COMMANDER’S CORNER: COMMENTARY: REBALANCE WITH MINDFULNESS - PAGE 2 Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Vol. 61 No. 45
16TH SPCS: KEEPING LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN and maintainer. “This is similar no matter what (signal) is coming out or where (the signal) is going.” Hicks came to the squadron from a background in ground radio under a special volunteer only project. The program, and his mission assignment, were adjusted and integrated into the 16th SPCS from operations. The squadron defends access to the space domain by identifying, characterizing, and geolocating specific signals broadcast from various sources. The 16th SPCS externally monitors broadcasted signals, but does not listen in to what is transmitted. Senior Airman Tyler Odenweller, 380th SPCS operator, brings transferrable skills as well. He worked in ground-side radio during his six years in the U.S. Marine Corps. The 380th SPCS is the reserve unit of the 16th SPCS. His background in electronics matched up well with the assignment as a space operator. With his squadron being a reserve unit, Odenweller was able to choose his job. He decided to follow in the footsteps of his father, who was also a space systems operator in the Air Force. (Courtesy photo) “I was picking my dad’s brain about this, so I had a good idea of what the job was about,” PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Tech Sgt. Robert Hicks, 16th SPCS flight chief and maintainer, makes said Odenweller. “Signals are signals and they are going to go up one way and down one adjustments on a piece of equipment Nov. 3, 2017, at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. The 16th SPCS uses the way. It’s all the same if you know about it.” equipment to defend access to the space domain by identifying, characterizing and geolocating specific signals The mission of the 16th and 380th SPCS is to defend against electromagnetic interference broadcast from many sources. of U.S. military and commercial satellites, Hicks distilled that definition further. By Dave Smith “We provide the guy on the ground with a communication overwatch to get what he needs Staff writer, 21st Space Wing Public Affairs when he needs it,” Hicks said. “Having been in the situation before, I know what it is like.” He finds his assignment to be a special one. Hicks appreciates performing multiple misPETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Whether one attributes it to Napoleon Bonaparte sions and making them work regardless of challenges that get into the mix. “It’s a pretty unique experience,” he said. or Frederick the Great, the old saying says “an army marches on its stomach.” A modern “There’s always something a little different or out of the norm,” Odenweller added. day twist on the adage might be “an army marches on its communications.” Both men agreed the career field is evolving. As an example, Hicks said where a comWith GPS leading the way, modern military forces rely upon satellite signals to guide them in fulfilling a plethora of missions. The 16th Space Control Squadron, located on Peterson munication palette in a Humvee was the previous method, now there are digital tablets Air Force Base, Colorado, is defending against sources of electromagnetic interference on worn on the chest that handle similar functions. “Space is changing,” said Odenweller. “More countries and companies are getting into U.S. military and commercial satellites. The squadron is on the cutting edge of the Air Force’s defensive space control mission, space.” As the role of space as a warfighting theater continues to grow and change, so will the defending critical satellite communication links with multiple weapons systems and a nearly global reach. Such efforts require integration of skill sets that carry over from earlier mission and duties of the space operators. Hicks and Odenweller said the demands of the career field are changing fast, just like those in the area of cyberspace and that the role of approaches to processing communications signals. “For the most part radio is radio,” said Tech Sgt. Robert Hicks, 16th SPCS flight chief space in the Air Force will expand to meet those changes.
Fitness is a family affair: Siblings head to competition By Robb Lingley 21st SW Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – The Air Force’s first-ever Alpha Warrior Final Battle will be held at Retama Park in San Antonio, Texas, Nov. 11, 2017. The top male and female winners from 15-regional competitions, as well as the top 10 male and female competitors with the best runs from across the Air Force will compete for the title of Air Force Alpha Warrior. Capt. Cale Simmons, Space and Missile Center contract manager, and his sister Capt. Rachel Schaefer, SMC program manager, are two members from Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, who will compete in this event. Capt. Jeff Schaefer, U.S. Air Force Academy civil engineering instructor, Rachel’s husband, will also join them in Texas representing USAFA. According to the Alpha Warrior website the extreme obstacle course features 21 challenging obstacles not measured in miles or distance, but instead focuses on completing each obstacle at hand by testing strength and core fitness by pushing the body and mind to its physical and mental limit. The objective is to complete each obstacle on the course and finish with a 100% completion rate to become a proven Alpha Warrior. Simmons was really excited when he found out he and his sister were both going because they had been practicing together for a couple weeks and were anxious to see how they would fair in the regional competition. He said everything went perfect in the competition and that Peterson AFB had put on a good show.
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(Courtesy photo)
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Capt. Rachel Schaefer, Space and Missile Center program manager and her brother Capt. Cale Simmons, SMC contract manager will represent Peterson Air Force Base at the upcoming Alpha Warrior Final Battle at Retama Park in San Antonio, Texas, Nov.11, 2017. The Alpha Warrior extreme obstacle course features 21 challenging obstacles that Airmen must complete to become a proven Alpha Warrior. “Rachel’s husband, Jeff Schaefer, placed 2nd in the event and he will join us for the final,” Simmons said. “All three of us live pretty active lifestyles and go rock climbing often, which is pretty similar to Alpha Warrior.”
To train for Alpha Warrior Rachel Schaefer went rock climbing more frequently, joined a bouldering league, and went to a park with her husband to practice walking and balancing on a playground. They also did work on a slide structure. “We just did a lot of stuff that resembled the movements we saw on the video of the course,” said Rachel Schaefer. “I’m excited to spend time with my brother and husband competing at Alpha Warrior,” Rachel Schaefer added. “It should really be fun.” Simmons competed in the pole vault at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016. He placed second in the U.S. Olympic Trials and 28th in the Olympics. “I was happy to represent the U.S. and the Air Force on the world stage,” said Simmons. “In my perspective as an Olympian this is a great way to have fun while still getting in a workout,” said Simmons. “This type of activity is something I seem to be pretty good at and my skills in pole vault transfer well with the agility, strength, coordination, and endurance in the event.” Simmons also added that he looks forward to the more difficult obstacle course he’ll face in San Antonio. Alpha Warrior designs state-of-the-art obstacle race equipment called battle rigs and stations. These multi-station devices enhance functional fitness training for individuals and teams. Battle rigs train Airmen’s muscles to work together while making strategic choices. These challenge stations compare to the popular television competition show America Ninja Warrior. The opening ceremony for Alpha Warrior is at 8:30 a.m. and the Air Force Final Battle begins at 9:00 am. The Air Force awards ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
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