's family," Perez said. "The overall goal is to improve quality care effectively and efficiently while reducing costs."

Since 2009, medical treatment facilities across the Air Force have turned their care focus to the PCMH model, a method used widely across civilian medical care facilities as well.

The 20th MDG is recognized as a PCMH by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

"The clinic has put this healthcare model into motion and has been extremely effective, as evident by their recent Air Combat Command 2013 Surgeon General Annual Award for Best Clinic of the Year," Perez said.

At the 20th MDG, there are five teams comprised of a provider, a nurse practitioner, medical technicians and administrative technicians who work together. The continuity of that team is key, said Maj. Karyn Revelle, 20th Medical Operations Squadron flight commander.

That continuity is what allows medical teams to work efficiently throughout the day and better take care of their patients.

The PCMH team helped create the foundation for training all members of the medical group so all understand the model and are able to train others.

During the course, availability care was limited so the maximum number of medical personnel could benefit.

Training covers not only specific details of daily operations, but also a basic understanding of the PCMH as it's used across the medical group.

"It's a great program because it doesn't just focus on the patient care aspect of the PCMH," said Senior Airman Kyle Bettis, 20th MDOS medical technician. "It's the bigger picture, the whole concept, which is important for the new Airmen to understand."

The mobile team was able to teach the entire medical group team rather than having one or two individuals travel to Texas for the course. This way, trainers can better understand the local group dynamics and determine if improvement is needed in particular areas.

The mobile course can essentially make up for six to eight months of on-the-job training for team members who would alternatively use that time trying to understand the requirements individually, Revelle said.
As a mid-sized clinic, the 20th MDG Family Health Clinic schedules approximately 58,000 appointments a year and sees roughly 1,100 patients each week.

"The 20th MDG is already moving in the right direction because of the mentality of teamwork, holding each other accountable and taking ownership of patients," Perez said. "They aren't complacent with their success and continue to improve the care experience."

Driven by the same standards as off-base providers, the 20th MDG uses the same resources and benchmarks to mirror quality of care. By using the PCMH, providers are able to build rapport through emphasizing communication with and empowering the patient, facilitating continuity of care and improving access to care.

"Our Air Force Chief of Staff notes that every Airman has a story to tell," said Col. Curt Prichard, 20th MDG commander. "Through PCMH, we are able to learn every patient's story and then provide them the personalized care and preventative tools to make their story one of not only good health, but the best health possible."

New York Air National Guard Pararescue Jumpers Hone Emergency Medical Skills

by Senior Airman Christopher Muncy
New York Air National Guard

3/10/2014 - WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. -- New York Air National Guard Pararescuemen and Combat Rescue Officers of the 106th Rescue Wing's 103rd Rescue Squadron tested their emergency medical skills with real-world scenarios that modeled what they would see on the battlefield or in a crash.

The Feb. 27 training sent the pararescuemen, known as PJs, and the Combat Rescue Officers, dubbed CROS for short, rotating through various trauma and medical scenarios, replicating the types of injuries and illnesses often seen on the battlefield, or in rescue settings.

"The courses offered here are a requirement for paramedic and Pararescue recertification," Major Glyn Weir, a Combat Rescue Officer said. "It's being put together by LtCol. Stephen Rush, a doctor who has been appointed the Air Force Pararescue Medical Director. "

PJ's and CRO's moved from one scenario to another, treating patients with simulated combat wounds and complex injuries.

"We're slowing things down a bit," Weir explained. "We're training for perfection through repetition. No matter how stressful the situation may be when we are on the battlefield, treatment and diagnosis become automatic when it is ingrained. We are repeating it and reinforcing it so that it becomes muscle memory."

"The thing about this training as opposed to what we do in a civilian paramedic course, is that it's operationally focused, but still meets the requirements of the National Registry for these men to have their full Paramedic Certification, " Rush explained.

Instead of using pure civilian motor vehicle accident protocols, the training concentrates on problems like blast trauma and gunshot wounds.

By accomplishing this training "in house," the 103rd was able to save a significant amount of money that can later be applied to other types of training that complement the course.

Keeping it local also allows the 103rd to take advantage of local facilities like North Shore LIJ, which has offered use of their Patient Safety Institute.

