American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - A day-long event Oct. 18, hosted by five branches of a major retailer, netted a plethora of items for Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon to pack up and ship to members of the New Jersey Army National Guard. Food, personal care items, small electronics, entertainment items and cash donations were collected in bins placed in five Best Buy stores to benefit New Jersey units, said Alan Krutchkoff, Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon's president.
"We've found that people enjoy connecting with our troops, especially when their donations reach soldiers from the local area," he said. "Best Buy is helping us make that happen, and it's very exciting to partner with this community-minded organization."
The event was sponsored by the chain's "Women's Leadership Forum."
"The WOLF mission is to engage and inspire female employees and customers and create new opportunities for Leadership, networking and community service," said Amie Gustanski, senior project manager. "Supporting [Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon] not only fits in with this mission, but also enables our employees and customers to feel engaged and provide valuable community service to our local soldiers and their families."
Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon is included on the America Supports You Web site. America Supports You is a Defense Department program that communicates citizen support to military members and their families.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Gates Honors Career Civilian Employees for Service, Dedication
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today honored career civilian employees from throughout the department, crediting them with providing extraordinary support to warfighters and their families while improving efficiency and saving taxpayer dollars. Gates presented seven employees the Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the highest department honor recognizing exceptional contributions by a civil servant. He also presented the David O. Cooke Excellence in Public Administration Award that recognizes a nonmanagerial department employee who exhibits potential as a future federal executive.
"It has been an honor to work with the people in this department – professionals whose overriding priority is the defense of our nation," Gates told the honorees.
He noted the broad range of pursuits in which the group has excelled: providing housing for troops, fielding new weapons systems while ensuring support for troops in the field, teaching safety training to foreign partners, helping to stand up U.S. Africa Command, negotiating treaties with allies and training new leaders.
Gates conceded that it's not always fashionable in Washington to honor federal government employees, and that some politicians have been elected by criticizing the people they seek to lead.
"During my career, however, I have dealt with governments all over the world, and have found that the United States has the most dedicated, most honest and most capable public servants of any," he said.
The secretary praised dedicated career employees he said provide stability through leadership changes. "You are the foundation that allows the Defense Department, the largest and most complex organization on the planet, to operate smoothly and efficiently," he said.
"Public service can often seem to be a thankless job," he said, adding that he counsels young people to accept the challenges because, "in truth, the satisfactions far outnumber the difficulties."
Gates told today's honorees their decision to dedicate themselves to public service "is to the betterment of our 2.7 million men and women serving in the active and reserve armed forces and to our leaders here."
Michael L. Rhodes, acting director for the DoD Office of Administration and Management and host of today's awards ceremony, said the award recipients demonstrate the tremendous dedication public servants take on every day.
The winners were selected through an extensive review process that culminated in 25 nominations, Rhodes said. Ultimately, those chosen for honors today "have truly set themselves apart and proved themselves worthy," he said.
Honorees awarded today were:
-- Stephen A. Fleet, director of Missile Defense Agency's Warfighter Support Center, who was recognized for excellence in leading the center through rapid changes while providing vital support to the warfighter community;
-- Steven M. Huybrechts, a director in the DoD Networks and Information Integration Office, for championing the strategy that provided precision targeting, secure unmanned aerial vehicle operations while denying these capabilities to the enemy;
-- Frank D. Kenlon, a director in the DoD Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Office, for his roles as the lead negotiator on the Joint Strike Fighter memorandum of understanding and in drafting and negotiating the U.S.-United Kingdom and U.S.-Australia Defense Trade Cooperation Treaties.
-- Claudia S. Knott, the Defense Logistics Agency's acquisition management director, for leading programs that transformed the agency's business practices while improving customer service in its global logistics mission.
-- Barbara Estock Mays, deputy intelligence enterprise manager for the Defense Intelligence Agency, for applying innovative approaches to transfer responsibilities and design an intelligence enterprise for the new U.S. Africa Command.
-- John K. Russell, tactical safety specialist for Marine Corps Base Hawaii's Base Safety Center, for developing the Marine Corps' forward-deployed ground safety program during Operation Iraqi Freedom II that provided a model for follow-on operations there; and
-- Edmund G. Zelnio, an engineer in the Air Force Research Laboratory's Sensor Automatic Target Recognition Technology Division, for contributions leading to the successful deployment of new sensor and sensor exploitation technologies in numerous weapons systems.
Gates also presented Umit A. Spencer the David O. Cooke Excellence in Public Administration Award. Spencer, housing maintenance contract monitor with the 354th Civil Engineering Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, was honored for excellence in improving and maintaining 1,474 military family housing units, 48 playgrounds and five athletic courts.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today honored career civilian employees from throughout the department, crediting them with providing extraordinary support to warfighters and their families while improving efficiency and saving taxpayer dollars. Gates presented seven employees the Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the highest department honor recognizing exceptional contributions by a civil servant. He also presented the David O. Cooke Excellence in Public Administration Award that recognizes a nonmanagerial department employee who exhibits potential as a future federal executive.
"It has been an honor to work with the people in this department – professionals whose overriding priority is the defense of our nation," Gates told the honorees.
He noted the broad range of pursuits in which the group has excelled: providing housing for troops, fielding new weapons systems while ensuring support for troops in the field, teaching safety training to foreign partners, helping to stand up U.S. Africa Command, negotiating treaties with allies and training new leaders.
Gates conceded that it's not always fashionable in Washington to honor federal government employees, and that some politicians have been elected by criticizing the people they seek to lead.
"During my career, however, I have dealt with governments all over the world, and have found that the United States has the most dedicated, most honest and most capable public servants of any," he said.
The secretary praised dedicated career employees he said provide stability through leadership changes. "You are the foundation that allows the Defense Department, the largest and most complex organization on the planet, to operate smoothly and efficiently," he said.
"Public service can often seem to be a thankless job," he said, adding that he counsels young people to accept the challenges because, "in truth, the satisfactions far outnumber the difficulties."
Gates told today's honorees their decision to dedicate themselves to public service "is to the betterment of our 2.7 million men and women serving in the active and reserve armed forces and to our leaders here."
Michael L. Rhodes, acting director for the DoD Office of Administration and Management and host of today's awards ceremony, said the award recipients demonstrate the tremendous dedication public servants take on every day.
The winners were selected through an extensive review process that culminated in 25 nominations, Rhodes said. Ultimately, those chosen for honors today "have truly set themselves apart and proved themselves worthy," he said.
Honorees awarded today were:
-- Stephen A. Fleet, director of Missile Defense Agency's Warfighter Support Center, who was recognized for excellence in leading the center through rapid changes while providing vital support to the warfighter community;
-- Steven M. Huybrechts, a director in the DoD Networks and Information Integration Office, for championing the strategy that provided precision targeting, secure unmanned aerial vehicle operations while denying these capabilities to the enemy;
-- Frank D. Kenlon, a director in the DoD Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Office, for his roles as the lead negotiator on the Joint Strike Fighter memorandum of understanding and in drafting and negotiating the U.S.-United Kingdom and U.S.-Australia Defense Trade Cooperation Treaties.
-- Claudia S. Knott, the Defense Logistics Agency's acquisition management director, for leading programs that transformed the agency's business practices while improving customer service in its global logistics mission.
-- Barbara Estock Mays, deputy intelligence enterprise manager for the Defense Intelligence Agency, for applying innovative approaches to transfer responsibilities and design an intelligence enterprise for the new U.S. Africa Command.
-- John K. Russell, tactical safety specialist for Marine Corps Base Hawaii's Base Safety Center, for developing the Marine Corps' forward-deployed ground safety program during Operation Iraqi Freedom II that provided a model for follow-on operations there; and
-- Edmund G. Zelnio, an engineer in the Air Force Research Laboratory's Sensor Automatic Target Recognition Technology Division, for contributions leading to the successful deployment of new sensor and sensor exploitation technologies in numerous weapons systems.
Gates also presented Umit A. Spencer the David O. Cooke Excellence in Public Administration Award. Spencer, housing maintenance contract monitor with the 354th Civil Engineering Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, was honored for excellence in improving and maintaining 1,474 military family housing units, 48 playgrounds and five athletic courts.
Mullen Meets With Russian Counterpart in Helsinki
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with his Russian counterpart here today in the first face-to-face meeting between the two powers since Russia's invasion of Georgia in August. The Russians requested the meeting between Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and Gen. Nikolai Makarov, officials said.
Makarov, who was installed as the chief of the General Staff in June, presided over Russia's incursion into Georgia over the breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhasia.
Mullen spoke on the phone with the new Russian military leader when the crisis broke on Aug. 6, a senior U.S. military official, speaking on background, told reporters. The chairman appreciated the fact that there was an open line of communication between Washington and the Kremlin at that critical time, the official said.
The conversations covered the flight of U.S. Air Force C-17 transport jets carrying Georgian troops serving in Iraq back to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, and later, the USS Mount Whitney carrying humanitarian supplies to the port of Poti. Makarov gave assurances that Russia would not interfere, the official said.
The two men disagree on many points, but they could still maintain a dialogue and are looking to work together where the two nations can, the official said.
Today's meeting is not a replacement for a formal visit, the official said. Mullen hosted the previous Russian defense chief in Washington in December, and had been invited to Russia for a reciprocal visit in July. The change in command stopped that visit.
With no set agenda, the official said, Mullen entered the meeting ready to listen to whatever Makarov wished to discuss.
Officials regard the meeting itself as a positive sign. Strategically, it is important to have a dialogue with Russia, and the United States and Russia must sustain a relationship, the official said. The two nations will disagree on some issues – Georgia would head the list now – but there are other areas, such as Iran, where there should be agreement, the official said.
Iran is seeking to build nuclear weapons and is looking to deploy them. Those weapons would have the range to target Europe and Russia, and within seven to 10 years, could hit the United States, the official said.
Intelligence services in the United States and Russia know that Iran is developing these weapons, the official noted, adding that the threat emanating from Iran should be enough to convince the Russians that the missile defense system to be based in the Czech Republic and Poland is for defense against Iran and is not aimed at countering Russian weapons.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met with his Russian counterpart here today in the first face-to-face meeting between the two powers since Russia's invasion of Georgia in August. The Russians requested the meeting between Navy Adm. Mike Mullen and Gen. Nikolai Makarov, officials said.
Makarov, who was installed as the chief of the General Staff in June, presided over Russia's incursion into Georgia over the breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhasia.
Mullen spoke on the phone with the new Russian military leader when the crisis broke on Aug. 6, a senior U.S. military official, speaking on background, told reporters. The chairman appreciated the fact that there was an open line of communication between Washington and the Kremlin at that critical time, the official said.
The conversations covered the flight of U.S. Air Force C-17 transport jets carrying Georgian troops serving in Iraq back to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, and later, the USS Mount Whitney carrying humanitarian supplies to the port of Poti. Makarov gave assurances that Russia would not interfere, the official said.
The two men disagree on many points, but they could still maintain a dialogue and are looking to work together where the two nations can, the official said.
Today's meeting is not a replacement for a formal visit, the official said. Mullen hosted the previous Russian defense chief in Washington in December, and had been invited to Russia for a reciprocal visit in July. The change in command stopped that visit.
With no set agenda, the official said, Mullen entered the meeting ready to listen to whatever Makarov wished to discuss.
Officials regard the meeting itself as a positive sign. Strategically, it is important to have a dialogue with Russia, and the United States and Russia must sustain a relationship, the official said. The two nations will disagree on some issues – Georgia would head the list now – but there are other areas, such as Iran, where there should be agreement, the official said.
Iran is seeking to build nuclear weapons and is looking to deploy them. Those weapons would have the range to target Europe and Russia, and within seven to 10 years, could hit the United States, the official said.
Intelligence services in the United States and Russia know that Iran is developing these weapons, the official noted, adding that the threat emanating from Iran should be enough to convince the Russians that the missile defense system to be based in the Czech Republic and Poland is for defense against Iran and is not aimed at countering Russian weapons.
National Guard Gains in Full-Time Manning, Controlled Grades
By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - An increase in full-time manning for the Army National Guard and controlled grades for both the Army and Air National Guard were included in the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act signed by President Bush on Oct. 14. The increase in full-time manning for the Army National Guard authorizes an additional 3,564 personnel, including 2,110 Active Guard Reserve slots above the budget request.
National Guard officials said it is the biggest increase in the Army Guard in 22 years.
"Full-time manning is a critical component to increasing readiness in the Army National Guard," said Army Col. Marianne Watson, the Army National Guard's personnel chief. "The full-time manning increases will be targeted to support personnel readiness, transformation initiatives and increasing unit level readiness throughout all 54 states and territories.
"This growth, although significant, must be continued to fully support the transition of the ARNG from the strategic reserve construct to an operational force," Watson said.
The increase in controlled grades for full-time officers and senior enlisted members of the Army and Air National Guard will help to reduce delays in promotions. This applies to lieutenant colonels and colonels in the Air Guard, and first sergeants, master sergeants and sergeants major, as well as majors through colonels, for the Army Guard.
"The increase in Air National Guard controlled grades and military construction authorizations will provide needed flexibility to the ANG as it continues to bed down critical new Air Force missions to meet our responsibilities to the combatant commanders and our governors," said Air Force Col. Jeffrey A. Lewis, director of Manpower, Personnel and Services for the Air National Guard.
National Guard officials said this increase provides a total of more than 1,000 new Active Guard Reserve promotion opportunities across the National Guard.
Other major National Guard provisions included in the NDAA include:
-- Mobilized officers can be considered for unit vacancy promotions back at home.
-- The president and governors can consent to the appointment of a National Guard officer for "dual hat" status in advance of actually taking command of forces, which will guarantee continuity of command. This section of the legislation also specifies that they will not be subject to the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits federal military personnel and units of the National Guard under federal authority from acting in a law enforcement capacity within the United States.
