Space Observer Mar. 18, 2021

V O L . 65 N O . 11

T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 18 , 2021

SPACE OBSERVER P E T E R S O N

A I R

F O R C E

B A S E

ACTING SECAF VISITS PETERSON AFB

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS ALEXUS WILCOX | PETERSON-SCHRIEVER GARRISON PUBLIC AFFAIRS (U.S. Space Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexus Wilcox)

Acting Secretary of the Air Force John P. Roth talks to U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander (2nd from right), U.S. Air Force Col. James Smith, Peterson-Schriever Garrison commander (2nd from left) and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Boston Alexander, P-S GAR command chief (left) at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, March 9, 2021. Roth’s first visit to Colorado focused on gaining insight into the complex relationships established to deliver space capabilities to combatant commanders and national decision makers.

INSIDE

ACTING SEC AF VISITS SPACE COMMAND, SPOC MISSIONS PAGE 3

NEWS 1-8 | CLASSIFIED 9 | CROSSWORD 11

FIRST AIR FORCE DESIGNATED AIR COMPONENT TO USSPACECOMM PAGE 3

1ST SPACE BRIGADE NCO AWARDED BRONZE STAR PAGE 4

HOW CAN SWORD ATHENA HELP YOU? PAGE 7

China in search of AI supremacy

By Capt. Stephen Fuller | AIR UNIVERSITY WILD BLUE YONDER ONLINE JOURNAL

Federal Bureau of Prisons

HIRING EVENT Tuesday, March 30 • 10 a.m - 4 p.m.

In-person at Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, 530 Communication Cr. Hiring Federal Correctional Staff: Officers* Clerical Food Service Other Opportunities *Federal Correctional Officer Starting Salary GL-5 $44,182; GL-6 $46,586; GL-7 $50,290 Happening March 30: Q&A with HR Representatives Apply on The Spot Bring Your Resume

10% RECRUITMENT BONUS Available for Correctional Officers Positions in Florence, Colorado Call 719-784-5099 or Email

FLX/HRApplicants@bop.gov for questions prior to the event.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Wild Blue Yonder — In order to totally understand the need of the United States to maintain and compete for artificial intelligence (AI) supremacy over our near peer threat, China, we must first look at the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) militarily goals and what makes them unique in their pursuit.

According to the Department of Defense’s (DOD) 2000’s Annual Report on Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China, the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) ground, air, and naval forces were sizable but mostly obsolete. Their cyber capabilities were rudimentary, and its use of information technology was well behind the curve.1 China’s defense industry was struggling to produce high-quality systems. Flash forward two decades and the PLA’s objective is to become a “world-class military” by the end of 2049; this per the DOD’s Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China, 2020.

How does a country once floundering by the wayside with obsolete weaponry and technology make such dramatic leaps to be able to announce their intentions of becoming a “world-class” military by the end of 2049? In just a short 20 years, the Chinese are already surpassing us, the mightiest military in the world, in shipbuilding, land-based conventional ballistic and cruise missiles, and integrated air defense systems. Alongside conventional warfare, the CCP is investing heavily in technology innovations and has specifically mentioned AI as a paramount part of their National Defense Strategy.

Why is AI so important? What is AI? AI can be thought of as the ability of an artificial agent to achieve goals in a “wide range of environments.”2 What China is interested in is more in line with the deep learning aspect of AI. Deep learning, now popularly associated with artificial intelligence, is a technique that harnesses neural networks to train algorithms to do specified tasks, such as image recognition.3 With this deep learning, there are many military applications such as automating military equipment to perform a task(s) while learning better strategies to simply taking more and more of the human element out while the AI makes decisions based on the algorithms that are input into the system(s). While focusing on how it will benefit China economically and socially, they will also be utilizing technology, specifically AI to improve their military efforts; no real line between them in the Chinese construct. Although China is not yet up to par with the rest of the—primarily Western—world, they are putting significant capital in its progress.

A perfect example of how serious China is in investing in AI is the AI startup SenseTime. In a four-year span, it went from an academic project to becoming the world’s most valuable artificial intelligence company with a current valuation of $4.5 billion. SenseTime is now the largest algorithm provider in China, as well as the fifth largest AI platform. Along with other tech titans, SenseTime is working with the Chinese government on Made in China 2025, an initiative to make the country economically autonomous.4 Made in China 2025 states the strategic goals of turning China to a major manufacturing power. By 2020, their goal was to consolidate manufacturing power and increase manufacturing digitalization. By 2035, Chinese manufacturing will reach an intermediate level among manufacturing powers. By 2049, China’s manufacturing sector status will become more consolidated, and China will become the leader among the world’s manufacturing powers.5 In order to accomplish this, the Chinese are relying on technology innovations from AI companies such as SenseTime. This brings us to the why and how China is able to rely on civilian innovation as much as it does for not only the social and economic benefits but also the direct alignment of military goals. ”Military-Civil Fusion, or MCF, is an aggressive, national strategy of the CCP. Its goal is to enable the PRC to develop the most technologically advanced military in the world… Under MCF, the CCP is systematically reorganizing the Chinese science and technology enterprise to ensure that new innovations simultaneously advance economic and military development.”6 As a national strategy, military-civil fusion traces roots to the Maoist idea of “people’s warfare,” which prescribed a “whole-of-society” approach to military mobilization, and builds on industrial policy to drive military modernization.7 While civilian companies, such as SenseTime and Ali-Baba, are working to improve the social and economic functions of China; they are also directly in line with the CCP to improve the innovations and the capabilities of the PLA. Unlike the United States, there is no clear line or delineation between the government and its civilian counterparts. The partnership goes both ways; not only do the civilian entities in China share technology and AI algorithms with the government but the CCP ensures that there is plenty See China page 8

2

SPACE OBSERVER | M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 2 1 | C S M N G . C O M

Acting Sec AF visits Space Command, SpOC missions

By Joint Task Force-Space Defense Public Affairs | JOINT TASK FORCE-SPACE DEFENSE

First Air Force designated as air component to US Space Command

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

(U.S. Space Force photo by Dennis Rogers)

U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander with Acting Secretary of the Air Force John Roth during his visit to Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, March 9, 2021. Dickinson and other representatives highlighted the 11th combatant command’s mission and operations on the installation. Space Operations Command leaders also engaged Roth to showcase their missions and personnel.

