Operational Security: Knowing is half the battle

by Master Sgt. Gloria Wilson
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

4/14/2014 - INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Operations security is the safeguarding of information that, if disseminated to the general public, could cause a threat or bring harm to military members or property. This is something that not only military members should think about, but also family members wherever they are, to include at home.

Bad OPSEC practices can lead to mission degradation and put lives at risk, while smart OPSEC habits can help ensure safe mission continuation.

In order to be able to contribute to OPSEC success all members should be familiar with the wing and unit critical information list. These lists are designed to capture information deemed most important to protect. At a minimum family members here at Incirlik should know the basics and receive family consolidated CIL cards.

"It's important for people to know information, such as, when and where a unit is arriving could be information an adversary wants," said Maj. Ryan Williams, 39th Air Base Wing OPSEC monitor. "We need to protect critical or sensitive information and prevent anyone who doesn't have a need to know, from gaining access to it. We also need to understand how an adversary can gather information."

Here are some methods that can be used to gain access to information:

Surveillance - This can be done electronically or in person and can include someone listening in on conversations, tapping into phone lines or intercepting emails.

Elicitation - This is when individuals actively try to gain information using various methods such as asking questions or offering favors, money or gifts.

Imagery - This is when individuals take photos of various things that may include key facilities, flight line, power plant, gates, aircraft and personnel.

Dumpster Diving - This is when individuals attempt to gather documents from trash, shred bins or unattended work areas.

"When everyone is aware of methods used against us, we can more efficiently apply countermeasures to protect our critical information," said Williams. "Countermeasures can effectively cut off our adversary's ability to collect against us."

Some countermeasures to bolster OPSEC integrity include:

Don't speak out of your lane: Unless someone is a subject matter expert and has been given approval to speak on a subject, they shouldn't talk about it.

Need to know: "It's exactly what it sounds like," said Williams. "If you've been entrusted with some information, and the guy sitting next to you doesn't need to know because he's not going to have a major impact on the mission, then you don't need to tell it to him."

Know who your OPSEC monitor is: Every unit has an OPSEC coordinator. Everyone should know who their monitor is and clear everything through them before divulging potentially protected or sensitive information.

Talk to your public affairs office before releasing information or talking to the press: "Never agree to an interview or answer media questions about official matters before contacting public affairs. This applies both at home station and in a deployed location," said 1st Lt. David Liapis, 39th Air Base Wing public affairs officer. "Public Affairs is the liaison between you and the media to help ensure interviews portray both you and the Air Force accurately as well as without security or OPSEC risks."

Educate your family members: Talk to them to make sure they know what must be protected.

Report the unusual: If you see anything abnormal, people here at Incirlik AB can make an Eagle Eyes report to 676-EYES (3937).

100 percent shred policy: The base has a 100 percent shred policy to protect information. Ensure compliance.

Social media: It's important for people to know who is on their social media account and to not "friend" strangers. Don't post anything that specifically talks about the job or mission.

"Posting something on Facebook is equivalent to releasing it worldwide," said Liapis. "Your status update stating your spouse is leaving for a certain foreign country on a particular date may not seem like a big deal, but that's critical information that could be used maliciously when combined with other intelligence."

The U.S. Air Force has supplied a guide on how to correctly and safely navigate social media as a military member, which can also be used to educate your loved ones. For a copy, click here.

Know who belongs in your workplace, and who doesn't: "No one is going to know who shouldn't be in the workplace better than the people who work there," said Williams. "It doesn't hurt to ask questions. If you find someone in your workplace you don't recognize, find out who the stranger is and what they are doing there. If it's something you're not aware of, contact your chain of command to verify."

Remember that OPSEC is always important. It can mean the difference between life and death. Not taking it seriously can inadvertently give out information that helps an enemy.

All in all, it is important to be informed and aware. If unsure, ask; and never forget that Eagle Eyes reporting makes a difference when something suspicious happens.

Obama to Award Medal of Honor to Former Soldier for 2007 Actions

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2014 – President Barack Obama will award the Medal of Honor to former Army Sgt. Kyle J. White in a May 13 White House ceremony for conspicuous gallantry while serving in Afghanistan’s Nuristan province Nov. 9, 2007, White House officials announced today.