-- The age limit for chaplains and medical officers increases from age 64 to 68, which equalizes the age limits between the reserve and active-duty components.
-- Funding was authorized for seven Army joint cargo aircraft, but none for the Air Force program.
-- For fiscal 2009, Congress appropriated $22.9 billion for the National Guard, which is an additional $1.2 billion, or 5.4 percent, over the president's request of $21.6 billion.
-- The Army Guard's operations and maintenance account and the Air Guard's personnel account were funded below the president's request, but all other accounts were appropriated more than requested, National Guard officials said.
-- The law also authorizes a 3.9 percent pay raise for servicemembers, to take effect Jan. 1. This represents a 0.5 percent increase over the president's initial request.
-- Funds were appropriated to continue action on recommendations of the president's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors. Defense Department officials said the funds will ensure world-class health and rehabilitative care to warfighters who are wounded, ill or injured in service to the nation.
(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - An increase in full-time manning for the Army National Guard and controlled grades for both the Army and Air National Guard were included in the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act signed by President Bush on Oct. 14. The increase in full-time manning for the Army National Guard authorizes an additional 3,564 personnel, including 2,110 Active Guard Reserve slots above the budget request.
National Guard officials said it is the biggest increase in the Army Guard in 22 years.
"Full-time manning is a critical component to increasing readiness in the Army National Guard," said Army Col. Marianne Watson, the Army National Guard's personnel chief. "The full-time manning increases will be targeted to support personnel readiness, transformation initiatives and increasing unit level readiness throughout all 54 states and territories.
"This growth, although significant, must be continued to fully support the transition of the ARNG from the strategic reserve construct to an operational force," Watson said.
The increase in controlled grades for full-time officers and senior enlisted members of the Army and Air National Guard will help to reduce delays in promotions. This applies to lieutenant colonels and colonels in the Air Guard, and first sergeants, master sergeants and sergeants major, as well as majors through colonels, for the Army Guard.
"The increase in Air National Guard controlled grades and military construction authorizations will provide needed flexibility to the ANG as it continues to bed down critical new Air Force missions to meet our responsibilities to the combatant commanders and our governors," said Air Force Col. Jeffrey A. Lewis, director of Manpower, Personnel and Services for the Air National Guard.
National Guard officials said this increase provides a total of more than 1,000 new Active Guard Reserve promotion opportunities across the National Guard.
Other major National Guard provisions included in the NDAA include:
-- Mobilized officers can be considered for unit vacancy promotions back at home.
-- The president and governors can consent to the appointment of a National Guard officer for "dual hat" status in advance of actually taking command of forces, which will guarantee continuity of command. This section of the legislation also specifies that they will not be subject to the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prohibits federal military personnel and units of the National Guard under federal authority from acting in a law enforcement capacity within the United States.
-- The age limit for chaplains and medical officers increases from age 64 to 68, which equalizes the age limits between the reserve and active-duty components.
-- Funding was authorized for seven Army joint cargo aircraft, but none for the Air Force program.
-- For fiscal 2009, Congress appropriated $22.9 billion for the National Guard, which is an additional $1.2 billion, or 5.4 percent, over the president's request of $21.6 billion.
-- The Army Guard's operations and maintenance account and the Air Guard's personnel account were funded below the president's request, but all other accounts were appropriated more than requested, National Guard officials said.
-- The law also authorizes a 3.9 percent pay raise for servicemembers, to take effect Jan. 1. This represents a 0.5 percent increase over the president's initial request.
-- Funds were appropriated to continue action on recommendations of the president's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors. Defense Department officials said the funds will ensure world-class health and rehabilitative care to warfighters who are wounded, ill or injured in service to the nation.
(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Mullen Offers Reassurance to Baltic Republics
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - Following a meeting this morning in Helsinki, Finland, with his Russian counterpart, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff traveled here to discuss defense issues with Latvian officials. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, accompanied by Latvian Brig. Gen. Juris Maklakovs, the chief of defense, discussed defense and NATO issues with Latvian President Vladis Zatlers, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Defense Minister Vinets Veldre.
The Baltic republics – all members of NATO – are nervous following Russia's invasion of Georgia in August. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia all want more precise NATO defense plans in the wake of the Russian action in the Caucasus. Mullen said his trip is designed to assuage some of the nations' concerns.
"One of the reasons I am here is to send a very visible message of reassurance," the chairman said during a news conference with Zatlers.
Alliance members are having discussions on the Russian actions and all nations remain committed to staying unified on the Georgia invasion, the chairman said. "It's been pretty clear across the board that NATO was not accepting in any way, shape or form what Russia has done in Georgia," he said.
"All of us are concerned by the recent invasion into Georgia of Russia," Mullen said. "In my past experience in NATO, I've always tried to understand the views of the Baltic [republics] because of the history and how they view what has happened. Those are part of the conversations we have had today. I think it is very important that ... NATO recognizes what the alliance means and the responsibilities and obligations that go with it."
NATO fighters guard the Baltic nations' airspace and perform the peacetime air defense and air policing function. U.S. Air Force F-15 aircraft based at Lakenheath, England, currently have that mission as part of NATO.
The mission over the Baltic republics is an important one, Mullen said. The alliance had a recent exercise of that mission, he noted. All nations realize its importance to the alliance and to the Baltic nations, he said, though he would not go into specifics about air police plans or specific scenarios used to train the NATO flyers.
"It is a NATO mission that many nations have stepped up to in the past and will continue, certainly through 2011," Mullen said.
The chairman thanked Latvia for its support in the Balkans and for sending personnel to Afghanistan.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - Following a meeting this morning in Helsinki, Finland, with his Russian counterpart, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff traveled here to discuss defense issues with Latvian officials. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, accompanied by Latvian Brig. Gen. Juris Maklakovs, the chief of defense, discussed defense and NATO issues with Latvian President Vladis Zatlers, Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins and Defense Minister Vinets Veldre.
The Baltic republics – all members of NATO – are nervous following Russia's invasion of Georgia in August. Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia all want more precise NATO defense plans in the wake of the Russian action in the Caucasus. Mullen said his trip is designed to assuage some of the nations' concerns.
"One of the reasons I am here is to send a very visible message of reassurance," the chairman said during a news conference with Zatlers.
Alliance members are having discussions on the Russian actions and all nations remain committed to staying unified on the Georgia invasion, the chairman said. "It's been pretty clear across the board that NATO was not accepting in any way, shape or form what Russia has done in Georgia," he said.
"All of us are concerned by the recent invasion into Georgia of Russia," Mullen said. "In my past experience in NATO, I've always tried to understand the views of the Baltic [republics] because of the history and how they view what has happened. Those are part of the conversations we have had today. I think it is very important that ... NATO recognizes what the alliance means and the responsibilities and obligations that go with it."
NATO fighters guard the Baltic nations' airspace and perform the peacetime air defense and air policing function. U.S. Air Force F-15 aircraft based at Lakenheath, England, currently have that mission as part of NATO.
The mission over the Baltic republics is an important one, Mullen said. The alliance had a recent exercise of that mission, he noted. All nations realize its importance to the alliance and to the Baltic nations, he said, though he would not go into specifics about air police plans or specific scenarios used to train the NATO flyers.
"It is a NATO mission that many nations have stepped up to in the past and will continue, certainly through 2011," Mullen said.
The chairman thanked Latvia for its support in the Balkans and for sending personnel to Afghanistan.
Dialogue With Russian Defense Chief Encourages Mullen
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today he is encouraged that his Russian counterpart reached out to keep the dialogue between the two countries open. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen met Russian army Gen. Nikolai Makarov, the chief of the General Staff, here this morning. The mood of the meeting was positive, Mullen said during an interview with reporters traveling with him following the meeting.
The chairman would not discuss the specifics of the meeting, but did sketch the general nature of the talks. He told reporters he went to listen and wanted to hear what Makarov had to say and what concerns he has.
The two men discussed Georgia, operations in the Black Sea, Afghanistan, and the relationship between NATO and Russia. While Russia has isolated itself with its invasion of Georgia in August, the United States and Russia have been able to cooperate in other areas, Mullen said. Russia, for example, has supported the U.S. position on Afghanistan in the United Nations Security Council, he noted.
"The most important part of [today's meeting] was the dialogue and the commitment to continue the dialogue ... into the future and not put us into an all-on or all-off situation," Mullen said. "Obviously, the relationship has changed because of what happened in Georgia, but by no means does it – or should it – end."
Mullen said he does not believe the two countries have cut off all relations, "nor do I believe that it should resume on the old plan, like Georgia didn't occur." The relationship should be somewhere in the middle of that continuum, he said.
"As I pointed out during the meeting, even in the darkest days of the Cold War, we were talking to each other," he said.
The chairman said his Russian counterpart was personable and engaging. "I would characterize these as discussions," he said. "[They were] not by rote or by reading a script. So it was an engagement, and it was a meaningful engagement across a lot of important areas."
The two men covered other areas of mutual concern including the threat of Iran, counter-terrorism, counter-drug strategy and combating weapons of mass destruction, Mullen said. Concrete proposals would come out of the meeting, he added, but he wouldn't discuss them.
The chairman said he was encouraged by the opportunity to speak face-to-face with Makarov, and that he is pleased that his Russian counterpart wants to stay engaged and involved.
"It's also very important for all of us to walk the walk, not just talk the talk," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 21, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today he is encouraged that his Russian counterpart reached out to keep the dialogue between the two countries open. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen met Russian army Gen. Nikolai Makarov, the chief of the General Staff, here this morning. The mood of the meeting was positive, Mullen said during an interview with reporters traveling with him following the meeting.
The chairman would not discuss the specifics of the meeting, but did sketch the general nature of the talks. He told reporters he went to listen and wanted to hear what Makarov had to say and what concerns he has.
The two men discussed Georgia, operations in the Black Sea, Afghanistan, and the relationship between NATO and Russia. While Russia has isolated itself with its invasion of Georgia in August, the United States and Russia have been able to cooperate in other areas, Mullen said. Russia, for example, has supported the U.S. position on Afghanistan in the United Nations Security Council, he noted.
"The most important part of [today's meeting] was the dialogue and the commitment to continue the dialogue ... into the future and not put us into an all-on or all-off situation," Mullen said. "Obviously, the relationship has changed because of what happened in Georgia, but by no means does it – or should it – end."
Mullen said he does not believe the two countries have cut off all relations, "nor do I believe that it should resume on the old plan, like Georgia didn't occur." The relationship should be somewhere in the middle of that continuum, he said.
"As I pointed out during the meeting, even in the darkest days of the Cold War, we were talking to each other," he said.
The chairman said his Russian counterpart was personable and engaging. "I would characterize these as discussions," he said. "[They were] not by rote or by reading a script. So it was an engagement, and it was a meaningful engagement across a lot of important areas."
The two men covered other areas of mutual concern including the threat of Iran, counter-terrorism, counter-drug strategy and combating weapons of mass destruction, Mullen said. Concrete proposals would come out of the meeting, he added, but he wouldn't discuss them.
The chairman said he was encouraged by the opportunity to speak face-to-face with Makarov, and that he is pleased that his Russian counterpart wants to stay engaged and involved.
"It's also very important for all of us to walk the walk, not just talk the talk," he said.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Defense Media Activity Officially Stands Up with Pentagon Ceremony
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - The Defense Media Activity gives public affairs within the Defense Department a new structure to move forward as a consolidated and integrated team, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England said during the organization's activation ceremony at the Pentagon today. "This is where jointness really pays off," England said. "But this is an area where jointness has real dividends, and it's hugely important that we do this."
Born out of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's 2005 conclusions, the Defense Media Activity will unite DoD internal information programs -- the Army Broadcasting Service, Soldiers Radio and TV, the Soldiers Media Center, the Naval Media Center, the Air Force News Agency, Marine Corps internal information assets and the Army and Air Force Hometown News Service with the American Forces Information Service -- under one roof at Fort Meade, Md., in 2011. Meanwhile, the new activity will operate with its components in place at their current locations.
American Forces Radio and Television Service, American Forces Press Service, the Pentagon Channel, Stars and Stripes and the Joint Combat Camera Center are among the offices that transferred to the new activity.
The activity will work under the direction of the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs.
"[The new structure] helps consolidate organizations to do a better job in terms of the quality [and] timeliness of a product," England said. "Now we have a consolidated organization where we can bring people from all these different functions together in one place, under one organizational structure, and my judgment is that this will be vastly superior to how we have operated in the past."
Army Col. Mike Galloucis, chief of staff for the Defense Media Activity, and Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. Al Moore, the activity's senior enlisted advisor, unfurled the new organization's colors, marking the activity's official activation.
Robert T. Hastings Jr., principal deputy assistant defense secretary for public affairs, said the activation is one of the most significant changes to happen to public affairs in a lifetime because of the opportunities for improvements it affords to Defense Department public affairs.
"What we have is the opportunity to fundamentally look at the way we deliver news and information to the men and women of the armed forces and their families, and determine if that's right, and look at how we can make improvements," Hastings said.
The change in how the Defense Department provides news and information "represents the fact that we are one Department of Defense, and we do operate jointly," he said.
The idea is that teams of reporters, photographers, videographers and TV producers will deploy to an area and send command information products back. Experts at the activity can package the reports for distribution by any media. "The DMA is how we will deliver that," he said.
The concept of operations for the new activity is still developing, Hastings said. The activity's focus will be more on information and audience, and less about the medium used.
"[With the DMA], we're able to improve efficiencies in the back office," he said. It'll free up resources to support the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that are delivering. No one can even imagine yet what the DMA can provide.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - The Defense Media Activity gives public affairs within the Defense Department a new structure to move forward as a consolidated and integrated team, Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England said during the organization's activation ceremony at the Pentagon today. "This is where jointness really pays off," England said. "But this is an area where jointness has real dividends, and it's hugely important that we do this."