WASHINGTON (AFNS) — The U.S. Air Force has named First Air Force as the future air component to U.S. Space Command.

Following this reorganization, First Air Force will continue to provide uninterrupted air component support to North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command while also exercising command and control over Air Force forces supporting U.S. Space Command.

“The U.S. Air Force is a critical contributor to the U.S. Space Command mission as evidenced by their support to Human Space Flight,” said U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, USSPACECOM commander.

“We welcome First Air Force to our joint team.”

First Air Force is responsible for ensuring the aerospace control and air defense of the continental United States, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Given the pivotal role space capabilities play in this critical mission.

“First Air Force was the natural choice to serve as Air Force component to U.S. Space Command,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. “In this new role, First Air Force will be better able to identify and address gaps and seams when integrating spacepower into the support of the homeland defense mission. This will also inform efforts to better fuse space operations into air operations centers around the globe.”

Implementation is still in the early development phases as Air Combat Command plans how to organize, train, and equip First Air Force for this new role. The new air component is currently expected to achieve initial operating capability by the end of calendar year 2021.

“It’s an honor for this command to be named as the Air Force’s component command to U.S. Space Command,” said Lt. Gen. Kirk Pierce, First Air Force commander. “We have a staff of seasoned professionals with decades of proven success in protecting the air domain in defense of the homeland.

We look forward to supporting USSPACECOM in their efforts to defend against threats to the space domain.”

More information will be released as it becomes available.

MBA Programs designed around you Choose from one of 12 specializations, tailored to meet your business goals. uccs.edu/gsba

C S M N G . C O M | M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 2 1 | SPACE OBSERVER

3

1st Space Brigade NCO awarded Bronze Star

CSMNG

By U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Rognstad | U.S. ARMY SPACE AND MISSILE DEFENSE COMMAND

(719) 634-5905 235 South Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-1246.

PUBLISHER AND EXECUTIVE EDITOR AMY GILLENTINE Amy.Gillentine@csbj.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF BRYAN GROSSMAN Bryan.Grossman@csbj.com

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER JENN CANCELLIER Jenn@csbj.com

ADVERTISING Account Executives

TAMMY FOGALL Tammy.Fogall@csmng.com MONTY HATCH Monty.Hatch@csbj.com KRISTIN DECOCQ Kristin.DeCocq@csbj.com

ART DEPARTMENT Graphic Designers

ROWDY TOMPKINS ELENA TRAPP ZK BRADLEY

COLORADO PUBLISHING HOUSE Chairman of the Board

(Photo by Dottie K. White)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Abigail Keller, an operations noncommissioned-officer-in-charge with 1st Space Company, 1st Space Battalion, Space and Missile Defense Command, receives the Bronze Star from Army Lt. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler, SMDC commander, for her exceptionally meritorious service in combat zone with exposure to risk to hostile action March 12, 2021. Keller received the award for actions whilst deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Inherent Resolve, 2019-2020.

JOHN WEISS Executive Editor Emeritus

RALPH ROUTON Circulation Coordinator

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Abigail Keller, an operations noncommissioned-officerin-charge with 1st Space Company, 1st Space Battalion, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, was awarded the Bronze Star on March 12 for her exceptionally meritorious service in combat zone with exposure to risk to hostile action.

Keller and her fellow space Soldiers endured a three-hour ballistic missile attack at Al Asad airbase in Iraq on Jan. 8, 2020, while deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Inherent Resolve, 2019-2020. Keller, the detachment NCO, organized and moved her Soldiers to safety displaying a cool, calm and collected demeanor during the night’s attack.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Keller said of receiving the medal.

“I never expected to get this in my career. It’s an honor, but I didn’t earn this award alone. This award really belongs to all of Detachment 1 (Keller’s unit while deployed in Iraq).”

Army Lt. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler, SMDC commander, pinned the award on Keller, and Army Col. Donald K. Brooks,

TIM KRANZ

SPACE OBSERVER PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE

Staff Writer

GRIFFIN SWARTZELL Published by Colorado Springs Military Newspapers Group, 235 S. Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, 80903, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the Peterson/ Schriever Garrison. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services.

Contents of the Space Observer are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by DoD, the Department of the Air Force, or CSMNG, of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided bby the Peterson/Schriever Garrison Public Affairs Office, 775 Loring Ave., Suite 219, Peterson AFB, Colo., 809141294, (719) 556-5185 or DSN 834-5185, fax (719) 5567848 or DSN 834-7848. All photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated.

The Space Observer is published every Thursday. For advertising inquiries, call Colorado Springs Military Newspapers, (719) 634-5905. Employees of Peterson Air Force Base who want to place a free classified advertisement should call (719) 329-5210.

Articles, announcements, news briefs or feedback for the Space Observer should be submitted to the P-S GAR via space.observer@us.af.mil. For further information, to the P-S GAR at (719) 556-5185 or DSN 834-5185 or e-mail space.observer@us.af.mil. Deadline for article submission is noon the Friday one week before publication. All articles, copy and announcements submitted will be edited to conform to AFI Series 35 and the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual.

For information in the event of a Peterson Air Force Base emergency, contact the Straight Talk line at (719) 556-9154.

