February 28, 2014 Vol. 59 No.8

Force ManagementInformation Fair todayThere will be an Information

Fair addressing the fiscal2014 Force ManagementPrograms today from 10 a.m.to noon at the Airman andFamily Readiness CenterLarge Classroom.The event will bring together

several base agencies thatcan answer questions on sup-port available for membersduring this time.All personnel and families

are welcome to attend.Agencies will include: A&FRC,Mental Health, Finance, Tri-Care, and Air Force ReserveCommand among others.For more information, call

1st Lt. Amanda Thurber or theCareer Development Team atDSN 497-3429 or commercial478-327-3429.

Base Theater and FitnessCenter heating projectsDue to a project to repair

steam lines, there will be noheat in the Base Theater,Bldg. 909, through April 13.Another project will result in

the shut off of hot water at themain fitness center todaythrough Sunday.

Gate maintenanceRoutine gate closures allow

the installation to safely per-form maintenance on vehiclebarriers.The upcoming schedule is

as follows: First Tuesday ofthe month – Gate 14, RussellParkway Gate, closed 9 a.m.to 3 p.m.; Second Tuesday ofthe month – Gate 3, WatsonBoulevard Gate, closed 9a.m. to 3 p.m.; and ThirdTuesday of the month – Gate1, Green Street Gate, closed9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Note: In case of inclementweather, work will occur onthe following Wednesday 9a.m. to 3 p.m.

Robins TechnologyExposition WednesdayThe base will host its annual

Technology ExpositionWednesday from 10 a.m. to2 p.m. at the Horizons EventCenter.There will be hands-on

demonstrations from morethan 25 companies in variousareas of technology includingwired and wireless headsets,scanners, software, and serv-ices, SIPR Hardware Token,Multi-level Security Solutions,Signal and Network Analyzersand more.Refreshments will be served

and giveaways will be avail-able while supplies last.To preregister and preview

the list of exhibiting compa-nies, visitwww.FederalEvents.com.

Team JSTARS flexes at Red Flag

FOR THEHEALTHOF IT

Page 6

Futureroadmap keyto AF success

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BY BRIAN SHREVEStaff Writer

What goes on inside any givenbuilding at RobinsAir Force Baseisn’t exactly posted on the doors.But behind every bland façade,

every secured gate, lie the countlessstories of unsung heroes, quietly play-ing their integral parts in keeping ussafe.The Electronic FailureAnalysis

Laboratory – a component of the402nd Electronics MaintenanceGroup – is no exception.Here, a staff of two engineers

meticulously analyze defective air-craft systems, tracing the precise

source of equipment errors thus pre-venting problems that could causedelay on the lines and even shut downproduction temporarily.When any electronic system fails

or raises other questions, it’s sent herefor examination using microscopicanalyses, destructive physical testsand material characterization.Manning the microscopes are elec-

tronics engineers Brent Baumgartnerand Robert Bird, a duo with a com-bined EFA lab experience of morethan 40 years; Baumgartner has beenin the lab for more than 28 years,Bird for 16.To call having an eye for detail a

job requirement would be a vast

understatement.These two are able to pinpoint cor-

rosion, electrical overstress and con-tamination impossible to detect withthe naked eye, examining the compo-sition of parts and tracing their origin– essentially a Crime SceneInvestigation for machines. Most fail-ures are discovered to originate withthe manufacturers.“It’s sometimes frustrating but also

good when we’re able to successfullyhelp them out,” said Bird. “Basicallywe might be the last hope for thesethings that they can’t figure out howto fix.”

NEWSYOUYOU CANCAN USEUSE

U.S. Air Force photo by BRIAN SHREVERobert Bird, electronics engineer at the ElectronicsAnalysis Laboratory, prepares to examine a defective pieceof equipment. The lab investigates electrical parts failuresthat could lead to delay in production.

BY JENNYGORDONjenny.snider.ctr@us.af.mil

When it comes to realistic air-to-air com-bat training,Air Force members who liveand breathe aboard some of the world’s mostadvanced military weapon systems got achance last month to test some of their skills.Red Flag exercises were conducted in

January above the skies of NellisAir ForceBase’s Nevada Test and Training Range.Hosted by Nellis’ 414th Combat Training

Squadron, this year’s exercise included theTeam JSTARS platform from Robins whichdeployed about 80 members for the three-week exercise. That included security forces,air control network squadron, operators andmaintenance teams from the 116th and 461stAir Control wings.“Red Flag was all about planning, brief-

ing, executing and debriefing the scenario

each day. Ideally that can be a 12- to 16-hourwork day of two different battle rhythms,”said Maj. MarcusWilson, JSTARS’RedFlag detachment commander, and 16thAirborne Command and Control Squadronchief of staff. “Our enablers ensured we’re ingood position and have quality aircraft tointegrate with the mission.”Due to the high operations tempo of