Born out of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's 2005 conclusions, the Defense Media Activity will unite DoD internal information programs -- the Army Broadcasting Service, Soldiers Radio and TV, the Soldiers Media Center, the Naval Media Center, the Air Force News Agency, Marine Corps internal information assets and the Army and Air Force Hometown News Service with the American Forces Information Service -- under one roof at Fort Meade, Md., in 2011. Meanwhile, the new activity will operate with its components in place at their current locations.
American Forces Radio and Television Service, American Forces Press Service, the Pentagon Channel, Stars and Stripes and the Joint Combat Camera Center are among the offices that transferred to the new activity.
The activity will work under the direction of the assistant secretary of defense for public affairs.
"[The new structure] helps consolidate organizations to do a better job in terms of the quality [and] timeliness of a product," England said. "Now we have a consolidated organization where we can bring people from all these different functions together in one place, under one organizational structure, and my judgment is that this will be vastly superior to how we have operated in the past."
Army Col. Mike Galloucis, chief of staff for the Defense Media Activity, and Marine Master Gunnery Sgt. Al Moore, the activity's senior enlisted advisor, unfurled the new organization's colors, marking the activity's official activation.
Robert T. Hastings Jr., principal deputy assistant defense secretary for public affairs, said the activation is one of the most significant changes to happen to public affairs in a lifetime because of the opportunities for improvements it affords to Defense Department public affairs.
"What we have is the opportunity to fundamentally look at the way we deliver news and information to the men and women of the armed forces and their families, and determine if that's right, and look at how we can make improvements," Hastings said.
The change in how the Defense Department provides news and information "represents the fact that we are one Department of Defense, and we do operate jointly," he said.
The idea is that teams of reporters, photographers, videographers and TV producers will deploy to an area and send command information products back. Experts at the activity can package the reports for distribution by any media. "The DMA is how we will deliver that," he said.
The concept of operations for the new activity is still developing, Hastings said. The activity's focus will be more on information and audience, and less about the medium used.
"[With the DMA], we're able to improve efficiencies in the back office," he said. It'll free up resources to support the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that are delivering. No one can even imagine yet what the DMA can provide.
U.S., Serbian Leaders Discuss New Ways to Cooperate
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - The military-to-military relationship between the United States and Serbia is growing closer, the top military officers of both countries said here today. Serbian Army Chief of Defense Gen. Zdravko Ponos and Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke to reporters following their meeting on the relationship.
Mullen is the highest-ranking U.S. officer to visit Belgrade since General of the Army Omar Bradley did so in 1951. He said the two men had a good, candid and productive meeting. "I always learn a great deal coming out and meeting someone face to face," Mullen said.
The relationship between the United States and Serbia is difficult. The United States participated in Operation Allied Force – a 72-day NATO bombing campaign against Serbia in 1999 that forced the nation to withdraw military and paramilitary units out of Kosovo. Following U.S. recognition of Kosovo's independence earlier this year, a mob attacked the U.S. embassy here and burned part of it.
Still, the United States and Serbia must work together for peace in the region and beyond, Mullen said.
"This is a friendship that has weathered many trials and grown stronger and stronger with each additional contact," he said. "We are also partners, and partnerships are very important in the 21st century."
The Serb Army is seeking to modernize, and the United States can help, the chairman said. Serbian officers are attending U.S. staff and war colleges, and Serbian cadets attend the U.S. military Academy at West Point, N.Y.
Serb military leaders also are working to establish a modern noncommissioned officer corps, modeled after the U.S. example. But cooperation in the region is most important, Mullen said.
"Serbia's cooperation with [NATO's Kosovo Force] in the Joint Implementation Council has been greatly appreciated, and your interest in modernizing your military through the Partnership for Peace program is commendable," he said.
The chairman called Ponos a strong partner in a vital region where "security and stability continue to be incredibly important to achieve and sustain."
Both men agreed that their two countries have totally different opinions of Kosovo and that this complicates the relationship. Serbs regard Kosovo as an integral part of their nation, even though only a small number of ethnic Serbs live there.
"These are very complicated political relations in which the military has to cooperate," Ponos said through an interpreter.
The relations between the two countries have come a long way since the low point of the late 1990s. After the democratically elected government came into power following the fall of Serb strongman Slobodon Milosevic, the United States and Serbia began rebuilding the military-to-military relationship. Now, "there is too big an investment to be pulled down," Ponos said.
"Under such difficult political relations, economic relations between the two nations continue to grow," he said. "Cultural relations continue to grow, too. Why shouldn't military relations continue to grow, even though those are the most difficult aspect of it all?"
The Serb military chief said that every generation of leaders must continue to build relations. "Everything they are doing should be putting one more brick into the relationship for the generation to come," he said.
Mullen said that although the nations are separated on Kosovo, they share much common ground.
"We are in complete agreement on the success of the military-to-military engagements," the chairman said, "not just on paper, [but also] on the ground, where we are able to exchange and assist and make a difference for the future.
"Most importantly," he said, "what we continue to agree on is that these developments occur in an environment that does not have violence in it, and we continue to move ahead peacefully with respect to Kosovo and, indeed, in the region."
Mullen said he is not in Serbia to dictate to the Serb military leaders what they should do. Rather, he said, he is here to listen to the leaders, address their concerns, and find new ways to work together.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - The military-to-military relationship between the United States and Serbia is growing closer, the top military officers of both countries said here today. Serbian Army Chief of Defense Gen. Zdravko Ponos and Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke to reporters following their meeting on the relationship.
Mullen is the highest-ranking U.S. officer to visit Belgrade since General of the Army Omar Bradley did so in 1951. He said the two men had a good, candid and productive meeting. "I always learn a great deal coming out and meeting someone face to face," Mullen said.
The relationship between the United States and Serbia is difficult. The United States participated in Operation Allied Force – a 72-day NATO bombing campaign against Serbia in 1999 that forced the nation to withdraw military and paramilitary units out of Kosovo. Following U.S. recognition of Kosovo's independence earlier this year, a mob attacked the U.S. embassy here and burned part of it.
Still, the United States and Serbia must work together for peace in the region and beyond, Mullen said.
"This is a friendship that has weathered many trials and grown stronger and stronger with each additional contact," he said. "We are also partners, and partnerships are very important in the 21st century."
The Serb Army is seeking to modernize, and the United States can help, the chairman said. Serbian officers are attending U.S. staff and war colleges, and Serbian cadets attend the U.S. military Academy at West Point, N.Y.
Serb military leaders also are working to establish a modern noncommissioned officer corps, modeled after the U.S. example. But cooperation in the region is most important, Mullen said.
"Serbia's cooperation with [NATO's Kosovo Force] in the Joint Implementation Council has been greatly appreciated, and your interest in modernizing your military through the Partnership for Peace program is commendable," he said.
The chairman called Ponos a strong partner in a vital region where "security and stability continue to be incredibly important to achieve and sustain."
Both men agreed that their two countries have totally different opinions of Kosovo and that this complicates the relationship. Serbs regard Kosovo as an integral part of their nation, even though only a small number of ethnic Serbs live there.
"These are very complicated political relations in which the military has to cooperate," Ponos said through an interpreter.
The relations between the two countries have come a long way since the low point of the late 1990s. After the democratically elected government came into power following the fall of Serb strongman Slobodon Milosevic, the United States and Serbia began rebuilding the military-to-military relationship. Now, "there is too big an investment to be pulled down," Ponos said.
"Under such difficult political relations, economic relations between the two nations continue to grow," he said. "Cultural relations continue to grow, too. Why shouldn't military relations continue to grow, even though those are the most difficult aspect of it all?"
The Serb military chief said that every generation of leaders must continue to build relations. "Everything they are doing should be putting one more brick into the relationship for the generation to come," he said.
Mullen said that although the nations are separated on Kosovo, they share much common ground.
"We are in complete agreement on the success of the military-to-military engagements," the chairman said, "not just on paper, [but also] on the ground, where we are able to exchange and assist and make a difference for the future.
"Most importantly," he said, "what we continue to agree on is that these developments occur in an environment that does not have violence in it, and we continue to move ahead peacefully with respect to Kosovo and, indeed, in the region."
Mullen said he is not in Serbia to dictate to the Serb military leaders what they should do. Rather, he said, he is here to listen to the leaders, address their concerns, and find new ways to work together.
Group Helps Military Families Take Flight
By Sharon Foster
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - While on patrol in northern Iraq last year, Army Spc. Kevin Hardin of Jupiter, Fla., was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. He suffered injuries to his hands and arms. As a result, some of his fingers were amputated. Shrapnel penetrated his skull, leaving inoperable injuries. Twenty surgeries later, and while recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, Hardin wrote to Luke's Wings, a Washington-based group that provides travel tickets and travel agency services for families of wounded servicemembers. He asked if the group could arrange for his mother and brothers to join his father at his side as he faced yet another operation.
"By purchasing travel agency services and travel tickets for loved ones, Luke's Wings provides an immediate and invaluable service to families of our men and women in the Armed Forces," Fletcher Gill, co-founder of Luke's Wings, said. "We receive about one request per month. I believe once the word gets out, we will see a flood of requests, and we will try to fill all of them."
Recognizing the immediate need for families to be with their loved ones after being wounded in combat, Luke's Wings provides them with the means to visit their servicemembers during hospitalization and rehabilitation at Walter Reed and at the National Naval Medical Center in nearby Bethesda, Md.
Since its inception in December, Luke's Wings has purchased eight tickets and has helped three families travel to the Washington area to visit servicemembers.
Luke's Wings has raised nearly $30,000 in 10 months, mostly through fundraisers and private and corporate donations. A recent fundraiser, a 1940s-style cocktail party at a local club, attracted some 200 guests who donned period attire and military uniforms to dance the night away.
"We not only raised enough money to pay for our next family," Gill said, "but had enough left over to finance a minimum of two more families."
The idea to create Luke's Wings came when co-founder Sarah Wingfield, then a Washington Redskins football team ambassador, visited Walter Reed to sign autographs and entertain veterans receiving treatment. There, she met a soldier she refers to as Luke, a triple amputee struggling to accept what had happened to him.
From talking to him and seeing his need to have his family around for support, she met with Gill, her long-time friend, to create Luke's Wings. Families such as the Hardin's are glad such an organization exists.
"We are so very thankful our son is alive," Terry Hardin said. "We have Luke's Wings to thank for making it possible for us to visit with him this year for yet another surgery. They will never be forgotten for what they have done for us." Her son is still recovering at Walter Reed.
Luke's Wings is included on the America Supports You Web site. America Supports You is a Defense Department program that communicates citizen support to the men and women serving in the nation's armed forces and their families.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - While on patrol in northern Iraq last year, Army Spc. Kevin Hardin of Jupiter, Fla., was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. He suffered injuries to his hands and arms. As a result, some of his fingers were amputated. Shrapnel penetrated his skull, leaving inoperable injuries. Twenty surgeries later, and while recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, Hardin wrote to Luke's Wings, a Washington-based group that provides travel tickets and travel agency services for families of wounded servicemembers. He asked if the group could arrange for his mother and brothers to join his father at his side as he faced yet another operation.
"By purchasing travel agency services and travel tickets for loved ones, Luke's Wings provides an immediate and invaluable service to families of our men and women in the Armed Forces," Fletcher Gill, co-founder of Luke's Wings, said. "We receive about one request per month. I believe once the word gets out, we will see a flood of requests, and we will try to fill all of them."
Recognizing the immediate need for families to be with their loved ones after being wounded in combat, Luke's Wings provides them with the means to visit their servicemembers during hospitalization and rehabilitation at Walter Reed and at the National Naval Medical Center in nearby Bethesda, Md.
Since its inception in December, Luke's Wings has purchased eight tickets and has helped three families travel to the Washington area to visit servicemembers.
Luke's Wings has raised nearly $30,000 in 10 months, mostly through fundraisers and private and corporate donations. A recent fundraiser, a 1940s-style cocktail party at a local club, attracted some 200 guests who donned period attire and military uniforms to dance the night away.
"We not only raised enough money to pay for our next family," Gill said, "but had enough left over to finance a minimum of two more families."
The idea to create Luke's Wings came when co-founder Sarah Wingfield, then a Washington Redskins football team ambassador, visited Walter Reed to sign autographs and entertain veterans receiving treatment. There, she met a soldier she refers to as Luke, a triple amputee struggling to accept what had happened to him.
From talking to him and seeing his need to have his family around for support, she met with Gill, her long-time friend, to create Luke's Wings. Families such as the Hardin's are glad such an organization exists.
"We are so very thankful our son is alive," Terry Hardin said. "We have Luke's Wings to thank for making it possible for us to visit with him this year for yet another surgery. They will never be forgotten for what they have done for us." Her son is still recovering at Walter Reed.
Luke's Wings is included on the America Supports You Web site. America Supports You is a Defense Department program that communicates citizen support to the men and women serving in the nation's armed forces and their families.
Mullen Arrives in Belgrade for Talks With Serb Leaders
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - Navy Adm. Mike Mullen today became the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to visit this European capital. The chairman is visiting the largest nation of what once was Yugoslavia to work to improve American military-to-military relations with Serbia.
The United States was part of NATO's bombing campaign against Serbia over Kosovo in 1999. The alliance operated under a U.N. mandate to force the government of Slobodon Milosevic to withdraw all military and paramilitary forces from Kosovo and allow foreign peacekeepers into the nation.
Buildings in downtown Belgrade still show signs of the bombing campaign.
Mullen arrived aboard an Air Force C-32 and was whisked to the American embassy, which itself is an example of the tension in U.S.-Serb relations. Following Kosovo's declaration of independence in February, mobs set fire to the older portion of the building. Kosovo has great symbolic meaning to the Serbian people, and is regarded by many of them as an essential part of the nation.