4

Criminal Defense & Personal Injury

LAW FIRM OF MARK S. HANCHEY • Former JAG Attorney • 25 Years Experience • Free Consultation • Payment Plans

Military Discount

ACCIDENT? Don’t settle, we will get you the maximum amount you deserve*

2212 West Colorado Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80904

719-219-3144

www.HancheyLaw.com

1st Space Bde. commander, addressed the attendees.

“This is a truly special day,” Brooks said. “A long-overdue day. This is a well-deserved and earned award.”

It’s rare for Soldiers with space-centric military operational specialties to receive Bronze Stars, much less female ones, Keller said. Due to the nature of the space domain, many Soldiers remain out of harm’s way for the majority of their careers, and due to the lack of women in Army space units, the opportunities for women assigned to SMDC to receive a Bronze Star are extremely slim.

Keller talked about serving as a woman in a male-dominated MOS. “There’s definitely been long stretches of time where I have been the only female in my space units, which can be a little bit isolating,” Keller said. “But I have been fortunate to have a lot of really good male peers and seniors around me that I didn’t necessarily feel alone. Space has been really good to me in that way.”

• Motorcycle Accident • Free Consultation • No Out of Pocket Cost • Bus Accident • Pedestrian Accident • Auto Accident PERSONAL INJURY SPECIALISTS

LAW FIRM OF MARK S. HANCHEY

Domestic Violence • DUI’s & Traffic • Assaults Drugs • Personal Injury • Theft Restraining Orders • Courts Martial Separation Boards • All Felonies

SPACE OBSERVER | M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 2 1 | C S M N G . C O M

We receive payment only if we win the case for you

719.219.3144

2212 West Colorado Avenue

www.HancheyLaw.com

‘Accelerated Path to Wings’ pilot training makes history

By Benjamin Faske | 12TH FLYING TRAINING WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

(U.S. Air Force photo by Sean Worrell)

Graduates from the first-ever “Accelerated Path to Wings” class gather in front of a T-1 Jayhawk aircraft after receiving their pilot wings March 12, 2021 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Accelerated Path to Wings is part of Air Education and Training Command's pilot training transformation program, a two phase T-1 only pilot training tract. The 99th Flying Training Squadron is responsible for executing the seven month training mission that culminates with students earning their pilot wings.

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) — Seven Airmen made history as the first “Accelerated Path to Wings” program graduated and they transitioned from students to Air Force pilots during a ceremony March 12.

Nicknamed the “XPW” program, the course is part of Air Education and Training Command's current pilot training transformation efforts and consists of students completing an undergraduate pilot training curriculum that only utilizes one airframe, the T-1 Jayhawk.

“We had students from various backgrounds, including five who had completed their initial flight training and two who had earned their private pilot’s license,” said Lt. Col. Eric Peterson, 99th Flying Training Squadron commander, “This is a great program for students who want to go fly heavy aircraft in Air Mobility Command, or who want to go fly certain aircraft in special operations or in Air Combat Command.”

Traditional UPT is a three-phase program that produces pilots in 12 months. The XPW program is done

Earn Master of ofSocial SocialWork Work Earn your your Master COLORADO SPRINGS A Degree of Difference

2120 HOLLOW BROOK DR. | COLORADO SPRINGS CO | 80918

in two phases and graduates students in about seven months.

The first phase in XPW includes preflight academics where students learn general aviation terminology, after which students go directly to the T-1 aircraft, skipping the traditional route of flying the T-6 Texan II. At the 12th Training Squadron’s simulator branch, the students developed extensive training profiles, allowing them to practice and be certified as proficient in the aircraft. Once students make it through the required simulator training, they go on to fly in the T-1 under the guidance of the 99th FTS team.

After receiving their diplomas, the new pilots followed a tradition called breaking of the wings, which originated decades ago when the Army Air Corps first started issuing pilot wings to young graduating aviators.

Graduation day was filled with excitement for 2nd Lt. Kassandra Fochtman, who is headed to McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, to fly the KC-135 Stratotanker.

“It feels amazing to have endured the last seven

months of pilot training to reach this point. It’s all been worth it,” she said. “I’m extremely proud. I can’t wait to begin flying around the world.”

One freshly minted pilot stood out from amongst his peers as he received the Top Stick award, Distinguished Graduate award and the AETC Commander's Trophy.

“Graduating from the first XPW class is pretty special,” said 2nd Lt. Andrew Button, who is slated to fly the C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. “I volunteered for this not knowing if it would work out or not, but I just put my trust in the Air Force.

I want to give credit to my family and the world-class instructor pilots at the 99th FTS.” Col. Robert Moschella, 12th Operations Group commander, served as the guest speaker. “The XPW program is a great way to capitalize on T-1 capacity to produce high quality pilots for the Air Force. These students had a great attitude throughout the program and showed an unrelenting willingness to learn and earn their wings.”

• MSW Program has two curriculum focuses: Trauma/ Clinical & School Social Work • MSW Program has two • Designed for working curriculum focuses: Trauma/ professionals Clinical & School Social Work • Prepares graduates for success • Designed for working professionals • Competitive tuition • Prepares graduates for success • Fully accredited (by CSWE) • Competitive tuition • Fully accredited (by CSWE) INFORMATION SESSION MARCH 25 INFORMATION RESERVE YOURSESSION SPOT MARCH 25 (719) 520-1214 RESERVE YOUR SPOT– (719) 520-1214

SEE US ONLINE AT

WWW.CSMNG.COM C S M N G . C O M | M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 2 1 | SPACE OBSERVER

5

CMSAF Bass joins SMC’s virtual speed-mentoring event

By Staff Sgt. Luke Kitterman | SPACE AND MISSILE SYSTEMS CENTER PUBLIC AFFAIRS

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. —The Space and Missile Systems Center hosted a virtual speed-mentoring event for selected Airmen and Guardians of all ranks March 9, 2021.

The event’s opening remarks were presented by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass who stressed the importance of forming meaningful relationships throughout one’s journey.