JSTARS during the last decade, it was reiter-ated how crucial it’s been for newerwarfighters to experience and appreciate thefull spectrum of Red Flag training. This yearfor example provided training on counteringcyber threats.“Red Flag is the pinnacle of air exercis-

es, especially with few opportunities to trainwith our training partners at that level,” saidMaj. Gregory Blom, 16thACCS assistantdirector of operations, whose Red Flag rolewas mission crew commander. “We had the

chance to bring out all these airplanes, tech-nologies and capabilities to go up against arobust threat.“It was an amazing opportunity,” he

added. “You exercise muscles you don’t nor-mally exercise. It’s important we get out totrain so we can use those muscles whencalled to do so.”Including E-8C aircrews and maintainers

from JSTARS, various aircraft platformsparticipated from across the military andallied partners such as Great Britain andAustralia.“It was spectacular,”Wilson said of the

exercise’s conclusion Feb. 14. “I can tell youthey love JSTARS out here at Nellis. Theyunderstand what our capabilities are basedon what we’ve done. They know how wecan win our nation’s wars in the future.”Red Flag was cancelled in 2013 due to

budget cuts and sequestration.

BY JENNY GORDONjenny.snider.ctr@us.af.mil

First, there’s training. Then there’smaking the critical decisions thatimpact lives in the air.

Such is life in the tower cab of theRobinsAir Traffic Control Tower. Butbefore one has the privilege of makingthose decisions, one must first validate theacquired knowledge in the tower’s simula-tion room – a one-stop shop for traineeslooking to immerse themselves in theworld of air traffic.It’s a small, unassuming place filled

with five 55-inch television monitors, pro-viding trainees a realistic view of theRobins airfield and airspace.Located in a room adjacent to the tower,

three control positions stand ready, thesame as in the tower cab above.Trainees must master these positions

prior to walking the 100-plus steps up.Although each has a separate role, all threeare part of a close-knit team which ensuresdaily aircraft operations perform smoothly.Positions include the local controller

who controls the runway and 5.5 miles ofairspace around the base. The flight datacontroller acts much like an operator,answering phones and coordinating local orground control communications. Groundcontrol handles everything on the ground,such as reading clearances to pilots, relay-ing weather and airfield advisories, andtaxiing aircraft to and from the runway.During training, a deep male voice rings

out from an interactive software program

administered from a nearby work station.The software guides trainees through suchthings as proper phraseology, speakingslowly and deliberately so messages areunderstood.“It’s basically repetitive,” said Robert

Harvey, tower simulation system adminis-trator and air traffic control watch supervi-sor. “So, if a controller doesn’t say the cor-rect phraseology to the pilot, the computerwill tell them to say it again.”There are 120 scenarios that were devel-

oped to assist trainees with situations theymay encounter. A new trainee will startwith a basic scenario – two to three aircraft– which teaches how to taxi or clear air-craft for takeoff.

U.S. Air Force photo by RAY CRAYTONAirman 1st Class Mitchel Hooper, an Air Traffic Control Tower trainee, looks at a realistic view of the Robins airfield from the tower’s sim-ulation room. Hooper is currently working to receive his control tower operator’s certification.

Under the microscope: EFA lab masters problem solving

Training vital for a position in Robins Air Traffic Control Tower

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ROBINS TOPPERFORMERS RECOGNIZED

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2 � The Robins Rev-Up � February 28, 2014

Second Front

ALLin a Day’sWORK

U.S. Air Force photo by MISUZU ALLEN

SE&TM awardsCongratulations to the following 2014

Robins Science, Engineering and TechnicalManagement Award winners:

�JuniorMilitary Engineer:1st Lt. Eric Yerly, C-130 TacticalAirlift Division�Mid-CareerMilitary Engineer:Capt. Rich Hanberg, Special Operations Forcesand Personnel Recovery Division�Junior Civilian Scientist and Engineer:James Knight, ElectronicWarfareandAvionics Division�Mid-Career Civilian Engineer:Rob Frisch, 402nd SoftwareMaintenance Group�Senior Civilian Scientist and Engineer:John Soltis, Special Operation Forces andPersonnel Recovery Division�Chief Engineer:RussAlford, C-5 Galaxy Division�CareerAchievement:Mike Fisher, C-130 TacticalAirlift Division�Technical Management:Joey Godwin, 402nd Software

Maintenance Group�Technical Management Team:C-130 Mechanical Systems Team,C-130 TacticalAirlift Division�Engineering Technician:Chris Carlton, C-5 Galaxy Division�Support:Don Foran, 402nd SoftwareMaintenance Group�Outstanding Scientist TeamAward: SDC-DATSARehost Team,402nd Software Maintenance Group�Workforce Development:Scientist and Engineer Training Overhaul Team,Air Force Research Laboratory�EngineeringAchievement Excellence:ATE/TPS Hardware Cell Team,402nd Software Maintenance Group�Engineering Ingenuity:TroyAndrews, 638th SupplyChain Management Group�ApexAward for Overall Excellence inEngineering and Technical Management:Capt. Rich Hanberg, Special Operations Forcesand Personnel Recovery Division

Annual Dixie Crow SymposiumThe 39thAnnual Dixie Crow Technical Symposium will be at the Museum of

Aviation March 23 through 27.The theme for this year’s free electronic warfare/information operations trade show

is “21st Century Mission Success through ISR & Legacy EW Integration.”For a full schedule of events, visit www.crows.org/chapters/dixie-crow-sympo-

sium.html.For more information, contact Lisa Frugé-Cirilli, symposium chairman, at 478-750-

4756 or by email at Lisa.Fruge@baesystems.com.