Still, the Serbian leadership is committed to the West and is seeking to join the European Union. The nation is a member of NATO's Partnership for Peace program – usually a steppingstone to alliance membership.
At the embassy, Mullen met with U.S. Ambassador Cameron Munter and the American country team. After the briefing, the chairman moved to Topchider Barracks for a full-honors arrival ceremony hosted by Serbia's chief of defense, Gen. Zdravko Ponos. Mullen and Ponos met privately and then continued discussions over lunch.
The admiral then went to the Defense Ministry, where he met Defense Minister Dragan Sutanovac. He is scheduled to have dinner with President Boris Tadic.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - Navy Adm. Mike Mullen today became the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to visit this European capital. The chairman is visiting the largest nation of what once was Yugoslavia to work to improve American military-to-military relations with Serbia.
The United States was part of NATO's bombing campaign against Serbia over Kosovo in 1999. The alliance operated under a U.N. mandate to force the government of Slobodon Milosevic to withdraw all military and paramilitary forces from Kosovo and allow foreign peacekeepers into the nation.
Buildings in downtown Belgrade still show signs of the bombing campaign.
Mullen arrived aboard an Air Force C-32 and was whisked to the American embassy, which itself is an example of the tension in U.S.-Serb relations. Following Kosovo's declaration of independence in February, mobs set fire to the older portion of the building. Kosovo has great symbolic meaning to the Serbian people, and is regarded by many of them as an essential part of the nation.
Still, the Serbian leadership is committed to the West and is seeking to join the European Union. The nation is a member of NATO's Partnership for Peace program – usually a steppingstone to alliance membership.
At the embassy, Mullen met with U.S. Ambassador Cameron Munter and the American country team. After the briefing, the chairman moved to Topchider Barracks for a full-honors arrival ceremony hosted by Serbia's chief of defense, Gen. Zdravko Ponos. Mullen and Ponos met privately and then continued discussions over lunch.
The admiral then went to the Defense Ministry, where he met Defense Minister Dragan Sutanovac. He is scheduled to have dinner with President Boris Tadic.
Face of Defense: Passion for Teaching Drives Instructor
By Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Trish Freeland
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - When he graduated from Air Force basic training six years ago, he knew he'd be back one day, "pushing" his own flight of fledgling airmen through their first military paces. But Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Coltrin didn't know he not only would push Air Force basic trainees as a military training instructor, but also would go to Iraq and help Iraqi basic training instructors push their recruits.
Two years into his MTI tour at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Coltrin is deployed to the 370th Expeditionary Training Squadron here as an air advisor to Iraqi basic military training instructors.
"I love discipline. I love drill. I love the extreme passion for being the best you can possibly be," the native of Lake Charles, La., said. "I knew it would be tough to come back, but I always knew I'd end up back at Lackland.
Coltrin said his work in Iraq doesn't differ much from his work at his home station.
"We interact with our Iraqi instructor teams here the same as we would young MTIs back at Lackland," he said. "We advise them of the best way to operate, and then let them do things their way. Then if things don't go right, we help them make fixes."
Coltrin has taken advising the Iraqis full throttle by learning not only the Queen's drill movements, the British-style that Iraqi airmen use, but also Arabic drill commands.
"I messed up a few times while calling commands, but they covered for me," he said.
Teaching is Coltrin's passion. One could even say it's a family affair. His mother, Tama Ray, is an assistant principal at J.I. Watson Middle School in Iowa, La. His sister is a teacher, and his wife, Renee, also teaches.
"For me, teaching and being able to work with people is about being able to mentor and influence someone's life," he said. "It's about making them better than they were before you met them. That's what I get out of this job more than anything."
Before becoming an MTI, Coltrin spent four years as an F-15 Eagle avionics technician. But since earning his distinctive MTI hat, which is adorned with a coveted "blue rope," an honor bestowed on the top 10 percent of the MTI corps.
"When you put that blue rope on your hat, you are the walking example of the MTI. You have to be on your best behavior at all times," Coltrin said. "You've got to lead by example, and you become more focused on the betterment of the corps itself, not just the trainees.
"I always set my standards extremely high," he continued, but any way the Air Force wants to use me would be outstanding. I just really love the Air Force."
(Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Trish Freeland serves at U.S. Air Forces Central.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - When he graduated from Air Force basic training six years ago, he knew he'd be back one day, "pushing" his own flight of fledgling airmen through their first military paces. But Air Force Staff Sgt. Matthew Coltrin didn't know he not only would push Air Force basic trainees as a military training instructor, but also would go to Iraq and help Iraqi basic training instructors push their recruits.
Two years into his MTI tour at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Coltrin is deployed to the 370th Expeditionary Training Squadron here as an air advisor to Iraqi basic military training instructors.
"I love discipline. I love drill. I love the extreme passion for being the best you can possibly be," the native of Lake Charles, La., said. "I knew it would be tough to come back, but I always knew I'd end up back at Lackland.
Coltrin said his work in Iraq doesn't differ much from his work at his home station.
"We interact with our Iraqi instructor teams here the same as we would young MTIs back at Lackland," he said. "We advise them of the best way to operate, and then let them do things their way. Then if things don't go right, we help them make fixes."
Coltrin has taken advising the Iraqis full throttle by learning not only the Queen's drill movements, the British-style that Iraqi airmen use, but also Arabic drill commands.
"I messed up a few times while calling commands, but they covered for me," he said.
Teaching is Coltrin's passion. One could even say it's a family affair. His mother, Tama Ray, is an assistant principal at J.I. Watson Middle School in Iowa, La. His sister is a teacher, and his wife, Renee, also teaches.
"For me, teaching and being able to work with people is about being able to mentor and influence someone's life," he said. "It's about making them better than they were before you met them. That's what I get out of this job more than anything."
Before becoming an MTI, Coltrin spent four years as an F-15 Eagle avionics technician. But since earning his distinctive MTI hat, which is adorned with a coveted "blue rope," an honor bestowed on the top 10 percent of the MTI corps.
"When you put that blue rope on your hat, you are the walking example of the MTI. You have to be on your best behavior at all times," Coltrin said. "You've got to lead by example, and you become more focused on the betterment of the corps itself, not just the trainees.
"I always set my standards extremely high," he continued, but any way the Air Force wants to use me would be outstanding. I just really love the Air Force."
(Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Trish Freeland serves at U.S. Air Forces Central.)
Virtual Community for Military Families Meets Live in San Antonio
By Jamie Findlater
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - SpouseBuzz, a support group that connects military spouses online, held its fifth live conference here over the weekend. SpouseBuzz allows spouses to get advice and find resources that might not be readily available in their surrounding community as part of a growing trend toward online communities and discussion forums that are becoming a staple, especially for next-generation military families, Andi Hurley, the organization's founder, said.
"Essentially, SpouseBuzz is like a virtual family readiness support center," Hurley said during her opening remarks at the live conference. "When we used to [move to a new duty station], we would just get right up and drive -- there was no research online. Now, you can leave information for a spouse that's coming behind you."
One of SpouseBuzz's members, a military husband who writes by the code name of "Toad," echoed this concern, explaining the need for an increased awareness of online resources in military communities.
"We are dealing with a different demographic of military families," he said. "The first place these kids go to get information about the base is online. They won't come into our facilities. If we don't have information online, we can't reach them."
Another SpouseBuzz "author," Ginger, founder of the troop-support group Sew Much Comfort, agreed.
"Back in the day," she said, "advisors were readily available to talk you through the process of moving to a new base. But these new families want to be able to access all the information about services and groups on the Internet."
Amanda and Amber, 28 and 23 respectively, are Army wives stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, who represent this new generation of military spouses who rely on the Internet as a primary resource. The two found out about the SpouseBuzz conference from an e-mailed newsletter they received from Military.com, a private-enterprise online news resource for the military.
"I use the Internet to communicate with my husband primarily, so it's just so much easier to find information there," Amanda explained. "Message boards are so much more useful than finding groups on base. I even use online financial calculators to handle the finances while my husband is away."
Amber agreed that the Internet is a vital component of modern life. "I take classes online because I need a career and school that's portable, so it's the best place to find information," she said. "It's a good way to get to know people and find people that are like you instead of only connecting with the people in your family support group."
The live conference, though, is an opportunity to combine the online and physical community, allowing spouses to connect in person.
"Conversations on the blog are now going to take place here, in person," Hurley said. The conference was free to spouses, and topics ranged from humorous accounts of civilian misperceptions of the military life to real-life accounts such as the struggle of caring for a wounded servicemember.
Aside from providing a place for spouses to connect, the event also served as a way to introduce spouses who are less familiar with online resources to what's out there.
"One of the biggest challenges is finding and recruiting the young military spouses for support groups like the spouses' clubs," said Jeanette Hawk of the Navy Wives Club. "I can't wait to get home and get on the computer and say I'm on a blog."
"I'm trying to get up to speed," another military spouse said. "I don't use the Internet enough. In fact, I found out about the conference from a friend, but I am definitely going to use this blog now."
Online support groups, message boards, and social networks are just a few of the online resources that are becoming second nature to new and old military spouses, and these resources will continue to grow as the need arises.
"As 'milspouses,' when we see the need, we just automatically move to fill it," Hurley said.
(Jamie Findlater works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - SpouseBuzz, a support group that connects military spouses online, held its fifth live conference here over the weekend. SpouseBuzz allows spouses to get advice and find resources that might not be readily available in their surrounding community as part of a growing trend toward online communities and discussion forums that are becoming a staple, especially for next-generation military families, Andi Hurley, the organization's founder, said.
"Essentially, SpouseBuzz is like a virtual family readiness support center," Hurley said during her opening remarks at the live conference. "When we used to [move to a new duty station], we would just get right up and drive -- there was no research online. Now, you can leave information for a spouse that's coming behind you."
One of SpouseBuzz's members, a military husband who writes by the code name of "Toad," echoed this concern, explaining the need for an increased awareness of online resources in military communities.
"We are dealing with a different demographic of military families," he said. "The first place these kids go to get information about the base is online. They won't come into our facilities. If we don't have information online, we can't reach them."
Another SpouseBuzz "author," Ginger, founder of the troop-support group Sew Much Comfort, agreed.
"Back in the day," she said, "advisors were readily available to talk you through the process of moving to a new base. But these new families want to be able to access all the information about services and groups on the Internet."
Amanda and Amber, 28 and 23 respectively, are Army wives stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, who represent this new generation of military spouses who rely on the Internet as a primary resource. The two found out about the SpouseBuzz conference from an e-mailed newsletter they received from Military.com, a private-enterprise online news resource for the military.
"I use the Internet to communicate with my husband primarily, so it's just so much easier to find information there," Amanda explained. "Message boards are so much more useful than finding groups on base. I even use online financial calculators to handle the finances while my husband is away."
Amber agreed that the Internet is a vital component of modern life. "I take classes online because I need a career and school that's portable, so it's the best place to find information," she said. "It's a good way to get to know people and find people that are like you instead of only connecting with the people in your family support group."
The live conference, though, is an opportunity to combine the online and physical community, allowing spouses to connect in person.
"Conversations on the blog are now going to take place here, in person," Hurley said. The conference was free to spouses, and topics ranged from humorous accounts of civilian misperceptions of the military life to real-life accounts such as the struggle of caring for a wounded servicemember.
Aside from providing a place for spouses to connect, the event also served as a way to introduce spouses who are less familiar with online resources to what's out there.
"One of the biggest challenges is finding and recruiting the young military spouses for support groups like the spouses' clubs," said Jeanette Hawk of the Navy Wives Club. "I can't wait to get home and get on the computer and say I'm on a blog."
"I'm trying to get up to speed," another military spouse said. "I don't use the Internet enough. In fact, I found out about the conference from a friend, but I am definitely going to use this blog now."
Online support groups, message boards, and social networks are just a few of the online resources that are becoming second nature to new and old military spouses, and these resources will continue to grow as the need arises.
"As 'milspouses,' when we see the need, we just automatically move to fill it," Hurley said.
(Jamie Findlater works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
MILITARY CONTRACT October 20, 2008
Army
Thales-Raytheon Systems Company LLC, Fullerton, Calif., was awarded Oct. 17, 2008, a $217,967,106 firm fixed price contract for 60 Reliability Maintainability Improvement production modification kits and 77 power amplifier modules in support of the Firefinder AN/TPQ-37 Reliability Maintainability Improvement Program. Work will be performed in Fullerton, Calif., with an estimated and completion date of May 31, 2013. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contractW15P7T-06-D-T001).
Rush-Peak Three, Titusville, Fla., was awarded Oct. 16, 2008, a $9,243,000 firm fixed fee price contract for construction of a multi-story parking garage within the headquarters of U.S. Special Operations Command compound at MacDill Air force Base, Florida. Work will be performed in MacDill Air force Base, Tampa, Fla., with an estimated and completion date of Feb. 27, 2010. Bids solicited were via the FedBizOpps and four bids were received. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-09-C-0003).
Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunitions Co., LLC., was awarded Oct. 17, 2008, a $5, 545,455 firm fixed price contract for M855 green ammunition Phase IIIA which develops a production capability of six million cartridge per month. Work will be performed in Lake City, Independence, Mo., with an estimated and completion date of Sept. 30, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-99-D-0016).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
SUEZ Energy Resources NA, Inc, Houston, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $49,666,373 fixed price contract to provide electricity to Navy installations in Texas. The installations are JRB Navy Reserves, NS Ingleside, NAS Corpus Christi, and NAS Kingsville. The proposal elicited 12 responses. The date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Ft. Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-09-D-8003).
TXU Energy, Irving, Texas, is being awarded a $6,573,281.37 fixed price contract to provide electricity to Air force Space Command, Archer City, Texas, and Army Air Force Exchange Service, Dallas, Texas. The proposal elicited 12 responses. The date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Ft. Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-09-D-8005).