"North Shore LIJ has hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment that we've been able to use," Doctor Rush said

"We've had access to simulation rooms with the most sophisticated mannequins and two way mirrors and microphones, as well as the cadaver lab, which is a surgical skills laboratory. PJ's can learn invasive battlefield procedures on human anatomy," he said.

"We also benefit from their professional faculty interacting with and teaching the men. For example, that we have a real-world heart and thoracic surgeon actually showing the techniques to them, and watching the PJ's to make sure they're doing it right."

"The things that we do when we practice are the actual procedures and protocols that the PJ's execute in theater. Most important, the first time they are doing these procedures is in a controlled environment with direct medical supervision, not on the battlefield with a young man or woman where he have [only] one opportunity to get it exactly right. So we know we're sending them into the worst circumstances to do the best job they can to save our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines," Rush said.

In addition to the 103rd Rescue Squadron's participation, Pararescuemen from the Field Training Unit in Arizona and a Flight Surgeon from the 38th Rescue Squadron at Moody Air Force Base took part.

The PJ's from 38th RQS and Field Training Unit will be bringing the training they receive here back to their units, Weir said.

"They're getting a lot of hands on training from Doc Rush, who is really pushing to streamline the process and standardize medical care throughout the pararescue community," he said.

Top Air National Guard officer presents awards to 105th Airlift Wing Airmen

by Courtesy Story
New York National Guard

3/10/2014 - STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, NEWBURGH, N.Y. -- Twenty members of the New York Air National Guard's 105th Airlift Wing -including two airmen who received two Purple Hearts for wounds suffered in action - were recognized by the Air National Guard's top general at a ceremony here on Sunday, March 2.

The 20 members of the 105th Base Defense Squadron, who deployed to Afghanistan last year, received a total of 29 medals during from Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III, the director of the 100,000-member Air National Guard.

It was the first time he had ever awarded a Purple Heart medal and it was unusual to present 12 of them and present two airmen with more than one, Clarke said.

"What an honor, I am truly humbled," Clarke said.

The awards included five Bronze Stars, 12 Purple Hearts and 12 Air Force Combat Action Medal.

The 20 airmen deployed to Bagram Air Field alongside members of the active Air Force's 820th Base Defense Group to provide security at the base. Their missions took them "outside the wire" regularly.

One member of the 105th Base Defense Squadron Team, Staff Sgt. Todd T.J. Lobraico Jr., was killed in action during the deployment in September 2013.

"We are thankful for the manner in which you conducted yourselves under the most challenging of circumstances and we are most thankful for you being here with us today," Col. Timothy LaBarge, the commander of the 105th Airlift Wing told the airmen.

"Staff Sergeant TJ Lobraico, a true American hero, may not be physically present in the room with us today, but he is with us spiritually and will be forever," LaBarge added.

"I've done multiple award ceremonies throughout my thirty something years, but never one like this; in any capacity, in any place that I've ever served," Clarke said. " It's a historic day obviously for the members themselves, their families, the unit, the New York National Guard, the Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force, and the nation."

Receiving awards during the March 2 ceremony were:

· Chief Master Sgt. David Pritchard from Washingtonville, N.Y.: A full-time guardsman, Pritchard received the Bronze Star.

· Master Sgt. Shawn Knowlton from Watertown, N.Y.: A federal marshal in civilian life, Knowlton received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Master Sgt. Jose Pena Rojas from the Bronx: A New Rochelle police officer, Pena Rojas received the Bronze Star.

· Master Sgt. Michael O'Connell, from Washingtonville, N.Y.: A full-time Guard airman, O'Connell received the Bronze Star.

