Transcom System Brings DoD New Capability to Move Patients

From a U.S. Transportation Command News Release

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill., Jan. 26, 2015 – U.S. Transportation Command has rolled out a new capability that will allow the Defense Department to use air transport to move multiple patients with highly infectious diseases.

Air Force Gen. Paul J. Selva, Transcom commander, introduced the Transport Isolation System here Jan. 23.

TIS has reached initial operational capability, and crews are trained and ready to deploy anywhere in the world in response to a biological event.

The need for such a system came to light During Operation United Assistance, Transcom officials said. Although a commercial company could transport patients, its capacity to do so was limited.

Agencies Converge for Quick Results

A convergence of many agencies quickly moved on acquiring the system, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Transcom, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Joint Project Manager Protection, Air Mobility Command, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, among others.

The Joint Chiefs approved a Transcom request for urgent funding in September, and in less than four months, the TIS went from development through testing and evaluation into production.

Air Force Maj. Gen. John P. Horner, DTRA deputy director; Barry Corona, president of Production Products; Air Force Maj. Gen. Scott M. Hanson, AMC director of operations; and Air Force Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Kory Cornum, AMC command surgeon, joined Selva in the public debut of the system.

“We needed a system like the one you see today,” Selva said. “In short order, we partnered with our technical experts at DTRA, and in about 120 days from the day we said “Go” to the day we had a flight-tested, ready piece of equipment, they delivered.”

But it’s more than just a rapid acquisition-to-fielding success story, Transcom officials said, adding that it also showcases the initiative and innovation of a small minority-owned business, Production Products of St. Louis, which manufactured the commercial isolation units that have been used to air transport patients and now produces the TIS.

“It was a team effort,” Corona said. “Every day, we had people from Transcom in our shop. Everyone that was on this team made it happen in an amazingly short period of time.”

Built to Fit on Existing Transport Aircraft

The system is built to fit on existing mobility aircraft, including the Air Force’s C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III transports, and is based on existing military patient support pallets. Each unit has a disposable liner supported by a metal structure and an air filtration system.

“The infectious disease module provides us a safe way to bring multiple patients back,” Cornum said.

Compared to the current Production Products system used on commercial air ambulances, the TIS is modular, buildable and capable of transporting up to three litter patients or four ambulatory patients in each module. This allows for flexibility in configuration; the standard configuration is for two seats and one litter.

Two isolation modules and an anteroom module can fit on a C-17 or C-130J Super Hercules, and one isolation module and an anteroom module will fit on a C-130 Hercules. Each module is roughly 9 feet by 7.5 feet, is 8.5 feet tall and weighs less than 1,500 pounds, about the size of a minivan.

The Defense Department has ordered 25 systems from Production Products, with expected delivery of all units by the end of March. Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, has received the first two systems for training and staging. Additional staging locations for the TIS will be developed following delivery and based upon ongoing world events, officials said.

AFSOUTH aides in training partners for UN Peace keeping mission

by Staff Sgt. Adam Grant
12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs

1/26/2015 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB, Ariz. -- There's an old saying, "give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime."

Last month, members of Air Forces Southern military training team were given the opportunity to teach approximately 100 individuals, from Latin American partner countries, a Defense Institute for Medical Operations train-the-trainer course focused on the Ebola virus.

As part of this training team, Maj. Brian Neese, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern), chief of international health specialists division, embarked on a seven-day temporary duty assignment aimed at building partner capacity with medical professionals from El Salvador, Guatemala and Uruguay as they prepare to force UN peacekeeping missions.

"During the TDY, we taught two, two-day courses," Neese said. "The first day consisted of course curriculum that included lectures about the Ebola virus and different case scenarios peace keeping forces may come across, as well as specific instructions on how to don and doff the PPE."

There are many Latin American countries that support United Nations peace keeping operations, and the training given to the El Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and Uruguayans will have an impact on those they train, as well as the individuals their able to assist.

The El Salvadoran military will be sending the 90 personnel who received the training to the Republic of Mali, and the Uruguayan military will be sending their personnel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Neese's team also consisted of members from the Defense Institute for Medical Operations, United States Southern Command, Air Forces Southern, and Army Southern.

"Some of the main objectives of the training we provided were raising awareness of the Ebola virus, explaining how the virus is contracted and passed, and the correct way to put on the equipment that will ensure their safety," Neese said.

The two-day exercise culminated with a capstone exercise where participants were taken to a mock camp and given scenarios to work through.

"We set up two large field hospital tents, each filled with patient cots," Neese said. "After donning the proper personal protective equipment, the group was broken down into small teams." "They were then given 12 different scenarios designed to test not only their knowledge, but their ability to act in a timely manner. They all passed."