NAVY
Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $33,273,342 indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract with a cost plus fixed fee pricing arrangement for emerging technologies and systems for positioning, navigation and timing for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Systems. The work includes research, investigation, test and evaluation of emerging navigation technologies, sensors and systems with potential for applicability in the areas of air, ground, and shipboard C4ISR system technologies, and position, navigation and timing systems. This contract includes two options and six award terms, which if exercised/awarded, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $94,788,999. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., (89 percent), Robins Air force Base, Ga., (7 percent), and Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., (4 percent) and is expected to be completed by Oct. 19, 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited on an unrestricted basis, and one offer was received via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems E-commerce web site. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Pacific, Calif. is the contracting activity (N66001-09-D-0020).
Air force
The Air force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with Raytheon Co., Missile Systems, of Tucson, Ariz., for $12,948,761. This action will provide for 436 propulsion sections (baseline rocket motors) to be installed into AIM-120B Air Vehicles. This effort supports foreign military sales to Turkey, Denmark, and Finland. At this time all funds have been obligated. 695ARSS, Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8675-08-C-C=0049 P00005).
Thales-Raytheon Systems Company LLC, Fullerton, Calif., was awarded Oct. 17, 2008, a $217,967,106 firm fixed price contract for 60 Reliability Maintainability Improvement production modification kits and 77 power amplifier modules in support of the Firefinder AN/TPQ-37 Reliability Maintainability Improvement Program. Work will be performed in Fullerton, Calif., with an estimated and completion date of May 31, 2013. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contractW15P7T-06-D-T001).
Rush-Peak Three, Titusville, Fla., was awarded Oct. 16, 2008, a $9,243,000 firm fixed fee price contract for construction of a multi-story parking garage within the headquarters of U.S. Special Operations Command compound at MacDill Air force Base, Florida. Work will be performed in MacDill Air force Base, Tampa, Fla., with an estimated and completion date of Feb. 27, 2010. Bids solicited were via the FedBizOpps and four bids were received. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-09-C-0003).
Alliant Lake City Small Caliber Ammunitions Co., LLC., was awarded Oct. 17, 2008, a $5, 545,455 firm fixed price contract for M855 green ammunition Phase IIIA which develops a production capability of six million cartridge per month. Work will be performed in Lake City, Independence, Mo., with an estimated and completion date of Sept. 30, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-99-D-0016).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
SUEZ Energy Resources NA, Inc, Houston, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $49,666,373 fixed price contract to provide electricity to Navy installations in Texas. The installations are JRB Navy Reserves, NS Ingleside, NAS Corpus Christi, and NAS Kingsville. The proposal elicited 12 responses. The date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Ft. Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-09-D-8003).
TXU Energy, Irving, Texas, is being awarded a $6,573,281.37 fixed price contract to provide electricity to Air force Space Command, Archer City, Texas, and Army Air Force Exchange Service, Dallas, Texas. The proposal elicited 12 responses. The date of performance completion is Jan. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Ft. Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-09-D-8005).
NAVY
Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $33,273,342 indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract with a cost plus fixed fee pricing arrangement for emerging technologies and systems for positioning, navigation and timing for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Systems. The work includes research, investigation, test and evaluation of emerging navigation technologies, sensors and systems with potential for applicability in the areas of air, ground, and shipboard C4ISR system technologies, and position, navigation and timing systems. This contract includes two options and six award terms, which if exercised/awarded, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $94,788,999. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., (89 percent), Robins Air force Base, Ga., (7 percent), and Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., (4 percent) and is expected to be completed by Oct. 19, 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited on an unrestricted basis, and one offer was received via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems E-commerce web site. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Pacific, Calif. is the contracting activity (N66001-09-D-0020).
Air force
The Air force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with Raytheon Co., Missile Systems, of Tucson, Ariz., for $12,948,761. This action will provide for 436 propulsion sections (baseline rocket motors) to be installed into AIM-120B Air Vehicles. This effort supports foreign military sales to Turkey, Denmark, and Finland. At this time all funds have been obligated. 695ARSS, Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8675-08-C-C=0049 P00005).
DoD Reaches Out to Parents in New Ad Campaign
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - Defense Department marketers launched a new television and online advertising campaign today, but its primary target is not potential military recruits – it's their parents. In one of the handful of ads slated to begin airing nationally, a mother and father sit in their car parked outside a convenience store, talking as their teenage son runs inside.
"The military. I didn't see that coming," the mom comments.
"You're telling me," the dad responds.
"I'm scared, obviously. But kind of impressed, too," says the mom.
"He doesn't want to wait to do something important," the dad replies.
"Wow," the dad says.
"Yeah," the mom agrees.
While this conversation plays out on a TV screen between actors, officials with DoD's Joint Advertising, Market Research and Studies program believe it is a conversation that is happening in kitchens and bedrooms, on ball field sidelines and on couches in living rooms across America. And it is a conversation they want to encourage.
"There are few things as influential as the parents' advice and support. That's why we want parents to know the facts [about military service]," said Air Force Maj. Michele A. Gill with JAMRS.
JAMRS is a small office located in Arlington, Va., not far from the Pentagon. It places advertising and conducts research for the Defense Department, which it shares with each military service's recruiting command.
But the program is not a recruiting agency, Gill said, and its primary focus is on educating those influential in the decisions of potential recruits. This ad campaign targets the middle-aged parents of young adults between 17 and 22 years old.
"Our goal ... is to educate the families and give them a reliable, honest look at what the military has to offer, and even some of the risks that are involved, ... just to help them make a wise decision," Gill said.
In fact, Gill said, it is simply the conversation about military service they are after, not necessarily an endorsement of military service from the parent. DoD officials want military service to be considered as an option equally with college or vocational training, she said.
"We want the conversation to happen between the parent and the young person regardless of whether the young person decides to join the military or not," Gill said. "Just the fact that they're having the conversation is 'mission accomplished' for us."
The conversation about military service between parents and teenagers is a relatively new phenomenon in an era in which parents are now much more involved in their sons' and daughters' decisions, said Tom Jump, a managing partner with Mullen Advertising, the agency that developed the campaign.
"I think the family unit is fundamentally different," Jump said. "Parents have taken a much more collaborative and integrated role in raising their children. It's not just the decision of the child or the parents; it's a family decision.
"They really want to provide a strong foundation and make sure that their children understand all of their options and possibilities, and really have open conversation about what are going to be significant decisions in that child's life," he said.
Also, Gill noted, in past generations it was more common to enlist because many parents served and children often grew up around veterans.
"There are a lot of parents in today's generation who have not served in the military, so there could be a lack of information out there about what the military has to offer," Gill said. "Maybe the only thing they know about the military is what they see on the movies or in the news."
Executives at Mullen Advertising have worked with JAMRS for six years and helped produced a previous campaign that pushed influencers to "Make it a two-way conversation."
That campaign focused on the decision from the potential recruit's perspective, while this campaign focuses on the decision from the influencer's perspective.
Jump called it an evolution of the previous campaign and said that the agency hopes it models a positive response by the parents. This campaign promotes the theme, "It's a big decision. Talk about it."
"If you've got somebody who has enlisted and has the support of their family members, loved ones and friends, they would have a very positive view going into the service," Jump said. "Our role is to really educate them and make sure they have all the answers they need and give them an unbiased view of what those options and opportunities are."
The ads were directed by a company that also has produced Super Bowl advertisements for the likes of Pepsi and Budweiser. The ads offer diverse environments and family models, and officials hope to connect using what they said are real-life situations and the emotions involved in the discussions.
Each ad directs viewers to the Web site www.todaysmilitary.com for more information on military service.
"Military service can be a difficult subject to broach. That's why it's important for parents to know the facts," Gill said. "Joining the military is a big decision. We want to encourage parents to really listen to their son or daughter who has talked to them about serving our country and doing something bigger than themselves."
Gill said that an informed family decision can lead to a more qualified lead for military recruiters.
"They're sure they want to serve. They know what the risks are. They know what the benefits are," she said. "It's not just some quick decision. They've actually thought about the decision. The help of the parents just reinforces the decision."
Gill joined the Air Force at 17 years old, she said, after talking about it with her parents starting in about the sixth grade. In her junior year of high school, her parents starting taking her desire to serve seriously, Gill said. And, she said, their support was a major factor in her decision.
"My parents were definitely a part of that decision-making process. I wanted their support. I wanted their advice," Gill said. "If they would have highly discouraged it, I probably wouldn't have gone into the military."
Now raising three small children herself, the career Air Force officer said she also would want to be a part of their eventual career decisions.
"I'd definitely want my children to come talk to me," she said. "I want to be involved in their life. And I would hope that they would trust me enough to have that conversation with me."
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - Defense Department marketers launched a new television and online advertising campaign today, but its primary target is not potential military recruits – it's their parents. In one of the handful of ads slated to begin airing nationally, a mother and father sit in their car parked outside a convenience store, talking as their teenage son runs inside.
"The military. I didn't see that coming," the mom comments.
"You're telling me," the dad responds.
"I'm scared, obviously. But kind of impressed, too," says the mom.
"He doesn't want to wait to do something important," the dad replies.
"Wow," the dad says.
"Yeah," the mom agrees.
While this conversation plays out on a TV screen between actors, officials with DoD's Joint Advertising, Market Research and Studies program believe it is a conversation that is happening in kitchens and bedrooms, on ball field sidelines and on couches in living rooms across America. And it is a conversation they want to encourage.
"There are few things as influential as the parents' advice and support. That's why we want parents to know the facts [about military service]," said Air Force Maj. Michele A. Gill with JAMRS.
JAMRS is a small office located in Arlington, Va., not far from the Pentagon. It places advertising and conducts research for the Defense Department, which it shares with each military service's recruiting command.
But the program is not a recruiting agency, Gill said, and its primary focus is on educating those influential in the decisions of potential recruits. This ad campaign targets the middle-aged parents of young adults between 17 and 22 years old.
"Our goal ... is to educate the families and give them a reliable, honest look at what the military has to offer, and even some of the risks that are involved, ... just to help them make a wise decision," Gill said.
In fact, Gill said, it is simply the conversation about military service they are after, not necessarily an endorsement of military service from the parent. DoD officials want military service to be considered as an option equally with college or vocational training, she said.
"We want the conversation to happen between the parent and the young person regardless of whether the young person decides to join the military or not," Gill said. "Just the fact that they're having the conversation is 'mission accomplished' for us."
The conversation about military service between parents and teenagers is a relatively new phenomenon in an era in which parents are now much more involved in their sons' and daughters' decisions, said Tom Jump, a managing partner with Mullen Advertising, the agency that developed the campaign.
"I think the family unit is fundamentally different," Jump said. "Parents have taken a much more collaborative and integrated role in raising their children. It's not just the decision of the child or the parents; it's a family decision.
"They really want to provide a strong foundation and make sure that their children understand all of their options and possibilities, and really have open conversation about what are going to be significant decisions in that child's life," he said.
Also, Gill noted, in past generations it was more common to enlist because many parents served and children often grew up around veterans.
"There are a lot of parents in today's generation who have not served in the military, so there could be a lack of information out there about what the military has to offer," Gill said. "Maybe the only thing they know about the military is what they see on the movies or in the news."
Executives at Mullen Advertising have worked with JAMRS for six years and helped produced a previous campaign that pushed influencers to "Make it a two-way conversation."
That campaign focused on the decision from the potential recruit's perspective, while this campaign focuses on the decision from the influencer's perspective.
Jump called it an evolution of the previous campaign and said that the agency hopes it models a positive response by the parents. This campaign promotes the theme, "It's a big decision. Talk about it."
"If you've got somebody who has enlisted and has the support of their family members, loved ones and friends, they would have a very positive view going into the service," Jump said. "Our role is to really educate them and make sure they have all the answers they need and give them an unbiased view of what those options and opportunities are."
The ads were directed by a company that also has produced Super Bowl advertisements for the likes of Pepsi and Budweiser. The ads offer diverse environments and family models, and officials hope to connect using what they said are real-life situations and the emotions involved in the discussions.
Each ad directs viewers to the Web site www.todaysmilitary.com for more information on military service.
"Military service can be a difficult subject to broach. That's why it's important for parents to know the facts," Gill said. "Joining the military is a big decision. We want to encourage parents to really listen to their son or daughter who has talked to them about serving our country and doing something bigger than themselves."
Gill said that an informed family decision can lead to a more qualified lead for military recruiters.
"They're sure they want to serve. They know what the risks are. They know what the benefits are," she said. "It's not just some quick decision. They've actually thought about the decision. The help of the parents just reinforces the decision."
Gill joined the Air Force at 17 years old, she said, after talking about it with her parents starting in about the sixth grade. In her junior year of high school, her parents starting taking her desire to serve seriously, Gill said. And, she said, their support was a major factor in her decision.
"My parents were definitely a part of that decision-making process. I wanted their support. I wanted their advice," Gill said. "If they would have highly discouraged it, I probably wouldn't have gone into the military."
Now raising three small children herself, the career Air Force officer said she also would want to be a part of their eventual career decisions.
"I'd definitely want my children to come talk to me," she said. "I want to be involved in their life. And I would hope that they would trust me enough to have that conversation with me."
Gates Promises Continued Commitment to Wounded Warrior Care
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates assured participants in the first Wounded Warriors Family Summit here today he will "continue to press forward with a sense of urgency" to provide top-level care and support for wounded warriors in a way that lays groundwork for the next administration's leaders to build on. "I take the issue of wounded warriors personally," Gates told the audience of wounded warriors, families of wounded and fallen troops, and representatives of family support programs and veteran service organizations.
"I will repeat here the pledge I made to myself, to Congress and to countless moms and dads, husbands and wives," Gates told the group. "Other than winning the wars we are in, my highest priority is providing the best possible care for those who are wounded in combat."
