-Caveat Lector- WJPBR Email News List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peace at any cost is a prelude to war! 992039. High-tech gear allows Defender Challenge '99 teams, judges to own the night by Senior Master Sgt. Gary Emery Air Force Print News LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Before the first obstacle was tackled or the first round was fired during Defender Challenge '99, crews spent countless hours making sure "The Last Clash of the Millenium" would be the toughest and most realistic Security Forces competition ever. While filling sandbags, digging combat positions and placing targets have long been staples of the support staff's preparation, the high-tech revolution is adding even more "Challenge" to this year's events. Perhaps the most impressive preparation for the DC '99 competition took place at the site of the Sadler Cup, held at the Army's Camp Bullis, near San Antonio. The Sadler Cup competition is a nighttime team tactical exercise that pits challengers against tough terrain and even tougher "bad guys" in a very realistic operation that many Security Forces personnel could face during any deployment. This year, more than $5 million in cutting edge night surveillance and detection equipment will allow evaluators and spectators to follow every move by the defenders and aggressors, even in total darkness. "We have four types of thermal imagers, linked to our operations center by a microwave relay system, that allow us to track everyone on the course, even if they're out of our line of sight," explained Master Sgt. Howard Wyman, Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the 820th Security Forces Group sensors section. "We're also employing passive and active microwave detectors, and every evaluator and OPFOR (opposing force) member can be identified through a thermal recognition system," he added. "We can see more than any competitor, from a lot of different angles." The results of these efforts are eye-popping. Large monitors allow observers to view the action in great detail, almost as if the competition were taking place in the daytime. Other monitors project an overhead map of the exercise area, with the position of every person in the area constantly identified and tracked. A team's MAJCOM director or other staff members not involved in the Sadler Cup competition may watch the action from the combat control center, and every team is given a tape of the exercise to aid in self-evaluation. "The tapes provide valuable 'lessons learned' for the teams and us, too," according to Technical Sgt. Derrick Moniz, 820th SFG. "We can make next year's competition even more realistic by evaluating this year's tapes," he added. In addition to tracking every player's moves, a sophisticated, next-generation Multiple Integrated Laser Evaluation System, called MILES 2000, tracks every light-simulated "round" fired, recording who fired and what was hit. "The MILES 2000 saves a lot of arguments," Moniz explained. "We can tell you 'You fired ten rounds, two of them hit the enemy but the other eight went into the blue.' The equipment doesn't lie." Observers attending the Sadler Cup competition also get to visit what Wyman calls the "high-tech petting zoo." There, they get to handle thermal imaging, light enhancement and other state-of-the art equipment that helps back up the Security Forces claim "we own the night." While the impressive display of equipment showcases what modern technology can bring to the fight, the essence of ground combat is still individual contact with the enemy, Wyman said. "The bottom line is, this high-tech kit just helps us accomplish the Security Forces mission -- protecting Air Force people and assets, anytime and anywhere." 992038. Air Force announces Thrift Savings Plan open season RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- The next open season for the Thrift Savings Plan runs Nov. 15 through Jan. 31. During this time, eligible employees can elect to participate in TSP or make changes to their current election. TSP is a voluntary retirement savings and investment plan for federal civilian employees. Two of the main features of TSP are before-tax savings and tax-deferred earnings. "This means the contributions you make to TSP come out of your pay before taxes, and the earnings made on your TSP account are not taxed until you receive the money," said Christine Watkins, employee relations specialist, Benefits and Entitlements Service Team. "Other features of the plan include a choice of investment options, inter-fund transfers, loans from your own contributions and earnings, in-service withdrawals, and portable benefits if you leave federal service." Watkins explained that contribution limits set by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board are based upon an employee's retirement system: Employees covered by the Federal Employees' Retirement System can contribute up to 10 percent of their basic pay each pay period and the government will provide matching funds up to 4 percent. In addition, the government will contribute an automatic 1 percent of the employees basic pay to their account each pay period whether they contribute or not. This brings the maximum government contribution to 5 percent. Employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System can contribute up to 5 percent of their basic pay each pay period, but do not receive any agency contributions. "We highly encourage FERS employees to contribute to TSP as it is the major portion of their retirement income," said Watkins. All TSP participants can choose to invest any portion of their TSP account in one or more of the three TSP funds: the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund, the Common Stock Index Investment (C) Fund, and the Fixed Income Index Investment (F) Fund. Information on these funds can be found in the "Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal Employees" booklet, which can be accessed from TSP's home page at http://www.tsp.gov or the Benefits and Entitlements Service Team home page at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/palacecompass/BEST/tsp.htm. The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board updates fund performances on a monthly basis and updated information is posted on their homepage. For the month ending Sept. 30, the G, F, and C funds produced .51%, 1.15%, and -2.78% respectively. The funds produced 5.66%, -.43%, and 27.74% respectively over the last 12 months ending Sept. 30. Employees already contributing to TSP are encouraged to review their TSP participant statements and the TSP Highlights, which accompany their statement for current account balances, investment ratios, fund performances and other TSP information. Employees serviced by the Air Force Personnel Center will make their TSP election or change through the BEST-automated system by Web or phone no later than Jan. 31. Participants can access the Web-automated system at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/palacecompass/BEST_GRB/EBIS.htm or the telephone automated system by calling 1-800-997-2378, or 527-2378 if calling within the San Antonio area. U.S. Air Forces in Europe employees can call toll free by dialing an AT&T toll-free access number for the country they are in. The system is available 21 hours a day, seven days a week. The system is unavailable from midnight to 3 a.m. Central Standard Time each evening for systems backup. Hearing Impaired employees can use the Web or reach a benefits counselor to make their election by calling 1-800-382-0893 or 565-2276 if calling in San Antonio. "Should you need assistance, benefits counselors are available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST," added Watkins. "The best times to reach a counselor are between 8-11 a.m. and 1:30- 4 p.m. CST." PALACE Compass BEST services all bases except for the following: Maxwell AFB, Ala.; Lackland AFB, Texas; Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal; Hickam AFB, Hawaii; Eielson AFB, Alaska; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; Air Force headquaters, Washington, D.C.; Robins AFB, Georgia; Hill AFB, Utah; Tinker AFB, Okla.; Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; Anderson AFB, Guam; Misawa Air Base, Japan; Yokota AB, Japan; Kadena AB, Japan; Osan AB, Republic of Korea; Kunsan AB, ROK; and Air Intelligence Agency, Kelly AFB, Texas. Employees from these bases should consult with their servicing civilian personnel flight for questions concerning TSP. (Courtesy of Air Force Personnel Center News Service) 992036. FEHB program provides opportunity to change coverage RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- Each year, an open season is held for civilian employees to enroll or change their enrollment in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program. This year's open season runs from Nov. 8 through Dec. 13. "This is a good opportunity for civilian employees serviced by the Air Force Personnel Center Benefits and Entitlements Service Team to review their health care needs," said Christine Watkins, employee relations specialist. BEST officials recommend employees take an extra close look at their health plan this year because 67 carriers have announced they are dropping out of FEHB in 2000 and some carriers are changing their service areas. They noted that most carriers change coverage and fees from year to year, and benefits such as prescription drugs, dental services, co-payments and co-insurance should be looked at carefully when making a decision. "Our records indicate that 1,117 employees serviced by BEST will be affected by plans dropping out of the FEHB program, and 3,719 other employees will be affected by plans changing their service areas," said Watkins. "The majority of employees affected are those enrolled in plans reducing their service areas. Other employees affected are enrolled in plans that are splitting, merging or consolidating service areas." Watkins added that although health plan carriers leaving the program are required to notify each of their members, BEST is sending letters to affected employees. However, it remains the employee's responsibility to ensure his or her plan has not been terminated or changed and to enroll in a new plan as appropriate. In addition to plan terminations and changes, the Office of Personnel Management announced an average 9.3 percent rate increase in most health care plans. This increase follows a 9.5 percent increase in 1999, and a 9.72 percent increase in 1998. On average, an FEHB program member with self-only coverage will pay $33.04 a pay period, or $2.94 more a pay period than in 1999. A member with family coverage will pay $7l.76 or $7.09 more than in 1999. In addition to rising premiums, health care costs such as prescription drugs and co-payments are also increasing. Most participants will find their co-payments to be $10. And, most plans have changed their prescription benefits to encourage the purchase of generic or mail order drugs. Employees may review the FEHB Open Season guides, rates, and plan brochures by accessing OPM's home page at http://www.opm.gov/insure or the PALACE Compass BEST home page at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/palacecompass/BEST/menu.htm. The guides and brochures should be available on the above Web sites within the next few days. Employees serviced by AFPC should make their open season election through the BEST automated system by accessing the Web at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/palacecompass/BEST_GRB/EBIS.htm. "We encourage employees to use the Web system because employees electing self and family coverage can complete their FEHB transactions via the Web without the assistance of a benefits counselor," said Watkins. " Employees using the