Staff Sgt. Dominique Williams-Harrington, 78th Air Base Wing net-work infrastructure technician, was presented the Air ForceSustainment Center Noncommissioned Officer of the Year award by Col.Christopher Hill, 78th ABW commander, during a ceremony Thursday.Williams-Harrington is credited with many outstanding job perform-

ances including managing a $286 million network supporting six majorcommands. He also responded to a $10 million IndependentTelecommunications Network outage, recovering 356 network devices

in 47 buildings all with zero mission impact to 4,000 users.Lt. Gen. Bruce Litchfield, AFSC commander, sent out a note of thanks

to all of the nominees.“I want to congratulate our Air Force Sustainment Center annual mili-

tary award winners,” he wrote. “These high performers have goneabove and beyond what’s been asked of them in supporting their fellowwarfighters. A personal ‘thank you’ goes out to each and every one ofthe nominees.

Name:Maj. Raied EgranWork title: Royal Saudi Air Force liaison officerHometown: Abha, Saudi ArabiaNumber of years in federal service: 3.5 at Robins

What does your work involve? “I serve as the liaison between theU.S. Air Force and RSAF F-15 and C-130 programs. I meet regularly withstaff from the U.S. Air Force and various repair sources in the U.S. to helpRSAF solve logistics supply and TCG problems faced by the RSAF.”

How does your work contribute to the Robins mission? “RSAF isone of the largest foreign military customers of the Air Force. We assistthe Robins mission by providing several employment opportunities forstrong workers both in the U.S. and in Saudi Arabia.”

What do you enjoy most about your work? “Since early in my militarycareer, I have noticed the strong connection between the Saudi andUnited States governments. In my current position, I have the opportunityto support this cooperative relationship. I also enjoy the time I’ve shared

with a great team of people here at Robins, both USAF and from my fel-low foreign liaison officers. I have learned from their particular viewpointsand experiences, and achieved a broader understanding of global F-15logistics.”

What prompted your interest in your current career field? “I havehad a very strong interest in the field of logistics and supply ever since Imade the decision to join my country’s military.”

Who has been the biggest influence in your life? “My father, whowas responsible for nurturing my very tenacious work ethic. Without hisguidance, I feel I would not have been nearly as successful in life.”

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? “Being select-ed for the position I currently hold is one of the proudest moments of mylife. Also, earning a master’s degree with a concentration in logistics andsupply chain management from Georgia College, while continuing myassigned duties as a liaison officer and being an active husband andfather with three wonderful children is perhaps my best accomplishment.”

Congratulations to the followingTeam Robins 2013 fourth quarterawards winners:�Airman of the Quarter – SeniorAirman Stevie Wakes, WR-ALC�NCO of the Quarter – Tech. Sgt.Alison McMahon, 5th CCG�SNCO of the Quarter – Master Sgt.Jeremy Lindner, 461st ACW�CGO of the Quarter – 1st Lt. CaseyHong, 5th CCG�Civilian of the Quarter Cat. 1 –Kimberly Belisle, 78th ABW�Civilian of the Quarter Cat. 2 –Laraina Jordan, 78th ABW

�Civilian of the Quarter Cat. 3 –Lisa Hardegree, WR-ALC�Civilian of the Quarter Cat. 4 –Gnester Brown, Jr., 78th ABW�Civilian of the Quarter Cat. 5 –Timothy Howard, WR-ALC�Civilian of the Quarter Cat. 6 –Waymond Smith, WR-ALC

Editor’s note: The 2013 Team RobinsAnnual Awards Ceremony will be con-ducted March 13 at 6:30 p.m. in theMuseum of Aviation’s Century of FlightHangar. Sign up with your unit ticketPOC by Thursday.

Are you interested in preparing yourself professionallybut aren’t sure how to fulfill that goal? Do you need tohone your skills but are challenged to find the funds andtime needed for development? If so, theAir Force has asolution for you.The Supervisor Resource Center was created to pro-

vide leadership growth opportunities for current andfutureAF supervisors by leveraging an online learningmanagement system tool calledAF e-Learning. This ini-tiative has proven to be so successful that the next genera-tion portal is now ready for rollout.The Civilian Development Resource Center continues

the legacy first created by the SRC.Whereas the SRCfocused primarily on supervisory development, theCDRC’s focus has been expanded to include all civiliansat the tactical level. The site continues to provide thou-sands of no-cost development resources available ondemand any time and any place. Its primary focus is sup-porting anAF priority – the continuous development ofone of its most valuable resources, the civilian workforce.Military counterparts, who are developed via a separateprocess, also have access to the site as a resource for

their use.The look and feel of the renamed site reflects a broad-

er focus supporting the development needs for employeesspanning each phase occurring in a typical career – newhire, developing employee to journeyman, new supervi-sor, non-supervisory (individual) leader and seasonedsupervisor.It also provides learning opportunities for those seek-

ing skills development in theAF InstitutionalCompetencies that focus on core proficiencies expectedfrom everyAirman.

