Official Urges Troops, Vets to Tap VA Services, Benefits

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2013 – Former Army Maj. Tommy Sowers understands firsthand that the last thing many service members preparing to transition out of the military want to do is attend more briefings or fill out more forms than they already do.

But Sowers, now an assistant secretary for the Department of Veterans Affairs, urges those headed for the door to take advantage of what VA has to offer. And he’s calling on junior officers and noncommissioned officers -- and veterans already benefitting from VA programs and services -- to encourage them to do so.
Sowers acknowledged during an interview with American Forces Press Service that he knew little about VA during his 11 years of military service. His first exposure to VA, he said, came when a fellow officer encouraged him to apply for a VA home loan.

He went on to realize more VA benefits. A former Special Forces officer with back injuries, he qualified for VA health care and disability compensation. He also received educational benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, earning his doctoral degree at the prestigious London School of Economics.
“My time in the service made me strong, and the VA has made me stronger,” Sowers said of his military and post-military experiences. His concern, he said, is that many service members and veterans don’t realize VA can do the same for them.

For a 25-year-old enlisted service member preparing to leave the military, the draw is likely to be educational benefits, he said. More senior members probably are most interested in health care. Retirees may have started thinking about being buried with honor at a VA cemetery.

“At each of these moments, VA is there to help make those veterans stronger,” Sowers said. “But we have to increase the awareness of it.”

Sowers called the close and strengthening VA-Defense Department partnership an important step.

The Transition Assistance Program, for example, now includes mandatory briefings on VA benefits and services. This helps to create a smooth transition, Sowers said, ensuring those leaving the military recognize what’s available to help them successfully move into the next phase in their lives and careers.

VA has made broad strides in increasing awareness of its programs and services and making them accessible for more veterans, Sowers said. Fifty-six percent of the 1.5 million veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan have used VA health care, compared to 35 percent of the veteran population, he reported. In addition, almost 1 million veterans are taking advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

“One thing we are finding is that people like our product,” Sowers said.

VA is counting on these veterans to share what they’ve discovered, he said.

“Those 800,000 additional [Iraq and Afghanistan] veterans using VA health care, the 900,000 using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the hundreds of thousands being compensated and treated for mental injuries, those folks who are benefitting have an obligation to tell other veterans about it,” he said. “That is how we are going to expand our access.”

Langley F-22s, Airmen integrate with Kadena operations

by Staff Sgt. Rachelle Coleman
18th Wing Public Affairs

4/19/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Kadena offers everything from aircraft hangars to radios, ensuring the 94th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Langley Air Force Base, Va., is fully able to integrate its F-22 Raptor squadron into daily operations here.

The fifth-generation aircraft's deployment to Kadena, which began earlier this year, not only signifies a continued commitment to regional stability and security, but also provides opportunities for both Kadena and Langley Airmen to learn about each other's aircraft in order to integrate operations enhancing Kadena's strategic position as the "Keytone of the Pacific."

Being familiar with other aircraft, its needs and limitations, as well as its capabilities is crucial to ensuring the mission is accomplished, no matter the location.

According to Lt. Col. Jason Hinds, 94th EFS commander, having the Raptors in the region is just one more step toward the U.S.'s strategic shift to the Asia-Pacific theater.

"It's important for the F-22 to deploy to Kadena for a few reasons," Hinds said. "The first is to give the pilots, the maintainers, and our entire team from Langley AFB the familiarity with the location and the airspace we would be flying in any kind of future contingency operations.

"The second part ... is our airplane is unique in the capabilities it brings to combatant commanders. The speed, the stealth, the supercruise, the maneuverability and the integrated avionics that the F-22s provide, give a unique capability ... especially in a highly contested environment," the colonel added.

"This integrated team puts air superiority on "steroids," and it's somewhat of a Yin-Yang relationship where Eagles make Raptors invisible, and Raptors make Eagles invincible," said Brig Gen Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander.

The deployment and integration into Kadena operations also provides maintenance Airmen the opportunity to become familiar with the fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

"We try to integrate our Airmen into their operations as much as we can ... to get them to understand what kind of challenges the F-22 brings with it," said Maj. Chris Smith, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance operations officer. "While it's cutting edge technology, that technology also changes the way we do business."

Differences could be as simple as changing a tire or a difference in terminology, so whether during a training day, down day or an Airman just being curious, leadership on both sides have taken every step to give their Airmen chances to work with the other aircraft since the 94th EFS's arrival on-island.

Senior Airman Jeffrey Hartman, 1st Maintenance Squadron non-destructive inspection specialist deployed to support the 94th EFS, had little experience with the F-15s until this deployment.

"Getting to work on the F-15 (Eagle) is exciting because it's something new, something different," said Hartman. "A lot of the inspections are different and it helps us to challenge our minds and work on different things.

"Most NDI people are not aircraft specific, but once you work on one kind of airframe you typically stay with that type of aircraft - fighters stay with fighters, heavies stay with heavies," he said.

While deployed to Kadena, NDI Airmen join their counterparts in the Kadena NDI shop. They work together every day, every shift, to make sure operations are as cohesive as possible.

"When we forward deploy anywhere, the likelihood today is that our F-22 guys and our F-15 guys, maintenance and operations, are going to be operating together," said Smith. "If they don't know how to do that in practice, then it's going to be that much more difficult when the chaos and fog of war comes down."

Cooperation from personnel in every aspect -- mission planning, mission execution, aircraft maintenance and daily operations, is vital to making sure the 94th EFS is always ready to accomplish the mission.

"Without the 18th Wing, we wouldn't be able to execute our mission on a day-to-day basis," said Hinds.

Forward basing of assets gives the U.S. Pacific Command the ability to respond rapidly to any contingency, anywhere in the theater in minimal time, and also underscores the U.S. commitment to ensuring stability and security in the Pacific region.

Firefighters 'smoke' rare training exercise

by Staff Sgt. Emerson Nuñez
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/19/2013 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  -- In the event of an aircraft crash, jet fuel is a major concern for the safety of the passengers onboard. In order to ensure readiness in extinguishing fuel fires, Airmen in the Republic of Korea were given an opportunity to participate in specialized training.

The 51st Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters honed their skills in a peninsula wide live aircraft fuel-fire exercise at Camp Humphreys. The training included burning unusable JP-8 fuel to simulate a jet aircraft crash. Firefighters trained on controlling and extinguishing fuel fires in order to keep potential passengers safe.

"This type of training is paramount," said Tech. Sgt. John McLean, center, 51st Civil Engineer Squadron fire and emergency services flight B-shift station captain. "This is the closest we can get to actually crashing a jet. This is a rare opportunity that provides us with a lot of good training for my younger Airmen that haven't burned with JP-8 before."

