20 minute read
Week in photos
Photo by Staff Sgt. Zade Vadnais
Three F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 355th Fighter Squadron taxi on the runway upon initial delivery to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Dec. 10. The 354th Fighter Wing is expected to receive a total of 54 F-35s by the end of 2022.
Photo by Senior Airman Jessi Monte
Loadmasters assigned to the 1st Special Operations Squadron look out over Mount Fuji from the rear of an MC-130J Commando II during a flight over Japan in support of exercise Resolute Dragon, Dec. 9. The 1st SOS conducted an airdrop in support of the exercise, demonstrating their long-range joint resupply capabilities.
Photo by Senior Airman Keith Holcomb
Students at the Arctic Survival School listen to Senior Airman David Wolfgram, Air Education and Training Command Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape instructor at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Dec. 8. The Air Force has recognized the importance of preparing aircrew for operations in extreme polar regions, and SERE specialists perform a vital role in doing just that.
WAPS adjusts for 22E6, 22E5 testing cycles
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS)—Starting with the 22E6 and E5 promotion testing cycles, the Air Force will begin using Situational Judgment Test questions as part of the Promotion Fitness Examination (PFE). This change is an integral part of the overall talent management transformation effort to better align the enlisted promotion system with the Air Force’s foundational competencies and the new Airman Leadership Qualities, as well as provide an agile approach to measuring the diverse knowledge,
See WAPS, Page 11
U.S. Air Force graphic
Starting with the 22E6 and E5 promotion testing cycles, the Air Force will begin using Situational Judgment Test questions as part of the Promotion Fitness Examination. This change is an integral part of the overall talent management transformation effort to better align the enlisted promotion system with the Air Force’s foundational competencies and the new Airman Leadership Qualities, as well as provide an agile approach to measuring the diverse knowledge, skills, and experience of Airmen.
by Mike Perron
DeCA public affairs specialist
FORT LEE, Va.—Applications are now open for the Scholarships for Military Children Program for academic year 2022 – 2023.
The program, now entering its 22nd year, recognizes the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and celebrates the commissary’s role in enhancing military quality of life. It’s administered by Fisher House Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping service members, veterans and their families. Thus far, the program has awarded more than $21 million to 12,312 students, selected from a pool of nearly 109,000 applicants.
“For the 22nd year in a row, commissaries are honored to be a part of a program that provides the children of military service members with this valuable financial boost to their higher education goals,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Saucedo, senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director. “We at the Defense Commissary Agency again extend our thanks to the Fisher House Foundation as well as the generous industry partner donors and others that make these scholarships possible for so many deserving families each year.”
Funding for the program comes from commissary business partners and other contributions to Fisher House Foundation designated specifically for the scholarship programs.
“Fisher House Foundation is grateful for our longstanding partnership with the Defense Commissary Agency providing scholarships to these very deserving military kids,” said Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation, Ken Fisher. “We are also fortunate to have incredible donors that are committed to helping military families through our scholarship program.”
Selection qualifications are straightforward. Requirements include completing the application; submission of the student’s official transcript indicating a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale for high school applicants, or college transcript indicating a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale for students already enrolled in college; and a 500 word essay. The subject of the essay is listed at the militaryscholar.org website under “Scholarships for Military Children.”
Eligibility for the program is determined using the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System database. Applicants should ensure that they, as well as their sponsor, are enrolled in the DEERS database and have a current military dependent ID card. The applicant must also be planning to attend or already be attending an accredited college or university, full time, in the fall of 2022 or be enrolled in a program of studies designed to transfer directly into a four-year program.
Applicants who are awarded a full scholarship to attend a college or university or receive an appointment to one of the service academies or affiliated preparatory schools are not eligible to receive funds from this program. A full scholarship is usually defined as one that provides for payment of tuition, books, lab fees and other expenses.
For scholarship year 2022-23, Fisher House Foundation will award 500 scholarship grants of $2,000 each. The selection process will begin immediately following the application deadline of February 17, at 11:59 p.m. PST.
All rules and requirements for the Scholarships for Military Children program, as well as links to frequently asked questions are available at militaryscholar.org.
Fisher House Foundation also has a free, easy to use custom scholarship search engine tailored to military families called “Scholarships for Service.” It’s available on both mobile devices and desktop computers at militaryscholar.org.
Courtesy graphic
Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil
Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin
Students and administrators from the Hillsborough County School District (HCSD) pose for a photo aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft Dec. 9, at MacDill Air Force Base,. The HCSD administrators and students were invited to fly on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft orientation flight, to witness a Total Force air refueling training mission over Alabama involving a 6th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 and four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing, Dannelly Field, Ala.