· Staff Sgt. Nigel Dabry, from Queens: An employee of the Metropolitan Transit Authority, Dabry received two Purple Hearts and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Senior Airman Amanda Martino, from Lindenhurst, N.Y.: A college student, Martino received two Purple Hearts and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Staff Sgt. Winston Rios, from Clifton, N.J.: A college student, Rios received the Purple Heart and Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Senior Airman Michael Hansen, from Newburgh, N.Y.: A Walden New York police officer, Hansen received the Purple Heart and Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Senior Airman Thomas Pulaski, from Wallkill, N.Y.: A college student, Pulaski received the Purple Heart and Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Airman 1st Class Samuel Davies, from Warwick, N.Y.: A college student Davies received the Purple Heart and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Airman 1st Class Matthew Zungia, from Newburgh, N.Y.: A college student Zuniga received the Purple Heart and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Airman 1st Class Marieann Raguso, from Yorktown Heights, N.Y.: A college student Raguso received the Purple Heart and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Tech Sgt. Michael Pacenza, from Newburgh, N.Y.: A full-time Guard airman, Pacenza received the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Staff Sgt. John Bellino, from Wappingers Falls, N.Y.: A college student Bellino received the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Staff Sgt. Dustin Helms, from Pine Bush, N.Y.: A business owner Helms received the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Staff Sgt. Vinh Taylor, from Vacaville, Calif.: A police officer, Taylor received the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Staff Sgt. Miguel Nin, from the Bronx: A New York State Corrections Officer, Nin received the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Senior Airman Justin Murphy, from Bergenfield, N.J.: A full-time employee of the Air National Guard, Murphy received the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Senior Airman Luis Giron, from Newburgh, N.Y.: A college student, Giron received the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Senior Airman David Smith, from Poughkeepsie, N.Y.: A technician at Best Buy, Smith received the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

· Senior Airman Adrian Torres, from Queens, a Metropolitan Transit Authority police officer, Torres received the Air Force Combat Action Medal.

The Air Force Combat Action Medal is awarded to members of the Air Force who actively engage the enemy with direct fire in ground operations.

The Bronze Star is awarded to acts of merit or for meritorious service in a combat zone.

The Purple Heart is awarded for wounds sustained during combat operations. The award of more than one medal indicates wounds sustained during two separate incidents.

Photographs from the award ceremony can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nyng/sets/72157641815470755/

Agustin's promotion brings on new assignment

3/10/2014 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Col. Roy-Alan Agustin's selection to brigadier general is also bringing about a change in job.  His was one of several general officer assignments announced by the Air Force chief of staff March 7.

Agustin, Air Force Reserve Command civil engineer and deputy, Installations and Mission Support here, is being reassigned as director, Installations and Mission Support at Headquarters, Air Combat Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.

Other general officer changes include:

Maj. Gen. Steven M. Shepro, director, operations, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to vice director, strategic plans and policy, J-5, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Maj. Gen. Theresa C. Carter, Air Force civil engineer, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Installations and Mission Support, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to special assistant to the commander, Air Force Materiel Command, Joint Base Andrews, Md.

Brig. Gen. Timothy S. Green, director, installations and mission support, Headquarters Air Combat Command, JB Langley-Eustis, Va., to director, civil engineering, Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics, Installations and Mission Support, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Brig. Gen. Steven D. Garland, commander, 36th Wing, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to vice commander, 14th Air Force, Air Forces Strategic, Air Force Space Command, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

Col. Andrew J. Toth, selected for the grade of brigadier general, director, assignments and air expeditionary force operations, Air Force Personnel Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, to commander, 36th Wing, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Dempsey: Fiscal 2015 Request Juggles Budget, Risks

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Mar. 10, 2014 – It’s a fact of life that the depth of budget reductions and the draconian way they are applied will affect military readiness and increase risk, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said March 7 on the PBS “Newshour” program.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told Judy Woodruff that “risks are beginning to accrue” and that it is imperative that the military get some sort of fiscal consistency for planning purposes.

The fiscal 2015 budget request would be a good place to start, he said. That budget supports the military strategy, and allows the department to plan for the future. Still, there are problems, the chairman said.

“Even at the budget level that has been submitted by the department, which is about $115 billion over the Budget Control Act, most commonly known as sequestration,” he said, “at that level we can still be the most powerful military in the world in 2020, which is about where we project out to.”

Under the budget request, there will be more than 1 million active duty service members, which rises to almost 2 million when the reserve components are included. “We have forward operating bases,” Dempsey said. “We have close, strong alliances. This is not a military in decline, nor will it be [in decline] at the level of budget we submitted.”

But if the Defense Department must implement the full sequestration reductions of the Budget Control Act in fiscal 2016, he added, “then we will have what I think would be too much risk.”