The fuel burned in this exercise would typically be disposed of, but was given to the Camp Humphreys fire training section for this unique opportunity. JP-8 is a kerosene-based fuel is a safer and less flammable version of JP-4, the tpe of fuel used by the AF before 1996. It is a safer, less flammable version of JP-4. Exercises like these are usually held at Tyndall Air Force Base Fla. Using propane, which doesn't replicate a real fuel fire as well.

Handling a fuel fire is different from extinguishing a regular fire so different techniques must be used for it. Due to the high cost of foam, firefighters had to use water during the specialized training.

"However we would use a foam concentrate in our crash trucks to fight a fuel fire because water is a polar whereas JP-8 is an anti-polar," McLean said. "They don't mix, so the fuel will float on top of water. Water will spread the fire before extinguishing it. We use the foam which forms a blanket over the fuel to smother the fuel and remove the oxygen."

Due to the unique opportunity of this training, units from around the country were invited to participate.

"This particular exercise is pretty exciting; we have units from all over the peninsula," said Dathan Black, Camp Humphreys training assistant fire chief. "We have Osan, Camp Red Cloud, Camp Casey, Republic of Korea Air Force, Chinhae Naval Base, and usually U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan firefighters. So we have had a pretty good mix from all over the peninsula come in."

Safety is paramount in any live-fire exercise. Safety is a bigger concern when using jet fuel because of its different properties and burning capabilities.

"We've got a lot of safety measurements in place," Black said. "Safety officers are appointed for each evaluation and exercise. We do this training so often that we are pretty good at ensuring safety. We take a lot of precautions and do this as safe as we can so we can continue to do it."

Aircraft structural maintenance shop keeps 3rd Wing in the fight

by Airman Ty-Rico Lea
JBER Public Affairs

4/18/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARSON, Alaska -- With the Air Force's current sequestration and budget cuts, everyone has their role to play to save the Air Force money. One organization doing their part to limit Air Force operational costs while still maintaining the highest possible quality standards is the 3rd Maintenance Squadron's Aircraft Structural Maintenance Shop.

Aircraft structural maintenance personnel are tasked with restoring the structural integrity of aircraft. This duty requires the use of materials such as titanium, aluminum, steel, carbon-fiber or any other materiel that provides aircraft with refurbished environmental or structural protection.

"Our job is important, because it repairs the structural grade of the aircraft and keeps the aircraft in the air," said Senior Airman Jeremy Robinson, an aircraft structural maintenance journeyman with the 3rd MXS. "Our job could vary from removing screws to rebuilding doors."

Robinson's job starts by first assessing damage on an aircraft to determine what type of repair is needed; he then transports the aircraft to a hanger where the repair crews work night and day to return the plane to the skies above JBER and throughout the world.
According to Robinson, this line of work is considered by most a way of "going green" when it comes to manufacturing materials for aircraft, since the shop puts an emphasis on using recycled metals. Not only does this process save the Air Force a considerable amount of money, but it also encourages other shops to do the same when it comes to utilizing resources.

"Our technicians here are trained to fix aircraft at the field level so as not to cost the Air Force too much money to have the material sent to another base," said Janny Dunlavey, a 3rd MXS aircraft structural maintenance craftsman civilian. "We're lucky enough to have the people we do here to share their knowledge and ideas on better ways to tackle refurbishing jobs."

Personnel also repaint the aircraft's exterior as to avoid further damage being done to exposed sheet metal. Rather than contracting with a private organization, members simply gather the necessary materials and handle the job themselves.

"When people think of sheet metal, they normally think of nut-plates, rivets and any other material associated with an aircraft's outer hull," Dunlavey said. "We as aircraft structural maintenance personnel are charged with the tasks of restoring the body of an aircraft to its original state."

Due to the unpredictability of damage to an aircraft, the sheet metal repair shop Airmen must constantly adapt to repair challenges, said Steven Johns, 3rd MXS aircraft structural maintenance foreman. They pride themselves in being able to manufacture a repair from scratch if it's within their capabilities and limitations.

"In our job, we use technical orders, which tell us what we can repair and what we can't based off of damage limitations and structural criteria," Johns said.

"When we have damage that is beyond repair limitations and parts are unavailable or not cost productive, we do a request for engineering disposition instructions," Johns said. "Basically, we will develop a repair or locally manufacture the part based off of our capabilities and experience and expertise in the field."

The REDI process asks the aircraft manufacturer for authorization to make or repair the part. Around 35 application requests are pushed forward each year and saves the Air Force a great sum of money in replacement costs.

Some pieces that cannot be created or repaired using REDI are transported to Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Ga. Robins is the Air Force-owned major repair center and is just one of the major repair facilities that specializing in replacing heavily damaged aircraft material.

Due to the high-mission tempo rate at JBER, the pressure is always on the aircraft structural maintenance shop Airmen to get the repairs done as soon as possible, but it's a challenge they welcome.

"The highlight of my job is knowing the 3rd Wing's mission is a success when I see those aircraft take off up into the air," Robinson said. "At the end of the day, we put those planes back in the sky and we saved the Air Force money in the process."

Teams square off in AFAF Sports Day competition

by Senior Airman Maeson L. Elleman
18th Wing Public Affairs

4/19/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Fifty people amassing 12 teams gathered at the Risner Fitness Center here April 12 with one common process on their minds: compete, control ... and contribute.

Teams from all around the base shelled out cash as donations to the Air Force Assistance Fund for their chance to dominate the courts in each of the tournament's separate competitions.

Though the contest sported three events - dodgeball, volleyball and basketball - only two teams claimed separate champion titles. The 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron prevailed in volleyball while airmen from the 18th Wing Public Affairs office triumphed over two of their own matches.

"When we first started to play, I felt like we'd be amazing in the competition," said Airman 1st Class Keith James, 18th Wing Public Affairs photojournalist and dodgeball participant. "We have good teamwork, we know each other, and we have that flow. I felt like we wouldn't be beaten."

It was a premonition that came through as PA ducked, dove and dunked their way to victory over both the basketball and dodgeball tournaments.

"We could've caught the ball much better than we did, but in the end everything worked out well," James said about the dodgeball tournament. "We worked as a team and communicated well. There was no weak link. We rotated and made sure everybody played a key role at one point or another. If this challenge ever presents itself again, we'll be ready."

While the units were pitted against one another in a friendly battle, it was that mentality of taking care of one another that led donations to soar quickly for the AFAF, making the competition a success.

"Our squadron alone has raised about $500 towards AFAF," said Staff Sgt. Tiffany Kendrick, 18th Force Support Squadron assistant NCO in charge of employments who volunteered as an AFAF representative and Sports Day coordinator this year. "The AFAF is important because its main focus is helping Airmen when they are in the military or when they (are, or have) retired. It's reassuring to know that we have programs that will help us when emergencies occur or even programs that will take care of our dependents if there was something to happen to us."