“Relationships in the United States Air Force and Space Force are everything,” Bass said. “I’m so excited that you all are deliberate about taking opportunities to create relationships. Nobody gets to any position by themselves. When I look back 28 years ago, at the start of my Air Force journey, I was a young 18-year old who thought she knew it all. I thought ‘how did I continue on this amazing ride this Air Force has so richly blessed me with?’ It is only because of all the relationships, professionally and personally, that have helped shape who I am.”

After Bass’s remarks, more than 50 mentors and mentees met for one-on-one sessions that switched pairings every 20 minutes for four rounds.

Acting as a mentor, Chief Master Sgt. Justin Stoltzfus, 61st Air Base Group superintendent, spoke with Special Agent Cristin O’Malley, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Det. 810 superintendent, during one of the first sessions.

“When I thought about ‘how do I mentor a squared away OSI agent who has an immense amount of education and a great track record,’ I thought about focusing on your goals for the future,” Stoltzfus said. “One thing I learned way too late is that if you have career goals or certain positions you are aiming for, that means someone right now is already in that position. Go talk to them. Learn from them.

Reach out and continue to build those relationships to better prepare yourself for when the time comes.”

Stoltzfus continued by emphasizing the importance of creating a culture, which was at the heart of his mentorship explaining that high morale is a byproduct of a strong culture.

“Culture is the hardest thing to change,” Stoltzfus said. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Culture change takes time and only happens through consistent teamwork.”

Specific to SMC, as the Space Force continues to grow and form its own culture, it will look to continue to plan more events like this in the future allowing relationships to foster even in virtual environments.

SpOC-West personnel support teams win command annual awards

By Lt. Col. Mae-Li Allison | COMBINED FORCE SPACE COMPONENT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — Following a year of many organizational transitions, the hard-working personnel support team assigned to Space Operations Command (SpOC)-West recently earned two 2020 SpOC awards and will now move on to compete at the Air Force level. On March 3, SpOC headquarters announced that Maj. Richard Hart, director of SpOC-West Manpower and Personnel, won the Force Support Field Grade Officer award, and the SpOC-West Commander Support Staff (CSS) won the A1 Special Recognition Team Award for staff-level support.

“I’ve spent more than 30 years in the military, both in uniform and as a government civilian, and I’ve never seen this number of organizational moves in such a short period of time,” said Mark Main, the Combined Force Space Component Command chief of staff. “It took an extraordinary amount of personnel support to ensure these changes were accurately reflected in the books, and our CSS and manpower and personnel sections handled this flawlessly.”

The year 2020 marked a year of significant change for the dual-hatted organization previously known as 14th Air Force and the Joint Force Space Component Command (JFSCC). After the U.S. Space Force was founded as the newest branch of the Armed Forces on Dec. 20, 2019, the 14th Air Force at Vandenberg AFB was redesignated as Space Operations Command on Dec. 20, 2019. This same organization was later renamed SpOC-West after the SpOC field command was formally established on Oct. 21, 2020, in Colorado Springs, Colo.

On Aug. 29, 2019, U.S. Space Command was stood up after 17 years since its inactivation. This prompted the reorganization of JFSCC from U.S. Strategic Command

6

(U.S. Space Force photo by Lt. Col. Mae-Li Allison)

The Space Operations Command-West Commander Support Staff team at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on March 10, 2021. Space Operations Command Headquarters announced Mar. 3 that the SpOC-West CSS won the 2020 A1 Special Recognition Team of the Year. Members of the CSS team include: (From left) Staff Sgt. Delroy Maronie, Tech. Sgt. Debra Menses, Capt. Cameron Hyman, Tamasyn Smith, Airman 1st Class Alana Forde, and Tech. Sgt. Jacquelyn Vilca. Not pictured: Capt. ShaCora Hyman, Master Sgt. Philip Santos, Tech. Sgt. Steven Burrow, and Staff Sgt. Alexandra Edwards. to U.S. Space Command. With the subsequent inclusion of international military partners on the staff, JFSCC’s name changed to the Combined Force Space Component Command on Oct. 1, 2019.

“I’m very happy that I and my team got to be a small

SPACE OBSERVER | M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 2 1 | C S M N G . C O M

part of the historic standup of these organizations,” said Hart, who leads a section of only three people to support more than 100 customers.

See Support page 8

From childcare to ponytails: How can Sword Athena help you?

By Capt. Tisha Yates | AIR COMBAT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Douglas J. Raskin, M.D., D.M.D. Specializing in Breast Augmentation Sientra Gel and Mentor Saline implants Breast Lifts Tummy Tucks Mommy Makeovers BOARD CERTIFIED

Harvard, Stanford and Baylor Trained Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Active Member American Society of Plastic Surgeons

MEMBER AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS, INC.

MILITARY DISCOUNT raskinplasticsurgery.com Email: mddmd@pcisys.net

719.578.9988 830 Tenderfoot Hill Road, Suite #320 Colorado Springs, CO 80906

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jaylen Molden)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers, 27th Fighter Squadron Assistant Director of Operations and F-22 Mission Commander, removes cover from the cock-pit of an F-22, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Feb. 25, 2021. As a result of the Womens Initiatives Team, Warrior Braids, and Sword Athena 2020, the hair regulation was changed in AFI 36-2903 to allow braids and ponytails in uniform.

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. (AFNS) — Recent updates to Air Force dress and appearance standards were a win for Airmen who advocated for a broader set of professional hairstyles for women in uniform.

These changes, along with normalizing support to nursing mothers, identifying improperly fitting equipment, and demystifying seeking mental health assistance were among the central issues of Air Combat Command’s inaugural Sword Athena event last year. Sword Athena is designed to identify, tackle and present solutions to female and family-centric barriers to readiness using crowd-sourced topics and a Mission Area Working Group (MAWG) model.