The site has been re-engineered to help users quicklytarget customizable learning programs focusing on theirindividual goals. Navigation has been simplified to assistnew users in quickly identifying the right developmenttrack for their professional development needs.Thousands of free, online courses, books, simulations,videos, job-aids, roadmaps, links to professional sitessuch as Harvard Business School and Forbes and muchmore are available. Additionally, self-paced, no-costcourses are available that help users work toward fulfill-ing some certification requirements.

Not sure where to begin? The site provides access totheAir Force Institutional CompetencyAssessment toolthat provides feedback to help the individual focus onspecific skills needed to improve career performance. Amonthly newsletter highlights selected courses, books,and learning tips to assist users quickly focus on assetsthat will further their development. Have questions?Please forward your inquiries to ecpd.src.@us.af.mil.The Civilian Development Resource Center is a great

resource for those seeking no-cost professional develop-ment delivered via a flexible platform thus returning valu-able time to the user. You may access the CDRC from theAF Portal. At the Portal Main Page, select the “Life andCareer” tab followed by the “Force Development” pulldown. On the left navigation, select “Supervisor ResourceCenter.” This link is expected to change to “CivilianDevelopment Resource Center” in the near future. Spendsome time exploring the many resources available viathe site.

– Courtesy 78th Force Support SquadronFormal Training Section.

Supervisor Resource Center now available for all civilians

Robins Airman named AFSC NCO of the Year

February 28, 2014 � The Robins Rev-Up � 3

The EFA lab has beensolving seemingly unfix-able electronics problemsat Robins since 1990 andremains one of only a fewin the entire Air Force.

Having the lab on basealso serves to providegreater efficiency and con-venience, keeping theshops from having to sendwork to outside labs forassistance.

“And we’re well-equipped for the specificsof our area,” said Bird,“whereas an outside labmight do all sorts of dif-ferent projects.”

One growing issue ismanufacturers sending thewrong parts or even coun-terfeit parts, according toBird.

Though most parts sentto the EFA lab derive fromthe 402nd maintenanceshops, it also receivesprojects from around the

base; at times, projectsfrom other bases are senthere for analysis as well.

If this work soundscomplicated, it’s becauseit is. If it sounds dull, con-sidering the consequencesof what might happen ifthis faulty equipment werenot analyzed by the labmay change that percep-tion.

Bird recalled the cor-roded power supplybelonging to a missile sys-tem located in SouthKorea, just one exampleof how an overlookedcomponent – no matterhow small – can be disas-trous.

“The system had firedunintentionally,” said Bird.“When we got the powersupply here, we were ableto pinpoint the reason forthe short circuit and makerecommendations on howthe system could be modi-fied.”

Though this systemreached the lab after themisfire, the engineers

were able to use the lessonfor preventive measures.

“As a result of themidentifying such problems,the Air Force can makechecks on the rest of ourfleet to prevent futuremishaps,” said JonathanDavis, 402nd ElectronicsMaintenance SupportSquadron supervisor.

The tools of the tradeinclude a scanning elec-tron microscope capableof magnifying samples upto 100,000 times theirsize, X-rays, several stan-dard optical microscopesand infrared camerasamong other pieces ofsophisticated equipment.

The workload variesgreatly in complexity;some projects can takeweeks or months to ana-lyze while some areturned around in less thana day, according to Bird.

“It just depends onwhat the project is andhow complicated it is,” hesaid. “We stay prettybusy.”

LABContinued from 1A

“As they progress intraining, scenarios becomemore complex,” saidHarvey. “While this is anoutstanding tool, it onlygets you to a certain level– the rest you have tolearn upstairs in live traf-fic.”

Trainees typically startin flight data; learning thefunctions of the complexlocal control positiontakes longest. On averageit takes about a year toreceive control toweroperators certification.

Robins Tower typical-ly averages four to sixtrainees per year. Thecurrent training load ishigh, with 10 traineesnow; two more are

inbound in March.Classroom training is

also incorporated, whichincludes memorizing theairfield environment, run-way, taxiways, types ofaircraft here, commonemergencies encountered,multiple frequencies andair traffic patterns.

Robins Tower controlsanywhere from 22,000 to24,000 aircraft operationsannually. While the basedoesn’t have as high a vol-ume of traffic as others,operations can be com-plex. Macon airport isthree miles to the northand close coordinationwith its tower is essential;transient aircraft and civil-ian pilots from other localairports also like to flythrough the Robins air-space.