Whether or not Kadena hosts another sports event like this one next year, Staff Sgt. Jessica Calkins, 18th Comptroller Squadron financial analyst and fellow AFAF volunteer, said it's important for Airmen help with the cause.

"You never know when you will need help," she said. "The AFAF helps Airmen, and that's important to the overall morale and strength of the Air Force. It's better to help those that need help now so they will be there for you when you need help."

The AFAF is scheduled to continue accepting donations until May 3. Kadena Airmen have raised more than $79,000 so far, but the wing hopes to raise at least $118,500.

For more information on how to donate to the Air Force Aid Foundation, contact your unit AFAF representative.

Airman found guilty of multiple offenses

from 35th Fighter Wing Judge Advocate Office

4/21/2013 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Senior Airman Justin J. Lyle, 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron, was found guilty at a special court-martial held at Misawa Air Base, Japan April 4, 2013.

He was charged with departing from his place of duty at a unit urinalysis sweep without authorization, violating the Pacific Air Forces Commander general order on intoxicating substances by using spice, violating the U.S. Forces Japan commander's general order on the curfew in Japan by violating curfew restriction, making a false official statement to a fellow Airman to conceal his crimes and driving under the influence of alcohol.

A Military Judge accepted Lyle's pleas of guilty for all specifications and sentenced him to a bad conduct discharge, four months eight days confinement, forfeiture of $750.00 pay per month for five months, and a reduction to E-1. His confinement will be spent in a military confinement facility in Japan.

The Misawa Office of Special Investigations and the 35th Security Forces Squadron began investigating Lyle in late October 2012. While under investigation, Lyle fled from the site of his unit urinalysis. Once apprehended, Lyle confessed to using spice multiple times.

On November 30, 2012, Lyle received two separate briefings from his squadron leadership about the updated USFJ curfew policies and how service member misconduct impacts our strategic relationship with Japan. That night, he went to Hachinohe, Japan with another Airman at approximately 7:15 p.m. They arrived at the Manon theater in Hachinohe and began to drink prior to the show. They continued to drink during the show and afterwards drove to a bar. They stayed out well past the 11 p.m. curfew and decided to drive back to Lyle's off-base residence at approximately 2:30 a.m. Lyle was severely intoxicated when he attempted to drive home. He lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a Japanese building, injuring himself and his passenger. The car caught fire and the fire spread to the building. Lyle and his passenger left the scene of the accident and while walking in the neighborhood, were apprehended by the Japanese National Police.

The JNP turned Lyle and his passenger over to 35 SFS patrolmen who took them to the Misawa Urgent Care Center. There the passenger was treated for several broken bones. While at the UCC, Lyle was found to still be intoxicated nine hours after the incident and spice was found in his system.

This was the second court-martial held in the period of March 26 through April 3, 2013.

Critical Infrastructure Protections Include Employee Information

By Claudette Roulo
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2013 – President Barack Obama’s February executive order requiring federal agencies to improve cybersecurity protections for critical infrastructure means the Defense Department will be sharing more information with the defense industrial base, Michael E. Reheuser, the director of DOD’s Privacy and Civil Liberties Office, said April 19.

“The cyber threat to critical infrastructure continues to grow and represents one of the most serious national security challenges we must confront,” the president wrote in his order. “The national and economic security of the United States depends on the reliable functioning of the nation's critical infrastructure in the face of such threats.”

The information sharing is intended to safeguard vital defense information shared with or held by the defense industrial base, Reheuser said in an interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel.

“The way we do that is provide them information that they can use ... to prevent persistent attacks that have been levied on almost every business in the United States,” he said.

In the past, that information wasn’t always freely shared, Reheuser said. “So, the president's executive order is encouraging DOD and other agencies to share that information with the companies so that they can better protect their information,” he explained, “so the nation as a whole won't be subject to as many attacks and the scope of the attacks won't be as significant.”

According to the executive order, critical infrastructure includes systems and assets so vital to the United States that their failure or destruction would have a debilitating impact on security, national economic security, national public health or safety.

The Defense Privacy and Civil Liberties Office is responsible for making sure that these information-sharing programs take into account the privacy and civil liberties of DOD employees and defense contractors, Reheuser said.

“So, for example, we want to make sure that we're not having any government monitoring of emails of personnel that don't work for the Department of Defense,” he explained. Not only do DOD employees sign user agreements when they receive an email account, Reheuser noted, but each time they sign on, a banner explains their rights as a user of a defense information system.

"We [DOD employees] understand that our emails and other information on the computer -- because it's a government system -- can be monitored, and that monitoring consists of ensuring, for example, that classified information does not leave the network," Reheuser said.

While those rules apply to DOD employees, he said, the government does not monitor the systems of defense contractors.

“And under no program is that going on,” he added.

The DPCLO will assess the DOD’s information-sharing programs to ensure that privacy and civil liberties protections exist and are fair, Reheuser said. That assessment will be delivered to the president next year as part of a joint report with the Department of Homeland Security, he added.

Hosted Payloads Support Government and Commercial Partnerships

by Maj. Christina Hoggatt
Air Force Space Command Public Affairs

4/22/2013 - COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.  -- Major General Martin Whelan, Air Force Space Command director of requirements, recently participated in the Hosted Payloads-Issues and Evolution Panel during the 29th National Space Symposium April 11 here at the Broadmoor hotel.

The panel, hosted by Janet Nickloy, Hosted Payload Alliance chairman, had three additional participants, including Charles L. Beames, principle director of Space and Intelligence Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; Steven M. Kaufman, partner at Hogan Lovells; and Douglas L. Loverro, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy Office of the Under Secretary of Defense.

To kick off the discussion, Beames spoke on the near-, mid- and long-term benefits of hosted payloads, stating the near-term benefit is resiliency.

"Another role I can see is to get towards doing technology demonstrations and competitive prototyping activity using hosted payload as a way to do that in a less expensive way and as a guide toward future architectures, which again will have even more resiliency," Beames said.

Maj. Gen. Whelan agreed with Beames about the importance of resiliency and spoke on military missions that are well suited for hosted payloads, specifically weather.

"Whether it's space weather or space-based weather of the Earth -- these are two real, near-term areas we are looking at," the general said. "We are currently doing an Analysis of Alternatives of space-based weather, and really in the play are not only micro satellites of free flyers, but also hosted payloads. That is a near-term opportunity that we are really looking forward to working."

During the discussion, Kaufman provided several examples of government and industry working together to ensure hosted payload success. Nickloy pointed out how hosted payloads are a definite change in government practice and that issues of culture will need to be addressed for hosted payloads to see more success.

