Peninsula Warrior March 8, 2013 Air Force Edition

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B A S E

L A N G L E Y - E U S T I S

P u b l i s h e d i n t h e i n t e re s t o f p e r s o n n e l a t J o i n t B a s e L a n g l e y - E u s t i s

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Air force EDITION

w w w. p e n i n s u l a w a r r i o r. c o m

Langley CES show skills during fuel spill exercise – Page 15

PERSONNEL DATA MilPDS upgrade begins — Page 7

TRAINING

The Air Force’s HH-60 ‘flight line warriors’ — Page 11

For more online content, check out JBLE.af.mil

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COMBATIVES D Company prevails in ‘Skymasters’ tourney — Page 12

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TopStory

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By Cheryl Pellerin AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Just before his private swearing-in ceremony as the 24th secretary of defense, Chuck Hagel and his wife, Lilibet, arrived at the Pentagon Feb. 27 and were greeted by Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, military assistant to the secretary of defense.

Hagel said hello to waiting members of the Pentagon press corps as he hurried up the steps of the Pentagon's river entrance. From there, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little and other defense officials accompanied him into the building.

Family members and his immediate office staff attended the ceremony, during which Hagel was sworn in by Director of Administration

and Management Michael L. Rhodes.

Hagel then hosted the daily senior staff update meeting attended by DOD civilian and military leaders.

In a statement released after Hagel’s Senate confirmation Feb. 26, Little said the new secretary received congratulatory phone calls from his predecessor, Leon E. Panetta, congressional leaders and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki.

In his conversation with Secretary Shinseki, Little added, Hagel “indicated his desire to meet as soon as possible to continue and deepen the strong partnership between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs on common priorities for serving our troops, veterans and military families.”

Photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

Chuck Hagel is sworn into office as the 24th defense secretary by Michael L. Rhodes, the Defense Department's director of administration and management, as Hagel's wife, Lilibet, holds a Bible at the Pentagon, Feb. 27.

Secretary details results of sequestration uncertainty

By Jim Garamone AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Soldier and Marine training, Air Force flying hours and Navy steaming days are being curtailed due to the $47 billion in cuts DOD must make before Sept. 30, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said March 1.

The secretary stressed at the start of his first press conference as defense secretary that the uncertainty caused by sequestration “puts at risk our ability to effectively fulfill all of our missions.”

He was joined by Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter, and both men said that if sequestration is allowed to continue through the end of the fiscal year, the effects will become much worse.

The department will continue to adjust to the fiscal realities, Hagel said. He and Carter had just met with the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Tank – the chiefs’ secure conference room – to speak about the consequences of sequestration.

“Leadership in the Pentagon ... [has] two serious concerns: first, the abrupt and arbitrary cuts imposed by sequester; and second, the lack of budget management flexibility that we now face under the current continuing resolution,” Hagel said.

The department has already had to cut funding for readiness, he said. “As sequester continues, we will be forced to as-

Photo by Glenn Fawcett

In his first press briefing as Defense Secretary, Chuck Hagel discusses the onset of the sequester and the grave impact it will have on national security and military readiness during a briefing at the Pentagon, March 1.

sume more risk, with steps that will progressively have far-reaching effects,” the secretary said.

Starting in April, the Navy will gradually stand down at least four air wings, he said.

“Effective immediately, Air Force flying hours will be cut back,” Hagel said.

“This will have a major impact on training and readiness.”

The Army will curtail training for all units except those deploying to Afghanistan, he said, noting that this means an end to training for nearly 80 percent of Army operational units.

“Later this month, we intend to issue preliminary notifications to thousands of civilian employees who will be furloughed,” Hagel said. The department

has about 800,000 civilian employees and the vast majority of them face losing 20 percent of their pay through the end of September.

Sequestration comes on top of $487 billion in cuts defense agreed to under the Budget Control Act. In anticipation of sequester, in January the department began to slow spending. The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman did not deploy to the Persian Gulf as scheduled, and the department looked to hiring freezes and layoffs of temporary and term employees. The service chiefs announced cuts to facilities maintenance and contract delays.

“If sequester continues and the continuing resolution is extended in its current form, other damaging effects will become apparent,” Hagel said. “Our number one concern is our people – military and civilian – the millions of men and women of this department who work very hard every day to ensure America’s security.”

The department needs some fiscal certainty, the secretary said, and DOD leaders will continue to work with Congress to help resolve this uncertainty. “Specifically, we need a balanced deficit reduction plan that leads to an end to sequestration,” he said. “And we need Congress to pass appropriations bills for DOD and all federal agencies.”

We want to hear from you. Contact us at pw@militarynews.com or 633pa.editor@langley.af.mil or call us at 757-878-4920 or 757-764-2144.

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U.S. Army Gen. Dennis L. Via, commander of Army Materiel Command, speaks at a Black History Month closing ceremony in JacobsTheater at Fort Eustis, Feb. 28.The commander was one of three speakers invited to celebrate the contributions of African-Americans and mark the end of a month-long celebration of black history.

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By Senior Airman Jason J. Brown 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The City of Newport News is scheduled to begin a major construction project on Fort Eustis Boulevard March 18, which will impact trafďŹ c entering and exiting Fort Eustis for approximately 18 to 24 months.

The construction project involves the replacement of two bridges that cross the rail lines directly southwest of the Interstate 64 off-ramps onto Fort Eustis Boulevard. The bridges were constructed in 1956 and are considered functionally obsolete.

The south-side bridge, which carries trafďŹ c from Jefferson Avenue to Fort Eustis, will be demolished and replaced ďŹ rst. The ďŹ rst phase of construction will last seven and a half months, wrapping up in November.

Upon completion of the southside bridge, the city will begin replacement of the north-side bridge, which is slated for completion in late May 2014. After the two primary construction phases, crews will accomplish a three-week median restoration project, scheduled for completion in mid-June 2014.

During construction, trafďŹ c will merge into one lane to cross the open bridge in a two-way trafďŹ c pattern.

City crews will provide appropriate signage, aggers and other communicative marking to manage the ow of trafďŹ c along the impacted stretch of roadway. The speed limit will be reduced to 35 miles per hour through the work zone.

As phase one is underway, the rerouting taper for trafďŹ c traveling westbound on Fort Eustis Boulevard will begin just east of Jefferson Avenue. The taper for eastbound trafďŹ c

Courtesy photo

leaving Fort Eustis will begin at the eastern end of the reservoir bridge.

When phase two begins, all trafďŹ c will cross the newly-constructed northbound span. The trafďŹ c taper for westbound trafďŹ c will begin just west of I-64. The eastbound trafďŹ c taper will begin at the western end of the reservoir bridge.

Fort Eustis experiences peak trafďŹ c ow weekdays from 6 to 9 a.m., averaging 7,000 vehicles during the three-hour period. Personnel from the 7th Sustainment Brigade, Training and Doctrine Command Headquarters, 597th Transportation Bde. and 733rd Mission Support Group comprise 70 to 75 percent of vehicle trafďŹ c on and off the post.

To help mitigate trafďŹ c ow issues, Fort Eustis senior leadership is considering a series of measures to decrease peak hour trafďŹ c volume.

Based on the Virginia Department of Transportation’s trafďŹ c analysis, the 733rd MSG will direct major organizations to reduce vehicle commuting trafďŹ c by 1,750 vehicles.

These initiatives include, but are not limited to, “telework,â€? the practice of working from home or another off-site location; ex-time scheduling, in which workers can customize their schedules by coming in early and working later or vice versa, and staggered reporting times. Soldiers and civilian employees should refer to their unit leadership for appropriate scheduling.

Service members and civilian employees are encouraged to coordinate trafďŹ c mitigation strategies with their chain of command to lessen the im-

pact during high trafďŹ c commuting hours, and identify alternate travel routes which may ease trafďŹ c ow onto Fort Eustis.

The installation has made several improvements in the past six months to improve trafďŹ c owing on and off post. For example, morning “Reveilleâ€? was moved to 5:30 a.m., eliminating trafďŹ c stoppage during the music. An improved force protection barrier plan, which dictates how security forces control access to the post, is also in development.

Commercial deliveries are prohibited on the installation prior to 8 a.m., streamlining gate access for commuters. Additionally, day contractors can only enter the post via Dozier Road, alleviating some vehicle load at the main gates.

During peak hours, additional gate security will help process inbound trafďŹ c control at the gates to speed up entry on post. Traditional concrete “Jersey barriersâ€? were removed in favor of removable barriers, giving security personnel the exibility to quickly adapt entry lanes to ensure maximum efďŹ ciency and driver safety.

Leadership from the 733rd MSG coordinated with Newport News city managers to synchronize and increase turn signal times, which will allow more vehicles to enter Gate 2. Also, the city built an additional turning lane to streamline outbound trafďŹ c at Gate 2.

Keith Morrow, the 733rd MSG deputy commander, said that while the construction project will deďŹ nitely impact trafďŹ c in and out of the installation, the best way to avoid delays is to plan ahead. Plotting new routes to and from the post, carpooling and allotting extra time for travel are among his recommendations to alleviate congestion at the gates.