The Workplace and Training MAWG partnered with the DAF Barrier Analysis Working Group (DAFBAWG) Women’s Initiative Team’s (WIT) and Warrior Braids’ multi-year effort to champion a proposal for women to wear low ponytails and braids. Together, they presented a well-researched, convincing case to retired Gen. Mike Holmes, then the Commander of Air Combat Command. Holmes supported the proposal and personally sent a signed memorandum to the Air Force Uniform Board and other senior Air Force leaders.

“Most women in their tactical action of duty had to wear their hair out of regulations to have the gear fit them, and we presented a better solution,” said Capt. Jessie “FONIX” James, Workplace and Training MAWG co-chair. Additional

concerns of the existing hair regulations included long-term hair damage, migraines and creating an inclusive service environment for all Airmen.

Participating in SA2020 helped the MAWG members better define their issue and what would be required to make a change. Topics considered: funding, if the change could be implemented either through a signed memo or policy change and whether additional support and advocacy were required.

“By presenting a well-researched, clearly defined problem, solution and ask, change becomes more possible,” said James.

Other SA2020 results included nursing pods in unit areas and designating Child Development Centers as No Hat, No Salute zones.

“Do not give up!” said Master Sgt. Johnathon Lind, a WIT, Warrior Braids, and also a Workplace and Training MAWG member. “There is personal risk in attempting to make changes. Be brave and follow your heart (and the evidence). Research and provide your leadership with evidence and facts that they can reflect on to make the right decision.”

Sword Athena 2021 is launching later this month and the SA2021 MAWGS welcome your ideas to communicate on the following topics: Reducing Predictable Stressors for Airmen in Relation to Mental Health, Creating a Safe Psychological Space, Workplace and Training, Family and Children, Spouse Inclusivity, and ACC Total Force.

C S M N G . C O M | M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 2 1 | SPACE OBSERVER

7

China FROM PAGE 2

of capital invested in the civilian sector, primarily to the companies and entities that have a direct role in achieving the ambitious plans of the CCP. When searching for MCF, the number one topic that comes up time and time again is that of AI. Chinese firms and research institutes are advancing uses of AI that could undermine US economic leadership and provide an asymmetrical advantage in warfare. Chinese military strategists see AI as a breakout technology that could enable China to rapidly modernize its military, surpassing overall US capabilities and developing tactics that specifically target US vulnerabilities.8 The CCP is rapidly growing its arsenal, whether it be conventional warfare items or aggressively investing in technology and innovations. Although the PRC does not have the technology and the assets, the engineers, or the capabilities that we have right now, they are pumping all the resources they can to ensure that they reach their end state of being a player that everyone has to recognize on an equal playing field.

What can a country such as the United States do when we have moral obligations that the CCP does not have, nor institutes? Having a gray area between the civilian

Support FROM PAGE 6 During the USSF transition, the SpOC-West CSS staff maintained accurate personnel records through

sector and the military gives them a clear advantage as there is no such thing as a separation of government and the civilian sector. Our government has some leeway in pushing tax dollars towards certain functions that will improve our overall social and economic structure but crossing the line of government versus private sector is still a clear boundary that most will not cross. We have a democracy as to where our government can change greatly every two to four years, whereas the Chinese have a government that is setup to exist generationally and even past that. Our greatest asset of Democracy might also be the reason that the CCP and the PLA can gain on us in the future, possibly.

The greatest advantage that the United States has over China is our free market system. We enable companies to compete for monetary advantage and with only little government interference/oversight unlike China, which consistently monitors all businesses and citizens.

In 2019, privately held AI companies attracted nearly $40 billion in disclosed equity investment—defined as venture capital, private equity, and mergers and acquisitions—across more than 3,100 discrete transactions.

US companies attracted most of this investment: $25.2 billion in disclosed value (64 percent of the global total) across 1,412 transactions.9 What does this tell us? Well, China has not attracted the investment that most think; if $25.2 billion or 64 percent of the global total is still coming from the United

States, then maybe the competition is not as close as most think it is. Our military depends greatly on our private companies coming up with usable applications for civilian purposes and then the military legally purchases or contracts the item for military use. We do not stifle civilian innovation; we tend to reuse the items in different manners but depend on that civilian innovation for the next greatest thing in technology. Nothing is owed to the United States government and the civilian companies can negotiate the value of their AI product.

Although China is focusing more internally on their own startups, their AI narrative, and it seems to not be at the level that our AI innovation is, we must continue to proceed with caution. As soon as we let down our guard, China may surpass us and could possibly one day become the world’s AI leader.

numerous systems conversions, as well as built guidance for more than 200 members for the historical transfer ceremonies.

In addition to the multiple organizational changes, a worldwide pandemic also brought unique challenges that the CSS worked through to overcome. The CSS streamlined COVID-19 operations in the unit control center by synchronizing headquarters and wing ac-

countability programs, which provided daily readiness updates for the U.S. Space Command mission.

“Throughout all these challenges, the CSS continued to provide superior personnel, training, deployment, and commander’s program support for the CFSCC, SpOC-West, and Space Delta 5 warfighters,” said Capt. Cameron Hyman, the SpOC-West CSS section commander.

Captain Stephen Fuller, ANG Captain Fuller’s (MS, Tarleton State University; BS, University of Phoenix) research interests include Artificial Intelligence, Cyber capabilities/emerging technologies, and near peer threats. He is an ANG Cyber Operations Officer serving as the Director of Operations of the Base Communications Flight at Will Rogers, ANGB.

PRESENTED BY:

MENTAL HEALTH AND

WELLNESS We host three days of virtual panels about health and wellness topics. In addition, we’ll publish a full glossy magazine to use as a resource for the rest of the year.