Concurring with this assessment, Maj. Gen. Whelan said the issues are not an electrical engineering problem, but a social engineering problem in getting people to think differently.
"I do not see a large group of people who are vehemently protesting hosted payloads, but there has to be a change so we start to think a little more broadly on hosted payloads," Maj. Gen. Whelan said. "The other thing is tied to control. The control from the programmatic standpoint is from program managers -- from the time we raise them, we teach them not to rely on anyone else, 'the success of your program is on you and you have to succeed.' So, we have to get people to realize they are part of a bigger success, which is part of the change in culture we have to work on."

The general also spoke on the difference in government and commercial timelines, which is another big part of the needed culture changes.

Following Maj. Gen. Whelan, Kaufman highlighted that the cultural issues associated with hosted payloads are not unique to the military as there are issues in industry to include control and timing. Beames added that culture changes really begin with leadership.

"General Whelan is actually being pretty modest, because another aspect of the culture is how you change it, and that begins with the seed that you plant early on," Beames said. "I can tell you that the AOA he mentioned up front on weather, principally his team that is actually doing that analysis, they are looking at hosted payload on an equal footing with all the other alternatives and that is a huge step.

"So, from OSD's perspective, hats off to AFSPC for really showing true leadership in that area," he concluded.

All panelists agreed that though there is risk and change associated with hosted payloads, there are tremendous benefits and rewards for all players to include cost-savings, mission access and new opportunities.

There will be some people who think, "Something is not going to work, and that will be the reason we should not pursue hosted payloads," he said. "We have to get beyond that. Rather than focus on negative, there is also a lot of positive there."

NATO, Eucom Commander Outlines Challenges Ahead

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2013 – Winding down four years as commander of U.S. European Command and as supreme allied commander for NATO’s global operations, Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis called on NATO members to live up to their defense spending commitments and to continue working together to address challenges confronting the alliance.

The admiral outlined a long list of challenges Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove will take on when he succeeds Stavridis next month. The Senate confirmed Breedlove’s nomination last week, and change-of-command ceremonies are expected to take place in mid-May in Stuttgart, Germany, and the NATO headquarters in Mons, Belgium.

Stavridis will travel to Berlin later this month to deliver what he called “a bit of a valedictory address” to outline challenges facing the NATO alliance. “There are many,” he acknowledged in his blog posting today.
Cyber is at the top of the list, the admiral said, citing the mismatch between the potential threat and the alliance’s preparation for it. He noted tremendous skill and capability in the cyber realm across NATO’s 28 nations, but caveats and concerns about technology, intelligence and knowledge sharing that hamper their ability to work together effectively.

“We simply need to break down barriers to cooperation here, recognizing the sensitivity of the material involved,” Stavridis said. He pointed to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia, as “a good start,” and noted more exercises and planned events that promote cyber cooperation.

Stavridis outlined other challenges: proliferation, trafficking, piracy and fragile states such as Afghanistan, Mali and Syria. But some of the most difficult challenges facing the alliance are rooted in financial crunches impacting member nations’ defense budgets, he said.

Stavridis noted that NATO’s members account for more than half the world’s gross domestic product and collectively spend nearly $1 trillion on defense. This spending level dwarfs that of any possible opponent or combination of opponents, he said.

But citing declining European budgets and the fact that the United States represents nearly three-quarters of NATO’s defense spending, Stavridis called the current model “unbalanced and sustainable over time.”
He called on NATO nations to meet their own self-assigned goal of spending 2 percent of their GDPs on defense. The United States spends “well over 3 percent,” he noted, even with recent budget cuts.

“American taxpayers will begin to feel that the European allies and partners are ‘getting a free ride,’ as some already say in the U.S.,” Stavridis warned.

Stavridis recommended ways to “enhance efficiencies and add ‘bang for the buck” as nations on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean work through the financial crisis. He urged more pooling and sharing of resources under the “smart defense” initiative, improved cooperation and sharing of best practices among special operations forces, and more joint training and live exercises to increase interoperability within the NATO Response Force.

In advancing these efforts, Stavridis emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach that works across the political, economic, humanitarian, cultural and private sectors. To address the next pandemic, for example, all entities -- military and civilian, foreign and domestic, public and private, academia, and nongovernmental and multinational organizations -- must pool and share resources and capabilities, he said.
“To meet these many challenges, there is much to be done on this side of the Atlantic, and inevitably NATO will continue to be a useful platform for encouraging a re-emergence of European defense,” Stavridis said.
The admiral expressed confidence in Breedlove’s abilities to take the alliance forward.

“I have known General Breedlove for many years and can tell you that his impressive credentials, professionalism, and dynamic leadership make him an ideal choice,” he said of Breedlove’s confirmation. “I can think of no better officer to lead the men and women of Allied Command Operations and U.S. European Command over the coming years.”

Hagel: United States Committed to Israel’s Security

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT, April 21, 2013 – Israel is Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s first stop during his inaugural trip to the Middle East this week, a visit he said will let the people of Israel know the United States is committed to their security.

The 6-day trip will take Hagel to Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates to discuss common threats and interests in the region, and to finalize agreements that will boost a range of military capabilities for Israel, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

“I’m going to Israel first because it is a nation that has had a very special relationship with the United States,” Hagel said on his way to that nation during a briefing with reporters traveling with him.

“It is a nation today in a very dangerous, combustible region of the world, that in many ways finds itself isolated,” he said, adding, “The other countries I’ll be visiting are also allies of the United States, and the common threats that face [them and] Israel … should be seen in a regional context.”

Each nation has its own set of challenges, the secretary said, but overall the challenges are regional and include terrorism and the threat of nonstate actors who would bring down governments and impact societies.
“Those common threats certainly should build a set of common interests, with these countries working together,” Hagel said, “and that’s part of what I will be talking about as I visit each [nation].’

During a presidential trip in March to Israel and Jordan, Barack Obama delivered the same message, the secretary said, adding that during a visit to Turkey this weekend, Secretary of State John Kerry “will be talking about some of the same issues in a different kind of way, but essentially with the same focus of common interests.”

As he spoke with reporters, Hagel extended his thoughts and prayers to victims of the Boston Marathon bombing and acknowledging the tireless work of law enforcement agencies in capturing one of the men suspected in the act of terrorism.

“I say this because we are on our way to a very troubled region … but it reminds us that [no] region of the world is … safe from these terrible acts,” the secretary observed, adding, “If nothing else, it reminds us that all 7 billion of us are global citizens and many of us are confronted by the same kinds of threats and insecurities.”

Among the region’s most long-term threats is Iran, Hagel said.

“The Iranians must be prevented from developing the capacity to build a nuclear weapon and deliver it,” he added. “The United States’ policy has been very clear on this and everyone knows it.”