MacDill inspires Tampa students during AIM HIGH flight
by Senior Airman Shannon Bowman
6th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
The 6th Air Refueling Wing hosted four students ages 16-17 and eight administrators with the Hillsborough County School District (HCDS) on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft orientation flight Dec. 9 at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
The students witnessed first-hand a Total Force air refueling training mission over Alabama involving a 6th ARW’s KC-135 and four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing, Dannelly Field, Alabama.
“Today was an amazing day and I got to experience something new,” said Khari Anglin, a senior at Newsome High School. “It was incredible to see how the pilots are able to communicate and work together to get the job done.”
The KC-135 orientation flight was part of the Air Force Recruiting Service’s Aviation Inspiration Mentorship (AIM) High program which provides students hands-on flying training from experienced U.S. Air Force aviators and mentors.
These aviators and mentors also provided the students with information about aviation careers, flying opportunities and their experiences as Air Force aviators.
Before the flight, the students were greeted by Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, Maj. Gen. Thadd Bibb, 18th Air Force commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Brian P. Kruzelnick, AMC command chief, who explained AMC’s global reach mission and the need for Airmen with diverse backgrounds and experiences that are crucial to adapting to future threats.
“Our team is comprised of people from all corners of America so for the students here today, I need you in the Air Force to make us better,” Minihan said. “We have a duty to make our country better and I need you in the Air Force to help make me better and to help make my teammates better.”
According to Michael McAuley, HCSD chief of staff, having the opportunity to fly on a KC-135 to expose his students to potential aviation careers in the Air Force was truly a highlight of his career.
“Getting to see their faces after our students went into the boom pod of the KC-135 was amazing,” McAuley said. “It’s critical for our students to see first-hand some of the different career paths available to them. We are thankful to MacDill for having
Photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Cobin
(Above) Students and administrators from the Hillsborough County School District (HCSD) pose for a photo aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft Dec. 9, at MacDill Air Force Base. The HCSD administrators and students were invited to fly on a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft orientation flight, to witness a Total Force air refueling training mission over Alabama involving a 6th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 and four F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing, Dannelly Field, Ala. (LEFT) Khari Anglin, a senior at Newsome High School looks on as Airman 1st Class Tristan Shannon, 91st Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, provides air refueling support to an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft assigned to the Alabama Air National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing, Dannelly Field, Ala. The KC-135 orientation flight was part of the Air Force Recruiting Service’s Aviation Inspiration Mentorship (AIM) High program which provides students hands-on flying training from experienced U.S. Air Force aviators and mentors.
From Page 2
With support of the Thrive Team, Brown publishes a monthly CSAF Spouse Situation Report, which helps to communicate and share information with military spouses. The SITREP will focus on identifying the latest actions, policy changes, and available resources made at the headquarters level to bring awareness to our military families.
“These actions and policies taking place at the highest levels are not always readily communicated to our spouses and families,” Brown said. “Sharing this information directly to our spouses is vital to their continued support. Military spouses are essential to the success and strength of our force and should be included in those quality-of-life discussions.”
Brown, in conjunction with the Thrive Team, collaborates to support her Five & Thrive platform, as well as other initiatives that are for spouses and led by spouses.
This team produced an educational and inspirational guidebook for today’s military spouse. This guidebook consolidates essential information and resources into one easy-to-use tool and is currently available on the AF.mil website and the AF Connect App. The guidebook is divided into three sections: 1. “In This Together” – This section highlights pertinent information on Airman and Family Readiness, the Key Spouses Program, Military OneSource, the Spouses clubs, and resiliency resources.
2. “Five & Thrive” – This section explains the services and support options available to members and their families under each pillar of the Five & Thrive initiative as described below: u Childcare – on and off-base daycare options, before and after-school care, child care subsidies and youth programs u Education – K-12 education, Military Interstate Compact Commission, spouse education, spouse career advancement and Post-9/11 GI Bill u Healthcare – TRICARE, dental, pharmacy, vision, patient advocates, Exceptional Family Members Program, mental health and Family Advocacy Program u Housing – base housing, off-base housing, household goods, storage and move planning u Spouse employment – Airman and Family Readiness Center programs, hiring assistance programs, re-licensure/recertification, USAJOBS, career development and entrepreneurial exploration
An extra section explains additional resources outside of these pillars such as Airman’s Attic, base exchange, library, commissary, fitness center, legal assistance and sexual assault response coordinator. 3. “Military Life” – This section focuses on military organization, rank structure, pay and benefits, acronyms and security issues. Spouse testimonials share personal insight, knowledge, and experience to bring awareness to spouse situations.
SANTA
platforms Bing, Amazon Alexa and OnStar.
