-Caveat Lector- WJPBR Email News List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peace at any cost is a Prelude to War! 0259. Top chief addresses enlisted members' concerns by Master Sgt. Darrell Lewis Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFPN) -- The Air Force's top enlisted leader visited here recently and told enlisted members what issues are being discussed in Washington, D.C., that are going to make their lives better than they were before. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Jim Finch said visits such as this gives him an opportunity to pass along information or clarify the details of issues such as the recently announced Thrift Savings Plan, changes to tuition assistance or compensation increases. Recent successes on the compensation front should be attributed to unified efforts from a variety of supporters, Finch said. While the Department of Defense, Air Force and Congress were instrumental in the improvements, airmen's voices were heard just as loudly, he said. "We've been fortunate enough to have grass roots support in such areas as BAH changes," Finch said, adding that this particular issue presented a good example of how change can be evaluated and fixed if necessary. After the initial BAH revamp, some airmen stationed at various duty locations noticed adjustments were not enough to acquire substantial off-base housing. "We pushed back and made modifications," Finch said. "It was a painful process to go through, but it was certainly a good indicator that we have a valid process to make adjustments along the way." As a result, an improved BAH reflects more realistic housing costs for those living in off-base quarters. Also funded by the fiscal 2001 Defense Authorization Act is improved educational benefits for many Air Force people. For example, monthly Montgomery GI Bill coverage for college courses can be increased soon. Some airmen previously unable to transfer from the older Veterans Education Assistance Program will be able to select the more lucrative Montgomery GI Bill. Even more compensation issues are being worked toward the front, Finch said. "One issue is bonuses, which some view as unfairly dispersed," he said. "We've paid so much money in bonuses to our junior people -- almost 75 percent of the bonuses go to our first and second termers. Some of our junior people are making more than are our senior people. This has become more of an issue as I've traveled around, so it's time to address that. "There's a group of people who feel maybe a little disenfranchised in the military because they've been left out," he said. "So they have questioned compensation to try and address that pay inversion." One remedy being looked at is a targeted pay raise for noncommissioned officers and perhaps junior officers, Finch said. "I think there's support for doing that within DOD, too," he said. Improvements are not only being made with benefit packages, but also with implementing the Air Force's rapidly deployable aerospace expeditionary force teams, Finch said. "We went through one complete cycle and have started round two," he said. "Generally, we are moving in the right direction with the AEF." As with many endeavors, perfection in the first AEF round was no given, but Finch chooses to look at how lessons were learned. "The key to success to me isn't how you get it right, but how you fix the things you don't get right," he said. "I think it's going to take a couple of cycles to get through all of this - to fix all of the areas we want to fix -- but I am convinced that it is absolutely the right thing to do for us to sustain an Air Force which our nation wants to be expeditionary." As the AEF concept matures, Finch said the number of those deployable is increasing. "As you get more people eligible to deploy, you continue to expand that 'bucket' to more evenly disperse the stressors from deployments," he said. "Then you can give more predictability to many of these folks who won't have to go as often because of a slower pace of deployment operations." Continuous improvement will add even more members of the guard and Reserve as the Air Force enters a new century with high expectations for continued success. Its enlisted corps must evolve as well - and still serve as backbone of the service, Finch said. "I'm very proud of what we've done and where we've come from, but we've got to ensure that we can create a viable enlisted corps for the future," he said. "To do this, we're looking to develop enlisted leaders for the Air Force 10 and 20 years out. We're looking to see what kind of people we are going to need and how we grow them today. "We have people looking to the future, and I'm confident we'll have a bright one," Finch said. (Courtesy of Air Force Material Command News Service) 0266. Top-Up provides Air Force members with 100 percent tuition assistance by Staff Sgt. A.J. Bosker Air Force Print News WASHINGTON -- A new program provides active-duty Air Force people with essentially 100 percent tuition assistance, by allowing them to combine the current 75 percent TA benefit with their Montgomery GI Bill, said Air Force education officials. The program called, Top-Up, is available to all active-duty airmen eligible for both Montgomery GI Bill benefits and tuition assistance, said Jim Sweizer, Air Force voluntary education branch chief. This eligibility also extends to those people who converted to the MGIB from the Veterans Educational Assistance Program and have paid their $2,700 contribution, Sweizer said. "Top-Up benefits, retroactive for courses starting on or after Oct. 30, 