As it presses forward, Gates said, his team will "do everything we can to set up the next leadership team for success" to ensure the work continues without interruption. "As long as there are wounded warriors in our care, we must – and we will – continue to fulfill our obligation to them," he said.
Gates praised the "grit and resilience" of wounded warriors and acknowledged the families of the severely wounded and fallen who "have sacrificed and suffered for our country in the most challenging ways."
He also extended thanks to volunteer groups and individuals who have worked on behalf of the troops and their families.
Gates cited broad strides in treating wounded warriors, including warrior transition units created to help wounded servicemembers navigate the system as they get treatment and return to their units or transition to veteran status. During the last 19 months, the Army has dedicated more than 3,200 permanent cadre and staff to this effort to help nearly 8,500 soldiers.
In addition, Gates described efforts to merge the Defense Department's and Department of Veterans Affairs' disability evaluation systems so one process will result in one legally binding determination. He noted that a pilot program is under way, and that early indications show the effort will cut by half the time required for veterans to receive full VA compensation.
"We're making progress in improving the disability evaluation system, but we still have a long way to go to make to as easy as it should be," he told the audience.
Gates also cited progress in providing care for traumatic brain injury, combat stress and other mental-health issues, and in eliminating the stigma attached with seeking this care.
He pointed to improved evaluation and screening for anyone affected by blast or blunt trauma in the combat zone to help identify TBI, and the new Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center that centralizes responsibility for consolidating information as it promotes TBI research.
"We've invested $900 million in this effort, which includes $300 million in research," he said. "And while we've learned a lot about how to better care for those with TBI over the past few years, we are poised to learn a great deal more."
Gates also noted elimination of "Question 21" on the federal security clearance form. The question about seeking mental-health care was considered an obstacle by some who thought it might jeopardize their careers.
"Although we have made significant progress in the last year and a half, there is no doubt that we still have a lot of work to do," Gates told the audience.
He cited the frustrating and often confusing paperwork process, incomplete and sometimes contradictory information provided about pay, benefits and compensation, and gaps in information sharing between DoD and the VA.
In lieu of the question-and-answer session scheduled to follow his address, Gates told attendees he wanted to be on the receiving end to hear from them. Participants took turns at the microphone, describing their personal situations and problems they face and recommending fixes. "I take these comments seriously, and we will do everything we can," he told the speakers.
Gates praised the summit organizers for providing a forum where wounded troops and family members could voice their concerns while sharing their experiences and roads to recovery. These conferences are "vital to keeping focus and attention on heroes" and ensuring that the United States stays true to the debt it owes them and their families, he said.
Gates noted that today's Wounded Warriors Family Summit served as a prelude to next month's Warrior Care Month observance.
"It will provide an opportunity to highlight the sacrifices of wounded troops and their families, take stock of how much has been achieved in this area, and reflect on how much more needs to be done," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 20, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates assured participants in the first Wounded Warriors Family Summit here today he will "continue to press forward with a sense of urgency" to provide top-level care and support for wounded warriors in a way that lays groundwork for the next administration's leaders to build on. "I take the issue of wounded warriors personally," Gates told the audience of wounded warriors, families of wounded and fallen troops, and representatives of family support programs and veteran service organizations.
"I will repeat here the pledge I made to myself, to Congress and to countless moms and dads, husbands and wives," Gates told the group. "Other than winning the wars we are in, my highest priority is providing the best possible care for those who are wounded in combat."
As it presses forward, Gates said, his team will "do everything we can to set up the next leadership team for success" to ensure the work continues without interruption. "As long as there are wounded warriors in our care, we must – and we will – continue to fulfill our obligation to them," he said.
Gates praised the "grit and resilience" of wounded warriors and acknowledged the families of the severely wounded and fallen who "have sacrificed and suffered for our country in the most challenging ways."
He also extended thanks to volunteer groups and individuals who have worked on behalf of the troops and their families.
Gates cited broad strides in treating wounded warriors, including warrior transition units created to help wounded servicemembers navigate the system as they get treatment and return to their units or transition to veteran status. During the last 19 months, the Army has dedicated more than 3,200 permanent cadre and staff to this effort to help nearly 8,500 soldiers.
In addition, Gates described efforts to merge the Defense Department's and Department of Veterans Affairs' disability evaluation systems so one process will result in one legally binding determination. He noted that a pilot program is under way, and that early indications show the effort will cut by half the time required for veterans to receive full VA compensation.
"We're making progress in improving the disability evaluation system, but we still have a long way to go to make to as easy as it should be," he told the audience.
Gates also cited progress in providing care for traumatic brain injury, combat stress and other mental-health issues, and in eliminating the stigma attached with seeking this care.
He pointed to improved evaluation and screening for anyone affected by blast or blunt trauma in the combat zone to help identify TBI, and the new Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center that centralizes responsibility for consolidating information as it promotes TBI research.
"We've invested $900 million in this effort, which includes $300 million in research," he said. "And while we've learned a lot about how to better care for those with TBI over the past few years, we are poised to learn a great deal more."
Gates also noted elimination of "Question 21" on the federal security clearance form. The question about seeking mental-health care was considered an obstacle by some who thought it might jeopardize their careers.
"Although we have made significant progress in the last year and a half, there is no doubt that we still have a lot of work to do," Gates told the audience.
He cited the frustrating and often confusing paperwork process, incomplete and sometimes contradictory information provided about pay, benefits and compensation, and gaps in information sharing between DoD and the VA.
In lieu of the question-and-answer session scheduled to follow his address, Gates told attendees he wanted to be on the receiving end to hear from them. Participants took turns at the microphone, describing their personal situations and problems they face and recommending fixes. "I take these comments seriously, and we will do everything we can," he told the speakers.
Gates praised the summit organizers for providing a forum where wounded troops and family members could voice their concerns while sharing their experiences and roads to recovery. These conferences are "vital to keeping focus and attention on heroes" and ensuring that the United States stays true to the debt it owes them and their families, he said.
Gates noted that today's Wounded Warriors Family Summit served as a prelude to next month's Warrior Care Month observance.
"It will provide an opportunity to highlight the sacrifices of wounded troops and their families, take stock of how much has been achieved in this area, and reflect on how much more needs to be done," he said.
Friday, October 17, 2008
SEALs Spearhead Resiliency Program for Operators, Families
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 17, 2008 - When the military looks for innovation, it typically turns to its special operators – those elite forces on the cutting edge of new equipment, tactics and techniques. So if a new program here proves as successful as expected in helping Navy SEALs and their families cope with multiple deployments, officials hope to expand it, not just throughout the special operations community, but military-wide.
Several hundred SEALs and their support forces just back from deployments, as well as their family members, will take off next weekend for four days at a popular resort.
The retreat is part of a unique new Naval Special Warfare Group 1 program to build resiliency within the force, explained Wally Graves III, the group's family support coordinator.
Few military units are as heavily stressed as special operators. These elite forces have endured repeated deployments since Sept. 11, 2001, and typically operate in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances. Many members of the West Coast SEAL teams, for example, have deployed forward seven or more times.
Intensive training and discipline builds a breed of warfighters who pride themselves in physical, mental and emotional toughness that's critical to their missions, Graves said.
A retired SEAL himself, Graves said he believes combat stress isn't all bad for warfighters. "Ten pounds of [post-traumatic stress disorder] is good in war. It's hyperactivity, it's anger, it's all the good stuff that keeps you alive on the battlefield," he said. "But 400 pounds of PTSD after you get home is not good."
The new resiliency program is designed to identify and treat symptoms of combat stress early to prevent them from becoming bigger problems, Graves said.
"We need to get out front and be proactive," he said. "You nip it in the bud. You educate everyone, provide training for the high-risk category and then intervene when you have to prevent this from becoming a life-lasting problem or stigma."
And in the process, Graves said, the effort builds force readiness by ensuring the SEALs are ready to turn around for the next deployment.
There's new recognition within the SEAL community that "under the exoskeleton of a warrior is still a human being," he said. When that human being is in distress – whether suffering from post-traumatic stress or experiencing family turmoil brought on by repeated deployments – the warrior can't operate at his peak.
As NSWG-1 strives to build resiliency within its force, it's extending that effort to families. "The culture has changed, from the leadership on down," Graves said. "There's a recognition that family readiness is a big component of force readiness."
SEAL families are a special breed, Graves is quick to note. "Our wives are fantastic. They're not complainers," he said. "But our goal is to give them tools that will empower them so they can survive and thrive."
The Family Resiliency Enterprise seeks to accomplish that through three steps: assessing individual sailors' and family members' needs; providing educational programs and services tailored to those needs; and helping newly reunited families reintegrate after deployments.
Screening is conducted using scientifically-proven computer software programs, neuro-cognitive measuring equipment and questionnaires. NSWG-1 has started screening its members and soon will offer these assessments on a voluntary basis to their spouses and children ages 8 to 18.
The assessments provide important insights into individual and family psychological, financial and psychosocial well-being, Graves said.
For the sailors, these screenings represent a baseline that, when compared to future post-deployment assessments, will provide objective measure for traumatic brain injuries and combat stress symptoms.
The findings also help the command tailor the training, education programs and other activities it offers to meet the community's needs. These efforts run the gamut, from interpersonal communication workshops to parenting and financial planning classes to command-sponsored activities for spouses and children.
"Each SEAL is responsible for his own family readiness," Graves said. "We are just providing him the tools that he can use, either as a mirror image, or in developing his own."
As part of this effort, NSWG-1 has piggybacked on the Marine Corps' Project FOCUS – Families Overcoming Under Stress -- program. The Marine Corps launched FOCUS at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and has expanded it to several other locations to help families cope with multiple combat deployments. NSWG-1 announced its new FOCUS program during a town hall meeting this summer and encouraged families to take advantage of its offerings.
The third phase of the resiliency program is designed to help redeploying SEALs leave the stresses of combat behind and ease back into family life.
Next week's retreat is expected to be a highlight of the program, giving the sailors and their families a chance to kick back and enjoy each other as they tap into educational programs and other services to help them through the reintegration process.
"There will be a delicatessen of psychological education tolls there," Graves said.
Graves emphasized that the retreat isn't a Morale, Welfare and Recreation outing or field trip, and that it has specific objectives for the participants.
"What we are doing is transferring them from a combat mindset, giving them the opportunity to process what they went through, then helping them reenergize," he said.
Graves called the NSWG-1's resiliency program a "great litmus test" for the rest of the military in how to help servicemembers and their families through the challenges of military life and combat deployments.
SEALs, he said, are the perfect community to test out the concept.
"We're small, we're innovators, we're not constrained, and we'll use out-of-the-box thinking to get the job done," he said. "That's the way we're trained to operate, and it brings a lot of perspective to process improvement."
Graves said he's optimistic the resiliency program will strengthen families so they have the confidence and resources to stand up to tough times, while enhancing the readiness of the SEAL community.
"What we're doing is taking a good warrior and making him a great warrior," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 17, 2008 - When the military looks for innovation, it typically turns to its special operators – those elite forces on the cutting edge of new equipment, tactics and techniques. So if a new program here proves as successful as expected in helping Navy SEALs and their families cope with multiple deployments, officials hope to expand it, not just throughout the special operations community, but military-wide.
Several hundred SEALs and their support forces just back from deployments, as well as their family members, will take off next weekend for four days at a popular resort.
The retreat is part of a unique new Naval Special Warfare Group 1 program to build resiliency within the force, explained Wally Graves III, the group's family support coordinator.
Few military units are as heavily stressed as special operators. These elite forces have endured repeated deployments since Sept. 11, 2001, and typically operate in the most difficult and dangerous circumstances. Many members of the West Coast SEAL teams, for example, have deployed forward seven or more times.
Intensive training and discipline builds a breed of warfighters who pride themselves in physical, mental and emotional toughness that's critical to their missions, Graves said.
A retired SEAL himself, Graves said he believes combat stress isn't all bad for warfighters. "Ten pounds of [post-traumatic stress disorder] is good in war. It's hyperactivity, it's anger, it's all the good stuff that keeps you alive on the battlefield," he said. "But 400 pounds of PTSD after you get home is not good."
The new resiliency program is designed to identify and treat symptoms of combat stress early to prevent them from becoming bigger problems, Graves said.
"We need to get out front and be proactive," he said. "You nip it in the bud. You educate everyone, provide training for the high-risk category and then intervene when you have to prevent this from becoming a life-lasting problem or stigma."
And in the process, Graves said, the effort builds force readiness by ensuring the SEALs are ready to turn around for the next deployment.
There's new recognition within the SEAL community that "under the exoskeleton of a warrior is still a human being," he said. When that human being is in distress – whether suffering from post-traumatic stress or experiencing family turmoil brought on by repeated deployments – the warrior can't operate at his peak.
As NSWG-1 strives to build resiliency within its force, it's extending that effort to families. "The culture has changed, from the leadership on down," Graves said. "There's a recognition that family readiness is a big component of force readiness."
SEAL families are a special breed, Graves is quick to note. "Our wives are fantastic. They're not complainers," he said. "But our goal is to give them tools that will empower them so they can survive and thrive."
The Family Resiliency Enterprise seeks to accomplish that through three steps: assessing individual sailors' and family members' needs; providing educational programs and services tailored to those needs; and helping newly reunited families reintegrate after deployments.
Screening is conducted using scientifically-proven computer software programs, neuro-cognitive measuring equipment and questionnaires. NSWG-1 has started screening its members and soon will offer these assessments on a voluntary basis to their spouses and children ages 8 to 18.
The assessments provide important insights into individual and family psychological, financial and psychosocial well-being, Graves said.
For the sailors, these screenings represent a baseline that, when compared to future post-deployment assessments, will provide objective measure for traumatic brain injuries and combat stress symptoms.
The findings also help the command tailor the training, education programs and other activities it offers to meet the community's needs. These efforts run the gamut, from interpersonal communication workshops to parenting and financial planning classes to command-sponsored activities for spouses and children.