White left the Army in July 2011 and now lives in Charlotte, N.C., where he works as an investment analyst.

At the time of the combat engagement that led to earning the nation’s highest award for battlefield gallantry, then-Specialist White was a platoon radio telephone operator assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. His heroic actions took place during a dismounted movement in mountainous terrain in Aranas, Afghanistan.

White will be the seventh living recipient to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.

He enlisted in the Army in February 2006 as an infantryman. After training at Fort Benning, Ga., he was assigned to Vicenza, Italy, with 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry as a grenadier and rifleman, an assignment that included a combat tour to Afghanistan from May 2007 to August 2008. After his Italy assignment, he was assigned as an opposing forces sergeant with the Ranger Training Battalion at Fort Benning.

USAMU shooters take World Cup gold and silver

By Sgt. 1st Class Raymond J. Piper

USAMU PAO

TUSCON, Ariz. – It was an all-American shootout for the gold and silver medals for Men’s Double Trap during the 2014 International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) Shotgun World Cup April 13 at the Tucson Trap and Skeet Club.

After both U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) Soldiers hit 27 out of 30 targets, Staff Sgt. Jeff Holguin captured his first World Cup gold by beating teammate Staff Sgt. Josh Richmond in a shoot out for first place.

“I think we did well in the semi-finals because the wind was really getting to some of those guys,” Holguin said, adding that previous competitions in Texas and  Tucson had prepared the USAMU shooters for windy conditions.

The two team mates compared notes before the finals started because they had noticed small inconsistencies with the target’s presentation during the qualification rounds.

“We bounced a couple ideas off each other and … it really helped,” Holguin said. “When we’re at the top of our games, we’re tough to beat.”

The shoot-off ended for the USAMU members with Holguin coming out ahead with four hits to Richmond’s three.

Richmond said he was surprised when the dust settled, and it was him and Holguin in the top two spots.

“It felt great when I looked over at the score board and I could see it was me and Jeff in the shoot off for the gold and silver,” he said.

Holguin, a native of Fullerton, Calif.,  described his first World Cup gold medal as “awesome” because there was a pretty good field of shooters out there. To get to the semi-finals, he finished fourth in the qualification with a score of 140.

Richmond, from Hillsgrove, Pa.,  said there were some tough targets on the fifth bunker, where he shot his lowest round with a 25, but rallied back to tie for number six, leading to a shoot-off against Great Britain’s Steven Scott.

 Shooting against a fellow Soldier, Holguin said, took off some of the pressure.

“If it was someone else, maybe I would have been more nervous, because I wasn’t at all. It just felt like me and him were shooting back at (Fort Benning),” he said.

One of the things that he said took off the pressure off was that they both qualified for the gold medal finals and no matter what they both were going home with medals around their necks.

“The way the new rules are set up if you can get in the gold medal match, you are guaranteed a medal, and if you’re shooting against your team mate that’s awesome (because you know you’re both walking away with hardware),” Holguin said.

The shooters have a full schedule of World Cups and their goal is to have a medalist on the stage at every one of them, preferably gold, Richmond said.

“That will never change no matter what level of competition,” he added.

As they try to win gold throughout the rest of the season, they are beginning to focus on the road to the 2016 Olympics.

“We have our eyes on the World Championship in Spain. It’s the first time you can earn a quota spot for the Olympics,” Richmond said. “We’re going to be training hard, gearing up toward that.”

USAMU is part of the U.S. Army Accessions Brigade, Army Marketing and Research Group and is tasked with enhancing the Army’s recruiting effort, raising the standard of Army marksmanship and furthering small arms research and development to enhance the Army’s overall combat readiness

107th members 'Walk a Mile' in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

by Senior Airman Daniel Fravel
107th Airlift Wing

4/15/2014 - NIAGARA FALLS RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- Members of the 107th Airlift Wing here assembled April 13 at the fitness testing area here to "Walk a Mile" in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The "Walk a Mile" Awareness event was organized by the 107th Sexual Assault Prevention office to highlight the Wing's commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault.

"When we all get involved we will move the Air Force closer to a culture free of sexual assault," said Col. John Higgins, 107th AW commander. "Sexual Assault Awareness Month is our way to extend this message."