Budgeting one year at a time also imposes its own risks, the general said, because the government writ large tries to adapt to the future and to future budget realities each year, rather than by a plan. “We need to have the flexibility to be able to use the money that we’re given in a responsible way to build the joint force we need,” he said, “and right now I don’t know that we’re going to get that flexibility.

“If we are able to manage the budget in the way we’ve articulated in our budget submission, [if] we get flexibility we need, if we do that and live up to the promises that are actually articulated in the Quadrennial Defense Review, we will be able to manage this at moderate risk,” he continued. “If we don’t get that flexibility, the risk in certain areas becomes very high.”

Team McConnell responds to mock tornado

by Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

3/7/2014 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Team McConnell participated in a county-wide major accident response exercise on March 4.

Base units responded to a mock-tornado emergency, from its initial warning to the recovery of 'injured' victims.

"There's a high probability of severe storms and tornados around here, so we need to be able to make sure we can assess the damage and the injured and get the base back on mission-ready status as soon as possible," said Lt. Col. David Mazzara, 22nd Air Refueling Wing inspector general and exercise evaluator.

Airmen assembled inside designated tornado shelters during the exercise. Once it was 'safe' to come out, Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Sparks, 384th Air Refueling Squadron instructor boom operator, and his fellow Airmen found a challenge waiting for them.

"I came out and I found several people in need of self aid and buddy care." said Sparks. "I started gathering some people and started taking care of a patient and made sure the others were taken care of as well."

The teams of Airmen in the exercise were split into three sections: players, responders and evaluators.

Players were volunteers who 'received various injuries' to act out and accept self aid and buddy care treatment from the responders. Evaluators recorded the responder's performance to assess their strengths and weaknesses.

The players wore make up to simulate injuries to make the scenario as realistic as possible, said Mazzara.

"An exercise like this is important because if something happens during the week, and we have people on base, then we can have our people accounted for and taken care of," said Sparks.

Orrie returns to basic training

by Pascual Flores
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

3/7/2014 - JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- As Chief Master Sgt. Louis D. Orrie, Command Chief for the 305th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., exited the ramp of the C-17 Globemaster III, he was greeted by a shower of water and champagne from family and friends after his symbolic "fini-flight" marking the end of his aviation career Feb. 25, 2014.

"You know that one day you have to stop flying, that one day every aviator has to stop and hang up their helmet and flight-suit for one final time," said Orrie. "You never think about it and before you know it, there it is confronting you, staring you in the face and you can't avoid it."

For Orrie, leaving the direct connection to his aviation career comes with both joy and sorrow as he prepares for his new position as command chief of the 37th Training Wing at Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

"It's tough ... when I got here in the command chief role, my primary job obviously was not to fly anymore and I was put in an inactive status, so I moved from the world of an active flier at that time," said Orrie. "When I entered the Air Force, I did six years as a maintainer and transitioned into the operational world with a little more than 20 years as an aviator. I know now that I will never be a crewmember again."

Orrie makes up for the lack of flying by serving as the principal senior enlisted advisor to the 305th AMW commander and senior staff. He is responsible for attending to all matters of health, welfare and morale, in addition to advising on the effective utilization, training and professional development of the total enlisted personnel assigned to the wing.

"I've had the opportunity to work with Chief Orrie on many projects affecting our enlisted members such as dorm improvements, Honor Guard manning, recognition programs and Airman Leadership School mentoring to name a few," said Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Robinson, 87th Air Base Wing command chief. "He is a passionate leader who cares about our Airmen."

Leaving the 305th AMW after an 18-month assignment, Orrie assumes the same duty title of command chief for the much larger 37th TRW, the Air Force's largest training wing. The 37th TRW is comprised of six air groups, 21 squadrons, nearly 20 geographically separated unit schools in nine locations throughout the U.S. with 4,000 permanent-party service members, graduating more than 80,000 students annually, including Basic Military Training.

"It's going to be a rewarding task," said Orrie. "About 27 years ago, I walked out of basic training as Airman 1st Class Orrie, and here I am getting ready to go back as the senior enlisted leader."

One of the issues Orrie wants to address there is the need for more personal communication.

"If there is one thing I wish to happen is for more face-to-face communication," said Orrie. "People should sit down with their rate, supervisor, friends, peers or others and talk, not text, not Facebook, not anything like that and make that connection with someone on a more personal level and not the technological level."