Editor’s Note: To view or download a PDF version of the bridge construction information slides originally presented at the town hall meeting, visit http://www. jble.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD130227-055.pdf.

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MilPDS upgrade begins

By Debbie Gildea AIR FORCE PERSONNEL CENTER PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The Military Personnel Data System will be offline for 23 days, as of March 4, to allow the Air Force Personnel Operations Agency to upgrade and transfer military personnel data to the Defense Information Systems Agency Defense Enterprise Computing Center, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.

MilPDS is the primary records database for personnel data and actions that occur throughout every total force Airman’s career. The system is also used to initiate Airman pay actions, maintain Air Force accountability and strength data and support a host of interactions with other Air Force processes and systems that rely on personnel data.

Planning and preparation for the upgrade have been ongoing for over a year as systems specialists worked to develop an implementation plan and test transfer actions before beginning the full-transfer, said Anthony Delgado, AFPOA MilPDS functional Manager.

“MilPDS is an old platform that has not kept up with the times,” he said. “Because systems changes over the years have been so significant, trying to maintain MilPDS in its current state is very risky - we could lose some irreplaceable data. The only viable solution is to bring the entire system down, fully upgrade everything so that it’s compatible with current technologies, and stand it all back up.”

But, that option came with a host of potential problems as well, he said.

“Clearly, we couldn’t just pull down the system and tell people to ‘make do,’ so the R12 team – with total force representatives from every affected function – developed a comprehensive plan to address how personnel actions will be accomplished during the upgrade, how those actions will be loaded after the upgrade, and more,” Delgado explained. “We then provided the total force personnel community with extensive guidance to help them manage actions without MilPDS.” Critical personnel and pay processes related to accessions, reenlistments, Guard and Reserve unit training assemblies, mobi-

Courtesy photo

Air Force Personnel Center Commander Maj. Gen. A.J. Stewart pushes the button to shut down the Military Personnel Data System and initiate a full upgrade. MilPDS is expected to be unaccessible for up to 23 days.

lization/activation, casualty and immediate separations will continue to function during the system downtime, Delgado said.

AFPC will notify Airmen once the upgrade is complete and MilPDS is accessible. During the upgrade, Airmen who need

assistance can review information on the myPers website at https://mypers.af.mil, or contact their servicing military personnel section. Information is also available on the Air Reserve Personnel Center public website at http://www.arpc.afrc.af.mil.

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FeatureStory

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By Senior Airman Jason J. Brown 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

When Danielle Tenconi moved with her husband, then-U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Philip “Todd” Turner, to Germany on assignment, she shut herself away from the community, clinging to long-distance friendships with college buddies on the telephone and online.

She struggled with her new, isolated life as a military spouse in a new place surrounded by people she didn’t know. Grasping onto the comfortable and familiar strands of her past was all she had to keep her going.

Or, so she thought.

Todd’s commander’s wife reached out to Danielle, offering a voice of comfort and an ear to listen. Before long, Danielle came out of her shell, closed the video chat windows and saw the vast opportunities for her to do good in the military community she felt so uncertain about just months prior.

“I saw the things she was doing, like running a [family readiness group], being in touch with other spouses, how wonderful a role model she was, and suddenly my eyes were open to all the great things these spouses were doing all around. That was infectious to me, and that’s when I got the bug to want to be like that,” Danielle said. “I recognized how miserable I was when I shut myself away. When I started doing things for others, I saw the positive difference it made not only on me, but on my family and others, and I realized it was the right thing to be doing.”

London-born Danielle changed her outlook, and became an anchor of positivity in the military community, dedicating her time and efforts to supporting her family – not only Todd and her 1-year-old Wyatt, but the “family” she has now found in the military spouses at Joint Base Langley-Eustis.

As a result of her tireless commitment to self-improvement and focus on her community, Danielle was named the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year for JBLE, and is now in the running to earn top honors at the Army-wide level.

Turner, now a captain and logistics offi-

cer assigned to the 688th Rapid Port Opening Element at Fort Eustis, nominated her for the award, and the community rallied behind her, voting for her in online polling.

She said she is “shocked” to have won such an honor, as she simply is doing what she feels is right.

Despite her humility, Danielle manages a vast set of professional and personal endeavors with great success. In addition to her service as an FRG leader at various levels, she started her own marketing consultancy business, providing guidance to firms around the world all from the comfort of wherever she calls home.

Danielle said one of the issues she works to raise awareness for is the increase in employment opportunities for military spouses.

“Our spouses offer a wealth of knowledge and talent, and a lot of times employers are hesitant to hire them because they will likely move within a few years, and sometimes with little notice,” she said.

“It’s challenging, and I want to improve that situation and get more spouses into the workforce.”

Another way Danielle has reached out to the spouse community is through her love of yoga. While living in Italy as Todd deployed to Iraq, she discovered yoga as a way to stay physically and emotionally fit, and fell in love with its therapeutic benefits. She began practicing daily once the couple moved stateside to Fort

“I recognized how miserable I was when I shut myself away.

When I started doing things for others, I saw the positive difference it made not only on me, but on my family and others, and I realized it was the right thing to be doing.”

— Danielle Tenconi 2013 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year for JBLE

Courtesy photo

Danielle Tenconi (right) – with her husband, U.S. Army Capt.Todd Turner, and their 1-yearold son, Wyatt – was recently named the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year for Joint Base Langley-Eustis, and is now in the running to earn top honors at the Army-wide level.

Riley, Kan., and decided to train as an instructor to share the benefits with Service members and fellow spouses.

“Yoga really kept me sane when Todd was deployed. Not only did it keep me in good shape physically, but mentally as well,” she explained. “I want to specialize in yoga for military members, and increase understanding the benefits of yoga for sufferers of [post-traumatic stress disorder] and for military spouses.

“Studies show the meditative aspects of yoga and physical balance of mind and body to be effective in battling PTSD, depression and dealing with deployment stress,” she continued. “As a spouse or a Service member, there are a number of barriers you never realize you’ll face during a deployment. Yoga has been incredibly positive for me, and I want to build on that anyway I can to help others.”

After nine years as a military spouse, Danielle strives to highlight the positives of the military lifestyle, breaking down negative stereotypes of military spouses and promoting unity with the surrounding civilian community.

“I make sure whenever I’m speaking to anyone, military or civilian, to focus on the positive, and not because I’m blind to the negatives, but to stress that military life and military spouses can be incredibly positive and contribute to the community,” said Danielle. “When spouses first arrive at our unit, I try to make a good im-

pression, find out their interests, and share the experiences I’ve had with them to continue the cycle of mentoring. I also make sure whenever we [permanent change of station] anywhere that I become part of the wider community as well. I try to be a positive individual and contribute.”

“Danielle focuses on not shutting herself behind the walls of the base, but rather breaking down barriers and bringing the civilian and military communities together,” Todd added.

Even with her demanding lifestyle, Danielle maintains her commitment to providing for and supporting her husband and young son remains paramount.

She said the mutual support she receives from Todd, as well as the outpouring from her military community, makes it not only possible, but much easier.

“I want to do more here at JBLE, like bringing my professional experience to workshops, teaching yoga and helping new spouses, but I know that making sure my family is happy and well-supported, and that I’m supporting my husband as his career progresses and raising my son are the most important things in the world,” she explained. “The support of my military community brings true motivation into my life.

“I’m honored to be named as military spouse of the year,” she said, smiling. “But truly, all military spouses – the ones I know, the ones I’ve met, and those I may never meet – are deserving of that title.”

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FOR THE 2013 HEROES AT HOME MILITARY SPOUSE AWARDS

All nominees will be recognized by our local business and military communities at the awards luncheon on May 9th where we will announce the 10 finalists and the 2013 Heroes of Home Military Spouse of the Year!

The Heroes at Home Military Spouse of the Year will be chosen from nominees provided by active duty personnel from all branches of the military, spouse support groups, charitable organizations, friends and family.

PRESENTED BY:

2012 Heroes at Home Military Spouse of the Year

TONI E. HALL Spouse of CMSGT Ronald S. Hall Jr., 30th Intelligence Squadron Joint Base Langley-Eustis

NOMINATE YOUR HERO TODAY!

ALL NOMINEES will be honored by our local business and military communities at awards luncheon on May 9th where we will announce the 10 finalists and the 2013 Heroes at Home Military Spouse of the year!

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Troop financial readiness is important to the force

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“It’s never too early to start saving for retirement no matter how young you are,” said a top Pentagon official, reminding those in uniform of how important it is to act now to ensure long-term financial readiness.

The message from Barbara Thompson, director of the Pentagon’s office of Family Policy/Children and Youth, is part of the year-long “Military Saves Campaign,” a nationwide effort to encourage service members to build wealth and avoid debt.

The financial health of members of the military is of top concern to the Defense Department because officials say Service members who have financial problems may be distracted from mission readiness. DOD offers a range of tools that provide financial advice to service personnel including the website saveandinvest.org.