Participants enjoyed a rare warm, sunny April afternoon as they awaited the official start of the walk.

"It's symbolic," said Col. Robert Kilgore before signaling the beginning of the walk. "I think it's symbolic the fact that our family gathered together to say we're going to take a stand against this."

The Wing also hosted various topical film screenings, events and table displays throughout April to raise sexual assault awareness among unit members.

Youngstown Airmen help students prepare for adult life

by Maj. Brent J. Davis
910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/15/2014 - YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- For the fifth year, members of Youngstown Air Reserve Station deployed to the local community to help students prepare for adult life.

The Mahoning Valley chapter of Junior Achievement, the world's largest organization dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs, invited members of YARS to support their JA Career Success outreach program at Choffin Career and Technical Center April 11.

During the two-hour block of instruction, 910th Airmen gave eleventh graders the opportunity to practice what JA calls the four Cs of career success: creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration. These are skills that employers regularly look for but uncommonly find amongst job candidates, according to JA.

Air Force Reserve Master Sgt. Kelly Turner, wing career advisor with the 910th Airlift Wing, was a first-time volunteer supporting the program.

"I'm really glad I was able to work with the cosmetology students. The students were really receptive and they told us stories of real situations that they've been in which really added to the learning," she said.

Each volunteer received a kit of materials from JA. The kits included handouts, lesson guides, materials for projects and visual aids. During the program, which was broken into several sessions following specific themes, volunteers were instructed to share experiences from their own careers with the military. The volunteers' military experiences helped demonstrate the real-world applicability of the course material.

Air Force Reserve Senior Airman Marwan Alie, a vehicle maintenance specialist with the 910th Logistics Readiness Squadron, was placed in Jody Taylor's Biotech classroom.

"This was a great experience especially working with students preparing to graduate and trying to find the right direction," Alie said.

"When the Airmen came in and led the activities for the kids, it went better than what I thought it would," said Taylor. "The kids were very involved and very attentive during the two-hour program."

Nicole Fond is Junior Achievement Mahoning Valley's program manager.

"Thanks to the support of the Air Force Reserve and Marines, we were able to inspire and prepare over 85 students for their futures," said Fond.

MAFB firefighter named Air Force Firefighter of the Year

by Airman 1st Class Joshua Smoot
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

4/11/2014 - MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Staff Sgt. Michael Mullis, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection crew chief, was recently named the Air Force Firefighter of the Year.

"To be named the Air Force Firefighter of the Year is a complete honor," Mullis said. "It's an opportunity that we all as firefighters work toward. To me, it gives the feeling that all the hard work I have put into my Air Force and firefighting career has been well worth it.

"When I heard they were submitting my name to Air Force Global Strike Command, I was excited, but knew there were many firefighters out there just as deserving as myself," he continued. "After I was named AFGSC Firefighter of the Year, I was then told I was nominated for Air Force Firefighter of the Year. I could only hope that things would work out for the best - and they did. It also gave me a feeling of appreciation knowing that your leadership and peers have all noticed the efforts that you as an individual, and as a team member, have put forth to be where you are today."

Becoming a firefighter was a lifetime goal for Mullis.

"Growing up, I found myself in many situations where friends and family members were hurt or taken due to unfortunate events," Mullis said. "I know how this feels first hand and wish that no one ever has to experience the horror of that fate. I became a firefighter to try and help people experiencing these unfortunate events and because I believe life is something that many of us take for granted until we are faced with a situation in which we realize how fast it can be taken from us. I want to create the best outcome possible following these types of situations. There is no better feeling than saving a life, salvaging someone's irreplaceable belongings or rescuing someone from a catastrophic event."

The Ravenna, Ohio, native has accomplished a lot so far in his five-year career. He has been coined by the 341st Missile Wing commander and the 341st CES commander. He was named fire department NCO of the third quarter. He was named Malmstrom's 2013 Military Firefighter of the Year. And to top it all off, he completed his requirements for a Community College of the Air Force degree in Fire Science, earning 64 credit hours while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

In most cases, one may not expect to win Air Force-level awards by doing nothing or being average. Mullis has performed countless brave acts in his career.