Iran is also a state sponsor of terrorism, the secretary said, “[and] that in itself is a threat not just to the region but to our interests in the region and around the world. When you further expand that threat to the possibility of acquiring nuclear weapons,” he added, the dimensions of the threat become pretty clear.

Hagel said he thinks Israel and the United States “see the threat of Iran exactly the same, as do many other countries,” not just those in the Middle East, although the United States seeks more time for diplomacy and sanctions to work to stop Iran from pursuing nuclear capabilities.

“If you stop just for a moment and look at the U.N. sanctions, the international sanctions on Iran, I don’t know of an international regime of sanctions that have been more effective and more unified and tougher than what’s being applied to Iran,” the secretary said.

The sanctions are hurting Iran significantly, he added, but if they don’t work, “… I’ve said, the president’s said, all the leaders of the last couple of administrations have said, that the military option is one option that must remain on the table … but the military option I think most of us feel should be the last option.”

In response to a question about whether Israel could decide to strike out alone against Iran’s nuclear aspirations, Hagel replied that Israel is a sovereign nation and every sovereign nation has the right to defend itself.

“It is clear that Iran presents a threat in its nuclear program,” the secretary said, “and Israel will make the decisions that Israel must make to protect itself and defend itself.”

Certainly Israel has every right and responsibility to make their assessments, Hagel added, “but we’re working very closely and will continue to work very closely with them.”

Dempsey Visits South Korea, China on Weeklong Asia Trip

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

Beijing, April 21, 2013 – Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in South Korea today for meetings with senior U.S. and South Korean commanders. Hours later the chairman was airborne again, heading for a weeklong series of engagements in China and Japan.

En route to Beijing, Dempsey spoke to reporters traveling with him about his meetings in Seoul with Army Gen. James D. Thurman, commander of U.S. forces in South Korea, and South Korean chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Jung Seung-jo.

Dempsey said the three discussed several issues important to the U.S.-South Korea alliance, but the current situation with North Korea was their central topic. North Korea conducted an illegal nuclear test in February, and since has issued a series of threats and provocations aimed chiefly at the United States.

“Seoul is rather normal,” the chairman said, noting soccer games, bike races, and other everyday activities were readily observable today. The South Korean military is, however, on a heightened state of readiness, he added.

In particular, the allies are focusing on intelligence gathering, the maritime domain, ballistic missile defense and counter-battery artillery fire, he said.

The chairman said the “newest insight” he gained from today’s discussion came from both Jung and Thurman, who noted the actions of Kim Jong Un, the young, hereditary leader of North Korea, bear marked differences from those of his father, Kim Jong Il, or his grandfather, Kim Il Sung.

While the youngest Kim is following suit with them by continuing the “military first” policy under which the nation’s scant resources go first to supporting the military and its weapons programs, Dempsey said one key difference is in the provocations most recently heard from Pyongyang.

“We’re not into a series of cyclic provocations,” as has been typical in the past, he said, but instead the allies now see a prolonged campaign of provocative words and actions.

According to numerous reports North Korea has cut military communications between the two nations, blocked access from the south to the joint North-South industrial area of Kaesong near the demilitarized zone, and threatened various “sea of fire” attacks while moving missiles into launch-ready positions.
“The question that we were discussing today primarily was, ‘How do we posture ourselves for a period of prolonged provocation? How do you sustain [that]?’”

Dempsey said the likeliest approach Thurman and Jung will take is to increase joint operations, bringing their forces into yet closer alignment to share the responsibilities of prolonged, heightened tension.

Dempsey said along with the demands of a sustained, high-readiness force posture, the meetings also touched on the transition to the South Korean military’s operational control of wartime alliance activities on the peninsula, set to take place in December of 2015. South Koreans currently lead normal, peacetime military operations, but the U.S. commander would assume control in a wartime setting.

Dempsey said he’s received a lot of military advice over the last few months, most of it boiling down to “avoid war.”

“From a military perspective, the best way to avoid war is to prepare for it,” he said. While the alliance is not seeking to provoke the North, he said, U.S. forces will keep up the “fairly steady pattern” of training exercises, port calls and other activities on the peninsula and in the region.

“We have a sustained presence here that I think is assuring to our allies,” he added.

Later today the chairman arrived in Beijing, where he will spend a few days in high-level meetings before moving on to Tokyo.

Hard work pays off for 2012 AETC Command Post NCO of the Year

by Dan Hawkins
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

4/18/2013 - SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A Sheppard NCO got a big surprise during the 82nd Training Wing commander's call April 8 when he was brought on stage by Brig. Gen. Michael Fantini and notified of his selection as the 2012 Air Education and Training Command NCO of the Year in the command post career field.

Staff Sgt. Greg Askew, an 82nd TRW command post controller, was thrilled to hear the news that he was the command's top NCO in his career field.

"I put in a lot of work this past year and had some great opportunities to shine," Askew said. "You don't do the work to win awards, but it's nice to have your hard work recognized."

Askew, who became a command post controller in 2010 after cross-training over from security forces, shined on perhaps one of the biggest stages possible in 2012: AETC's Compliance Inspection in May.

"I had taken over the training program and we had 19 deficiencies that needed to be cleared up before the (inspection)," Askew said. "We burned some midnight oil doing what we needed to do to clear up the issues."

The NCO's hard work paid off as all 19 discrepancies were corrected prior to the CI team's arrival in early May and subsequently helped the command post to its overall "Excellent" rating. Askew was also named as a "Professional Performer" by the AETC Inspector General team.

"Due to our manning in the command post, we all had to work shifts as the controller, plus work on the administrative side making sure everything was ready," Askew said. "It was a total team effort."

Scoring a 94 percent on his 7-level Career Development Course (CDC) final exam didn't hurt his cause either.

While talking about the award, Askew was quick to point out the home front as his source of inspiration and support he needed to be successful. Askew is married to Staff Sgt. Janelle Askew of the 82nd Medical Operations Squadron.

"My wife really enabled me to win this award," Askew noted. "Without her help with our three daughters and my long hours, there is no way I could have accomplished everything."

Askew will be PCS'ing in May to Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., where he will be working in U.S. Strategic Command in a special-duty position.

"I'm looking forward to my next challenge," Askew said.

Reserve EOD Airman shows leadership, courage under fire

by Senior Airman Bobby Pilch
315th Airlift Wing

4/19/2013 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Bullets rained down on a joint group of U.S. Air Force Airmen and British Army forces fighting for their lives in an intense firefight along the bank of the Helmand River in southwestern Afghanistan, Sept. 21, 2012.

