THE DROPZONE
Detachment 772 1
LEGACY OF LEADERS
Table of Contents Air Force Suspends Tuition Assistance - Page 4 James Island Confidence Course - Page 6
2
Table of Contents Rocket - Page 8 General Joseph L. Collins Quote - Page 9
3
Air Force Suspends Tuition Assistance Cadet Major Damon Gandy
A very important decision has taken place in the Air Force, tuition assistance (TA) cuts due to sequestration. This is a hot topic that has generated much debate. Initially, I was opposed to the thought of cutting tuition assistance. I wondered how the Air Force could expect Airmen to obtain higher education while defending the country. I believed they needed some type of help. However, before entering any debate, I like to understand both view points. After some research, I gained understanding and acceptance for why the Air Force made the tough decision of suspending TA. Effective March 11, Airmen are not permitted to submit new requests for TA. Airmen currently enrolled in, or approved for future courses, are not affected and are allowed to complete those courses. In addition, the cuts to TA will not affect the G.I./Post 9-11 Bill.
4
According to the Air Force Personnel Center website, there are 328,778 active duty members as of Dec 2012. In addition, according to the article by Staff Sgt. David Salanitri in Air Force Public Affairs Agency, only 104,422 Airmen used TA in 2012. In the same article by SSgt Salnitri, it states the estimated cost of TA is $198 million. Now, out of the entire Air Force, roughly 31% use TA. Is that being effective and efficient? Also, there are other alternatives that could be used in place of TA: namely, the G.I. Bill and Post 9-11 Bill. Also to keep in mind, there are tons of alternative scholarships available just waiting to be used. Ultimately, I understand why the Air Force cut tuition assistance. The United States is going through rough economical times. In an attempt to maintain our current level of readiness, this cut was made. If the vast majority of the Air Force is not going to take advantage of the help, then understandably, the $198 million is better utilized elsewhere.
5
James Island Confidence Course Cadet Third Class Johnathan S. T. Webb On 19 March 2013, Detachment 772 tested their courage on the James Island Confidence Course. This is a high ropes course designed to test critical thinking skills, teamwork, and confidence of a group. The Cadets of Det 772 were able to bond while walking very thin wire and leaping from log to log suspended 20 – 30 feet in the air. This confidence course is one of many events throughout the school year that brings the detachment together as a cohesive unit and also tests those intangible leadership and followership skills that are necessary to be an officer in the United States Air Force. Cadet Third Class Madelyn Macleery worked very hard in order to make this year’s confidence course one that all cadets would remember. This is an example of how the Cadre of Det 772 places responsibility in the hands of the cadets in order to make these events possible. This gives cadets an opportunity to be exposed to the type of responsibilities they will undoubtedly face when they enter the everyday life as Air Force officer. Our Detachment here at Charleston Southern University is very unique because with such a small number we are able to provide every cadet with the opportunity to have the responsibility of organizing, planning, and executing an event.
6
James Island Confidence Course
7
Air Force Launches Satellite Cadet Third Class Johnathan S. T. Webb
The month of March has also seen the launching of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, which occurred on the 19 March 2013. This rocket is carrying the second Space Based Infrared System GEO-2 satellite, otherwise known as SBIRS. The launch of SBIRS GEO-2 is the second of these types of launches. The other launch was of the SBIRS GEO-1 which occurred on 7 May 2011. These rockets carried satellites that are to replace the Defense Support Program which has been in operation since 1960. Lieutenant Colonel Paul Konyha, the145th Launch Support Squadron commander commented on the new abilities of these satellites. He stated, “This spacecraft will provide next-generation missile warning, missile defense, and battle space characterization for the next two to three decades.” The SBIRS GEO-2 launch took place at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida by the 45th Space Wing. Brigadier General Anthony Cotton, the 45th Space Wing Commander had this to say, “Once again, the entire team worked hand-in-hand to make this another successful launch for the Air Force and our nation. Our hats go off to them for all their hard work.” As always, the Air Force is continuing to try and gain advantages in all aspects of warfare. With next generation technology, the Air Force is making ground and continuing to maintain space superiority. 8
9
“The American people rightly look to their military leaders to be not only skilled in the technical aspects of the profession of arms, but to be men of integrity.� - General Joseph L. Collins
10