phone system must transfer to a counselor to provide the dependent information." For questions, employees may speak to a benefits counselor by calling 1-800-997-2378 or dialing TDD 1-800-382-0893. If calling within the San Antonio area, employees should call 527-2378 or TDD 565-2276. United States Air Forces in Europe employees will dial toll-free using the AT&T toll-free access number for the country they are in. Counselors are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard Time. The best times to reach a counselor are between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. CST. PALACE Compass and BEST service all bases except for the following: Maxwell Air Force Base,, Ala.; Lackland AFB, Texas; Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal; Hickam AFB, Hawaii; Eielson AFB, Alaska; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; Air Force headquarters, Washington, D.C.; Robins AFB, Ga.; Hill AFB, Utah; Tinker AFB, Okla.; Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; Andersen AFB, Guam; Misawa Air Base, Japan; Yokota AB, Japan; Kadena AB, Japan; Osan AB, Republic of Korea; Kunsan AB, ROK; and Air Intelligence Agency, Kelly AFB, Texas. Employees from these bases should consult with their servicing civilian personnel flight for questions concerning FEHB. (Courtesy of AFPC News Service) 992035. ACC unit supports Egyptian airline crash investigation by Capt. Wilson Camelo Air Combat Command Public Affairs LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- Air Combat Command's 84th Radar Evaluation Squadron, based at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is assisting the National Transportation Safety Board investigation into the crash of EgyptAir Flight 990, which crashed Oct. 31 off the coast of Rhode Island, killing 217 people. The 84th RADES provided NTSB officials with consolidated radar data covering the entire flight path of the ill-fated aircraft, to include its final descent. The unit's mission is to evaluate, optimize and integrate fixed and mobile sensors for the operational, federal, and search and rescue, and mishap investigation communities. They use the Air Route Surveillance Radar, located in numerous locations around the periphery of the United States, to obtain radar data. While ARSRs are owned and operated by the Federal Aviation Administration, the data collected is used differently by civilian and military officials, said Lanny Clelland, associate director of the 84th RADES. "The FAA collects secondary function data, which means they filter out some types of data such as aircraft's radar height return. They get that from the aircraft's height beacon," he said. Clelland explained that while the beacon height is more accurate than the radar return height, the beacon wouldn't transmit height information if the aircraft lost power. That's where the 84th RADES steps in. The unit collects primary function data that includes the aircraft's height as recorded by the radar signature return, as this information is of more military value. In the early stages following the EgyptAir mishap, 84 RADES personnel co-located with the Northeastern Air Defense Sector in Rome, NY, provided last known position to the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, located here, expediting the initial stages of search and rescue, Gillam said. During the next 72 hours, 84 RADES shifted support to the NTSB, providing data files from multiple radars as well as visual representation of the final moments of the flight based on in-house analysis software. This isn't the first time the squadron has assisted NTSB officials for high-profile crash investigations, said Lt. Col. Mary Gillam, the 84th RADES commander. The unit assisted with the crashes of golfer Payne Stewart's Learjet Oct. 25, John F. Kennedy Jr.'s aircraft and TWA flight 800. The 84th RADES is the sole Air Force organization tasked to evaluate, optimize and integrate long-range radars. It is also the primary radar data collection agency in support of Air Force mishap investigations. The AFRCC is the single federal agency responsible for coordinating search and rescue activities in the continental United States. It functions around the clock and is manned by Air Force people trained and experienced in how to coordinate search and rescue operations. It also provides search and rescue assistance to Canada and Mexico. (Courtesy of ACC News Service) 992034. Edwards tests first hypersonic flight research vehicle WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The world's first hypersonic air-breathing free-flight vehicle is no longer just a paper airplane. The first of three experimental vehicles, designated X-43A, recently arrived at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to prepare for flight in May. Flight of the X-43 vehicles will be the culmination of over 20 years of "scramjet" (supersonic combustible ramjet) research and the first time a non-rocket engine has powered vehicles at hypersonic speeds. Built by Micro Craft, Inc., of Tullahoma, Tenn., for NASA's Hyper-X program, the 12-foot-long, unpiloted X-43 vehicles will significantly expand the boundaries of air-breathing aircraft. Three flights are planned -- two at Mach 7 and one at Mach 10. The flight tests will be conducted within the Western Test Range off the coast of southern California. The Hyper-X program will build a technology bridge to reusable and recoverable vehicles with larger engines. Program managers hope to demonstrate hydrogen-powered, air-breathing propulsion systems that could ultimately be applied in vehicles from hypersonic aircraft to reusable space launchers. Hypersonic speed is reached when velocity is above Mach 5 -- equivalent to about one mile per second, or 3,600 miles per hour at sea level. The highest speed reached by NASA's rocket-powered X-15 was Mach 6.7. Currently, NASA's SR-71 is the world's fastest air-breathing