Tech Sgt. Jarrod V. Mills, of the 315th Airlift Wing's Civil Engineering Flight at Charleston, S.C., and members of the Paladin counterinsurgency task force working with a British Reconnaissance Force, were clearing a known insurgent stronghold where explosives were produced in the Upper Gereshk Valley. A location the team was quite familiar with.

"We had been in this area a month prior," said Mills. "We were pretty prepared that something could happen and knew they were making homemade explosives."

This deployment was one of several Mills had volunteered for. He said he is most comfortable in a deployed environment--A stark contrast from his full-time civilian job as an AT&T facility technician.

"I am happiest when I am deployed," said Mills, the non-commission officer in charge of the 315th AW's Intelligence and Explosive Ordinance Disposal training. "You know what your job is going to be each day. The missions may change somewhat, but overall you know what you have to do."

As the late morning sun lingered in the sky and the cloak of darkness no longer available for protection, Mills and the entire team were now exposed to peering eyes. They attempted to cross the river to a pre-secured, temporary check point. The all too familiar "clack, clack" of 7.62mm automatic assault rifles broke the eerie silence. The enemy began to fire on them from across the river bank.

Bullets ripped through the air and tap danced around their position as if playing a game of connect the dots, each one sounding too close for comfort. But Mills and his comrades were trained to handle this kind of stress and still get the job done.

During the heat of the tense engagement, a grenade thrown by the enemy injured two British soldiers. Without hesitation, Mills quickly organized his EOD team to provide protective cover from the insurgents so the injured could be treated and airlifted to safety via helicopter.

Leadership is something that comes naturally to Mills according to his supervisors at Joint Base Charleston. They trade accolades back and forth about someone they consider a fine specimen of an Airman and someone who never quits.

"I have to confess," said Master Sgt. Mark P. Johnson, 315th EOD program manager, "He's one less stripe than me and I often look to him. He is so universally admired and respected. He sets a standard and expects things out of people. Nobody works harder. He's tough to a point of insanity, unflappable under stress."

"When you go to work you know that person has your life and your back," said Master Sgt. Carl Makins, Jr., 315th EOD superintendent, describing the small two or three-man teams EOD members typically consist of in the field. "Jay is of that same mentality, he will not quit - period. You never worry about him quitting. That's not even in your mind when you go out to do something. If you get hurt, and you go down and wake up in a hospital...you know Jay pulled me out, because he was the only one there."

Because of Mills' actions and the actions of his team, the two BRFs were evacuated safely; the enemy defeated and no further ally casualties resulted. Some people may say that Mills could be labeled a hero. However, he does not view himself in this light. People like him rarely do.

"I acknowledge that what happened was an extreme circumstance," said Mills. "But it was a team effort."

The difficult discussion

Commentary by Todd Rose
Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations

4/19/2013 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) -- Death is a subject that all too often no one wants to talk about until there is no option. Usually we only discuss it when confronted with death due to the loss of a family member, friend or co-worker.

We are a unique group of people here. We face death each time we walk through the doors of the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs in order to fulfill this sacred mission. Yet, we are just as guilty of not talking about death with our own families.

During the last 19 years, I have seen too many families anguish or argue over decisions they have to make in remembering and honoring their loved one, because discussing death seems taboo prior to the actual event. Whether it is the type of casket, the best burial location or who to officiate the service, the list goes on and on. These decisions and the anxiety they can cause affects families in the military and in the private sector equally.

To ease this burden, the 2005 National Defense Authorization Act instituted the capability for military members to designate an individual on their virtual Record of Emergency Data, or Department of Defense Form 93, to serve as the person authorized to direct disposition of their remains if necessary. The authority afforded in this designation encompasses all decisions in the care of the deceased, such as what clothing will be worn; where or when the services will be held; what funeral home will hold the services; who will officiate; if the deceased will be cremated; where the burial or inurnment will be effected and if military funeral honors will be rendered.

Today, the person selected can be anyone the member wishes, regardless of their relationship. Because of the significance of this decision and the authority it conveys, great consideration should be taken to ensure you have ultimate faith and confidence in the person you've chosen. Moreover, it is imperative that you advise your family about your decision; preferably in writing.

I have seen many spouses shocked to learn that a parent, brother, sister or even friend was designated as the PADD for their husband or wife. Imagine how difficult it is for a service mortuary representative to have to advise a parent that their son or daughter designated the "other parent" as the PADD, and that they have no decision authority regarding the arrangements and final disposition of their son or daughter.

The missing link today may be the communication between you and your family members in expressing your wishes. Death is a subject that cannot be ignored; it affects all of us. However, we can minimize the impact to our families by getting our affairs in order.

My greatest suggestion to you, whether you wear the uniform or not: update your will or have one created that expresses your specific wishes. In addition to your will, sit down and write out your desires for your funeral services. Decide whether or not you wish to be cremated. Identify where you wish your casket to be buried or urn to be inurned. You can even specify details of what music to play at your memorial service, if you want a special food or drink to be served or have written letters to distribute to loved ones. These choices and more are yours -- unless you ignore them.

If you're currently serving in the military or are a veteran, express your wishes regarding military funeral honors and whether you wish to have your casket draped with a flag. These are things we see every day in this business, but have you spoken with your family to let them know what your wishes are should you die? If not, I encourage you to do so!

After you have accomplished these things, I encourage you to ask your family members about their wishes in the event of their death. I would also urge you to encourage your friends and co-workers to have the same discussions with their family members. I know this is a difficult discussion to have, but the benefit to your family in doing so, should you die unexpectedly, will be the gift of comfort and peace of mind in knowing your express wishes were carried out. This will also serve to mitigate any potential disputes among family members, who may have different opinions about what should be done with your remains and your estate.

However unique we may think we are in dealing with death, or impervious we are to it, you must ask yourself: "Have I prepared enough to minimize the impact of my death on those who mean the most to me?" If not, do so now without delay.

Airmen participate in Exercise Carpathian Spring

by Airman 1st Class Hailey Haux
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/19/2013 - BUCHAREST, Romania -- More than 30 Airmen left Ramstein April 14 to participate in Exercise Carpathian Spring in Romania.

The exercise runs through April 21 and is designed for aircrews to train as well as help build a partnership capacity with Romanians.

"In Germany we have a lot of restrictions, and waivers are needed to do ... training," said Capt. Bradley Buinicky, 86th Operations Support Squadron and chief of exercise operations. "In Romania we have a blanket over-flight privilege, which allows us to get a lot more training in."

While in Romania, executing efficient C-130J Super Hercules aircrew training was a priority.

"Aircrew will be conducting low-level flying and assault landings, while the 435th Contingency Response Group will operate drop zones and man foreign jumpers," said Buinicky. "For members of the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, it gives them good exposure for doing their job in a different location."