Starting at 4 a.m. EST on December 24, website visitors can see updates as Santa makes preparations for his flight. Then, at 6 a.m. EST, trackers worldwide can call to inquire as to Santa’s whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) where they will either speak with a live phone operator or hear a recorded update. Due to COVID concerns, the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center will have fewer phone operators, so callers who do not reach a volunteer will hear a regularly updated recording as to Santa’s current location. Anytime on December 24, Amazon Alexa users can ask for Santa’s location through the NORAD Tracks Santa skill for Amazon Alexa, and OnStar subscribers can press the OnStar button in their vehicles to locate
From Page 3 Santa. Santa Trackers can also use the Bing search engine.
Tracking Santa has been a tradition since 1955 when a local newspaper advertisement informed children they could call Santa directly – only the contact number was misprinted. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone rang through to the crew commander on duty, U.S. Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, at the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center, the predecessor to NORAD. Col. Shoup was quick to realize a mistake had been made, and assured the child he was Santa. Shoup then assigned a duty officer to continue answering calls. Thus, a holiday tradition was born, which NORAD has carried on since it was created in 1958. Each year since, NORAD has reported Santa’s location on December 24 to millions of children and families around the world.
From Page 5 skills, and experience of Airmen.
“This is another critical step in our talent management transformation, moving us away from using strictly knowledge-based questions while providing more agility in the way we measure the competency level and leadership abilities of our Airmen,” said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services.
The change decreases PFE knowledge questions from 100 to 60, and adds 20 Situational Judgment Test questions that were derived from a diverse group of behavioral scientists and Senior Enlisted Leaders from across the Air Force. The overall points for the PFE will not change and will still make up 100 points of an Airman’s total score.
For each SJT question on the PFE, examinees will read the description of a situation relevant to their potential rank and duties, examine four possible responses to the situation, and then select the most effective and the least effective response.
Although there are no study references available for the SJT questions, Airmen should continue to familiarize themselves with the Airman Leadership Qualities, foundational competencies, and associated behaviors which will provide a general framework to consider when responding to these types of questions.
“We are constantly looking at ways to better develop and assess Airmen’s skills and abilities,” said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “This is another step in the right direction, with more to come.”
Be sure to visit the official 6th Air Refueling Wing website at www.macdill.af.mil
From Page 3 were selected by Guardians and Airmen who cast nearly 17,000 ballots in pairwise voting conducted over the last two weeks of October through theGuardians and Airmen Innovation Network platform.
Using a similar voting system, the panel reviewed and scored all 29 ideas using criteria designed to assess each idea from multiple perspectives: friendly disruption, adversary disruption, inspiration/cultural disruption, and the level of senior leadership needed to execute the idea. The scoring criteria logic takes into account atmospheric perspectives that traditional voting methods don’t consider. Many impressive ideas were submitted that touched on all aspects the criteria addressed.
“The new questions required a different perspective for our panel and prompted fresh dialogue for the ST22 vetting process. We think the results represent incredibly innovative solutions that the department’s senior leadership should hear,” said Maj. Alisha Temples, Spark Tank’s deputy director.
The selection process looked at the need for specific capabilities as well as concerns of safety, policy, department-wide implementation, technical feasibility, and scalability.
The quarterfinalists are listed below. (An asterisk (*) denotes semifinalists.) u Blood Delivery by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Air Combat Command * u Mobile Alternative for Canopy Trailer, Air Combat Command u Developing Airmen with Games, Air Education and Training Command * u PME outLOUD! Audio-Enabled PME, Air Education and Training Command u Agile Spectrum Assignment System, Air Force District of Washington u Go-Comm Kit, Air Force Global Strike Command * u Sustaining the B-52 Ejection System, Air Force Global Strike Command * u Air Force Live Integrated Test Environment, Air Force Materiel Command * u F-22 Project Fighter Optimization Experiment, Air Force Materiel Command * u C-130 Engine Oil Pan Hoist, Air Force Reserve Command u Digital Dent Mapping, Air Force Reserve Command * u Digital Crew Book, Air Force Special Operations Command u Mid-Air Collisions & Electronic Flight Bags, Air Force Special Operations Command u KC-135 Fuel Systems Virtual Tour, Air Mobility Command u “Spotty” Bar - Safer Process, Faster Solution, Air Mobility Command u Any Airmen Can Build Their Own Secure App!, Pacific Air Forces * u Preparing the Warfighter for the Pacing Threat, Pacific Air Forces * u Reliable & Resilient Thule Power, Space Operations Command * u Space Control Interactive Procedures Interface, Space Operations Command u Every Second Counts When Saving Someone’s Life, Space Systems Command u TaskMaster, Space Systems Command u Aerial Tow Rehookup - Novel Range Extension, United States Air Force u Academy * u Custom Facemasks for Fighter Pilots and Beyond, United States Air Force Academy * u Oil Cart Trailer, United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa u Project Arcwater - Water and Power from Thin Air, United States Air u u Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa * u Project Hermes - Air Force Digital Recall Roster, Air Education Training Command, Wild Card * u Modern Logistics System for Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Wild Card *
The United States Army Futures Command also hosts an innovation competition named “Dragon’s Lair” and is conducted in Shark Tank-like episodes. Together, these innovation showcases provide platforms for Department of Defense Total Force military and civilian personnel to show off their creativity and ideas to better prepare for ‘tomorrow’s fight.’