One of the proudest moments in his firefighting career happened in December 2011. Mullis, and other members of the Malmstrom fire department, dispatched to respond to a report of an unresponsive individual, who did not have a pulse and was not breathing. When they arrived on scene, his crew and other firefighters and paramedics immediately initiated CPR and set up the Automated External Defibrillator. After multiple rounds of continuous CPR, shocks from the AED and assisting with advanced life support procedures, the patient had sustained a pulse and was able to maintain breathing. The patient was immediately transported to the emergency room and eventually made a full recovery.

As most people know, being a firefighter may not be an easy task.

"I became a firefighter knowing the inherent risks that come with the job," Mullis said. "We put our lives at risk to save others. With that said, we always keep safety in mind along with everything else. The materials we use now to build and furnish our homes are highly flammable, quickly burn at high temperatures, and the structural members are not as strong when exposed to high heat conditions. Knowing the dangers like these that firefighters may face each and every day encourages us to train, so we can try to prevent future mishaps.

"Being aware of our surroundings and performing continuous scene size-ups is a skill we teach to all of our firefighters," he continued. "Something I may not see, someone else may notice. We learn from our past experiences and the mistakes that we have made. We know things can go wrong, but we are trained in trying to minimize the risks to ourselves and others if possible."

Mullis doesn't accept this award without credit to many of his peers.

"When considering this award, my career path and the progress I have made throughout the years, it is definitely not something I can take credit for alone," Mullis said. "Each person I have encountered throughout my career has played a vital role in my success as an Air Force firefighter. Whether it is individuals within the fire department, military personnel or our civilian counterparts, each person offers something different. Whether it is a learning opportunity or a skill, I learn something new each and every day."

AFMC, Wright-Patt Global Hawk program receive 2013 logistics awards

by Kim Bowden
Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs

4/4/2014 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Two Air Staff-level logistics awards went to Air Force Materiel Command for 2013.

For the second year in a row, the Dr. James G. Roche Sustainment Excellence Award -- presented to the AFMC Aircraft Program Management Office demonstrating the most improved performance in fleet sustainment -- was awarded to the Global Hawk Division of AFMC's Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The division displayed improvement in four of five measured metric areas, including the most significant improvement in aircraft availability and mission capable rates.

The Roche Award is named for Dr. James G. Roche, the 20th Secretary of the Air Force. He served in the Air Force's top position from 2001 to 2005.

AFMC was also the recipient of the General Wilbur L. Creech Maintenance Excellence Award. The award is presented to the major command demonstrating the most improved performance in aircraft maintenance and logistics readiness. Although the competition was close, the command clinched the award as a result of the drastic improvement in its cannibalization rate.

The Creech Award is named for Gen. Wilbur "Bill" L. Creech, who was among the most influential generals in Air Force history. He commanded at the wing and major command levels and was the commander of Tactical Air Command. During his career, he flew 103 combat missions during the Korean War, 177 combat missions during Vietnam and 125 flights with the U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds. In total, Creech flew 40 different military fighter, cargo and reconnaissance aircraft. He died in 2003.

Fire Aboard Hue City; No Injuries

From U.S. Fleet Forces Command

NORFOLK (NNS) -- A fire broke out aboard USS Hue City (CG 66) late Monday, April 14 as the ship was transiting the Atlantic.

There were no injuries as a result of the fire, and the ship continues to operate under her own power. The extent of the damage is being assessed, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Hue City departed Mayport, Fla. Friday, April 11, for deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

773rd Airlift Squadron deactivated at Youngstown

by Technical Sgt. Jim Brock
910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/14/2014 - YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- The Air Force Reserve's 910th Airlift Wing held a deactivation ceremony for the 773rd Airlift Squadron here April 6.

The 773rd AS, activated in 1995, was officially deactivated March 31, 2014 by Special Order GB-0005, issued by the Secretary of the Air Force. The deactivation resulted from Air Force structure changes, which reduced the 910th's C-130 aircraft fleet to eight primary and one back-up aircraft.

During Sunday's ceremony, in accordance with Air Force tradition, the unit's flag, or guidon, was rolled up and cased. Congressman Tim Ryan of Ohio's 13th district and representatives from the offices of Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman also attended.

"This squadron has been, since World War II, in the middle of making our military the strongest and best in the world," said Ryan. "(And) just because this squadron (the 773rd) will be inactive, doesn't mean that we are not going to try to increase the mission capability and readiness right here in Youngstown, Ohio."