Thompson told AFPS and the Pentagon Channel that members of the military, perhaps more than those in other professions, face greater financial stress because of the nature of their jobs.

“The complexity of today’s financial environment combined with the realities of the military life, including frequent moves and deployment, present special financial challenges,” Thompson said.

But they are challenges that can be easily managed, she said.

“Financial stability means you can pay your bills on time, and have a little bit in reserve to take care of those unexpected emergencies,” Thompson said. She suggests starting by examining monthly expenses.

“Look at your credit card, look at your APR [annual percentage rate],” Thompson said. “Reduce the number of credit cards you have, making sure you pay off as much as you can every month because that interest is causing a huge drain on your financial well being.”

DOD studies have found that junior enlisted service members are at an increased risk of experiencing financial problems.

Pentagon data obtained through surveys and supplied to AFPS by Thompson’s office suggests an increase last year in those who experienced one or more problems in paying bills.

Having an overall financial strategy with

“The complexity of today’s financial environment combined with the realities of the military life, including frequent moves and deployment, present special financial challenges. Financial stability means you can pay your bills on time, and have a little bit in reserve to take care of those unexpected emergencies.”

— Barbara Thompson Director of the Pentagon’s office of Family Policy/Children and Youth

achievable, identifiable goals, she said, is a key to successful money management.

“I think what’s important is that we know what our goals are and how comfortable we feel (about) the risk involved with not having savings and not having money in the bank,” Thompson said.

And that leads to knowing the difference between short- and long-term financial goals. Thompson identified near-term goals as those that include everything from having enough cash to cover living expenses, building an emergency fund, paying down debt, saving for a vacation or buying a car – generally expenses anticipated to occur within five years.

“Long term is really thinking about your future, thinking about your children’s future, thinking about college education for your children, thinking about buying a home, thinking about retirement,” she said.

And no matter how far-off retirement might seem, Thompson stressed the importance of developing spending habits that will ensure financial stability into later life, especially at a time when the nation is going through a period of budget and economic uncertainty.

“Even though it seems so far away and so out of the picture, it’s important in today’s world that you start saving,” she said, “because we’re not really sure what the picture is going to be in the next 50 years, or what our social security is and what our benefits are going to be.”

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By Staff Sgt. Ashley Hawkins 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

In 2010, the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army entered a joint-basing partnership, uniting Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis as one installation, Joint Base Langley-Eustis.

While seen as a landmark in joint service operations, the Air Force has maintained a presence at Fort Eustis since 1994, years before joint-basing.

The 82nd Training Group’s 362nd Training Squadron, 1st Detachment, is the only U.S. Air Force training unit on Fort Eustis, producing not only Air Force, but also Army helicopter-qualiďŹ ed aircraft maintenance crew chiefs.

The unit, led by U.S. Air Force Capt. Ikedinachi Akagha, detachment commander, is part of the 82nd Training Wing, headquartered at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, and is made up of two military training leaders, and 11 Air Force and civilian instructors.

The MTLs, who downsized from a group of seven to just two in 2009, operate in a 24hour schedule to accommodate the students, splitting into a day and a night shift.

With a recent deployment tasking, that number fell to only one, but fortunately the abundance of instructors has made it possible to provide maximum support to the detachment and course curriculum at the schoolhouse.

“It’s cohesion between the Air Force and the Army. It gives a different viewpoint on what they go through and what we go through. It’s a nice learning experience.� — U.S. Air Force Airman Jordan Vignon 362nd Training Squadron, 1st Detachment technical student

The Det 1 instructors work hand-inhand with 128th Aviation Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment’s B Company to provide both Airmen and Soldiers UH-60 Black Hawk training in the Army controlled Interservice Training Review Organization course.

The curriculum is broken down into two separate courses that amount to 73 days of technical training, according to Akagha.

The Army prerequisite course is 61 days long, and the Air Force Specialty Code, or AFSC, awarding course is 12 days long.

The captain said the unit’s goal is to be recognized as the Air Force’s most progressive and innovative geographically separated unit, producing the highest caliber ightline warriors for the HH-60 Pave Hawk, one of the Air Force’s most established weapon systems.

The Pave Hawk is a derivative of the UH-60 Black Hawk, incorporating the U.S. Air Force Precision Avionics Vectoring

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Equipment, or PAVE, electronic systems program. Training on the PAVE constitutes a 12-day awarding course for crew chiefs.

Approximately 115 Airmen come through the detachment’s doors annually, training side-by-side with Advanced Individual Training Soldiers in the 2-210th Avn. Rgt. “It’s cohesion between the Air Force and the Army,� said Det 1 student, Airman Jordan Vignon. “It gives a different viewpoint on what they go through and what we go through. It’s a nice learning experience.�

The joint environment gives the Service members the advantage of learning to work with their counterparts early in their careers, acting as a take-away for future duty stations and assignments. “The way deployments are nowadays, it’s not just Army on one side and Air Force on another side, especially given the nature of our unit, where we help out with missions in Afghanistan,� said Air Force Tech.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley Hawkins

U.S. Air Force Airman Jordan Vignon, 362nd Training Squadron, 1st Detachment technical student, performs maintenance on a UH60 Pave Hawk tail gear box during training at Fort Eustis, Feb. 28.Approximately 115 Airmen come through the detachment doors annually to become skilled crew chiefs of the H-60 helicopters.

Sgt. Richard Bekolay, the detachment’s lead HH-60 instructor. “The fact that we can practice and train that at home station is vital to mission success down range, where we’re going to be working together anyway. It’s a blessing to be able to take two different services and blend them into one team, one unit and one ďŹ ght.â€?

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MARCH 8, 2013

MARCH 8, 2013

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By Senior Airman Jason J. Brown 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Photos by Senior Airman Jason J. Brown

U.S. Army Pfc. MichaelTrombley (top), assigned to C Company, attempts to overtake an opponent during the 1st Battalion, 222nd Aviation Regiment’s biannual combatives tournament at Anderson Field House at Fort Eustis, Feb. 23.

ON THE COVER: U.S. Army Pvt. Alexander May (left) battles Pfc. Barry Remillard, both assigned to C Company, in the welterweight class final match.

Remillard defeated May.

The roar of the adrenaline-fueled fans packed inside Anderson Field House Feb. 23 evoked all the emotion of a sold-out pay-per-view fight, as 100 Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 222nd Aviation Regiment lost the boots and hit the mats in a thrilling, elimination-style Modern Army Combatives Program tournament.

When the point totals were tallied up and announced, D Company reigned victorious, earning 33 points and first place of the five companies in the battalion.

The biannual tournament pits Soldiers from the five companies against each other, working through an elimination style bracket in six weight classes, welterweight through heavyjudges during each match and awarded to each company. The

company that earns the most points wins the tournament.

Although D Co. only saw one finals victory – Pvt. Dean Frey winning the cruiserweight final – the company earned more cumulative points than its sister companies. Trainers and referees from the post’s Combatives dojo officiated the competition, which lasted nearly three hours.

Lt. Col. Michael Williams, the battalion commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Estevan SotoRosado, the senior enlisted leader, presented the D Co. team with a championship belt and a guidon streamer for their victory. Each weight class champion received a medal.

Though the tournament is designed to demonstrate the Soldiers’ abilities in modern Army combatives, it also triggers the fires of compeThe tition and ignites the companies’ pride. Th which command team performed a routine in whic reveal they peeled away their uniform tops to reve company T-shirts, pumping up the crowd. that “You may be brothers in arms, but today, th pointis your battlefield,” the commander said, poin floor. ing to the array of black mats on the gym floo “Your opponents are the enemy.” of Combatives is the practice o close-quarters hand-to-hand, close-quarter Soldiers combat, allowing Soldier to “finish the fight” if disdi startarmed. The MACP star with ed in 1995 wit

the 2nd Ranger Battaliion, and has spread at the grassroots level aroun nd the Army. Since 2007, combatives has been required training in each Army unit, and the fo oundations of combatives are instructed in Basic Combat Training.

The action was not limited to male competitors. Two female Soldiers – Pfc. Sarah Joyner and Pvt. Emily Matzk ke – competed in the tournament as well. Whiile neither progressed to the finals, SotoRosad do said it was “outstanding” to see female Sold diers competing in an important discipline of the t Army’s training.

The energy from th he competitors and fans demonstrated how popular p the twice-a-year tourney has become. Pfc. Nick Reddell, an A Co. Soldier who won n the heavyweight title in the tournament’s elecctrifying final match, said he, “couldn’t wait forr the chance to showcase my training.”

The competitors traiined two hours a day, five days a week for a mon nth leading up to the tournament. Reddell said he also trained on weekends and trained in Muy-Thai M kickboxing. He attributed much of hiss success to his 14 years of wrestling experience.