Nominate the area’s healthiest companies today at csbj.com/nominate

SAVE THE DATE MAY 24 - MAY 27 FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS WEEK

CSMNG COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

8

SPACE OBSERVER | M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 2 1 | C S M N G . C O M

2021 Leadership Lessons

4:30-5:45 p.m. • Ent Center for the Arts (5225 N. Nevada Ave.) • $25/person** *Limited in person and virtual tickets available.

JONATHAN LIEBERT

April 8

Jonathan Liebert is a native of Colorado Springs and has seen the dramatic impact social entrepreneurship has had on the city, as well as how local businesses can thrive under this model. As the CEO of the local BBB and the Colorado Institute for Social Impact, he considers himself a servant leader committed to elevating the community by helping others become leaders. Liebert will provide insight on how business leaders can work with the community for the betterment of all and how to collectively prepare for an ever-changing business world.

RSVP at CSBJ.com/Events

Classifieds 719-634-5905 classified@csmng.com 235 S. Nevada Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903

DEADLINE: NOON TUESDAY!

Reach over 70,000 readers!

Rates vary, call for details. Prepayment is required. 3 line minimum. Please check your ad the first week of publication and call by noon the following Tuesday with changes or corrections.

This paper is not liable for errors after the first publication of an ad. Colorado Publishing Company is not liable for the content of advertisements. All real estate advertising is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968. We do not endorse any product or service and we reserve the right to refuse any advertising we deem inappropriate.

C.5.3.5. Real Estate Advertising. Advertising for off-post housing available for rent, sale or lease by an owner, manager, rental agency, agent or individual, shall include only those available on a nondiscriminatory basis for all personnel. No facilities shall be advertised without the Colorado Publishing Company having been notified, in writing, that the owner, manager, rental agency, agent or individual enforces open-housing practices.

3 Lines FREE for active-duty, retired military, and their dependents as well as civil service employees.

Call (719) 634-5905 or fax this form to (719) 577-4107 or Visit our website — classifieds.csmng.com to place your ad 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Name ___________________________________ Address _______________________________________

Free ads in accordance with military regulations must be non-commercial and for personal property offered by local base or unit personnel without regard to race, creed, color, age, sex or religious origin. FREE ADS are limited to one ad per household at 3 lines max. The editor and publisher reserve the right to edit ads, and/or not publish ads. NO DUTY PHONE NUMBERS WILL BE PRINTED. DEADLINE: Noon Tuesday

Category: ______________________________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________ Zip__________________________________________ Grade _______________ Unit ________ Signature ______________________________________________

Automotive

Real Estate

Jeep

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion or national origin, or an intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination. The Mountaineer shall not accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Jeep Mud flaps, Roof master cargo bag and trailer hitch ‘96 -’98. Also available, top rack for SUV. Call 719-290-7808.

The Transcript can publish your

Notices of Guardianship Name Changes Notices to Creditors

For more info call 634-5905

“

Selling Your Home?

Let our readers know.

For more information call 719-634-5905 or email classifieds@csmng.com

RESIDENTIAL FOR SALE CENTRAL 2 INCOME PROPERTIES

Good condition. East and Central. Owner carry 20% down. 719-550-0010.

THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE ANSWER

My signature certifies that this advertisement is for the purpose of selling my personal property as a convenience to me or my dependents. It is not part of a business enterprise, nor does it benefit anyone involved in a business enterprise. Any real estate advertised is made available without regard to race, color, religious origin or sex of any individual.

“

a HOUSE is a HOUSE is made of walls made of walls and beams... and beams... a HOMEaisHOME built is built with LOVE with LOVE and DREAMS and DREAMS

”

Find your new DREAM HOME in our WELCOME HOME section If you have affordable real estate listings, then your home needs to be featured in Welcome Home! For more information call 634-5905.

The Colorado Springs Business Journal can publish your

LEGAL NOTICES Ordinances • Water Rights • Public Trustee Sales • Notices to Creditors • Name Changes • Summonses • Adoption Notices • Sheriff’s Sales & more

For more information call

Robyn Kirk • 634-5905 C S M N G . C O M | M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 2 1 | SPACE OBSERVER

9

SMALL BUSINESS Unlock your potential with...

Our personalized service makes the difference!

Selling Your Colorado Springs Home?

Business Journal We proudly serve active duty military, federal civil service,

Resumes: FREE Military to Civilian • Federal • CVs • Executive • Professional CONSULTATION • Military Spouse • LinkedIn Profiles Website: www.APlatinumResume.com MAOM, CARW, CPRW, CRS-MTC

to Call Home

For advertising information call 719-634-5905

You have choices, and we have your community! Tierra Vista at Peterson and Schriever Air Force Base, are a Become a fan of the great place to call home.

Professional resume writing services by a 4x Certified Professional Resume Writer

Kara Varner

DA IR ECTO RY Great Place

Let our readers know. on Facebook orNational Guard/Reservist, *DoD contractors and follow us on Twitter For more information call retired military. @CSBizJournal 719-634-5905

Email: info@aplatinumresume.net Phone: 719-339-2659 Always a Military Discount!

Apply today

Welcome Home

866.694.2018

YOUR SOURCE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING www.tierra-vista.com IN THE COLORADO SPRINGS AREA

For advertising information call 719-634-5905

* Utility allowance based on community average. ** DoD contractor housing available at Schriever only.

TVC_PAFB_SAFB_Advert_6.6x5.indd 2

Buy or Sell wıth me asyour Realtor

Hawaiian Beach House* for Free!

and stay in my

*Excludes Holidays.

Call TerrY for details.

Beach House is advertised on VRBO under Listing ID # 3679568

• The Realtor you keep for life.

• A Military Relocation Expert you trust, whether selling or buying.

• Nine personal PCS moves in 22 years.

• My extensive network of referral Realtors are ready to assist you, before you arrive at your new duty station.

• When you deploy and your family needs emergency home services who are they gonna call? TerrY, your resource expert with trusted contractors.

• Licensed in Colorado and Hawaii.