aircraft, soaring slightly above Mach 3, or three times the speed of sound. Unlike a rocket that must carry its own oxygen for combustion, an air-breathing aircraft scoops air from the atmosphere, making the aircraft lighter and enabling it to carry more cargo and payload than rocket-powered propulsion vehicles. The X-43 will use the body of the aircraft itself to form critical elements of the engine with the forebody acting as the intake for the airflow and using the aft section as the nozzle. "This is high-risk technology," said Joel Sitz, Dryden's X-43A project manager. "It's exactly the type of flight research that NASA's Office of Aero-Space Technology should be doing." NASA, working with industry, must answer the mail on developing a feasible, efficient design." "We have the best-performing engine in the last 30 or 40 years here at Langley," said Vincent Rausch, Hyper-X program manager. "We are excited that we have a vehicle at Dryden, but there is a lot of hard work and testing yet to be done." Each Hyper-X vehicle will ride atop a booster rocket from Orbital Sciences Corp., of Dulles, Va., and will be air-launched by Dryden's B-52 airplane. After being launched from the B-52, the X-43 will separate from the rocket at a predetermined altitude and velocity, then fly a pre-programmed trajectory, conducting aerodynamic and propulsion experiments, before it falls into the Pacific Ocean. NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., where the X-43's scramjet engine is being wind-tunnel tested, manages the Hyper-X program. Dryden is responsible for vehicle fabrication and flight tests. (Courtesy of NASA News Service) 992037. Technology lets deployed airman experience daughter's birth by Tech. Sgt. Steve Elliott Wilford Hall Medical Center Public Affairs WILFORD HALL MEDICAL CENTER, Texas (AFPN) -- There are thousands of miles and nine time zones between San Antonio, Texas, and Al Daphra Air Base, Saudi Arabia, but technology and perseverance helped bridge the miles for the parents of a newborn girl. Thank to the efforts of the delivery staff at Wilford Hall Medical Center and a determined first sergeant in Saudi Arabia, Senior Airman James Maxwell was able to coach his wife, Sharon, through the birth of Hannah Nychole Maxwell, their second child. Maxwell, a fire protection journeyman stationed at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, has been on a 120-day rotation since July at the tiny base in the Saudi desert. He had been quite anxious about not being at home for the birth ever since he arrived at the remote base. "I was getting especially anxious lately because Sharon was already 10 days past the due date we expected," Maxwell said during a telephone interview. Sharon finally went into labor Oct. 27. While the nursing staff started their preparations for the birth, a long-distance call came in at the nurse's station. A very excited Maxwell was on the other end of the line. Quickly transferring the call to the delivery room, Maxwell was able to help his wife through the birth. "He was giving me encouragement all the while. He was my coach," beamed Sharon. "We were on the phone for around an hour and he got to hear everything, including his daughter's first sounds." Next, Capt. Sabrena Goldman, one of the delivery nurses, took digital photos of the birth and e-mailed them to Saudi, so Dad could see his bundle of joy just minutes after she was born. In Saudi Arabia, Maxwell's first sergeant at Al Daphra, Master Sgt. Mike Anthony, was the driving force behind getting the parents hooked up. "My first shirt had done this kind of thing once before, so he knew it could be done," Maxwell said. "He spent the better part of a day securing a phone line, and it got through in perfect time." "What a wonderful thing to happen," Sharon said. "I'll have to thank his first sergeant one day. And the staff here at Wilford Hall was just amazing. They got Jamie through to me instantly! "There I was, giving birth, talking to my husband and the nurse was snapping pictures ... it was quite an amazing scene," the Wichita, Kan., native said. "The Wilford Hall delivery staff bent over backwards to keep my husband involved in the birth, even though he is so far away. It really meant so much to have him coaching me through it all. I had been getting pretty emotional about the whole thing." Within minutes of 7-pound, 5.7-ounce Hannah's birth, digital photos were already in the e-mail to the proud poppa. "I was overwhelmed, amazed ... whatever other word you want to use," Maxwell said. " I had never heard of doing anything like this before, and I thank my first sergeant and Wilford Hall for this." The call also had an extra benefit for mom, Maxwell said. "I think it helped calm her down a bit," he said. "I know this has been stressful for both of us and we would have rather been together ... but this was the next best thing." After Maxwell got the photos, the Wilford Hall staff called him back to make sure he had received them. "He was absolutely overjoyed," Goldman said. "Even though the Air Force deploys people all over the world, we were able to bring a mother and father closer together on this wonderful occasion." Needless to say, the happy event was the talk of the tiny Saudi base. "I was showing the pictures of my beautiful daughter to everyone on base, and e-mailed them to all my family," Maxwell said. While proud to serve his country far from home, the Pontiac, Mich., native said he can hardly wait until Nov. 28, when his rotation is up. "Actually, I really like Al Daphra, it's a great base," the eight-year Air Force veteran said. "This is my second time here. But there's going to be no other feeling like when I get off that airplane in San Antonio and hold my little Hannah for the first time." **COPYRIGHT NOTICE** In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. 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