“It feels amazing to o have come out here and won, and to see my company c celebrating,” he said. “It’s a little disa appointing [A Co.] didn’t take the point, and it’s definitely tiring, but totally worth the effort.” ” Most importantly, competitions like the MCAP tournament give g AIT Soldiers the opportunity to break aw way from the rigid, structured routine of trainiing.

“The Soldiers get to go out there, enjoy themselves and have a goo od time. It’s a break from the monotony and th he everyday hum-drum of school,” said A Co o.’s 1st Sgt. Rafael Lopez.

“They get to support their fellow Soldiers, and that’s really the most important thing to building motivation and morale.” m

“It feels amazing to have come out here and won, and to see my compan ny celebrating.

It’s a little disappointing [A A Co.] didn’t take the point, and it’s definitely y tiring, but totally worth the effort.”

— Pfc. Nick Reddell (black ( mouthguard) combatives tournament heavyweight champion

Photo by Senior Airman Jason J. Brown

U.S. Army Pfc. Nick Reddell (above; top facing crowd), assigned to A Company, rallies A Co.’s Soldiers after he defeated D Co.’s Pvt. Kyle Post in the final match of the heavyweight class of the combatives tournament. Despite Reddell’s victory, D Co. won the tournament with 33 total points.

1-222nd Avn. Rgt. MCAPTournament Final Team Standings D Company – 33 points B Company – 25 points C Company – 17 points A Company – 11 points F Company – 8 points Weight Class Champions Lightweight – Pvt. Sergio McCluskey, B Co. Welterweight – Pfc. Barry Remillard, C Co. Middleweight – Pfc. Andrew Fortunia, F Co. Cruiserweight – Pvt. Dean Frey, D Co. Light Heavyweight – Pfc. Brandon Henne, B Co. Heavyweight – Pfc. Nick Reddell, A Co.

Photo by Senior Airman Jason J. Brown

U.S.Army Pvt. Sergio McCluskey (right), assigned to B Company, listens to a trainer before a match.

McCluskey moved through the bracket and won the lightweight class final at the competition.

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INSTANT DECISION DAY

By Staff Sgt. David Salanitri

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Air Force senior leaders recently constructed a task force to develop the best ways to bring the active, Reserve, and Guard closer together to achieve the most capable force possible.

To meet the challenges of the future, the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force directed the stand-up of the Total Force Task Force, or TF2, to develop strategic options on the appropriate total force capabilities mix to meet current and future Air Force requirements. “The results of this task force will inform our strategic planning and programming for ďŹ scal 2015 and beyond, and will also serve as a resource to the congressionally-directed national commission on the structure of the Air Force that will be examining total-force issues later this year,â€? said Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley at the Air Force Association’s Air Warfare Symposium & Technology Exposition Feb. 22.

The commission will study the structure of the Air Force to determine whether, and how, the structure should be modiďŹ ed to best fulďŹ ll current and anticipated mission requirements for the Air Force in a manner consistent with available resources.

The task force is led by senior leaders from the active duty, Reserve and Guard who will work under Lt. Gen. Mike Moeller, deputy chief of staff for Strategic Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., in coordination with Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve leadership.

The results of their work will inform the Air Force’s planning process for ďŹ scal 2015 and beyond. The expectation is for active, Reserve and Guard components to learn from each other, while also looking into the strengths and weaknesses of today’s total force efforts. “The determination of our leadership to break down barriers preventing us from planning and advancing as a total force will drive this effort to success,â€? said Maj. Gen. Joe Balskus, military assistant to the deputy chief of staff for Strategic Plans and Programs. “The team we have assembled

“The results of this task force will inform our strategic planning and programming for ďŹ scal 2015 and beyond, and will also serve as a resource to the congressionally-directed national commission on the structure of the Air Force that will be examining total-force issues later this year.â€? — Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley from the three components and the extended team members across Headquarters Air Force, the Air Force secretariat, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve is incredibly impressive.â€?

Over the past two decades, the Air Force has become a more integrated force, both operationally and organizationally, across the total force. As a result, senior leaders want to ensure the service is structured in a way that ensures the service can achieve its strategic objectives going forward. “In view of this increased integration, as well as upcoming strategic shifts driven by post-Afghanistan reconstitution and the new Defense Strategic Guidance, the Air Force needs to undertake a comprehensive review of total force requirements and develop a strategic plan to ensure the Air Force correctly balances the strengths of each of the components to sustain the capabilities required in the years ahead,� Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III stated in a memorandum about the task force.

Moeller said he is optimistic about the task force and the synergy it will generate within the planning community. “Under the chief of staff and secretary’s guidance,� he said, “we are taking the right steps to bring our Air Force together as one team in order to collaboratively answer one of the most important questions we face as a service, ‘what is the most effective balance of capabilities between the active duty, Guard and Reserve?’ The task force is designed to be open and transparent, and we will need the help of all stakeholders to ensure success.�

MARCH 8, 2013

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Members of the 633rd Civil Engineering Squadron prepare for a fuel spill exercise at Langley Air Force Base, Feb. 28. Fuel spill exercises are performed to ensure ďŹ rst-responders know what the appropriate steps are to contain a spill in a real world situation.

Langley CES show their skills during recent fuel spill exercise

By Senior Airman Brittany Paerschke-O’Brien 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

A bulk tank holding 500,000 gallons of fuel collapses, releasing more than 400,000 gallons over the northeast corner of the base. While the emergency response teams arrive on scene, fuel creeps dangerously close to the water’s edge with every passing minute.

Fortunately, this extreme situation was only part of a fuel spill exercise at Langley Air Force Base,Va., Feb. 28. Exercises such as this help prepare ďŹ rst-responders in the event a real-world situation like this occurs.

The exercise began with a fuelfarm tank operator identifying the situation, evacuating the building and shutting down the electricity to the area around the spill. From there, ďŹ reďŹ ghters and security forces were notiďŹ ed of the emergency and began arriving on scene to perform necessary containment procedures. For some of these responders, this is a time where training ďŹ nally kicks in. “I was a little nervous; my blood started owing a little quicker,â€? said Michael Mallozzi, 633rd Civil Engineering Squadron environmental quality assurance manager. “But as long as you know exactly what to do

Photo by Senior Airman Brittany Paerschke-O’Brien

Members of the 633rd Civil Engineering Squadron establish a control center during a fuel spill exercise at Langley Air Force Base, Feb. 28.

and you are prepared, the nerves go away. That’s why we do things like this; so we are not scrambling trying to ďŹ gure out what to do.â€?

Once on scene, the incident commander set up a control center to map the area involving the spill.

Meanwhile, security forces person-

nel established barriers and directed trafďŹ c to prevent congestion around the contaminated area.

The reaction of the emergency response team is critical to keep everyone safe because a situation like this actually could happen, said Mallozzi. Responders must be prepared and well-trained on procedures for a spill of this size in order to contain it before it reaches the water, due to its potential to reach the public, causing serious injury, he said.

Mallozzi also said that facilities that contain potential pollutants, such as the tank farm, must have mandatory spill and emergency plans so occupants can familiarize with it and actively participate in the training. “It’s important to get this practice so if this incident does actually happen, we are not taken by surprise,â€? said Airman 1st Class Jeremy Burnett, 633rd Civil Engineering Squadron ďŹ reďŹ ghter. “The more exercises we do, the more we can be prepared for a real-life incident.â€?

As the ďŹ rst-responders left the scene one-by-one, they could rest assured had this been a real-world situation, they would have taken appropriate steps to contain the spill and prevent further contamination.

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MARCH 8, 2013

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By Kerri Bresnan, Psy.D., Neuropsychologist and Zoe Whitaker, RN MCDONALD ARMY HEALTH CENTER

March marks the start of National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 1.7 million people sustain traumatic brain injuries annually, and TBI is a contributing factor for nearly a third of injury-related deaths.

What is TBI? Traumatic brain injury is defined as a blow, jolt or other injury to the head that disrupts the functioning of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a

TBI. A TBI can occur from exposure to blasts, falls, gunshot wounds and motor vehicle accidents. Blasts are the leading cause of TBI for active duty military personnel in war zones.

A mild TBI, also known as a concussion, may make you briefly feel confused or “see stars.” Common temporary symptoms associated with a concussion include headache, ringing ears, blurred vision, dizziness, irritability, sleep problems and problems with memory and concentration.

The symptoms of a concussion generally improve in a short period of time, usually within hours, and typically resolve completely within days to weeks.

The following tips can minimize the risk of sustaining a TBI both on the battlefield and at home:

Graphic by Matt Staley

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 1.7 million people sustain traumatic brain injuries annually, andTBI is a contributing factor for nearly a third of injury-related deaths and 235,000 yearly hospitalizations.

Prevention in a combat setting ■ Wear a helmet or other appropriate head gear when on patrol or in other ■ Wear safety belts when traveling in vehicles.

■ Check for obstacles and loose debris before climbing or rappelling down

high risk areas. buildings or other structures.

■ Inspect weapons prior to use.

■ Verify targets and consider the potential for ricochet prior to firing a weapon.

■ Maintain clean and orderly work environments that are free of foreign object debris.