“What also makes

Robins complex is the var-ious sizes and speeds ofthe aircraft we control,”said Harvey. “We haveeverything from a heavyC-5 to a small UH-1 heli-copter, and mix them withfighters that fly two tothree times faster.”

Take into considerationtheAero Club’s smalleraircraft, and trainees havea host of weight categoriesthey take into accountwhile controlling traffic.

The simulator also per-forms additional roles.Harvey can download sce-narios that simulate condi-tions in Iraq orAfghanistan, furtherpreparing members beforethey deploy. And if some-one is getting ready toleave for another base, heor she can load that base’sair traffic environment.

ATCTContinued from 1

4 � The Robins Rev-Up � February 28, 2014

COMMANDERCol. Christopher Hill

HOW TOCONTACT US

Robins Public Affairs620 Ninth Street, Bldg. 905Robins AFB, GA 31098468-2137Fax 468-9597

SUBMISSION GUIDELINESSubmissions must be received by 4 p.m. Wednesday,

the week prior to the requested Friday publication.They should be e-mailed tolanorris.askew.ctr@us.af.mil and

vance.janes@us.af.milSubmissions should be of broad interest to the base

populace. For information, call Lanorris Askew at 472-0806.

DELIVERYTo report delivery issues, call 472-0802.

The Robins Rev-Up is published by The Telegraph, aprivate firm in no way connected with the U.S. AirForce, under exclusive written contract with Robins AirForce Base, Ga.

This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper isan authorized publication for members of the U.S. mili-tary services. Contents of the Robins Rev-Up are notnecessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S.government, Department of Defense, or Department ofthe Air Force.The appearance of advertising, including inserts or

supplements, does not constitute endorsement by theDepartment of Defense, Department of the Air Force, orThe Telegraph.Everything advertised in this publication shall be

made available for purchase, use, or patronage withoutregard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,marital status, physical or mental handicap, politicalaffiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchas-er, user or patron.

INTERNAL INFORMATIONCHIEFGeoff Janes

EDITORLanorris Askew

PHOTOGRAPHERTommie Horton

STAFF WRITERSJenny GordonBrian ShreveHolly Logan-Arrington

Shelton announces new spacesituational awareness satellite program

ORLANDO, FLA. (AFNS) – The commander ofAir Force Space Command announced a new satelliteprogram during a speech Feb. 21 about the importanceof space and cyberspace at the Air Force Association AirWarfare Symposium and Technology exposition here.Gen. William Shelton told the audience about the

new Geosynchronous Space Situational AwarenessProgram with two satellites being launched on the samevehicle later this year.“GSSAP will present a significant improvement in

space object surveillance, not only for better collisionavoidance, but also for detecting threats,” Shelton said.“GSSAP will bolster our ability to discern when adver-saries attempt to avoid detection and to discover capa-bilities they may have, which might be harmful to ourcritical assets at these higher altitudes.”To read more, visit www.af.mil.

Airmen, soldiers to provide medical careto thousands of Belizeans duringNew Horizons 2014

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZ.(AFNS) – Airmen and Soldiers fromAir ForcesSouthern, the 355th Medical Group and the 349thCombat Support Hospital here readied medical person-nel, packed supplies and shipped medical equipmentthat will be used in treating thousands of patients in sup-port of their upcoming deployment to Belize for NewHorizons 2014.“We are so incredibly grateful to the Belizean gov-

ernment for all of the exceptional support they providedin the planning of this exercise, and we look forward toonce again joining forces on the ground in a few shortweeks,” said Lt. Col. James Smith, the 12th Air Force(AFSOUTH) deputy command surgeon.During last year’s exercise in Belize, Air Force and

Army medical teams worked side by side with Canadiandoctors, the Ministry of Health in Belize, as well asBelizean doctors and medical personnel to provide carefor more than 14,828 Belizeans during the medicalreadiness training exercises, or MEDRETES.A group of highly-skilled professional medical per-

sonnel will soon come together once again to provideroutine and essential medical treatment to more than15,000 Belizeans.”To read more, visit www.af.mil.

U.S. joint capabilities support Thai partnersJOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON,ALASKA (AFNS) – The 3rd Wing validated its jointand combined capabilities this week when five C-17Globemaster III left Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardsonfor Thailand to airdrop paratroopers from the 4thInfantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25thInfantry Division, to the joint and combined exerciseCobra Gold 2014.Cobra Gold, an annual exercise providing tactical,

humanitarian and civil assistance, brings together multi-ple nations cooperating in areas of common interest to

support the security and stability of the Asia-Pacificregion.“This is the 33rd iteration of Cobra Gold and as we

look at the U.S. continuing to partner with our Pacificallies, Thailand in particular, this exercise is what makesit happen,” said Army Capt. Zachary Miller, the futureoperations planner for Cobra Gold.“From the top down, this exercise was important to

demonstrate to the Thai allies, our friendship and U.S.security cooperation,” said Col. Tony Schenk, the mis-sion commander from the 437th Operations Group atJoint Base Charleston, S.C.The Air Force andArmy planners started working in

October to execute the mission, Schenk said.To read more, visit www.af.mil.