To date, Spark Tank, started in 2018, has produced about 70 ideas that DAF transformation teams investigate and evaluate for implementation and sustainment going forward. While not all ideas are implemented, about a dozen have been and Spark Tank continues to empower Airmen and Guardians to turn on the creativity switch to effect change. Spark Tank 2022 will be hosted on March 4, 2022 by the Air Force Association at the 2022 Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida. Registration is planned to open in December.
Effective as of 20 DEC 2021
OPERATIONAL LIMITED SERVICES CLOSED
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Common Access Card (CAC) - By Appointment Only or Mission Essential Actions (Initial CAC issue; lost CAC; PIN Reset; CAC expiring within 7 days; emergency hardships Retiree/Dependent ID Cards - 2 Kiosks available at the BX for renewals or by appointment only Passports - By Appointment Only Military Personnel Flight APF/NAF/CIV Personnel Office Manpower & Organization Office School Liaison/EFMP NAF Cashier Cage Private Org/Unit SM&W Funds Emergency Financial Assistance
EVENT SUPPORT
Breakaway Event Center Theater
FOOD OPERATIONS
DFAC Rickenbacker’s Cafe Brews of the Bay Bar Smoothie Bar (Fitness Center) 8 Iron Grill (Golf Course) Boomers Bar & Grill (Breakaway Event Center) Hangar 6 Grill (Bowling Center) SeaScapes Restaurant Fridays from 1500 - 2000; Limited drink menu; Food trucks available. AAFES Food Operations
Follow Us on facebook @macdillfss macdillfss.com
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Main Base Pool - Lap Swim Only Wed - Fri: 1030-1330 *No Reservations Required FamCamp Marina - 1/2 or Full Day Boat/ Equipment Rentals, Snacks & Drinks Boat/RV Registration + Wet Slips Golf Course Arts & Crafts Center Bowling Information, Tickets & Travel DIY Auto Hobby Shop DIY Wood Shop Skeet Range Archery - by Reservations Only Car Wash/Resale Lot
READINESS/DEVELOPMENT
Fitness Center Facility Hours: Monday - Friday 0500-2030 Weekends/Holidays 0600-1400 Child Development Centers (CDCs) Family Child Care School Age Program Youth Center Military & Family Readiness Center Open for walk-in customers and appointments. Classes & Workshops are a mixture of virtual and in person. Library Base Education Base Training Office Airman Leadership School Professional Development Center/FTAC WAPS/Vol. Education Testing Lodging (MacDill Inn)
EVENTS
Golf pro-shop holiday sale
Dec. 24 Take 10-20 percent off men’s and women’s shoes, clubs, bags, and apparel at the Bay Palms golf complex holiday sale.
Holiday movies at the base theater Dec. 23, 1 p.m. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Dec. 28, 1 p.m. Elf Dec. 29, 1 p.m. Call of the Wild Dec. 30, 1 p.m. Smallfoot
Holiday meal at the DFAC
Anyone can dine at the DFAC. Join us on Dec. 23 for lunch and Dec. 25 for lunch and dinner with all your favorite dishes. Find more info at macdillfss.com/diners-reef
Teen/Tween movie night Dec. 27
Black Widow 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the base library.
Seascapes will open for New Year’s Eve
Seascapes will be open Friday, Dec. 31 to ring in the new year. Hours are 4:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Find more info at macdillfss.com/ seascapes
Free golf lessons every Wednesday
For active duty and their spouses from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Golf balls and clubs provided.
Become a licensed family childcare provider
Tons of incentives for new and existing providers. Find more info at macdillfss.com/family-childcare
Load her up!
Photo by Airman 1st Class Hiram Martinez
Airmen from the 50th Air Refueling Squadron load a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, at MacDill Air Force Base Dec. 8. The 50 ARS Airmen deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar in support of U.S. Central Forces Command.
CHAPEL SCHEDULE
Normal Hours- Monday - Friday - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. After hours chaplain, call 828-4362/4361.
Monday-Thursday Mass - 12:10 p.m.
www.macdill.af.mil/chapel Catholic (in-person) - Sunday - 8 & 9:30 a.m.
Protestant services (virtual) -Sunday -
11 a.m. at www.facebook.com/6amwhc
Other Faith Groups
Off-base referral as needed
For more details and information, visit the Chapel Facebook page at http://www.facebook/6amwhc/