■ Use care when walking on wet, oily or sandy surfaces.

■ Be aware of what is on the ground around you at all times when aircraft rotors are turning.

■

Employ the buddy system when climbing ladders or working at heights.

Prevention at home ■ Wear your seatbelt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.

■ Never drive or ride with anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

■ Always buckle your child into an age appropriate child safety seat, booster seat or seat belt while riding in ■ Wear a helmet that is fitted and properly maintained while at work and while at play, if required.

■ During athletic games, use the right protective equipment.

■ Keep firearms stored unloaded in a locked cabinet or a safe. Store bullets in a separate secure location.

■ Avoid falls in the home by:

• • • • • • •

a car.

File photo

Seat belt safety is not only important when you’re in a combat setting, but also for you and your entire family every time you’re in a moving vehicle.

Using a step stool with a grab bar to reach objects on high shelves.

Installing handrails on stairways.

Installing window guards to keep young children from falling out of open windows.

Using safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around.

Maintaining a regular exercise program to improve strength, balance and coordination.

Removing tripping hazards by using non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors, and putting grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower.

Make sure the surface on your child’s playground is made of shock-absorbing material (e.g., hardwood mulch, sand).

Do’s and don’ts in recovering from a concussion ■ ■ ■ ■

Do maximize downtime/rest during the day (temporary impairments resolve fastest when the brain gets rest).

Do get plenty of sleep.

Do avoid activities such as contact sports that could result in another concussion until you are better.

Do let others know that you’ve had a concussion so they can watch out for you.

■ Do see your medical provider if you begin to feel worse or experience worsening headache, worsening balance, double vision or other vision changes, decreasing level of alertness, increased disorientation, repeated vomiting, seizures, unusual behavior or amnesia/memory problems.

■ Do seek behavioral health treatment for lingering irritability and emotional changes.

■ Do be patient as healing from a brain injury can take a few days.

■ Do not use alcohol or drugs.

MARCH 8, 2013

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Photos by Airman 1st Class R. Alex Durbin

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Gregory Juday, Expeditionary Combat CameraTraining Department trainer, uses the instructor console to rotate the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer, or HEAT, at Fort Eustis, Feb. 27. The trainer allows units to rehearse under controlled conditions and physically execute necessary steps required to survive a vehicle rollover, allowing occupants to gain experience in how to orient themselves, collect any injured individuals and successfully exit the overturned vehicle.

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Humvee rollover simulator teaches valuable survival skills

By Airman 1st Class R. Alex Durbin 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The seatbelt tightened across the driver’s body-armor clad chest and locked with an audible click. He held his hand firmly against the Humvee’s roof, bracing his weight as the vehicle tilted.

“Rollover, rollover, rollover!” the four passengers shouted in unison as the vehicle broke into a 35-degree tilt.

When the vehicle was fully overturned, the passengers held themselves up, only letting their body weight sag slightly against their restraints as blood rushed to their heads.

“Go!” yelled a voice from outside the vehicle.

At once, the passengers hastily unhooked their safety belts, allowing their bodies to fall onto the Humvee’s roof.

After unlatching the doors, they pulled themselves out of the vehicle and quickly formed a protective perimeter around the overturned vehicle.

This may seem like a scene from a faraway battlefield, but in fact, it was all viewed through the instructor’s console at the front of the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer, or HEAT, as members from a U.S. Navy Expeditionary Combat Camera unit trained at Fort Eustis, Feb. 27.

The HEAT trainer is designed to train

Photo by Airman 1st Class R. Alex Durbin

Anthony Harris, Army Support Activity Simulation Branch training support assistant, describes the importance of the Humvee Egress AssistanceTrainer, or HEAT, to members of a U.S. Navy Expeditionary Combat Camera unit.

Service members on the effects of a vehicle rollover and allows them to conduct drills that will provide the skill and ability to react properly during emergency egress situations.

The trainer allows units to rehearse under controlled conditions and physically execute steps required to survive a roll-

over, allowing occupants to gain experience in how to orient themselves, collect any injured individuals and successfully exit the overturned vehicle.

“There will always be accidents, but most fatalities aren’t caused by the accident itself; they’re caused by a lack of experience and knowledge of how to exit the overturned

vehicle,” said Anthony Harris, Army Support Activity Simulation Branch training support assistant. “Simulation devices like the HEAT trainer are saving the military money, and more importantly, lives.”

The trainer is one of many simulators implemented across the Department of Defense to prepare military members for the tests of real-life emergency situations while allowing them to experience realistic combat situations without any of the dangers.

“Simulators provide a good degree of realism without the expense and danger that comes along with accomplishing the same level of immersive training,” said Harris.

“The purpose of training is to make lifesaving habits become second nature, and simulators offer the first-hand experience in the closest setting we can provide while saving equipment and lives.”

The trainer at Fort Eustis is open to all branches, and all Service members are encouraged to take advantage of it.

“Deployed Service members face threats of improvised explosive devices, perilous road conditions and uneven driving conditions, increasing the likelihood of a rollover,” said U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Gregory Juday, Expeditionary Combat Camera Training Department trainer.

“Having the knowledge and training prior to deploying is critical, and could potentially save their lives.”

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LAFBCommunity Safety Education Seminar March 8, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Health and Wellness Center. This two-hour seminar reviews the dynamics and impact of domestic violence and child maltreatment, who is at risk and available base and community resources. For more information or to register, contact the Family Advocacy Program at 764-2427.

Munitions Flight stockpile check The 1st Fighter Wing Munitions Flight will be conducting a 100 percent stockpile inventory from March 4 to 13. They will only process commander-approved emergency requests. All other transactions will not be processed during the inventory to minimize transactions against accounts and the stockpile. For more information, contact Tech.

Sgt. Jonathan Shank at 764-7164.

Anger Management Mondays, March 11, 18 and 25 from 2 until 3:30 p.m. at the HAWC. This four-session course explores the human emotion, anger.

This class will also review anger and ways to manage it effectively so that it doesn’t take a toll on your health or relationships. For more information or to register, contact Staff Sgt. Jacquelyn Millender at 764-9503, or email Jacquelyn.millender@langley.af.mil.

Comedy Nite The Langley Club will be hosting an adult appreciation “Comedy Nite” March 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 766-1361.

Men can also sign up for April 11 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the ACC Fitness Center.

For more information, or to register, call 764-3359.

Ghosts of Williamsburg tour Join the Langley Chapel Single Airmen Ministry March 23 in Williamsburg, Va., for a trip through the streets of Colonial Williamsburg by candlelight while sharing eerie and fun folklore of the city. The bus to Williamsburg will meet at Boots Hall and depart by 5:30 p.m. The trip cost $11.

For more information or to register, call Larry Blakely at 528-0455.

New, expecting fathers workshop A workshop for new and expecting fathers will be held April 11 from 8 a.m. to noon in the Langley Chapel Annex, classroom two. For more information or to register call 764-2427.

Co-parenting workshop The Joint Base Langley-Eustis Family Advocacy Program and Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Family Focus will be co-sponsoring a free workshop, “Co-Parenting: In the Child’s Best Interest,” April 19 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Langley Chapel Annex, classroom two. For more information or to register, contact the Joint Base Langley-Eustis Family Advocacy Program at (757) 764-2427.

SAPR road rally

Langley Lanes will be hosting a “St. Patty’s Day Tourney” bowling tournament March 17. Registration begins at noon and the tournament begins at 1 p.m. For more information, call 766-1361.

Easter brunch

Budget assistance

The Langley club will be hosting its Easter Brunch March 31. For seating times, reservations and more information, call 766-1361.

The Langley Federal Credit Union is committed to helping its members affected by budget cuts. For information or to discuss financial options, call 827-5328, (800) 8267490 or stop by a branch.

Personal Safety classes April is Sexual Assault Awareness month.

In an effort to reduce sexual assaults, the 633rd Force Support Squadron is hosting free, personal safety classes at both the Shellbank and Air Combat Command fitness centers. Women can sign up for the classes held April 1, 15, 22 and 29 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Shellbank Fitness Center.

MARCH 8, 2013

Submit LAFB Community announcements to pw@militarynews.com

The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office is hosting a motorcycle road rally April 26 at 9 a.m. All participants must arrive at 7:30 a.m. for registration and safety checks. Participants must RSVP.The event is free of charge. For more information, call Vanessa Williams at 764-3359 or email c.vanessa.williams@langley.af.mil.

St. Patty’s bowling tournament

•

LaSalle Gate closure extended The LaSalle Avenue Gate closure scheduled to be completed by the end of February due to the construction of a new Visitor Center and guardhouse has been extended. The new contract is scheduled to be completed by May 28. Any traffic approaching from the downtown Hampton/

Interstate-64 area will be diverted to the Durand, West [Armistead] or King Street gates. Non-identification card holders should go to the temporary Visitor Center near the entrance of the west gate to get a temporary pass. For more information, call Police Services at 764-7766.