Airmen can ‘chat’ live via myPersfor personnel support

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH,TEXAS – Air Force Personnel officials have imple-mented a live chat capability on the myPers website toallow real-time communication betweenAirmen andpersonnel specialists.Launched in 2012, myPers represents a shift from

primarily face-to-face personnel interaction to a processthat enables Airmen to handle their personnel transac-tions on demand and 24/7, from a military or personalcomputer using a common access card or login identifi-cation and password. In 2013, AFPC added the chat fea-ture to ensure the tools available to Airmen keep pacewith emerging commercial technologies.MyPers provides direct online access to reliable, inte-

grated, secure information and answers, enhancing anAirman's ability to monitor and manage personnel infor-mation, said 2nd Lt. Zachary Newman, the AFPCTransitions Branch support officer.“The chat feature gives Airmen a fast and convenient

way to get answers directly from subject matter expertson specific questions that may not be available on the

website,” he said.The chat feature comes up automatically when mem-

bers search for key topics like retirement, separation orretraining. Force management is not a topic that gener-ates a chat but Airmen can ask about related questionsduring a retirements or separations chat.To read more, visit www.acc.af.mil.

Nightflight

Senior Airman Aljon Alfonso, a366th Aircraft MaintenanceSquadron crew chief fromMountain Home Air Force Base,Idaho, performs pre-flight checksbefore his assigned F-15E StrikeEagle heads out for a night train-ing mission during Red Flag atNellis Air Force Base, Nev. Nightmissions have been integratedinto Red Flag to prepare pilots andaircrews for missions in low-lightenvironments.

U.S. Air Force photo by SENIORAIRMAN JONATHAN STEFANKO

Live fire

U.S. Air Force photo by AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JOSHUAKLEINHOLZ

Airman 1st Class Austin Ballantine, 2nd Air SupportOperations Squadron tactical air control party member,receives instructions during a simulated live-fire exerciseat Grafenwoehr, Germany. The 435th Air GroundOperations Wing establishes expeditionary airfield opera-tions and communications, and provides theater-widecombat support and training.

Around the Air Force

Air Force news

BY RICH LAMANCEAir Force News Service

ORLANDO (AFNS) –Getting top performingAirmen promoted sooner, changing the EPR system,streamlining the enlisted and officer professional educa-tion programs and developing a roadmap for theAirForce for the next three decades were some of the topicsdiscussed by theAir Force’s top officer during the 30thannualAir ForceAssociationWarfare Symposium andTechnology Exposition Feb. 20.Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. MarkWelsh spoke to an

audience ofAirmen, members of industry andAFA, pro-viding an update onAir Force issues that ranged from fis-cal realities over the upcoming decades to come to air-craft and equipment modernization to issues affectingAirmen today and in the future.Welsh spoke toAirmen directly about several myths

and misconceptions floating throughout theAir Force onthe issue of education requirements, both private and pro-fessional. He emphasized the having a CommunityCollege of theAir Force degree will still be a require-ment, but the requirement for bachelor’s degrees andhigher will be revised in the years ahead.For professional military education, he said the current

schools aren’t going away, but there will be streamlinedversions. “On the right hand side of the page, we’re stillgoing to requireAirman Leadership School, we’re stillgoing to have the NCOAcademy and the Senior NCOAcademy,” saidWelsh.“The only difference is that the NCOAcademy and

the Senior NCOAcademy are going to be blended learn-ing in the future.We’re already doing the beta test on theSenior NCOAcademy, and requiring the correspondencecourse before residency. It will actually shrink the lengthof the residence course, and it will not repeat the lessonsfound on the online version. It’s not a CBT type of learn-ing. It’s more involved than that. So, that will be testedthis fall, and we’ll go fully operational next spring.”Welsh said that Chief Master Sergeant of theAir Force

James Cody and the MAJCOM chiefs are also lookinginto the effectiveness of the current EPR, with a primary

focus onAirmen promotion into the senior NCO ranks.“Let me tell you the guidance I gave him that started

all this. I told them I was concerned that a really averagetech sergeant can make master sergeant at the same timeas a phenomenal tech sergeant. I was concerned that thereality is that your job performance doesn’t have anythingto do with it.“As long as you don’t shoot yourself in the foot,

you’re going to get a 5 EPR and it will beWAPS testingand time in service and time in grade that makes the dif-ference. RAND did a study for us that showed a 1.4 or1.6 percent difference, that’s the impact of your perform-ance when making master sergeant. There’s somethingwrong with that.”FundamentallyWelsh said “I want our best tech ser-

geants to make master sergeant first. There needs to belogical time in service, time in grade requirements, butwe need our best performers to be senior NCOs faster sowe can use them longer to lead ourAir Force.And Idon’t know any master sergeant who wouldn’t agree withthat. That doesn’t mean we haven’t had qualified peoplein the past get promoted, it means our best people aren’tmoving forward quicker.”Welsh said that during a mock board held last year,

overseen by Cody, there was about a 25 percent differ-ence between who was promoted by the mock board,handled more like a senior master sergeant board, whererecords are scored, and weighting is based upon job per-formance versus how the traditional board turned out.