• Voted 3rd Best Realtor 2016 by Honolulu Star Advertiser.

TerrY Petrovich, MBA GySgt USMC (Ret) Associate Broker

Cell: 808.349.7654

EXIT Realty DTC

Serving the Southern Denver and Colorado Springs Areas

“Integrity is everything—the measure of a person! Without it, you earn no respect and gain nothing!”

— TerrY Petrovich

A Great Place A Call GreatHome Place to A Great Place A toGreat Call Place Home A Great Place to Call Home to Call Home to Call Home

You have choices, and we have your community! Tierra Vista Peterson and Schriever Force Base, areTierra a You at have choices, and we haveAir your community! great place to call home.

Vista atchoices, Peterson and Force Base, are a You have and weSchriever have your Air community!

Tierra You have choices, and we have your community!

Tierra choices, and we have your community! great place to and callSchriever home. Air Force Base, are a Vista at Peterson We proudly serve active duty military, federal civil service, Tierra Vista at and Air Force Vista at Peterson and Schriever Airyour Force Base, Base, are a Tierra great place to callPeterson home.

You have choices, and we Schriever have community! are great place tohome. call home.

National Guard/Reservist, *DoD contractors Wea proudly serve active duty military, federaland civil service, great place to call Vista at Peterson andduty Schriever Air Force Base, are a We proudly serve active military, federal civil service, National Guard/Reservist, *DoD contractors retired military.

We proudly serve active duty military, federaland civil service, great place to callactive home.

National Guard/Reservist, *DoD contractors and We proudly serve duty military, federal civil service, retired military.

National Guard/Reservist, *DoD contractors and retired military. retired military.

National Guard/Reservist, *DoD contractors and We proudly serve active duty military, federal civil service, retired military.

National Guard/Reservist, *DoD contractors and retired military.

Apply today Applytoday today Apply 866.694.2018 Apply today 866.694.2018 866.694.2018 866.694.2018 www.tierra-vista.com www.tierra-vista.com www.tierra-vista.com www.tierra-vista.com Apply today 866.694.2018

866.694.2018 We havewww.tierra-vista.com the Military Community covered!

TVC_PAFB_SAFB_Advert_6.6x5.indd 2 TVC_PAFB_SAFB_Advert_6.6x5.indd 2 TVC_PAFB_SAFB_Advert_6.6x5.indd 2

TVC_PAFB_SAFB_Advert_6.6x5.indd 2

TVC_PAFB_SAFB_Advert_6.6x5.indd 2

Visit us at

csmng.com Call 634-5905 to advertise!

10 SPACE OBSERVER

| MARCH 18, 2021 | CSMNG.COM

* Utility allowance based on community average. * Utility allowance based on community average.

** DoDbased contractor housing available at Schriever only. * Utility allowance on community average.

Utility allowance based onavailable community average. *** DoD contractor housing ** DoD contractor housing available at Schriever only. at Schriever only.

www.tierra-vista.com

Online

12/5/17 12:53 PM

** DoD contractor housing available at Schriever only.

* Utility allowance based on community average.

12:53 PM 12/5/17 12:53 PM12/5/17 ** DoD contractor housing available at Schriever only.

12/5/17 12:53 PM

Print

* Utility allowance based on community average. ** DoD contractor housing available at Schriever only.

12/5/17 12:53 PM

12/5/17 12:53 PM

Welcome Home COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

UNIVERSAL CROSSWORD

CSMNG COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

By Jeffrey Wechsler

CSMNG COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

BOBBI PRICE: 719-499-9451 JADE BAKER: 719-201-6749 WEBSITE: www.bobbiprice.com EMAIL: bobbipriceteam@gmail.com

COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

CSMNG CSMNG COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

• Past Recipient Realtor Sales Person of the Year • Member OF Elite 25 & Peak Producers • Top 1% Nationally

CSMNG

COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

CSMNG CSMNG

For advertising information call 719-634-5905

OVER $21,300,000 SOLD IN 2019

Bobbi Price Team

CSMNG THREE PARTS

YOUR SOURCE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN THE COLORADO SPRINGS AREA

COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

2011 Best of the Springs Realtor – The Independent

WHEN YOU’RE SERIOUS ABOUT REAL ESTATE 132 Upper Sun Valley Lane – Crystal Park - $49,900 Beautiful private lot in middle Crystal Park. 1/2 acre forested lot with mountain views & lots of privacy. Located 8 minutes from the gate. Lakes, pool, club house, & tennis courts. Hard to find lots that are not in the upper park. Build your own dream home & enjoy true mountain living without having to drive up into the mountains. Community is 10 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. MLS# 1774086

1225 N. Devils Claw Place – Pueblo West - $292,000 Take a short drive to Pueblo West & save $1000’s. This 1620 sq. ft. 4 bed, 2 bath stucco 2-story is a to be built & sits on over an acre of land with sweeping mountain views. Central air. 24x20 garage with opener. High quality finishes. Cement driveway. Buyer gets to pick it all. Easy commute to Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, or Pueblo. Call for details. This is a screaming deal! MLS# 1475730

312 Coral Lane – Pueblo West - $365,000

ACROSS

1 Fancy hotel facility 4 Sends a text, briefly 7 Like the tortoise, vis-a-vis the hare 13 Sturdy tree 14 “Insecure” Emmy nominee Rae 15 Group’s spirit 16 Guy 17 Lead actress in “The Dark Angel” 19 Commit a hockey infraction 21 Testy mood 22 Actor Morales 23 Pigeon tail?