JBLE Tax Center Open The Joint Base Langley-EustisTax Centers are open at both Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Tax return preparation services will be provided by active duty, civilian and retiree volunteers. Services will be provided to active duty members, retirees and their respective dependents, with limited availability for civilian employees and Guard/Reserve members on Title 10 orders. These tax return services are designed for basic to intermediate-level taxes. Those with simple tax returns (junior members) are encouraged to visit Military One Source or H&R Block as they also provide free services. To contact the Langley Tax Center, call Senior Airman Holden Smith at 225-5777. To contact the Fort Eustis Tax Center, call 878-2343.

Company Grade Officer Council The Joint Base Langley-Eustis Company Grade Officer Council meets regularly on the third Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at the Nose Dive Bar. JBLE CGOC provides opportunities for networking, professional development and social activities. For more information or to be added to the distribution list, please send your information to cgoc.executives@ langley.af.mil.

African American Heritage Come join the Langley African-American Heritage Council to help support holiday functions, host educational programs, provide financial assistance and more. Meetings are held at the Langley Club “Enlisted Lounge” on the third Thursday of every month at 11:30 a.m. For more info, contact Master Sgt. Malukinah Mathis at Malukinah.Mathis@langley.af.mil.

JBLE 2013 leave roll over days Service members with more than 60 days of leave at the beginning of fiscal year 2013 are able to carry it into the next fiscal year, due to the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act. The provision is extending the maximum leave carryover of 75

days through Sept. 30, 2015.

Airmen should contact the Langley Military Personnel Flight at 764-2270; Soldiers contact the Fort Eustis Military Personnel Office at 878-5618 for more information.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study Military Ministries are hosting bible study each Wednesday morning from 6:15 to 7:15 a.m. at the Langley Chapel Annex auditorium. There will be great fellowship, insightful Bible topics, relevant biblical discussion and strengthened Bible knowledge. For more information about the bible study, contact Joe Shirey at 764-5527, william.shirey.ctr@langley.af.mil or Chuck Macri at 928-7220 and chuck. macri@militaryministry.org.

Poetry Slam The Langley AFB SAPR is accepting entries for a poetry contest and reading.

Poetry must be related to any of the following, and must be entered by April 15.: Consent, Sexual Assault, Healthy Dating, Surviving Sexual Assault, or No Means No. Readings will begin at 1 p.m. April 26th at the JBLE Memorial Park. All poets who enter will receive a prize. The winning poet will be presented an autographed book titled “B Trae’d” by CMSgt Trae King, 633 Air Base Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant, who will read one of her poems at the event.

Send poems or inquiries to Vanessa Williams at 764-3359 or c.vanessa.williams@ langley.af.mil.

Engineering, construction camps At the Society of American Military Engineers Engineering and Construction Camps, high school students from across the country learn engineering solutions and skills from professional engineers while getting a taste of what it means to work for and with the military services. Camp times and locations are as follows: ■ U.S. Army Camp, June 16 - 22, Vicksburg, Miss.

■ U.S. Marine Corps, June 23 - 29, Camp LeJune, N.C. ■ A.F. Academy Camp, June 27 to July 3, Colorado Springs, Colo.

■ Seabees Camp, July 21 to 27, Port Huenerne, Calif.

Application deadlines are March 15 for the U.S. Army Camp and April 5 for the other locations. Registration is $275 per student.

For more information, contact Amy Doye at amy.doye@langley.af.mil.

MARCH 8, 2013

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

EustisCommunity

Daylight saving time begins Sunday at 2 a.m. Don’t forget to turn your clocks forward one hour and check smoke detector batteries.

Let’s Move! is a comprehensive initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama to help solve the challenges of childhood obesity by helping kids become more physically active. In celebration of the initiative’s third year, a journal is being created to highlight the Fort Eustis community’s efforts in raising a healthier generation of kids. Organizations and families are invited to submit comments, photographs, and/or video clips of anything that you have done or are doing to inspire a healthier generation. Examples of healthy efforts include new habits or activities, role models, recipes, events and more.

Submit materials to Donna Fontes, Soldier and Family Services, at donna.s.fontes. naf@mail.mil or call Fontes at 878-5819. Friday is the deadline for all submissions.

Dinner for families of deployed Military families experiencing deployment or other duty-related separation are invited to attend a free monthly dinner sponsored by the Fort Eustis Chapel Community on Tuesday from 5:15 to 7 p.m. at the Regimental Memorial Chapel, Bldg. 923, Lee Blvd.The schedule is as follows: 5:15 p.m. – Welcome and dinner is served; 6 to 7 p.m. – Craft and game time for children 3 and a half years and older; 6:10 to 7 p.m. – Adult fellowship time (across the hall).

Free child-watch care is available after dinner for kids 3 and a half years and younger. The next dinner will take place on May 14. For more information, contact Carole Carkhuff at 218-0871, e-mail carkhuffs2@verizon.net or call the chapel at 878-1304/1316.

Home buying and selling seminars The Fort Eustis Housing Referral Office is sponsoring a Home Buying Seminar on Tuesday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and a Home Selling Seminar on Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Both seminars will take place at the Civil Engineer Division conference room at

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Daylight Saving Time

Let’s Move! Journal

•

Bldg. 1407, Washington Blvd. Industry experts will include a realtor, mortgage lender, attorney and home inspector. The seminars are free and open to the public.

RSVP at least three business days prior to attending the seminar of your choice. To register, call 878-2977/5687/5579.

Strikes and Slices Challenge Join the Adjutant General Corps Regimental Association-Tidewater Virginia Chapter for the Strikes and Slices Challenge on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Strike Zone Bowling Center, Bldg. 675, Dickman St. Bring a team or come solo.The cost is $5 for your shoes and games; pizza slices are $1 each. The bowler with the highest game will receive a prize.

RSVP by Tuesday to Staff Sgt. Brandon Weaver at brandon.m.weaver14.mil@mail. mil or call 501-6852 to reserve your slot.

Saint Patrick’s Day lunch Saint Patrick’s Day lunch will be served on March 15 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Fort Eustis Club, Bldg. 2123, Pershing Ave. The menu will include house salad, Guinness and cheddar soup, sliced corned beef, shepherd’s pie, Irish stew with lamb, Colcannon, braised cabbage and carrots, and dessert. The cost is $10 per person.

For more information, call 878-5700.

JBLE Job Fair The Joint Base Langley-Eustis Job Fair is scheduled for March 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fort Eustis Club, Bldg. 2123, Pershing Ave. More than 50 employers and transition service providers will be on hand to network and offer employment opportunities to active duty service members, veterans, retirees, Reserves/National Guard, military spouses and dependents.

Job seekers can register online at www. acap.army.mil or www.facebook.com/forteustisacs/events. Bring your resumes and come dressed for success. For more information, call 878-0906 or 878-4955.

Easter Egg Splash

Family Advocacy Program

The Fort Eustis Aquatic Center will host an Easter Egg Splash on March 23 starting at noon at Bldg. 641, Tyler Ave. Six hundred plastic Easter eggs will be scattered in the Adventure Pool. Children under 18 years old will be divided into five age groups around the pool deck. Parents are only invited to participate in the 1-3 year old age group. Rules will be explained before the swimmers are allowed to enter the pool.

Prizes will be awarded for specially marked eggs including two “Golden Egg” grand prize winners. The fun continues until all eggs are collected.The cost is $2 each for active duty military and family members and $4 each for all others. Make sure that you bring your goggles and something to hold your eggs.

For more information, call 878-1090.

■ Anger Management – March 26, 3 to 4 p.m. This class will address the human emotion, anger, and ways to manner it effectively. To register, call 878-0807. No children please.

■ Family Advocacy Safety Education Seminar – March 28, 9 to 11 a.m. FASES is a two-hour seminar that describes the dynamics of domestic violence and child abuse, who is at risk, and what resources are available. This class is open to anyone on post who is interested in learning more about these topics. To register, call 878-0807. No children please. Classes will take place at Bldg. 213, Calhoun St.

Easter Sunrise Service The Fort Eustis Regimental Memorial Chapel will hold its annual Easter Sunrise Service on March 31 at 7 a.m. outside on the chapel’s side lawn. In case of inclement weather, the service will take place inside the chapel’s sanctuary, Bldg. 923, Lee Blvd.

For more information, call 878-1316.

Soldier and Family Readiness Soldier and Family Readiness (ACS) classes and briefings for March will include: Developing Your Financial Plan – March 12 and 26, 9 to 10 a.m.; Savings and Investment – March 12 – 5 to 6 p.m.; Financial ReadinessTraining – March 15, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Credit Reporting – March 19, 9 to 10 a.m.; Retirement Planning – March 19, 5 to 6 p.m.; Managing Your Checking Account – March 21, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; Home Buying Seminar – March 27, 4:30 to 7 p.m.; Effective Resume Writing – March 15, 9 a.m. to noon; Federal Employment Workshop – March 21, 10 a.m. to noon; Spouse Resilience Seminar – March 25-28, 9 a.m. to noon; Military Spouse Knowledge Skills – March 13, 9 a.m. to noon; Army Family Team Building Leadership Development – March 19 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.), March 20 (8:35 a.m. to noon), and March 21 (9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.); Conflict Management – March 13, 9:30 to 11 a.m.; Scream-Free Parenting – Mondays starting March 18 (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.).