According to Neese, the training aided in synchronization in the region where all parties involved have a similar goal of strengthening shared capabilities, which will allow them to save the lives of others.

"I truly think that the course will make a huge difference," Neese said. "You never really know what you're going to see when you're facing a virus like this; you don't know where an outbreak could take place; but we know that every member that attended our course is prepared for anything that may come their way."

The 'daily flap' brings morale, leadership to Total Force team

by Staff Sgt. Veronica Montes
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

1/23/2015 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- When reporting for the duty day, most maintainers go to their areas, prepare for their shift and begin the day's work. Yet the day begins a bit differently for some members in the 92nd Maintenance Squadron, where an Airman found a way to motivate, inspire and lead others with just a few words of wisdom in the morning.

The 92nd and 141st MXS maintainers refer to these written words as the 'daily flap.'
Tech. Sgt. Eric Laflin, 141st MXS aircraft inspector, began the 'daily flap' roughly six months ago after completing the NCO professional enhancement course here. His coworkers said he is an inspiration and a leader in their team.

"Each day I walk around the aircraft, I get to see an amazing example of positive leadership.  Everyday you'll see on the left wing inboard flap a "quote of the day" written in chalk," said Tech. Sgt. Simon Fancher, 92nd MXS periodic inspection section chief. "The 'daily flap' is the first place the Airmen want to visit in the morning."

Laflin said a light bulb clicked when he was in the NCOPE class.

"I thought of how I could motivate Airmen growing their career," he said. "I started writing quotes and questions on the aircraft our shop was working on that day as a way to motivate the team. When I got this leadership knowledge in NCOPE, I knew it needed to be passed on."

Laflin's new way of leadership spread quickly throughout the unit, and everyday Airmen began to gather around the words written on the flap, which change daily. Often the words are a quote or question written in chalk. The Airmen respond to the different topics, and said sometimes the 'daily flap' will be the topic of discussion the whole day.

"It's an everyday thing, we talk about it before we start work and get ourselves motivated," said Airman Max Ramos, 92nd MXS crew chief. "[Tech. Sgt. Laflin] trains us on the aircraft, but then gives us some life quotes. It's great to gain a leadership perspective. Since it has started it has brought up morale around the shop, and gets a lot of us together and triggers our minds. Sometimes we even have a healthy debate about the question."

Laflin said he does regular research to come up with various topics that pertain to the needs of Airmen today. He makes sure to have a different topic every day and has different methods to gather information, but relies heavily on the tools and sources he has learned from professional development classes.

"I'm ecstatic people are using the information they learned in the course," said Master Sgt. Rory McKinnon, 92nd Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor and NCOPE facilitator. "There are 21 briefings that rehone leadership and mentorship skills, along with teaching career progression and various other topics."

Laflin has been both an active-duty Airman and a guardsman during his 17 years in the military. Since 2007, he's worked in maintenance, and serves as a civilian technician during the week and a guard member on the weekends. He said he has seen the total force integration initiative turn into an enterprise at the 92nd MXS that has created a synergistic environment within their shop.

While Laflin said they have always worked together well in the shop, the 'daily flap' brought about a greater attitude and it is now something the shop looks forward to, and said he will continue this daily project.

"These quotes, meant to inspire our Airmen, and motivate them to think critically, target the root cause of most maintenance-related incidents--complacency," Fancher said. "These questions work in developing an intellectual mindset to truly understand what impact each Airman has on the global Air Force mission as each Airmen separately writes their answers below his question for everyone to see. These Airmen are constantly training and learning tasks, but what Laflin does is teach them how to care about the tasks they do every day. It's incredible."

100-year-old U.S. Air Force Veteran celebrated at the Spokane VA Medical Center

by Airman 1st Class Nicolo J. Daniello
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

1/23/2015 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.  -- The Spokane VA Medical Center hosted a 100th birthday celebration for a World War II veteran Jan. 21, 2015. During the event, three Pearl Harbor survivors were also recognized.

George "Bud" Garvin is a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, which later became the U.S. Air Force. Garvin survived famous events such as Pearl Harbor, D-Day invasion at Omaha beach and the Battle of the Bulge which resulted in more than 90,000 troops being killed, injured, captured or missing in action.

Garvin celebrated his birthday alongside U.S. Army veteran Clyde Buteau who turned 99 years old and U.S. Navy veteran Sid Kennedy who turned 92 years old. Guest speakers included; a representative from Sen. Maria Cantwell's office and a representative from senator Patty Murray's office, a representative from Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers office. Also in attendance were Chief Master Sgt. Christian M. Pugh, 92nd Air Refueling Wing command chief and Chief Master Sgt. George Lynn, 141st Air National Guard (acting) command chief, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.