Nicknamed "The Quiet Professionals", members of the 773rd have deployed worldwide supporting contingency and humanitarian operations. Since 2001, members of the squadron have mobilized numerous times in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The Citizen Airmen operated out of bases in Southwest Asia including isolated airfields in Iraq and Afghanistan to provide airlift and airdrop capability of equipment and personnel.

The unit commander reflected on the Citizen Airmen and the 773rd.

"From its beginning, our squadron helped make our nation stronger," said Lt. Col. John A. Boccieri, 773rd commander. "The dedication, commitment and sacrifice that made our success possible is owed to some of the finest Airmen in the country, who serve our nation only because they were asked."

Col. William Phillips, 910th Operations Group commander, related this transition to his own experience with the closing of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, Pa.

"My base was closed, and for the people in this squadron, it's kind of the same feeling, but at least they're not leaving the base," said Phillips. "The biggest part of my job is the people. We're going to retain all the operations group people. They will be moving to the 757th (Airlift Squadron), doing the same job(s), just wearing a different patch."

Face of Defense: Despite Jitters, Singer Joins Soldier Show

By Army Sgt. Christopher Calvert

1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, April 15, 2014 – With shaky legs and sweaty palms, Army Spc. Aurielle Polynice walked on stage, hoping to make the cut for the 2014 U.S. Army Soldier Show.

It was audition time, and it was her turn to shine.

“I started freaking out; I always freak out at first,” she said. “Then I go out on stage, and I let it all go.”

Polynice, an unmanned aircraft systems operator with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, sang her way into becoming the only Fort Hood soldier in the U.S. Army Installation Management Command’s 2014 “Stand Strong” Soldier Show during a live audition here Feb. 15.

Now, Polynice and her 21 fellow cast members are preparing for their first live show, set for April 18 here, with 60 more performances scheduled at 37 garrisons across the United States.

Polynice said her journey began three years ago, when she witnessed the 75-minute Broadway-style production for the first time.

“When I saw it in 2011, I thought it was really, really cool,” she said. “I wanted to see if I could make the cut. I wanted to represent my unit to the rest of the Army.” Earning the chance to audition live, however, took years of patience.

“I did a prerecorded video audition for 2011’s show, but was unable to put in my packet because of an upcoming deployment,” added Polynice, who hails from Lawrenceville, Ga. “I wasn't going to let that stop me from trying again in the future.”

She deployed to Afghanistan for a year in 2012 and returned with her sights still firmly set on becoming a member of the Soldier Show.

Soon after redeployment, Polynice sang Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” during 2012’s Operation Rising Star, a vocal competition that showcases the talent of soldiers and their family members, and made it to the top 10 before being voted off.

This only fueled her fire to becoming a better, more confident vocalist, she said.

“At the time, I was pretty excited just to make it to the top 10,” she said. “But soon after, I was already planning on trying out for the next one. I wanted to get better. I wanted to win.”

Now part of the Soldier Show, Polynice and fellow cast members have bonded during the weeks of preparation, she said.

“I’m excited to be on the road with the friends I've made here,” she said. “After only a week, we've become a family. The 12- to 15-hour days we spend practicing our vocals and choreography have helped us all grow strong together as performers and soldiers.”

Sgt. Quentin Dorn, Army Entertainment’s production and stage manager, has closely watched the team come together during the past few weeks. He has witnessed growth, he said, that has shown the team’s ability to potentially put on the best production to date.

“There’s something special about this group,” said Dorn, an Albuquerque, N.M., native. “They've bonded extremely well together from the beginning and have fallen easily into their roles. It’s amazing how well they work together to shine as one.”

While mentoring and observing cast members, Dorn said, he has had a first-hand look at Polynice’s improvements in both singing ability and confidence since her arrival at the installation.

“Specialist Polynice is doing great,” he said. “She was a little shy when she first auditioned, but we've got her used to singing on stage. She now has the confidence needed to really shine.”

With the first live show around the corner, Polynice said, she is looking forward to showcasing her skills, one note and dance move at a time.

“It’s been a blast so far,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot and am still learning every day. I look forward to performing for my fellow soldiers, and I’m especially proud to represent my unit.”