Classes and briefings will take place in Bldg. 650, Monroe Ave. For more information, call 878-3638.

Army Tuition Assistance Changes Effective immediately, the Department of Defense has implemented the following tuition assistance policy: For an institution to be eligible to participate in the DoDTA program, they must have a signed DoD Memorandum of Understanding and be on the “Participating Institutions” list, which is posted on the DoD MOU webpage at www.dodmou.com. Schools without a signed DoD MOU will not be able to enroll Service members under the TA program until they have signed the MOU. Headquarters Army Continuing Education System will suspend all schools that are not listed on the “Participating Institutions” list, which is posted on the DoD MOU webpage. The Army will honor all TA requests that were processed and approved by the end of February within GoArmyEd for classes starting prior to March 1. While no new enrollments will be allowed, schools will be able to invoice the Army for payment of approved TA requests and will be able to post grades to Soldier’s accounts.

For more information, call the Bateman Army Education Center at 878-2083.

Marriage Enrichment Program The Regimental Memorial Chapel will host “The Five Love Languages,” a marriage enrichment program, from 6 to 8 p.m. each Thursday through May 16 at the chapel, Bldg. 923, Lee Blvd. This program is open to all married and engaged couples, and spouses of Service members who are deployed or training elsewhere.

Free child care will be provided for children up to age 11.

For more information, contact Mike and Carole Carkhuff at 218-1034 or email carkhuffs2@verizon.net.

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MARCH 8, 2013

Submit Outside The Gate announcements to pw1@militarynews.com

Virginia RV Show

First Landing State Park

The ninth annual Progressive Insurance Virginia RV Show will take place Friday through Sunday at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton. Come join us and meet with experts in the RV field and enjoy special deals on travel trailers, fifth wheels and motor homes.

Admission is $9 (adults); $7 (adult tickets purchased online); and free for children ages 16 and under. Date Night Special: Friday and Saturday, 5 to 8 p.m., buy one adult ticket, get one free (must be purchased at the show).

Hours are noon to 8 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday.

For more information on the Virginia RV Show, call 3151610 or visit www.gsevents.com.

■ Survive First Landing – First Landing State Park will host Tidewater Search and Rescue for “Survive First Landing,” an outdoor skills program, on March 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. This program will kick off the state park’s spring outdoor recreation season. Activities will include outdoor safety workshops, fire making demonstrations, orienteering, emergency shelters, edible wild foods and basic outdoor skills. There is no charge for the workshops; parking fee is $5. Participants will meet at the picnic shelter and children accompanied by adults are welcome.

■ Earth Hour Celebration – As part of the worldwide Earth Hour celebration, First Landing State Park will host a special “Lights Out” program on March 23 from 8 to 9 p.m. at the newTrail Center.This event is free and open to the public; parking fee is $5. The lights will go out at 8:30 p.m. after participants make glow-in-the-dark crafts. The program will also feature a campfire with smores, night hikes and music. Children are welcome to attend with an adult. Participants should dress appropriately for both indoor and outdoor activities.

First Landing State Park is located at 2500 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach. The park is a 2,888-acre natural area featuring nearly 20 miles of trails, campsites, cabins, two visitor center museums and a half-mile of Chesapeake Bay beach frontage.

For more information, call (800) 933-7275 or visit www. virigniastateparks.gov.

America’s Music Series “America’s Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Blues to Bluegrass to Broadway” will be presented by the Newport News Public Library System in a six-week program series. The series is free and open to the public.

Each session will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Main Street Library, 110 Main Street.

The program, designed for a general audience, will introduce genres of 20th century American popular music that are deeply connected to the history, culture and geography of the United States. Sessions will include film clips, a musical performance, and a discussion led by Kelly Rossum, assistant professor of trumpet and director of jazz studies at Christopher Newport University.

Sessions scheduled for March include: ■ Tuesday – Swing Jazz featuring Len Burns’ Jazz (2001) and “International Sweethearts of Rhythm” (1986). The Jae Sinnett Trio will perform live.

■ March 26 – Bluegrass and Country Music featuring “High Lonesome:The Story of Bluegrass (1994).The Kountry Kickers Clogging Team will perform live.

For more information, call 591-4858 or visit nnpls.libguides.com/AmericasMusic.

Hampton Library Used Book Sale The Friends of the Hampton Public Library will host a used book sale on March 15-17 at the main library, 4207 Victoria Blvd., Hampton. The preview sale for members will take place on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m.

Children’s books will cost 25 cents; paperbacks, 50 cents to $1; and hard back books, $1. Media will also be available for sale.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 15-16; and 1 to 4 p.m., March 17. Attendees will be able to join the library at this event.

For more information, call 727-1154.

Peninsula Fine Arts Center ■ Art After 5 – PFAC will feature local singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Nicole Belanus at its latest Art After 5 event scheduled for March 21 from 5:30 to

Swedish Navy Ship Tour The HMS Falken, a Royal Swedish Navy two-masted training schooner, is docked at the Otter Berth next to Waterside in downtown Norfolk. The public is invited to tour the ship on Friday and Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Ship tours are free.

The HMS Falken sails with nine officers, 19 midshipmen and five crew members. The vessel is 132feet long and is part of a Schooner Squadron that helps train cadets of the Royal Swedish Navy. The ship will depart from Norfolk on Sunday.

For more information, call 441-2345 or visit www. festevents.org.

7:30 p.m. Join us after work and view the gallery’s current exhibit, “The ART of the Message,” while engaging with other members of the community. Admission is free and open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

■ Community Day – Community Day will take place on March 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Visitors are invited to tour the current exhibit, “The ART of the Message.” Children can enjoy the “luck of the Irish” as they search for hidden shamrocks, watch a pottery demonstration, or make an air-dried clay project or green slime ($2 children’s activity fee). Other activities will include a paint project and “Granny Squared” yarn graffiti, where participants will decorate the building’s exterior with yarn. Performers will include the Gildersleeve Middle School chorus, Menchville High School theater department, and local Chinese dancers. The SPCA will also be on hand with adoptable pets. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

The Peninsula Fine Arts Center is located at 101 Museum Dr., Newport News. For more information, call 5968165 or visit www.pfac-va.org.

Homebuyer Education Class The Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority and Virginia Housing Development Authority will sponsor a Homebuyer Education Class on March 26-27 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the North Phoebus Community Center, 249 West Chamberlin Ave., Hampton. The classes are designed to help first-time homebuyers learn about the home buying process.

Registration is required and seating is limited. To register, call Monique Jackson at 727-1111, ext. 303.

TRADOC Band Concert The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band will host the “Heritage of Heroes” concert at 7:30 p.m. on March 30 at the Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News. This event is free and open to the public.

The concert will honor Korean War veterans and all those who have received the nation’s highest military award, the Medal of Honor. Two Medal of Honor recipients will be in attendance and will be honored publicly.

Tickets may be picked up at the Ferguson Center Box Office or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to TRADOC Band, 700 Lee Blvd., Fort Eustis, VA 236045703 (must be received by March 25).

For more information about the concert, visit www.tradocband.com or call 501-6944.

For more Joint Base Langley-Eustis news and information, visit online at www.peninsulawarrior.com

MARCH 8, 2013

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

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By Sgt. Barbara Liau 123RD MOBILE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DETACHMENT

The 175-foot, military-grey vessel glided slowly toward shore at Guantanamo Bay. However, unlike any other military ship out on the water, it bypassed the dock completely, pulled right up to the beach and lowered its ramp with a resounding thud.

This is the U.S. Army Vessel “Runnymede,” Landing Craft Utility 2001, the first of the Army’s LCU 2000 series of watercraft. The Runnymede, assigned to Fort Eustis’ 10th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade, deployed to Guantanamo Bay to support Integrated Advance 2013, a humanitarian-crisis exercise U.S. Southern Command conducts biennially.

The vessel, one of two LCUs under U.S. Army South’s operational control while deployed, transports equipment such as tents and vehicles belonging to SOUTHCOM and Army South units.

Possibly one of the most integral, yet invisible components in the Army, the LCU 2000s are flat-bottomed boats used to transport equipment from country to country, quickly and efficiently.

“The construction of the LCU allows it to pull right up to the shoreline, as it does not require the depth of water that a normal watercraft would need in order to dock,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Hayes, the chief engineer for the Runnymede.

“We are typically at the forefront for every humanitarian-based operation,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Gary Bolser, the vessel master for this Army South exercise deployment. “We deliver equipment when necessary – a ‘you call, we haul’ type of deal.”

Bolser believes his vessel’s capabilities can give a humanitarian mission the crucial lead-time to get other equipment out, and says that it’s superior to other vehicles as far transportation of equipment goes, and can cut money, effort and time.