2000, provide students with up to 36 months of payments which do not impact the 36 months of (MGIB) benefits," Sweizer said. "If a student claims 24 months of Top-Up while on active duty and, after separating from the service, enters school, they are still eligible for the full 36 months of MGIB benefits." However, students should remember Top-Up payments are borrowed against future GI Bill benefits, education officials said. Future monthly GI Bill benefits are reduced by the amount of Top-Up dollars claimed, divided by 36 (the total number of months of MGIB benefits). Therefore, a student who received a total of $360 in Top-Up payments would receive $640 per month instead of the current maximum MGIB benefit of $650. "Top-Up benefits are dependent on course length and generally not cost, although total Top-Up benefits in any given term cannot exceed the MGIB full-time rate of $650 per month," Sweizer said. "One student may enroll in an eight-week course and receive $150 in Top-Up while another may enroll in a different eight-week course and receive $300. At the end of each term, each student will still have 34 months of remaining Top-Up benefits. However, the student who received more Top-Up money will also receive a lesser amount in future regular MGIB payments. "This is a wonderful initiative that essentially establishes 100 percent tuition assistance for our active-duty military members," Sweizer said. "It will greatly enhance their opportunity to pursue continuing education." Congress approved the Top-Up program as part of the Veterans Benefit and Healthcare Improvement Act of 2000. Government-funded Top-Up benefits cannot be used to supplement spouse tuition assistance that receives its funding from private sources. Students wishing to receive Top-Up benefits should contact their local base education offices. 0265. Reserve generals gather for acquisition orientation by Tech. Sgt. Russell Kirk Air Force Print News WASHINGTON -- Reserve general officers recently attended an orientation designed to bring the mobilization assistants together and up to speed on what's going on in the acquisition world. "This is the first acquisition orientation of its type designed for the mobilization assistants to the four-star generals, commanders-in-chief and key air staff people who have an interest in modernization," said Col. Ben Sour Jr., general officer acquisition orientation coordinator. Sour is an individual mobilization augmentee assigned to the Global Reach Directorate, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. "The orientation was developed to give them some background about what the AQ community has to deal with and is about," he said. Sour said one of the primary reasons is to make them aware of the modernization and the challenges for the commander in chiefs. Basically the orientation provided the same information active duty members receive except in a much more condensed version. Mobilization assistants received briefings from mission area experts throughout the orientation. These subjects included a global reach, global power, information dominance and space and nuclear deterrence overview, strategic budget challenges and legislative issues. Gen. John Handy, Air Force vice chief of staff and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff requirements oversight council, talked about the joint requirements oversight council and its importance. He said JROC is the one place where "we leave our uniforms at the door and work jointly together on 'how-to' issues concerning wartime. "Clearly, the JROC is the link between the military requirements and the acquisition side of the house from an (Office of the Secretary of Defense) perspective," Handy said. "Before the JROC existed, you could see why there was a potential for confusion. Each of the services tried to figure out where they plugged into OSD or the joint staff to get something done. This adds a lot of clarity, purpose and importance to the whole concept." Though the orientation was one day, the information was well received and the orientation was very informative, according to some of the attendees. "This is a very positive briefing," said Maj. Gen. John M. Danahy, mobilization assistant to the commander of the U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. "I'd like to see this briefed annually or at least a follow-on somewhere down the line," Danahy said. "I'm familiar with all the AMC issues, but this is a great exposure to me for issues outside AMC, especially the acquisition world." 0263. Networthiness -- Roles and Responsibilities by Cynthia M. Crowe Air Force Communications Agency SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFPN) -- Words such as, designated approving authority, certifying official, computer systems security officer and user, are terms, people hear without fully understanding what they are. As a computer user in the Air Force, knowing these terms could help people with their Web security responsibilities. Air Force Instruction 33-202, Computer Security, explains how knowing these terms make things like, constructing a good password and protecting it; virus scanning all magnetic media (fixed and removable); following security policies established for the network; and reporting system security incidents, vulnerabilities and virus attacks easier for computer users. The CSSO is the first person to contact for assistance when questions arise about the security of your system, if a virus is detected, or if a vulnerability is identified. The CSSO ensures users comply on a day-to-day basis with local network and system