– To read the full story, visitwww.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/47339.

Taking care of Airmen, future roadmap key to AF success

U.S. Air Force photo by SCOTT ASHAir Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III delivers hiskeynote speech Feb. 20, at the 30th Annual AFAAir WarfareSymposium and Technology Exposition in Orlando, Fla.Welsh talked about focusing on the mission, developing andcelebrating Airmen, strengthening and embracing partner-ships, and living our core values.

From theCommandDown

BY LT. GEN. C.D. MOORE IIAir Force Life Cycle Management Center

commander

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIRFORCE BASE, Ohio – Last fall theAir Force Life CycleManagement Centerleadership team fromacross the countryassembled at a strate-gic offsite with thepurpose of assessingprogress in deliveringon “the revolution inacquisition and prod-uct support.”

Building on ourtremendous progress since the organiza-tion’s inception in 2012, we’ve set sixnew focus areas for the coming year.

Those areas are central to our organi-zation’s purpose and our support for theAir Force mission: To fly, fight, and win... in air, space and cyberspace.

In short, it’s our center’s responsibili-ty to deliver the most cost-effectivecapabilities to meet our national securityneeds, and the 2014 focus areas toensure AFLCMC continues buildingmomentum in delivering to its motto:“Providing the warfighter’s edge!”

As the trend in defense spending con-tinues downward for the foreseeablefuture, it’s essential to plan and executean aggressive cost reduction strategyacross the AFLCMC enterprise.

In the near term, that means applica-tion of rigorous “should cost” method-ologies affecting nearly every weaponsystem – many with life cycles spanningdecades. By doing that, we’ve alreadyextracted $2 billion in savings andexpect that number to grow appreciablyduring the year.

In direct correlation to ongoingefforts to reduce life cycle costs, we

have also established a Product SupportEnterprise governance process to helpshape new product support strategiesand subsequently to drive down weaponsystem support costs. Here, too, we arehaving tremendous success.

The next focus area deals with cybersecurity and mission assurance.Improving the way we support andmanage these critical life cycle manage-ment responsibilities has far-reachingimplications as we work to ensureweapon system connectivity and effec-tiveness in any environment. Our focuson cyber system security and missionassurance in our design, production,fielding and product support processesis leading to a more resilient and effec-tive system of system capability. Thecriticality of this mission can’t be over-stated.

The next focus area deals with theAFLCMC workforce. Our professionalteam of civil servants, active duty, guardand reserve personnel, and contractorsmake it all happen. Recognizing that ourcenter is not growing in numbers, weare focusing on strategic resource man-agement and agile human capitalprocesses. We’re establishing a new wayof operating that’s more responsive togrowing program demands as we priori-tize and align our skilled workforce todeliver capabilities on literally thou-sands of efforts under our stewardship.

In that light, we’re developing a moreflexible way to apply resources for sup-porting new acquisition efforts andproduct support responsibilities. We’retaking our objective – right person at theright time – to a new level of flexibility,risk management and resource optimiza-tion.

– To read the full story, visitwww.afmc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=

123400520

AFLCMC commanderoutlines new focus areas

Moore

February 28, 2014 � The Robins Rev-Up � 5

6 � The Robins Rev-Up � February 28, 2014

AFMC promotes chronic painmanagement awareness

BY HOLLYLOGAN-ARRINGTONholly.logan-arrington@us.af.mil

With its quick and fre-quent on-base screenings,the Civilian HealthPromotion Service ishelping Robins Air ForceBase’s people make timefor their health.

CHPS, anAir ForceMateriel Command-wideprogram since 2005,holds blood pressurescreenings in variouslocations base-wide eachweek.

While CHPS classesand blood pressure checksare open to Robins’mili-tary members and civil-ians alike, only civil serv-ice employees mayreceive annual cholesterolscreenings through theprogram.

Kelley Denney, CHPScoordinator at Robins,said creating an accounton theAFMCWellness

Web site www.AFMCwellness.com is one of thebest ways to track whenCHPS classes and screen-ings are offered, amongother health-related items.

“They create a user IDand password, take thehealth risk assessment,and then they have theirvery own account,” shesaid. “With this greatwellness support center,persons can log their exer-cise and their blood pres-sure and cholesterolmeasurements.

“The site allows themto track their exercise,learn how many caloriesthey burn doing a particu-lar activity, learn aboutnutrition and learn about amultitude of other topicsto live a healthier, betterlife.”

Free cholesterolscreenings will be offeredto Defense Departmentcivilians from 8 to 10 a.m.on the following dates

and locations:Wednesday, BaseRestaurant, March 13,Fitness Center Annex,March 19, BaseRestaurant, and March 26,Fitness Center Annex.