"Each SEAL is responsible for his own family readiness," Graves said. "We are just providing him the tools that he can use, either as a mirror image, or in developing his own."
As part of this effort, NSWG-1 has piggybacked on the Marine Corps' Project FOCUS – Families Overcoming Under Stress -- program. The Marine Corps launched FOCUS at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and has expanded it to several other locations to help families cope with multiple combat deployments. NSWG-1 announced its new FOCUS program during a town hall meeting this summer and encouraged families to take advantage of its offerings.
The third phase of the resiliency program is designed to help redeploying SEALs leave the stresses of combat behind and ease back into family life.
Next week's retreat is expected to be a highlight of the program, giving the sailors and their families a chance to kick back and enjoy each other as they tap into educational programs and other services to help them through the reintegration process.
"There will be a delicatessen of psychological education tolls there," Graves said.
Graves emphasized that the retreat isn't a Morale, Welfare and Recreation outing or field trip, and that it has specific objectives for the participants.
"What we are doing is transferring them from a combat mindset, giving them the opportunity to process what they went through, then helping them reenergize," he said.
Graves called the NSWG-1's resiliency program a "great litmus test" for the rest of the military in how to help servicemembers and their families through the challenges of military life and combat deployments.
SEALs, he said, are the perfect community to test out the concept.
"We're small, we're innovators, we're not constrained, and we'll use out-of-the-box thinking to get the job done," he said. "That's the way we're trained to operate, and it brings a lot of perspective to process improvement."
Graves said he's optimistic the resiliency program will strengthen families so they have the confidence and resources to stand up to tough times, while enhancing the readiness of the SEAL community.
"What we're doing is taking a good warrior and making him a great warrior," he said.
U.S., Korean Leaders Reaffirm Mutual Defense Treaty
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 17, 2008 - U.S. and South Korean defense officials reaffirmed the two nations' commitment to keep the defense alliance strong and to continue transforming to meet 21st-century defense needs. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and South Korean National Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee spoke at the conclusion of the 40th U.S.-Republic of Korea Defense Consultative Talks here.
North Korea remains the threat in the region, and the United States reaffirmed its commitment to defend the republic including extending the U.S. nuclear umbrella to the country, Gates said.
The Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and South Korea is a "vibrant reflection of the common values and aspirations of our peoples," the secretary said. "It remains vital to the interests of both of our nations and will continue to be the foundation for an enduring resolute and capable defense of the Republic of Korea."
Gates said the North Korean nuclear and conventional threats continue to be focal points of the treaty's deterrent and defense posture.
"We urge a swift resolution to the North Korean nuclear issue through the Six-Party Talks process," he said. The talks – with South Korea, China, Russia, Japan and the United States – seek to engage North Korea and convince the leaders of the repressive state to shut down its nuclear weapons production system and stop proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Gates thanked Lee for his country's support in Iraq and Afghanistan. South Korea has sent troops that have contributed significantly to stability and reconstruction.
The two men also discussed the transformation and realignment of U.S. Forces Korea, and the transition of wartime operational control of South Korean forces to South Korea on April 17, 2012. They also discussed strengthening wartime preparedness.
"Korea and the United States will guarantee peace on the peninsula and stability in the region through an unwavering, strong combined defense posture in the present as well as the future," Lee said through a translator.
The agreement reaffirms that the United States will continue to field defense capabilities until they are no longer needed.
"We will maintain the same defense capabilities before, during and after the transfer of wartime operational control, and we will continue to adjust through regular evaluations and inspections of the readiness situation and readiness status," Lee said.
The minister said the alliance is monitoring the health of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il, but made light of the reports he is ill.
"I think we should not pay too much attention to KJI's health," Lee said. "I believe he is probably enjoying this newfound attention, and if we show him too much attention, then we might spoil him."
Still, the North Korean leader's health has significant implications for security, and intelligence agencies are monitoring the situation closely. Lee said Kim Jong-il still has control of North Korea.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 17, 2008 - U.S. and South Korean defense officials reaffirmed the two nations' commitment to keep the defense alliance strong and to continue transforming to meet 21st-century defense needs. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and South Korean National Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee spoke at the conclusion of the 40th U.S.-Republic of Korea Defense Consultative Talks here.
North Korea remains the threat in the region, and the United States reaffirmed its commitment to defend the republic including extending the U.S. nuclear umbrella to the country, Gates said.
The Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and South Korea is a "vibrant reflection of the common values and aspirations of our peoples," the secretary said. "It remains vital to the interests of both of our nations and will continue to be the foundation for an enduring resolute and capable defense of the Republic of Korea."
Gates said the North Korean nuclear and conventional threats continue to be focal points of the treaty's deterrent and defense posture.
"We urge a swift resolution to the North Korean nuclear issue through the Six-Party Talks process," he said. The talks – with South Korea, China, Russia, Japan and the United States – seek to engage North Korea and convince the leaders of the repressive state to shut down its nuclear weapons production system and stop proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Gates thanked Lee for his country's support in Iraq and Afghanistan. South Korea has sent troops that have contributed significantly to stability and reconstruction.
The two men also discussed the transformation and realignment of U.S. Forces Korea, and the transition of wartime operational control of South Korean forces to South Korea on April 17, 2012. They also discussed strengthening wartime preparedness.
"Korea and the United States will guarantee peace on the peninsula and stability in the region through an unwavering, strong combined defense posture in the present as well as the future," Lee said through a translator.
The agreement reaffirms that the United States will continue to field defense capabilities until they are no longer needed.
"We will maintain the same defense capabilities before, during and after the transfer of wartime operational control, and we will continue to adjust through regular evaluations and inspections of the readiness situation and readiness status," Lee said.
The minister said the alliance is monitoring the health of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il, but made light of the reports he is ill.
"I think we should not pay too much attention to KJI's health," Lee said. "I believe he is probably enjoying this newfound attention, and if we show him too much attention, then we might spoil him."
Still, the North Korean leader's health has significant implications for security, and intelligence agencies are monitoring the situation closely. Lee said Kim Jong-il still has control of North Korea.
Gates Swears in Donley as New Air Force Secretary
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 17, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates swore in acting Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley as the 22nd Secretary of the Air Force during a ceremony held at the Air Force Memorial here today. Donley has served as the acting-Air Force Secretary since June 21. He was confirmed by the Senate on Oct. 2.
The new secretary thanked Gates for his support and pledged to maintain America's military air power as the world's best.
"The Air Force is a world-class institution with a rich and vibrant heritage," Donley said after being sworn in. "Millions of America's airmen have worn its uniform with pride and affection, and millions of civilians have served alongside them."
The Air Force is taking the necessary steps to strengthen its nuclear enterprise, Donley said, and to restore excellence in its acquisition realm.
The 61-year-old Air Force, Donley said, is an important joint and interagency partner that provides global reach and power -- assets that have proved valuable in the fight against transnational terrorism.
"And, it is in these roles that our interagency and coalition partnerships will increasingly be critical to strategic success," Donley said.
Gates, a former Air Force intelligence officer, saluted Donley as the right choice to lead today's airmen.
"Mike brings decades of experience in the military, the government, and the private sector to this post," Gates said, noting that Donley is a former assistant secretary of the Air Force for financial management and was acting secretary for several months in 1993. He also served on the Senate Armed Services Committee and National Security Council staffs, and is a former Army and Special Force's paratrooper, who later became the Pentagon's chief administrator.
Gates cited the Air Force's important role as a key contributor to the nation's defense.
"Today's Air Force has been deployed, and in some phase of war, for 18 years," Gates said, since Iraq invaded Kuwait in the summer of 1990.
Since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, the Air Force has flown more than one million missions, Gates said, including troop and cargo airlifts, medical evacuations and close-air support, as well as tens of thousands of sorties flown over America's skies to protect the homeland.
Air Force aircraft have transported thousands of troops and tons of supplies across Iraq, Gates said.
And, thousands of battlefield-based airmen are performing non-traditional tasks, Gates said, such as detainee operations, convoy security and explosive-ordnance disposal.
"The increased air missions and capabilities employed in Iraq, manned and unmanned, have been a decisive factor in the dramatic security turn-around we have seen over the past 18 months," Gates said. "Put simply, without the Air Force's contributions in the skies and on the ground, America's war effort would simply grind to a halt."
The Air Force is now at a key juncture, Gates said, as "it sees the current conflicts through to success, while preparing for challenges on and beyond the horizon."
The Air Force's current and future tasks, Gates said, include "restoring trust in the Air Force's stewardship of the most-sensitive part of our arsenal – nuclear weapons and nuclear-related materials – modernizing the aging fighter and tanker fleets, protecting the 'global commons' of the 21st century – space and cyber space – and making the most-effective use of air power in counterinsurgency operations, while maintaining strategic deterrence and technological superiority as a hedge against rising powers."
Gates and Donley were joined by Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England; the ceremony's host, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz; and other senior civilian and military officials.
Donley had served as the director of administration and management for the Defense Department, where he was responsible for Washington Headquarters Services, a 1,300-employee agency that oversees management of the Pentagon and DoD services within the National Capitol Region.
Donley was also acting Secretary of the Air Force for seven months in 1993 and had served as that service's top financial officer from 1989 to 1993. He also served on the National Security Council and was a professional staff member on the Senate Armed Services Committee in the early 1980s.
Donley served in the Army's 18th Airborne Corps and 5th Special Forces Group from 1972 to 1975. He holds a master's degree in international relations from the University of Southern California.
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 17, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates swore in acting Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley as the 22nd Secretary of the Air Force during a ceremony held at the Air Force Memorial here today. Donley has served as the acting-Air Force Secretary since June 21. He was confirmed by the Senate on Oct. 2.
The new secretary thanked Gates for his support and pledged to maintain America's military air power as the world's best.
"The Air Force is a world-class institution with a rich and vibrant heritage," Donley said after being sworn in. "Millions of America's airmen have worn its uniform with pride and affection, and millions of civilians have served alongside them."
The Air Force is taking the necessary steps to strengthen its nuclear enterprise, Donley said, and to restore excellence in its acquisition realm.
The 61-year-old Air Force, Donley said, is an important joint and interagency partner that provides global reach and power -- assets that have proved valuable in the fight against transnational terrorism.
"And, it is in these roles that our interagency and coalition partnerships will increasingly be critical to strategic success," Donley said.
Gates, a former Air Force intelligence officer, saluted Donley as the right choice to lead today's airmen.
"Mike brings decades of experience in the military, the government, and the private sector to this post," Gates said, noting that Donley is a former assistant secretary of the Air Force for financial management and was acting secretary for several months in 1993. He also served on the Senate Armed Services Committee and National Security Council staffs, and is a former Army and Special Force's paratrooper, who later became the Pentagon's chief administrator.
Gates cited the Air Force's important role as a key contributor to the nation's defense.
"Today's Air Force has been deployed, and in some phase of war, for 18 years," Gates said, since Iraq invaded Kuwait in the summer of 1990.
Since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, the Air Force has flown more than one million missions, Gates said, including troop and cargo airlifts, medical evacuations and close-air support, as well as tens of thousands of sorties flown over America's skies to protect the homeland.
Air Force aircraft have transported thousands of troops and tons of supplies across Iraq, Gates said.
And, thousands of battlefield-based airmen are performing non-traditional tasks, Gates said, such as detainee operations, convoy security and explosive-ordnance disposal.
"The increased air missions and capabilities employed in Iraq, manned and unmanned, have been a decisive factor in the dramatic security turn-around we have seen over the past 18 months," Gates said. "Put simply, without the Air Force's contributions in the skies and on the ground, America's war effort would simply grind to a halt."
The Air Force is now at a key juncture, Gates said, as "it sees the current conflicts through to success, while preparing for challenges on and beyond the horizon."
The Air Force's current and future tasks, Gates said, include "restoring trust in the Air Force's stewardship of the most-sensitive part of our arsenal – nuclear weapons and nuclear-related materials – modernizing the aging fighter and tanker fleets, protecting the 'global commons' of the 21st century – space and cyber space – and making the most-effective use of air power in counterinsurgency operations, while maintaining strategic deterrence and technological superiority as a hedge against rising powers."
Gates and Donley were joined by Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England; the ceremony's host, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz; and other senior civilian and military officials.
Donley had served as the director of administration and management for the Defense Department, where he was responsible for Washington Headquarters Services, a 1,300-employee agency that oversees management of the Pentagon and DoD services within the National Capitol Region.
Donley was also acting Secretary of the Air Force for seven months in 1993 and had served as that service's top financial officer from 1989 to 1993. He also served on the National Security Council and was a professional staff member on the Senate Armed Services Committee in the early 1980s.
Donley served in the Army's 18th Airborne Corps and 5th Special Forces Group from 1972 to 1975. He holds a master's degree in international relations from the University of Southern California.
New First-Aid Products Could Save Lives, Officials Say
By Sarah Maxwell
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 17, 2008 - Two new first-aid products being sent into the combat theater could save more soldiers' lives, Army medical officials said at a Pentagon news conference Oct. 15. Test results from the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command's Institute of Surgical Research showed Combat Gauze field bandages and WoundStat granules both demonstrated marked improvements over what's currently used in the field, Army Col. (Dr.) Paul Cordts of the Army surgeon general's office said.
"These products improve survival, result in less blood loss and improved post-injury blood pressures," he said.
Excessive blood loss is the No. 1 killer on the battleground, Cordts, a surgeon, said. Both products can stop bleeding quickly in wounds where tourniquets can't be used, he said.
Combat Gauze uses kaolin, a fine, white clay, to stop bleeding, Cordts said, and WoundStat granules react with blood to form a barrier, preventing more bleeding.
More than 92 percent of troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan survive their injuries in combat – the highest percentage of any war, according to the U.S. Army Medical Department. Army Master Sgt. Horace Tyson, a combat medic, said he attributes the high number of people being saved to the advanced tools the Army provides medics, such as dressings that stop or slow blood flow from wounds.