security policy. Another important part of the CSSO duties is to maintain the Systems Security Authorization Agreement for all systems under their control. Workgroup Managers may perform some or all of the duties of the CSSO. Before loading any software onto your system, you need to identify your software requirement to your WM. Software may be loaded onto a government computer with the approval of the DAA, in coordination with the network control center. The DAA has overall responsibility for secure operation of the information system. He or she makes the appropriate decision to balance security requirements, mission and resources against a defined or perceived threat. DAAs must have the resources to expend in support of certification and security countermeasures. The certifying official is appointed by the DAA to assist with the certification and accreditation process. The CO makes technical judgments regarding an information system's compliance with systems security policy, and develops an accreditation recommendation for submission to the DAA. If the information system is a complex or large network, the CO forms and leads a certification team. There are numerous other roles at the wing and MAJCOM levels. It's important to know your roles and responsibilities and who to contact the next time problems arise. Your wing Information Assurance Office can provide additional clarification. 0264. Military family programs can earn cash in Newman contest ROCKVILLE, Md. (AFPN) -- Department of Defense-authorized private organizations that support military families have until April 30 to compete for grants of up to $10,000 in the second annual Newman's Own Award contest. The Newman's Own Co., Fisher House Foundation and the Military Times Media Group co-sponsor the search for groups whose mission is to improve the quality of life in military communities. Volunteer organizations compete for a share of $45,000 in grants. The submission judged most outstanding receives a $10,000 grant. "We believe that no investment pays a higher rate of return than investing in the quality of life of our service men and women and their families," said Arnold Fisher, Fisher House Foundation chairman. To be eligible, organizations submitting plans must be a Section 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, or a private organization as defined in DOD Instruction 1000.15, "Private Organizations on DOD Installations." Applications and procedures are available at www.militarycity.com/award or by calling (888) 294-8560. All applications must be received by April 30. Sponsors awarded $30,000 in grants last year to five organizations, including the Air Force winning program, the Families United "KIDZ PLUS" at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J. Other winners included the Naval Services FamilyLine COMPASS program, which was the top winner; the Enlisted Spouses' Club Outreach Center at Fort Lewis, Wash.; "Operation Hero" sponsored by the Armed Services YMCA at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.; and the Armed Services YMCA serving Coast Guard Housing in Alameda, Calif. The nonprofit Fisher House Foundation operates 27 comfort homes near major military and Veterans Affairs medical centers across the country. It serves more than 6,000 families annually, providing them with a "home away from home" while loved ones receive medical treatment. Four more houses will be built in 2001, to include the first overseas Fisher House Foundation, at the Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany. Newman's Own is the food company started by World War II veteran and actor Paul Newman. His company donates all its profits to charities, and since 1982 distributed $100 million to more than 2,000 charities. Fisher House has been a grant recipient since 1997. Military Times Media Group operates the Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times, Marine Corps Times and MilitaryCity.com. (Courtesy of the American Forces Information Service) 0262. Air Force ROTC increases officer corps through special program by Airman 1st Class Marti Diehl Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) -- This spring the Air Force Officer Accession and Training School here is revitalizing its One-Year Professional Officer Course-Early Release Program to increase the numbers of lieutenants being commissioned into the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps. AFOATS is responsible for 75 percent of the production requirements for lieutenants for the Air Force, said Col. Stefan Eisen, Air Force ROTC commander. Any increases in officer accessions have to be picked up by AFOATS because it is more flexible than the U.S. Air Force Academy's four-year program, which produces the other 25 percent of lieutenants. "The most flexible partner in AFOATS is Officer Training School," Eisen said. "Through its program, it can produce a second lieutenant in 12 weeks. However, there is a capacity limit at OTS." Thus, according to Eisen, it falls to ROTC to meet the need for additional officers by implementing its one-year program. All active-duty enlisted servicemembers who are within one year of completing their bachelor's degree or who might already have a bachelor's and wish to pursue master's degree credits and are recommended by their wing commander, can apply for the program. The program is also open to college seniors who are not sure of their post-graduation plans and might consider the Air Force as a career choice. Civilians who already have a bachelor's degree and are interested in graduate work may also apply. The