"It's my pleasure to represent the men and women of team Fairchild in saluting these great veterans that we have here today," Pugh said. "They set the bar high and as a military man I know that the things that they've done and the sacrifices they made are what we emulate today and hope to achieve in our military service."

Pugh went on to thank the veterans for their service on behalf of the men and women of Fairchild Air Force Base.

"I'd like to say something and make a little speech but I'm just baffled by all of this going on," said Garvin, who is also a member of the Lilac City Chapter of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association alongside Buteau and Kennedy. "I never could have dreamed of such a big celebration."

As the ceremony concluded Garvin went on to say that they were just doing their duty and every soldier deserves the same recognition.

Hagel Praises New Defense Cooperation Agreements With India

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2015 –

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel issued a statement today applauding agreements on defense cooperation between the United States and India, announced by President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Hagel's statement reads as follows:

"Today, on his historic visit to India, President Obama and Prime Minister Modi announced new, ground-breaking agreements on defense cooperation between India and the United States that promise to open a new chapter in our defense relationship and mark an important milestone in the U.S.-India strategic partnership.

"By finalizing the renewal of our 10-year framework for the U.S.-India Defense Relationship, we will continue to build on the growing momentum in our defense cooperation over the last decade. This renewed framework will support stronger military-to-military engagement, including deeper maritime cooperation and increased opportunities in technology and trade.

"By establishing a new military education partnership, we will help shape the next generation of military leaders in both our nations, fostering relationships that will draw our defense establishments closer together for years to come.

"And by agreeing under the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) to focus on four 'pathfinder' projects; form a working group to explore aircraft carrier technology sharing and design; and explore possible cooperation on development of jet engine technology, we will begin to realize the enormous potential of the U.S.-India defense industrial partnership. We have further strengthened this partnership with an agreement that will allow us to continue science and technology collaboration for the next 15 years.

"Taken together, the president's announcements signal a new depth and sophistication in our defense and security cooperation, ensuring that it continues to be one of the strongest pillars of our nations' broad strategic partnership - a partnership that will help forge security and stability in Asia and across the globe."

`Air Force BMT introduces innovative Capstone Week

By Tech. Sgt. Joshua Strang, Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs / Published January 23, 2015

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- Air Force basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph-Lackland will soon restructure its current eight-and-a-half-week course to make room for a new five-day program called Capstone Week, beginning Jan. 27 with trainees entering BMT.

"Our basic military training today does a tremendous job developing young men and women into Airmen,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody. “But as we looked at the current structure, we saw an opportunity to further enhance those Airmanship skills with a final week focused entirely on character development. These are core skills every Airman needs to be successful in our Air Force."

The first Capstone Week, which will culminate the BMT experience, begins March 23.

Capstone week’s purpose is to give the Air Force one more critical tool to further develop professional, resilient Airmen who are inspired by heritage, committed to its core values, and motivated to deliver airpower. While BMT will still provide new Airmen the same high level of military and physical training, Capstone Week serves to specifically concentrate on character building.

"We developed Capstone Week to better prepare Airmen for their first assignments by reinforcing our core values of integrity, service and excellence through an interactive environment emphasizing character development, the profession of arms, and our Air Force heritage,” said Gen. Robin Rand, the Air Education and Training Command commander. “The course focuses on the importance of every Airman treating each other with respect and dignity, better preparing them to become skilled warriors ready to do our nation's business."

Capstone Week will provide instruction and promote discussion among Airmen in a more interactive forum than the highly-structured BMT curriculum, according to Kevin Adelsen, the AETC Capstone Week program manager. Some key areas that Capstone Week will cover, include wingmanship, resiliency, leadership and followership, sexual assault prevention and response, the warrior ethos, and how Airmen can balance their personal and professional lives.

Adelsen said BMT schedule adjustments allowed for condensing the current training to make room for the Capstone transition period.

"We'll retain all current BMT requirements in the first seven-and-a-half weeks and use the Capstone Week to reinforce and expand on previous training," Adelsen said.

Following the traditional Airman's parade at the end of BMT’s first seven-and-a-half weeks, trainees will transition that weekend to a Capstone squadron. Airmen will move into a revamped training facility on Lackland and experience Capstone Week in an environment far different from that of the first part of BMT, according to Adelsen.

Capstone will be a BMT graduation requirement, Adelsen added. Immediately following Capstone, Airmen will travel to their designated technical training locations across the United States.

"BMT's Capstone Week will ensure Air Force basic training remains a center of excellence and our Airmen remain the best fighting force in the world," said Chief Master Sgt. Gerardo Tapia, the AETC command chief. "It's a fantastic and innovative way to ensure we prepare Airmen to become men and women of character - great wingmen, leaders, citizens and warriors. This is not going to be the 'last' week of BMT, but rather the first week of the rest of their Air Force careers.