Having recently returned from a 15-month assignment in Iraq as the senior enlisted manager in a battalion aid station in the heart of Baghdad, Tyson said, he saw first-hand the benefits of dressings with blood-clotting capabilities.
"I categorize these products as lifesavers for us," said Tyson, who now works as a senior operations manager for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command.
A servicemember can bleed to death within minutes of being hurt, Tyson said.
"The bandages make the difference between a [soldier] having no chance of living because he'll bleed out in five minutes vs. me getting him to an aid station within 20 minutes and him staying alive," Tyson said. "Without the bandages, he could be dead."
With 19 years of experience and four deployments in conflict areas under his belt, Tyson said, he's seen the Army's scientific research drastically improve medics' tools and training.
"If we're going to get something else better for the battlefield, that's great," he said.
About 270,000 12-foot strips of Combat Gauze are expected to be in theater by the end of the year, said Lt. Col. Sean Morgan from Program Executive Office Soldier, the agency fielding most of the bandages. More than 17,000 packages of WoundStat also will be working their way to the field, he said.
The new dressings are expected not only to save more lives, but also to bring significant cost savings to the government, Cordts said. Combat Gauze is less than $30 per dressing, compared to the currently used HemCon bandage, which uses chitosan from shrimp shells to stop blood and costs $88 per bandage. WoundStat also is less expensive than the QuikClot granules it replaces.
The Army plans to equip combat lifesavers to carry three gauzes, and eventually all soldiers will have one in their improved first aid kits. Combat medics, who are highly trained in emergency trauma, will be given three gauzes, but will be the only ones to carry WoundStat, since it requires more medical expertise to use, Cordts said.
Although the new hemostatic dressings are promising great improvements, Dr. David Baer, ISR's director of surgical research, said it doesn't mean the Army isn't still looking for the next line of products that could offer even more improvements.
ISR scientists looked into about two dozen other products in the last few years before they discovered Combat Gauze and WoundStat, and they will continue their efforts for even more cutting-edge products to save lives, he said.
"The way I think about it is the HemCon was better than the plain gauze, [Combat Gauze] is better than the HemCon, and it can get incrementally better," Baer said.
(Sarah Maxwell works at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Oct. 17, 2008 - Two new first-aid products being sent into the combat theater could save more soldiers' lives, Army medical officials said at a Pentagon news conference Oct. 15. Test results from the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command's Institute of Surgical Research showed Combat Gauze field bandages and WoundStat granules both demonstrated marked improvements over what's currently used in the field, Army Col. (Dr.) Paul Cordts of the Army surgeon general's office said.
"These products improve survival, result in less blood loss and improved post-injury blood pressures," he said.
Excessive blood loss is the No. 1 killer on the battleground, Cordts, a surgeon, said. Both products can stop bleeding quickly in wounds where tourniquets can't be used, he said.
Combat Gauze uses kaolin, a fine, white clay, to stop bleeding, Cordts said, and WoundStat granules react with blood to form a barrier, preventing more bleeding.
More than 92 percent of troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan survive their injuries in combat – the highest percentage of any war, according to the U.S. Army Medical Department. Army Master Sgt. Horace Tyson, a combat medic, said he attributes the high number of people being saved to the advanced tools the Army provides medics, such as dressings that stop or slow blood flow from wounds.
Having recently returned from a 15-month assignment in Iraq as the senior enlisted manager in a battalion aid station in the heart of Baghdad, Tyson said, he saw first-hand the benefits of dressings with blood-clotting capabilities.
"I categorize these products as lifesavers for us," said Tyson, who now works as a senior operations manager for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command.
A servicemember can bleed to death within minutes of being hurt, Tyson said.
"The bandages make the difference between a [soldier] having no chance of living because he'll bleed out in five minutes vs. me getting him to an aid station within 20 minutes and him staying alive," Tyson said. "Without the bandages, he could be dead."
With 19 years of experience and four deployments in conflict areas under his belt, Tyson said, he's seen the Army's scientific research drastically improve medics' tools and training.
"If we're going to get something else better for the battlefield, that's great," he said.
About 270,000 12-foot strips of Combat Gauze are expected to be in theater by the end of the year, said Lt. Col. Sean Morgan from Program Executive Office Soldier, the agency fielding most of the bandages. More than 17,000 packages of WoundStat also will be working their way to the field, he said.
The new dressings are expected not only to save more lives, but also to bring significant cost savings to the government, Cordts said. Combat Gauze is less than $30 per dressing, compared to the currently used HemCon bandage, which uses chitosan from shrimp shells to stop blood and costs $88 per bandage. WoundStat also is less expensive than the QuikClot granules it replaces.
The Army plans to equip combat lifesavers to carry three gauzes, and eventually all soldiers will have one in their improved first aid kits. Combat medics, who are highly trained in emergency trauma, will be given three gauzes, but will be the only ones to carry WoundStat, since it requires more medical expertise to use, Cordts said.
Although the new hemostatic dressings are promising great improvements, Dr. David Baer, ISR's director of surgical research, said it doesn't mean the Army isn't still looking for the next line of products that could offer even more improvements.
ISR scientists looked into about two dozen other products in the last few years before they discovered Combat Gauze and WoundStat, and they will continue their efforts for even more cutting-edge products to save lives, he said.
"The way I think about it is the HemCon was better than the plain gauze, [Combat Gauze] is better than the HemCon, and it can get incrementally better," Baer said.
(Sarah Maxwell works at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Public Affairs Office.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS October 17, 2008
Army
Bechtel National Inc, San Francisco, Calif., was awarded Oct. 15, 2008, a $563,473,000 cost plus incentive fee contract. This modification is for the balance of construction of the Pueblo Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant. Work will be performed in Pueblo, Colo., with an estimated and completion date of Dec 31, 2023. Bids solicited were via the Web and two bids were received. U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-02-D-0025).
Evolved Machines Federal Contracting Inc, West Palm Beach, Fla., was awarded Oct. 15, 2008, a $8,884,907 cost contract for model, design and development of a novel sensor inspired by a canine's olfactory system. Work will be performed in Evolved Machines, West Palm Beach, Fla., California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif., Cogniscent, North Grafton, Mass., iSense, Urbana, Ill., Monell, Philadelphia, Pa., Northrop Grumman, Baltimore, Md., Penn State University, State College, Pa., University of Miami, Miami, Fla., Temple University and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa., with an estimated and completion date of Jan. 14, 2009. Bids solicited were via the Web and one bid was received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-09-C-0013).
BMAR & Associates, Hopkinsville, Ky., was awarded Oct. 11, 2008, a $6,181,140 firm fixed price contract for operations and maintenance services for International Medical Center, Cairo, Egypt. Work will be performed in Egypt, with an estimated and completion date of Aug 17, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Transatlantic Program Center, Winchester, Va., is the contracting activity (W912ER-09-C-0001).
Air Force
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract with Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., of Littleton, Colo., for $19,865,511. The purpose of this modification is to definitize the Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA). Under Assured Access to Space (AATS) FY08 this action by Lockheed Martin will perform supply chain management and technological improvement task to minimize the risk of launch failure by establishing subcontracts with common suppliers and addressing new capabilities to support the upcoming government launches. These projects include lithium ion battery development for flight safety and development of a replacement resin for solid rocket boosters. Any delay in these projects will have detrimental effects to mission capability and schedule. At this time all funds have been obligated. Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Space Launch and Range Systems Material Wing (LR), LA AFB, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8816-06-C-0002, P00095).
The Air Force is modifying a fixed price with cost reimbursable CLINS contract by exercising an option with DTS Aviation Services, Inc., of Fort Worth, Texas, for $14,045,401. This action will exercise option year six, will provide aircraft backshop maintenance, munitions, and equipment support for the Air Armament Center and for Air Armamanet and Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C41) Systems Testing for a 12-month period. At this time $12,840,255 has been obligated. 96 CONS/MSCB, Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (F08651-02-C-0085, Modification P00054).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of McLean, Va., for $9,995,999.88. This action will provide for systems engineering and integration support to the Military Satellite Communications Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, in support of the Global Broadcast Services Program and the Joint Terminal Engineering Office through 21 Oct. 2009. At this time $1,740,630 has been obligated. Space and Missiles Systems Center, Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8808-08-F-0003, P00010).
NAVY
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md., is being awarded a $14,333,113 modification to a previously awarded cost plus fixed fee, research and development contract (N66001-06-C-8005) to develop a modular design, fully functional 22 degree of freedom prosthetic for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency program. This modification will increase the first option period costs to fund additional functionality and clinical transition of prototypes, as well as additional tasking related to FDA Regulatory Requirements. The program's focus is to develop an advanced neurally controlled upper extremity prosthesis capable of restoring full motor and sensory functions, and perform as a native limb to the injured warfighter. The program supports the effort that will ultimately result in a superior prosthetic device for disabled warfighters. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific), Biosciences Division, is responsible for, and tasked with, the daily management of the program. The cumulative value of this contract, including this modification, is $72,452,451. Primary work will be performed in Maryland, and subcontractor facilities as required. The period of performance to complete phase two of the option award, which includes this modification, is from Oct. 17, 2008 through Jan. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was approved under the Broad Agency Announcement for this procurement and was publicized through the Federal Business Opportunities, Government-wide Point of Entry. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
McDonnell Douglas Corp., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $11,243,728 firm fixed price, definite delivery definite quantity modification under a previously awarded delivery order contract (N00383-06-D-001J-0005) for active electronically scanned array (AESA) spares used on the F/A-18/E/F/G APG radar system. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., (40 percent); and El Segundo, Calif., (60 percent), and work is expected to be completed by May 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Bechtel National Inc, San Francisco, Calif., was awarded Oct. 15, 2008, a $563,473,000 cost plus incentive fee contract. This modification is for the balance of construction of the Pueblo Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant. Work will be performed in Pueblo, Colo., with an estimated and completion date of Dec 31, 2023. Bids solicited were via the Web and two bids were received. U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-02-D-0025).
Evolved Machines Federal Contracting Inc, West Palm Beach, Fla., was awarded Oct. 15, 2008, a $8,884,907 cost contract for model, design and development of a novel sensor inspired by a canine's olfactory system. Work will be performed in Evolved Machines, West Palm Beach, Fla., California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif., Cogniscent, North Grafton, Mass., iSense, Urbana, Ill., Monell, Philadelphia, Pa., Northrop Grumman, Baltimore, Md., Penn State University, State College, Pa., University of Miami, Miami, Fla., Temple University and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa., with an estimated and completion date of Jan. 14, 2009. Bids solicited were via the Web and one bid was received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-09-C-0013).
BMAR & Associates, Hopkinsville, Ky., was awarded Oct. 11, 2008, a $6,181,140 firm fixed price contract for operations and maintenance services for International Medical Center, Cairo, Egypt. Work will be performed in Egypt, with an estimated and completion date of Aug 17, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Transatlantic Program Center, Winchester, Va., is the contracting activity (W912ER-09-C-0001).
Air Force
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract with Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., of Littleton, Colo., for $19,865,511. The purpose of this modification is to definitize the Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA). Under Assured Access to Space (AATS) FY08 this action by Lockheed Martin will perform supply chain management and technological improvement task to minimize the risk of launch failure by establishing subcontracts with common suppliers and addressing new capabilities to support the upcoming government launches. These projects include lithium ion battery development for flight safety and development of a replacement resin for solid rocket boosters. Any delay in these projects will have detrimental effects to mission capability and schedule. At this time all funds have been obligated. Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Space Launch and Range Systems Material Wing (LR), LA AFB, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8816-06-C-0002, P00095).
The Air Force is modifying a fixed price with cost reimbursable CLINS contract by exercising an option with DTS Aviation Services, Inc., of Fort Worth, Texas, for $14,045,401. This action will exercise option year six, will provide aircraft backshop maintenance, munitions, and equipment support for the Air Armament Center and for Air Armamanet and Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C41) Systems Testing for a 12-month period. At this time $12,840,255 has been obligated. 96 CONS/MSCB, Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (F08651-02-C-0085, Modification P00054).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of McLean, Va., for $9,995,999.88. This action will provide for systems engineering and integration support to the Military Satellite Communications Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, in support of the Global Broadcast Services Program and the Joint Terminal Engineering Office through 21 Oct. 2009. At this time $1,740,630 has been obligated. Space and Missiles Systems Center, Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8808-08-F-0003, P00010).
NAVY
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md., is being awarded a $14,333,113 modification to a previously awarded cost plus fixed fee, research and development contract (N66001-06-C-8005) to develop a modular design, fully functional 22 degree of freedom prosthetic for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency program. This modification will increase the first option period costs to fund additional functionality and clinical transition of prototypes, as well as additional tasking related to FDA Regulatory Requirements. The program's focus is to develop an advanced neurally controlled upper extremity prosthesis capable of restoring full motor and sensory functions, and perform as a native limb to the injured warfighter. The program supports the effort that will ultimately result in a superior prosthetic device for disabled warfighters. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific), Biosciences Division, is responsible for, and tasked with, the daily management of the program. The cumulative value of this contract, including this modification, is $72,452,451. Primary work will be performed in Maryland, and subcontractor facilities as required. The period of performance to complete phase two of the option award, which includes this modification, is from Oct. 17, 2008 through Jan. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was approved under the Broad Agency Announcement for this procurement and was publicized through the Federal Business Opportunities, Government-wide Point of Entry. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
McDonnell Douglas Corp., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $11,243,728 firm fixed price, definite delivery definite quantity modification under a previously awarded delivery order contract (N00383-06-D-001J-0005) for active electronically scanned array (AESA) spares used on the F/A-18/E/F/G APG radar system. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., (40 percent); and El Segundo, Calif., (60 percent), and work is expected to be completed by May 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
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