Being gone for an extended period requires several Airmen from the 86th AMXS to ensure the aircraft are properly maintained.

"It's a good opportunity for us to be able to do this," said Staff Sgt. Cole Fry, 86th AMXS guidance and control craftsman. "We'll get to interact with Romanians, see how they run things and maybe exchange a few tips here and there."

The observing Romanian military members will become familiarized with maintenance, drop-zone operations and pallet building, said Buinicky.

"As an ally it's important for our partners to have combat capability for their own sovereign defense," said Buinicky.

Senate confirms Fanning as next Air Force under secretary

4/19/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Eric Fanning will be the next Air Force under secretary, according to a Senate confirmation vote April 18.

Fanning provided testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee Feb. 28, before the full Senate voted on his confirmation. Now the president must appoint him before he can assume his new position.

"I have been immensely proud to serve these last four years with the men and women of the Navy and the Marine Corps. I very much look forward to becoming part of the Air Force family," he said during his confirmation hearing. "It would be my honor to play a role in making sure that the best men and women our country has to offer get all the support they need in undertaking the mission of defending our country, a mission for which they freely volunteer."

The Air Force has been without an under secretary since June 2012, when then-Under Secretary of the Air Force Erin Conaton was appointed to under secretary of defense for Personnel and Readiness. Dr. Jamie Morin was appointed to serve as the acting under secretary in July 2012.

President Obama nominated Fanning Aug. 1, 2012. At that time, he was serving as the deputy under secretary and deputy chief management officer for the Department of the Navy.

Pending the president's appointment, Fanning will be sworn into the position later this month.

C-17 crew chief wins big

by Airman 1st Class Jacob Jimenez
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/18/2013 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.  -- An Airman from the 62nd Maintenance Squadron here was recently named Air Mobility Command's Crew Chief of the Year.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Minoda, 62nd MXS crew chief, was named the command's top crew chief in an announcement made by AMC late last month. The announcement means he will now go on to compete for that title at the Air Force level.

Maj. Patrick Maddox, 62nd MXS commander, said Minoda is deserving of this recognition because he consistently demonstrates outstanding technical proficiency in his work.

"Sergeant Minoda's excellence was on display regardless of time or location," said Maddox. "It takes a truly remarkable individual to have success regardless of the situation he or she finds themselves in, but Minoda has epitomized this over the last year."

While assigned here, Minoda has completed more than 177 C-17 Globemaster III home station checks, deployed to New Zealand to generate mission support for the National Science Foundation in operations in Antarctica, and prepped aircraft for a weapons instructor course at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

Since enlisting in the Air Force in 2004, Minoda has been selected as the 58th Maintenance Group 2009 Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez Award winner, selected as a dedicated crew chief and is a recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Tech. Sgt. Adam Hargrove, 62nd MXS crew chief and Minoda's supervisor, said he believes that Minoda being named the AMC Crew Chief of the year is well deserved and that he is confident that Minoda will go on to win at the Air Force level.

"He exemplifies everything an Air Force staff sergeant should be," said Hargrove. "He has exceeded my expectations by miles and continues to raise the bar for other NCOs."

Minoda said that it is a great honor to know that the people he works with think he is deserving of such a title.

"There is no way I could have done without my team," said Minoda. "I feel fortunate that I've found a job I can come to everyday, where I work with great people who make every day a good day, even the bad ones."

NATO Secretary General Details Asia Trip, Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2013 – NATO’s partnerships with Japan and South Korea are key to facing security challenges and ensuring stability in the region, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said today in Brussels.

In a news conference at NATO headquarters, Rasmussen discussed his recent trip to Asia and the agenda at the alliance’s upcoming foreign ministers meeting.

“This was the first-ever trip by a NATO secretary general to the Republic of Korea,” he said. “I met with President Park [Geun-hye], ministers and members of parliament. I also visited the Korean Demilitarized Zone, where I was briefed on the current state of affairs by the United Nations Command.”

The secretary general also noted another first during his visit to Japan.

“I signed the first NATO-Japan joint political declaration with Prime Minister [Shinzo] Abe, a declaration which will chart the future course of our partnership,” he said. “I also met members of the government and parliament.”

Although they all are separated by geography, Rasmussen noted, Japan and South Korea are important partners for NATO.

“We share fundamental values, such as individual liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law,” he said. “We share the need to face common security challenges that go well beyond borders. And we share the determination to play an active role in promoting that security and stability.”

With the growing tensions surrounding the statements and actions of North Korea, the NATO secretary general said it is “understandably” a major concern for Japan and South Korea.

“I recalled NATO’s strong condemnation of North Korea’s missile launches and nuclear tests, which pose a serious threat to regional and international peace, security and stability,” he said. “I urged North Korea to refrain from any further provocations and to fulfill its international obligations to fully implement all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.”

Rasmussen said he also commended all efforts to seek peaceful solutions through dialogue, and stressed that NATO’s global perspective does not mean “we seek a presence in the Asia-Pacific region.”

What it does mean, he said, is that the alliance seeks to engage with the Asia-Pacific region and already is doing valuable work with its partners in the region, noting efforts by South Korea and Japan alongside the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

“In Afghanistan, hundreds of troops from the Republic of Korea serve alongside their partners in ISAF in the east of the country,” Rasmussen noted. “Japan has given great support to the Afghan forces, and has led the way in key areas such as literacy and education.

“And we are also working together to counter the threat of piracy in the Gulf of Aden,” he continued. “I thanked the leaders of both countries for all they are doing.”

Rasmussen said all three looked at what more they can do in the future in the areas of counterterrorism, counterpiracy, nonproliferation, disaster relief and cyber defense. “All these are challenges which reach across borders, and we can deal with them much more effectively if we do it together,” he added.

The secretary general also talked about the foreign ministers meeting set to take place April 23 at NATO headquarters, where representatives from 22 non-NATO countries will join the alliance’s top diplomats to discuss contributions to ISAF.

“Later this year, we will reach a significant milestone, as Afghan forces take the lead for security across the country,” he said. “At the same time, ISAF’s main effort will shift from combat to support. The milestone will mark the progress we have made. By the end of 2014, Afghan forces will be fully responsible for security in their country.” But NATO’s commitment to support them will continue to the end of 2014 and beyond, he added.

The NATO secretary general said he expects a full agenda at the foreign ministers meeting.
“At this meeting, I also expect we will reach agreement on the means to ensure transparency and accountability in the way our future financing for the Afghan security forces is managed,” he said. “This will be a significant step in sustaining the strength of the Afghan forces, as well as the public support in donor countries for this vital effort.”