One of the main tasks Orrie wants to tackle stems from the recent BMT scandal.

"I want that institution to regain its place where the American populous knows they can send their sons, daughters, grandchildren and there will be no doubt that we will look after them as well, if not better than they do."

Also on Orrie's agenda as the 37th TRW command chief is the implementation of the new transition week that follow immediately after graduating for trainees. While the basic military training curriculum remains the same, it will just occur in seven and a half weeks rather than the current eight and a half weeks with the eighth week focusing on Core Values and preparation that will help set them up for success in their life and military career.

"As our senior enlisted member, our command chief, it is a huge honor for him to be out and fly with our folks and this is a little bit of a bitter sweet day because this means personally for him the end of an era," said Col. Richard Williamson, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander. "It's bitter sweet because he is really going to miss this, but the great thing is he is someone of experience, someone with the operational credibility going to the crucible of basic military training down at Lackland."

For the next two years, Orrie's new assignment to the 37th TRW will be substantially busier and different as he assumes the role as senior enlisted leader of all Airmen in tech training schools and BMT. For Orrie, this is the perfect closing to his Air Force career.

"It is bitter sweet leaving, but if this is my last assignment, I think it is very fitting to end where I had started many years ago," said Orrie.

USAFE commander visits Team Aviano

by Staff Sgt. Jessica Hines
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/10/2014 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Gen. Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Air Forces Africa commander along with USAFE-AFAFRICA Command Chief Master Sgt. James Davis, visited Team Aviano during a two-day orientation, March 5 and 6, marking their first visit to the base since taking command.

During the visit, they met with base officials as well as various Airmen and civilians to answer questions and share thoughts on current programs and initiatives.
"I want to provide context to some things and hopefully inspire some questions," said Gorenc during an all-call with Airmen.

Airmen asked questions focused on the current budgetary cuts, retention boards and family programs.

"In the end, this country needs its Air Force; it needs full-spectrum capability, whether we're doing humanitarian support or full combat operations. The intent of the leadership of this country is to provide the Air Force with the resources it needs.

"We've been having force management initiatives for many years. It goes without saying, in this era of sequestration, we are going to have to find a way to create a balanced Air Force," he said.

In order to help prepare for force management programs, the USAFE-AFAFRICA commander encouraged and reminded Airmen to stay active and involved with their careers, become familiar with the process and set goals for the future.

"What I'm asking for is transparency; I'm asking for everyone to know where they stand, what their goals are, what to expect and if necessary...get ready for the results of any force management initiative," said Gorenc.

The general communicated his views using the Air Force vision statement as a guide, "The world's greatest Air Force - powered by Airmen, fueled by innovation."

"It's an important vision because it communicates the idea that despite any budget cuts, we are committed to maintaining our readiness and still maintaining the world's greatest Air Force capability across the full spectrum of airpower contributions," he said.

"This Air Force is more effective than the Air Force I showed up to in 1979 and that is because we counted on our people to be innovative," he added.

On the commander's horizon of initiatives, is a simple phrase he calls a "bumper sticker" for communicating his vision to achieving the Air Force mission - "Step Up, Step In."

"When I say 'Step Up', what I'm really trying to communicate is the positive side of all of the things we have and to continue to develop and nurture our Airmen," said Gorenc.

"I'm asking Airmen to step up to their obligations for their readiness. I'm asking Airmen to step up to their obligations for their development, and also, I'm asking them to step up to their responsibility inside of their families and inside the community where they live," he added.

While motivating Airmen to "Step Up," the general challenges Airmen to "Step In" and prevent dangerous environments or situations.

"I'm also asking Airmen to step in and prevent negative situations from occurring. I'm asking people to step in, both in our work places and off duty, to prevent situations that will reflect badly on themselves and situations where we are putting our Airmen at harm."

Gorenc used the phrase to help remind Airmen to take care of each other in cases of alcohol abuse or harassment.

"I'm asking Airmen to step in to the misuse of alcohol, and I'm asking them to step in to situations that encourage any kind of harassment on the job, whether it is sexual or any other kind of harassment," he said.