“We were able to provide immediate relief in the case of the Haiti earthquake in 2010 because of our capabilities and strategicallyplaced station at Cape Canaveral, Fla.,” said Bolser. “A lot of the Haitian docks were destroyed during the earthquake. Because of the uniqueness of the LCU, we could bypass the docking necessity that other boats have,

find a beach with the right gradient and then pull right up to unload our cargo.”

The LCUs within the Army South area of operations have been involved in a variety of missions, including the aforementioned Operation Unified Response in Haiti, New Horizons Haiti, Beyond the Horizon and the IA exercises.

According to Chief Warrant Officer 4 Charles Torell, who serves asArmy South’s master of marine operations, Army South has 24/7 operational control of two Army LCU vessels, which accomplish four basic missions for the command.

“The first is a permanent sealift capability in support of unified land operations within the Army South area of operations. Second, they support Joint Chiefs of Staff exercises.

Third, they provide immediate response to foreign humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. And lastly, they support joint interdiction task force counter-drug operations, and, as needed, support other components in SOUTHCOM,” said Torell.

“What is unique about the Army boats is that they do real-world missions. Their job is not to train,” said Torell. “They are actually loading cargo that is needed somewhere else. It is not uncommon for them to pick up wheeled vehicles, engineering equipment or even containerized logistics and transport

them throughout an area of operations.”

Additionally, the LCUs provide immediate response capability for any activity within Army South’s area of operations within 72 hours.

The vessels carry enough provisions for 30 days and are manned by a 15-man crew, including two food service specialists and a medic. The crew is further divided into deck and engineering sections, and is armed with both crew-serve and individual weapon capabilities.

“The unique thing about being on the LCU is that we have to be self-reliant,” said Hayes. “Each crew member has to know not only his own job, but also the jobs of those below and above him. Each engineering crew member is capable of performing electrical maintenance, marine diesel mechanics and even sewage treatment. You don’t specialize in just one field; you have to learn it all.”

“There’s a wealth of experience and knowledge on this boat,” said Bolser.

“When you add up all the knowledge of people on this boat, you end up with a wide range of experiences. If a situation comes up that I haven’t experienced, chances are that someone on-board has.”

Crew members have to be prepared at all times for any event that may happen out on

Photo by Sgt. Barbara J. Liau

The LCU 2001 “Runnymede” prepares to leave the Leeward shoreline of Guantanamo Bay, Feb. 15. The Runnymede was at Guantanamo Bay to support Integrated Advance 2013, a humanitarian-related exercise U.S. Southern Command conducts biennially.

Photo by Sgt. Barbara J. Liau

Crew members spray down the room where a simulated fire broke out onboard the LCU 2001 “Runnymede.”

the water. They do this by practicing scenarios that could occur, such as a fire on-board, man-over-board and abandon ship. These drills can come at any time, day or night, and are characterized by different alarms.

Many of the crew members often speak about their love of working out on the water and being able to serve on this vessel in particular. Most vessels are named after battles, but the Runnymede was named after the meadow where the Magna Carta was signed.

The Magna Carta is a charter signed by England’s King John in 1215, which allowed certain individuals more civil liberties.

The Runnymede was christened in 1987 and has served faithfully since. In 2012, it was given a service-life extension where the vessel was kept whole, but restructured so the Army could use it well into the future.

“The work that’s been put into this boat – from the performance, maintenance and service aspects – has been incredible. The state of the Runnymede from the shipyard to today is night and day,” said Hayes.

Unfortunately, very few people, including those in the Army, are familiar with the Army watercraft and what LCUs can contribute to the overall mission.

According to Torell, the Army needs these mission-essential maritime capabilities; they are as critical today as they were when the Army first started using the LCU 2001.

“These Soldiers are the Army’s mariners,” he said. “In this type of mission, no one can accomplish it better than they can. It’s important we maintain this vital asset and continue to use it in the future.”

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• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

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MARCH 8, 2013

1,( 'HOLYHULQJ FDSDELOLWLHV WR WRGD\¶V 6ROGLHU

By Lt. Col. Deanna Bague BRIGADE MODERNIZATION COMMAND

What does today’s Soldier need? Still in its evolutionary state, the Network Integration Evaluation continues to make progress in achieving greater cost benefits and in streamlining the process of getting capabilities into the hands of Soldiers quicker.

Network Integration Evaluations, known as NIEs, were designed to integrate and mature the Army’s tactiNetwork Integracal network through a series tion Evaluations, of semi-annual evaluations known as NIEs, that brought a fundamental change in the rapid fielding were designed of Army capabilities. to integrate and Brig. Gen. Randal A. Dragmature the Army’s on, commanding general of the Brigade Modernization tactical network Command, Army Capabilities Integration Center, Unit- through a series of semi-annual evalued States Army Training and Doctrine Command, said op- ations that brought erational assessments cona fundamental ducted in NIEs have enabled change in the the Army to introduce industry network capabilities into rapid fielding of an operational environment.

Army capabilities.

He pointed out some significant findings within the 21-month life cycle of the NIE during the Association of the United States Army’s winter symposium and exposition.

“Just looking at [NIE] 11.2, we documented over six billion dollars in cost avoidance of programs that were reduced or killed based on results that we achieved [at NIE],” said Dragon.

Jeff Carpenter, chief executive officer of Ringtail Design, said addressing the capabilities of today’s Soldier in an operational environment can be challenging. But the advantages of the NIE can overshadow these challenges, he added.

“One of the key benefits, really from a small business perspective, is the interaction that you get with some of these Soldiers,” said Carpenter. “It’s really unprecedented to stand next to them [and] really understand how they think. You’re not going to get user adoption of whatever capability you’re developing without their input.”

“Four NIEs have been conducted since May 2011 in which 143 systems were reviewed. Thirty-six have been recommended for fielding and 24 of those 36 have been funded and are being fielded,” said Dragon.

Considerable progress has been made in develop-

Photo by Lt. Col. Deanna Bague

A Soldier from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, ground guides during a convoy headed to White Sands Missile Range, N.M., to participate in the Network Integration Evaluation, or NIE, 13.1, which took place last fall. Soldiers from the brigade evaluate equipment for the Army in an operational environment in the NIEs that take place twice a year at Fort Bliss,Texas, and White Sands Missile Range, N.M.

ing a tactically deployable digital network, maturing the ability to perform mission command on-the-move functions, extending the network to the Soldier level and developing procedures to quickly organize or reorganize. The past four NIEs have set the stage for future innovation and integration as the Agile Process moves forward, said Dragon.

“We’re trying to set the stage for a joint and multinational effort in 14.2,” Dragon said. “And so we’re looking across functions – intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, close air support, air ground integration, interoperability – to progress from 13.2 to 14.1 to 14.2, with the major objectives focused on joint entry operations and the capabilities of the joint network.”

“Just looking at [NIE] 11.2, we documented over six billion dollars in cost avoidance of programs that were reduced or killed based on results that we achieved [at NIE],” — Brig. Gen. Randal A. Dragon commanding general of the Brigade Modernization Command, Army Capabilities Integration Center, United States Army Training and Doctrine Command

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Get caught, and you could be paying around $10,000 in fines, legal fees and increased insurance rates.

Buzzed driving is drunk driving. buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org

Submit online at: www.peninsulawarrior.com

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For active-duty, retired military, their eligible family members and active or retired civil service employees If you are retired military or retired DOD civilian, include current employer and work phone number on the application.

Restrictions: • Only 5 ads per week, per household • Renewals, corrections and cancellations cannot be taken by phone and must be resubmitted • Illegible, too long or otherwise do not conform to instructions will not be published and must be resubmitted for the next issue • Automotive ads must begin with make, model and year • Real estate ads must begin with name of city, neighborhood and must be your primary residence. • Ads will not be accepted via official mailing channels such as guard mail or postage and fees paid indicia. • Free ads cannot be of a commercial nature (i. e., business opportunities, help wanted, etc) and must be personal property of the eligible member. Should not represent a sustained income or business or listed through agents or representatives. • When advertising a home for rent or home for sale, the home must be THE PRIMARY RESIDENCE. (All rental properties are considered paid ads.)

WE DO NOT ACCEPT CALLS FOR FREE CLASSIFIED ADS Deadline Thursday, 5 p.m. for the following week’s publications

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www.peninsulawarrior.com

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

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MARCH 8, 2013

AGENTS WANTED Continue serving your country as an agent with the U.S. Border Patrol, protecting the American people from terrorism, drug smuggling and illegal entry to our country. Competitive salary and federal benefits package including Veterans Preference, Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) and credit for military service.

Key Requirements > Be between the ages of 18 and 39 (waiver for qualified veterans) > Be a U.S. citizen and a resident for the past three years > Have a valid state driver’s license > Pass a thorough background investigation, polygraph test, medical examination, fitness test and drug test

WE ARE AMERICA’S FRONTLINE U.S. Customs and Border Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply Now — CBPcareers.com