25 Detroit-to-Cleveland dir.

26 Small excerpt 29 Of earlier vintage 31 Give ___ whirl 32 Skin used for some traditional Native American clothing 36 Harmful competition 42 Charming, as a smile 43 Certain craft brew, informally 44 Shrimp relative 47 Received top billing (in) 50 Cherry Starburst’s color 51 Gunk on a pond 55 Creepy look 56 Nouveau-Mexique or Dakota du Nord

58 With 62-Across, Shakespeare play with the characters found at the ends of 17-, 19- and 36-Across 62 See 58-Across 64 Had pitas with hummus, say 65 Antsy feeling 66 They often hang out at garage sales 67 Numbered rd.

68 Ziti and others 69 TV schedule divisions: Abbr.

70 Penn of “Designated Survivor”

14 “Understood,” to a beatnik 18 Environmental prefix 20 Water source 24 Extinct bird 26 Prestigious British address?

27 Subj. with opportunity costs 28 Preschoolers 30 Net-touching serve 33 Personal question?

34 ___ and haws 35 “Oh, su-u-ure!”

37 “Gross!”

38 Altoids containers 39 Evidence of skidding 40 Short work with arias 41 Former humor magazine 44 Contract before marriage, informally 45 Where to find many small cones 46 Pithy sayings 48 Those with Ph.D.s from MIT, say 49 Dream sleep initials 52 Large wine orders 53 College Park sch.

54 Merriment 57 “Be like ___!”

59 Beloved 60 Loses firmness 61 Fishing rod attachment 63 Org. at JFK

DOWN

1 Transport vehicle 2 Prenatal nourishment source 3 Person experiencing memory loss 4 “Understood” 5 Car sticker letters 6 “Bonjour” relative 7 It rises from a pipe 8 Setup for a smash, maybe 9 Metal holders?

10 Gave a heads-up 11 Literary girl in Paris and Moscow 12 One may sublet

ANSWERS CAN BE FOUND IN THE CLASSIFIEDS Edited by David Steinberg

© 2021 Andrews McMeel Syndication

www.upuzzles.com

Duplex to be built in Pueblo West. Upscale 2148 sq. ft. rancher duplex.

Stucco with 40 year metal rood. 2 beds, 2 baths, & oversized 1-car garage on each side. A/C. Granite counters. LVT flooring. Continuous hot water.

Pella windows & more. Invest now while the rates are still low. Drive to Pueblo West takes less time than driving across town in Colorado Springs.

Call for brochure.

314 Coral Lane – Pueblo West - $415,000 Large duplex in Pueblo West to be built. 2692 sq. ft. 3 beds, 2 baths, & 2-car garage for each unit. High end finishes with granite throughout, LVT flooring, & high end carpeting. Stucco with metal roofs. A/C. High efficiency furnaces & continuous hot water. This price at $154 per sq. ft. includes the land. Call for brochures.

MORE GREAT LISTINGS

1046 Lost Hills Lane

1225 N Devils Claw Place

411 E Goldenrod Drive

1925 E Frying Pan Drive

777 S Watermelon Drive

691 N Mint Drive

1905 E Frying Pan Drive

804 S Rancocas Drive

319 Forest Road

1136 N Calico Rock Lane

Pueblo West • $289,500 New Construction/Under Contract

397 S Tejon Lane

Crystal Park • $75,000 Land

282 Eagle Mountain Road

1714 E Mint Court

2058 W Las Flores Drice

0 Upper Sun Valley Road Crystal Park • $49,900 Land

213 Coffee Pot Road Crystal Park • $75,000 Land

Crystal Park • $120,000 Land

Pueblo West • $239,500 New Construction/Under Contract Pueblo West • $248,900 New Construction/Under Contract Pueblo West • $251,045 New Construction Pueblo West • $282,500 New Construction

Pueblo West • $290,000 New Construction/Under Contract

NEW CONCEPT HOMES PUEBLO WEST

Pueblo West • $292,000 New Construction

Pueblo West • $310,500 New Construction/Under Contract Pueblo West • $325,000 New Construction/Under Contract Pueblo West • $345,000 New Construction/Under Contract Pueblo West • $384,900 New Construction/Under Contract Pueblo West • $389,500 New Construction/Under Contract

$234,500 to $253,500

Brand new homes with 12 floor plans to choose from.

All homes are 1620 sq. ft. with 2 to 4 bedrooms, 1 to 2 bathrooms & a 2-car garage. Mother-in-law suite or duplex floorplan available. Central air & appliances included. Stucco exterior, metal roof & 2x6 construction.

Built with pride by New Concept Homes. Several 0.28 to 1 acre lots available. VA & FHA financing available.

Call for more details.

www.BobbiPrice.com C S M N G . C O M | M A R C H 1 8 , 2 0 2 1 | SPACE OBSERVER

11

TAX REFUND

d

Queen Be

$

798

Upholstered Queen Bed $798

(B803-QBED) Includes Headboard, Footboard and Rails

(Mattress not included) King Bed $898 • Dresser $698

5-Drawer Chest $498 • Nightstand $328 • Mirror $168

Power Reclining Sofa

Executive Desk

798

$

$

Office Chair

298

$

Harper Point Executive Desk $798 (IHP-304) 66w x 31h x 28d

Harper Point Office Chair $298

(IHP-366)

128

$

Power Reclining Console Loveseat with Adjustable Headrest $948 Power Recliner with Adjustable Headrest $748

STOCK!

Shoe Storage Bench

$

Pet Bed

2895 Memory Foam Pet Bed

(4B1-1401, 4B-1401) Stocked in Brown Durahide and Linen 48W X 20D X 20H

We DELIVER Almost ANYWHERE in the

Power Reclining Sofa with Drop-Down Table and Adjustable Headrests $948 (V-930PRS)

IN

Your Choice

(HLTH-PET) 38w x 28d

U.S.A.

AFW.com

2805 N Chestnut St. Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719.633.4220 | 10AM - 10PM

^Available in Store Only | *Ready to Assemble | While Supplies Last

031821

12 SPACE OBSERVER

948

| MARCH 18, 2021 | CSMNG.COM