Guard Chief: Historic Assumptions Need Reconsideration

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Jim Greenhill
National Guard Bureau

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2013 – Traditional assumptions about force structure deserve reconsideration in the current fiscal environment, the chief of the National Guard Bureau told a congressional panel April 17.
Along with the services’ top reserve component commanders, Army Gen. Frank J. Grass, who also is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee on the fiscal 2014 budget request for National Guard and reserve forces.

"All of our historic assumptions deserve reconsideration as we calculate the optimal force to meet the threats of the future," Grass said in an interview after the hearing.

"This isn't just a budget drill to meet sequestration targets," he added. "As the Defense Department confronts the budget question, the National Guard's cost-effective, proven force provides options to consider."

During the hearing, senators asked Grass about the possible furlough of National Guard military technicians in the nation’s 54 states and territories and the District of Columbia as part of the ongoing sequestration issue. After the hearing, he elaborated.

"Our military technicians represent more than 50 percent of our full-time work force," the general said. "Without them, planes don't fly and trucks don't roll."

Grass added that furloughs will affect the National Guard far more than most people realize, because National Guard military technicians, who wear uniforms while on duty, provide critical training and maintenance and support the readiness of more than 400,000 traditional Guard members who are not currently deployed overseas or mobilized for domestic operations.

"Just as noncommissioned officers are the backbone of the armed forces, our military technicians are in many ways the backbone of the National Guard," Grass said.

In his testimony, Grass reminded the senators that the National Guard is America's dual-use defense asset.
"The National Guard serves with distinction as the [Defense Department's] primary combat reserve component and as the governors' first-choice force in times of crisis," Grass -- who represents the more than 460,000 soldiers and airmen in the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard -- told senators in his testimony.

"A core competency of the National Guard is to rapidly, robustly and competently expand the nation's full-spectrum military capability to defend vital national interests in the most affordable, lowest-risk manner possible," Grass said.

Other testimony highlights include:
-- The National Guard Bureau has evolved with the permanent appointment of its chief to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and has identified its enduring priorities, including ensuring that the National Guard provides the best possible capabilities to the Defense Department.
-- The State Partnership Program remains one of the National Guard Bureau's most important programs and has resulted in joint deployments with National Guard members and partner countries.
-- Operational force: The Army and Air National Guard remains an operational force. "Today's citizen-soldier is likely to have deployed at least once since 9/11, with an expectation that he or she will deploy again," Grass said. "With recruitment and retention at record levels, it is clear they are willing and able to carry the load."
-- Accessible force: "Throughout history," Grass said, "the National Guard has answered every call, participated in every contingency and supported the full spectrum of international responses. As a part-time force that has met or exceeded established readiness and proficiency standards, the National Guard is a crucial operational asset."
-- Military first-responder: The National Guard responded to more than 100 natural disaster missions in 2012 and supported events such as the national political conventions and international summits.

18th Air Force: A Legacy of Excellence

by Maj Michael Meridith
18th Air Force

4/18/2013 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.  -- Although a divide of more than six decades separates them from the founders of their command, today's 18th Air Force Airmen continue to embody the same motto: "expedite!"

Signifying a commitment to excellence in the successful and rapid completion of the command's worldwide air mobility mission, the motto of the Air Force's largest, and AMC's only Numbered Air Force stands as an expression of a distinguished history.

The Early Days
Organized March 28, 1951, at Donaldson AFB in Greenville, S.C., as Tactical Air Command's (TAC) airlift arm, the mission of the newly-formed 18th Air Force was to provide the Air Force with troop carrier crews. Initially composed of nine Air Force Reserve C-119 "Flying Boxcar" troop carrier wings (and later two C-124 "Globemaster II" wings), the newly-formed command immediately began providing crews for the Korean War.

During its first six years, 18th Air Force attained a global combat airlift capability unprecedented in the history of military aviation. In 1954, the command airdropped supplies to French troops during the siege of Dien Bien Phu, Indochina. Later, they airlifted French soldiers to medical care in Japan.

The following year, 18th Air Force began supporting the Distant Early Warning line and bases of the Alaskan and Northeast Air Commands. In 1956, the command extended its support to the other side of the globe, supporting the first South Pole parachute jump and air dropping a complete international science base, a precursor to the Operation Deep Freeze missions that have been accomplished every year since.

A Reputation for Excellence
In addition to earning a reputation for carrying out challenging missions across the globe, the command's Airmen were also recognized for their innovation and were instrumental in developing techniques and equipment supporting more efficient airdrop operations, the Air Force "Pathfinder" combat controller capability (which established drop zone experts), and assault landing procedures for C-123 and C-130 aircraft.

"We've seen a lot of changes in Air Mobility," said Col. Earl B. Young, the 18th Air Force's first commander, during a 2011 meeting of 18th Air Force leaders. "But I can tell you having lived through all of those changes that the one thing that has never changed has been our leaders and our Airmen. We've always had the best."

Those Airmen not only contributed substantially to TAC's mission of providing the Air Force with a balance of strategic, air defense, and tactical forces, they also enhanced
the striking power of the Army, particularly as the jet age turned TAC's attention to the rapid deployment of fighter/bomber units and airborne and light infantry units to distant
"hot spots". In fact, in support of this new focus, TAC added C-123 "Provider" and C-130 "Hercules" aircraft to rapidly deploy and resupply forces around the world.

Reorganization and Inactivation
Despite these changes, the command became part of a major reorganization of the Air Force during the second half of 1957. That reorganization resulted in a move of the 18th Air Force headquarters, a change in its mission, and finally its inactivation.

On July 1, 18th Air Force transferred two troop wings and two bases, Donaldson AFB, S.C. and Larson AFB, Wash., to the Military Air Transport Service. Barely two months later, in the wake of a TAC regional reorganization, the command transferred its remaining troop carrier wings to 9th Air Force and moved its headquarters to James Connaly AFB, Texas. The following month the scope of the 18th Air Force's mission increased dramatically as it assumed command responsibilities for TAC's day-to-day fighter, fighter-bomber, and aerial tanker operations in the western United States.

18th Air Force had hardly settled into its new home and mission when it was inactivated Jan. 1, 1958, with its personnel and equipment transferred in place to the newly-activated 12th Air Force.

The Legacy Lives On
Nearly 60 years later and almost ten years after its 2003 reactivation, the command continues to earn praise for excellence in global air mobility operations. From humanitarian response in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy and the Haiti and Japan earthquakes, to support for Coalition and Allied efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, the command's Airmen have often been the first to respond on behalf of the Nation.

Echoing Col. Young's words, Lt. Gen. Darren W. McDew, the 18th Air Force's newest commander, noted the secret to the command's success starts and end with its Airmen: "The great pioneers of our Air Force were exceptional men and women dedicated to making things better. The Airmen of today's 18th Air Force are bold, innovative leaders who continue to give life to a legacy of excellence and to our motto. Expedite!"