For added conven-ience, CHPS offers walk-in hours from 8 to 10 a.m.on Mondays, excludingholidays, for quick, indi-vidual screenings in Bldg.207, Room C-119.

Denney said peoplecan also call 497-8030 toschedule organizations forscreenings.

“Depending on howmany personnel are inyour work center, I’ll typ-ically schedule a two-hourperiod,” she said.

Denney said CHPScan screen four to fivepeople at a time and isable to test more than 60people in two hours. Ittakes only five partici-pants to schedule an orga-nization’s screening.

A Better You

CHPS screenings help Robinskeep check on their health

U.S. Air Force file photoKelley Denney, Civilian Health Promotion Service registered nurse, checks the blood pres-sure of Bobby Mosley, a C-130 equipment specialist. The screening was part of a CardiacRisk Screening at the fitness center annex. The free screening checked employees’ bloodpressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mass index.

BY GREG CHADWICKAir Force Materiel CommandWellness Support Center

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIRFORCE BASE, Ohio – During themonth of March, Air Force MaterielCommand will promote Chronic PainManagement Awareness. Chronic painis American’s biggest health problem.It affects more individuals than dia-betes, heart disease and cancer com-bined, according to the Institute ofMedicine of The National Academies.

Chronic pain is defined as pain thatlasts more than three months, or painthat continues when it should not.Examples would include: arthritis,cancer and low back pain. Chronicpain can adversely affect an individ-ual’s well-being, and may cause emo-tional distress with thoughts of fear,despair, and hopelessness.

It is important to see a physician assoon as possible when suffering fromchronic pain because the conditioncould worsen if left untreated. The pri-mary goal of pain management is toreduce any disability caused by thepain. Treatment can be divided intothree categories:

�Physical (e.g. physical therapy)�Psychological (e.g. relaxation

methods)�Pharmacological (i.e. medicines)The treatment of persistent pain

may involve one, two or all three ofthese categories. The use of painrelievers and other medications are themost common methods of treatment.

While medications can help relievesymptoms, there is a risk for somepatients to develop dependency orother serious side effects due to mis-use or abuse. Prolonged use of opioid(narcotic) pain medications such asoxycodone (OxyContin®) and hydro-morphone (Dilaudid®) increase thepossibility of adverse reactions includ-ing: gastrointestinal distress, internalorgan problems, sexual dysfunctionand endocrine problems.

A life threatening side effect is res-

piratory depression.“More people die from overdoses

of prescription opioids than from allother drugs combined, including hero-in and cocaine,” said Steven Callon,Air Force Materiel Command DrugDemand Reduction Manager.

If you or someone you know isstruggling with prescription drugdependency or misuse, assistance isavailable. Civilian employees maycontact the Employee AssistanceProgram for free, confidential counsel-ing services at (800) 222-0364 or visitthe EAP website at www.foh4you.com.

Active-duty personnel can contacttheir local installation Alcohol DrugAbuse Prevention and TreatmentProgram, ADAPT, or Primary CareManager. Military OneSource isanother option for military members,spouses and dependents.

For more information, call 1-800342-9647 or visitwww.militaryonesource.com.

Civilian Health Promotion Serviceswill be offering classes on chronicpain management during the month ofMarch. Attendees of the class willreceive a self-care handbook on man-aging pain.

For more information on classtimes and location, contact your localCHPS team at 497-8030 or visitwww.AFMCwellness.com.

Pain management can bedivided into three

categories:��Physical (e.g. physical

therapy)��Psychological (e.g.

relaxation methods)��Pharmacological (i.e.

medicines)

U.S. Air Force photo illustration

February 28, 2014 � The Robins Rev-Up � 7

ON TAPThunder AlleyTodayBowling CenterFriday Family Night12 years and under $513 years and older $10Includes all the games youcan bowl in two hours.Shoes included.For details,call 468-2112.

Lazy Man IronmanMondayFitness CenterMonth-long incentive

based program.For details,call 468-2128.

PreSeparation Briefing(Military retirees)Tuesday8:30 a.m. to noonA&FRCThis briefing is mandatoryfor all separatees andretirees.For details,call 468-1256.

Writing a Winning ResumeTuesday

9 to 11 a.m.A&FRCFor details,call 468-1256.

UPCOMINGThe 14th Annual Travel& Recreation Trade ShowMarch 2010 a.m. to 1 p.m.Heritage BallroomVendors include UniversalStudios, Wonderworks,Panama City BeachConvention and Visitors’Bureau and more. Prizes willbe given away.

For details,call 468-4001.

ONGOINGFit 2 FightMondays, Wednesdays,and Fridays11 a.m. to noonFitness CenterCircuit/Interval TrainingPre- and post-performanceevaluations will determinesuccess.Prizes will be given.For details,call 468-2128.

Out and AboutTHUR

1FRI

2SAT

3SUN

4MON

5TUE

6WED

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