program application period runs from March 1 to Aug. 1. Those selected for the program before May 1 will attend Air Force ROTC Field Training this summer, and those who are accepted after May 1 but before Aug. 1 will attend field training during summer 2002. ROTC officials prefer to send as many as possible to field training 2001. After completing a full year of aerospace studies with an ROTC detachment and ROTC Field Training, the applicant will be commissioned into the Air Force as a second lieutenant with a four-year service commitment. "On the active-duty Air Force side, we are looking for enlisted members who are within one year of completing their degrees," Eisen said. "These extra-hard working airmen are traditionally exceptional candidates for commissioning." Active-duty enlisted servicemembers who are recommended by their wing commander and selected by the AFROTC board will be discharged from the Air Force and enlisted in Air Force ROTC within 24 hours and become full-time college students. They will attend a full year of ROTC classes and complete field training. If qualified, scholarships will be awarded for tuition and books along with a monthly stipend. "Enlisted personnel bring us their experience and motivation, and in return we give them leadership training in the world's leading Air Force," said Col. J.C. Mann, ROTC Registrar. "It's a win-win situation." This program was implemented to meet the needs of the Air Force, Eisen said. A positive response is expected, and the needs of the Air Force will determine if the program is continued next year. 0261. Community pulls together to assist young Hodgkin's victim by Airman 1st Class Matt Donegan 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. (AFPN) -- When Tech. Sgt. Milton Hallock took his youngest daughter, Kristin, to Walson Air Force Clinic here in June 1999, he never expected it would be a life-changing experience. Kristin was diagnosis with Hodgkin's disease after a biopsy was performed on a lump on her neck. Despite suspecting the possibility his 15-year-old daughter had cancer, nothing could have prepared Milton, or the rest of the Hallock family, for the reality of it. "We were shocked," Hallock said, a member of the 305th Dental Squadron here. "It didn't seem real. When Kristin found out, she got a small tear in her eye and two minutes later she was strong, like it didn't affect her." Hodgkin's disease is a type of cancer that develops in the lymph system -- a part of the body's immune system. The cancer can spread to almost any organ or tissue in the body. Symptoms of Hodgkin's include painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck or underarm area, fever that does not go away, night sweats and weight loss without dieting. After a year of treatment at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pa., Kristin had a recurrence in the form of a baseball-sized tumor. Doctors told her she had a week to a few months to live, but would not make it to the end of the year. "That was July 21 2000 -- the worst weekend of our lives," Hallok said. "Kristin is a strong-willed individual. It's hard for her to keep up her spirits, but she's done it 99.9 percent of the time." Essentially, Children's Hospital doctors had given up, so Milton and his wife, Barbara, took the initiative and began looking for another place to get help for their daughter. They found Parker-Hughes Cancer Center in St. Paul, Minn. Since then, the Hallock's have made several trips to St. Paul for weeks or months at a time, but never know how long they're going to be gone. While the Air Force covers most medical expenses, the cost for vitamins and other over-the-counter drugs as well as money for gas and food comes out of the family's budget. The cost of living for the family can get expensive. Enter Tech. Sgt. John Bosco, 305th DS, and the rest of the McGuire AFB community. Bosco has headed up fund-raisers to lend a helping hand to the family financially since July. For Bosco's latest project -- "Kristin's Sweetheart Dance For Life," the Cookstown Veterans of Foreign Wars post here hosted the event for free, and donated $1,000 to the family. Also, a local restaurant donated 20 pizzas for the dance. "It is great to see the military and civilian community working hand-in-hand," Bosco said. "John is doing a great thing," Hallock said. "He's done everything he could to help us out, and we're real appreciative." It is 2001 now, and Kristin continues to beat the odds that doctors at Children's Hospital gave her in July. Kristin and her family left for Minnesota on recently, and if everything goes as planned, they'll return in three months and Kristin will be done with treatments. "We can't thank everyone enough for all the help that has been sent our way," Hallock said. "We wouldn't be able to go to St. Paul if it wasn't for that. The $300 here or $100 there has helped us get through this. We couldn't have afforded it on our own." (Courtesy of Air Mobility Command News Service) *COPYRIGHT NOTICE** In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. Section 107, any copyrighted work in this message is distributed under fair use without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for nonprofit research and educational purposes only.[Ref. http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml ] Want to be on our lists? Write at [EMAIL PROTECTED] for a menu of our lists! <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/">www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance�not soap-boxing�please! 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