As the only U.S. fighter wing south of the Alps, the general also addressed the unique part the 31st Fighter Wing plays in the NATO's overall mission and the continued goals for future relations.

"Aviano has, in the past, and will continue to be critical to NATO's mission. The location south of the Alps is very important, particularly in our role to help out Africa command and address things in the southern and eastern parts of Europe.

"NATO has been a force for peace in Europe and all over the world for decades, and despite the fact that we are getting smaller, there are still expectations for NATO to deliver. So now is the time to roll-up our sleeves and to make sure we are as interoperable as possible. And for the force and the equipment that we have, we make the best use of it - together," he said.

100th LRS woman honors heritage through performance

by Gina Randall
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

3/7/2014 - RAF MILDENHALL, England  -- Everyone assigned to the 100th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels section has a mission and is responsible for various roles fulfilled at RAF Mildenhall.

The 100th LRS fuels section's primary task is getting fuel to aircraft. Without fuel, the 100th Air Refueling Wing's mission can't happen.

The fuel section is made up of several departments. There are the distributions operators, who drive the fuel trucks and issue fuel directly to the aircraft. There are also the hydrants sections, who are responsible for issuing and supplying bulk fuel and maintaining the pipelines on base. In addition, the fuel center manages questions and queries as well as dispatch trucks and accounting.

While men primarily fill these roles, there is a woman among them who ensures the fuel is clean, dry and free of sediment: U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Miranda Wolverton, 100th LRS fuels laboratory technician from Parsons, Kan.

"We test the fuel. It is vital to the safety of the aircraft that we provide fuel free from water or dirt, as any contamination could potentially risk the aircraft and its crew," Wolverton said.

Wolverton's motivation for joining the Air Force stemmed from her need to be a part of something bigger. In addition, Wolverton viewed her enlistment as a way to better herself, see the world and develop skills in a trade. More than anything, she wanted to serve her country.

"Every morning I get up, I lace up my boots and I am thankful I can make some type of difference," the fuels technician said. "I am happy and I enjoy what I do."

While Wolverton enlisted under open mechanical - without a specific career field selected - she was perfectly matched with her current job.

"I didn't find out I was in fuels until the day before I left basic training and went to technical school," she said.

Even though she mostly works with men, Wolverton has never felt alienated. For her, it's all about focusing on the job. Fitting into a "man's world" isn't something she actively thinks about. Her goal is to go to work daily with a positive attitude and do the very best she can so the mission can succeed.

Her supervisor is extremely proud of what she brings to the table each day.

"She pulls her weight just as capable as any man would, and she's proficient," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Anthony Davis, 100th LRS fuels laboratory technician from Columbia, S.C. "She definitely doesn't let anything get in the way of getting the job done."

Wolverton is happy to fit in and accomplish the mission.

"I don't see that there is that much of a difference, and I don't ever want to pull the girl card," Wolverton said. "I don't expect any special treatment. I don't want them to see that me being female is a downfall. I want them to look at me and say 'she can do the job as well as anyone else.'"

As with anyone, Wolverton faces her fair share of challenges. For her, though, it's not about overcoming the struggles but more about the people she overcomes them with each and every day that make the job all the more worthwhile.

"Fuels is like a big family; they treat me like a sister," Wolverton said.

The combination of good colleagues and the joy of being an Airman help drive her to think about her future and continuing to serve.

"It really is an honor to serve, I want to stay in the military," Wolverton said. "I don't know if I want to serve 20 years or not."

Wolverton's advice for women who might be considering joining the military is clear: do it.

"Set goals and make smart decisions, not only in your work life, but also your personal life," Wolverton said. "Apply yourself!"

Today, many female service members are also wives and mothers. As Wolverton has found, it's not about stereotypes or gender. It's more about what each person can bring to the table to ensure mission success.

"Don't let anybody tell you can't do it just because you are a woman," Wolverton stressed.

For anyone looking to join the Air Force, contact the RAF Mildenhall recruiters, Master Sgt. Phillip Guffa at DSN 238-4942 or commercial 01638 544942 or email Phillip.guffa@us.af.mil, or Tech. Sgt. Estuardo Mendoza at DSN 238-1566 or commercial 01638 541566 or email estuardo.mendoza@us.af.mil