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1799. New munitions dispenser greatly improves accuracy by Jake Swinson Air Armament Center Public Affairs EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) -- For the first time in combat, America's warfighters are dropping cluster bombs contained in wind corrected munitions dispensers against Taliban forces in Afghanistan with what Air Force officials said are devastating effects. A WCMD is a tail kit that is attached to a tactical munitions dispenser, which contains cluster bombs. The cluster bombs are dispersed as the TMD glides over a target. Before introducing WCMDs to the Air Force inventory in April, TMDs were unguided. They often missed the intended target due to pilot error or strong winds, especially when launched from mid to high altitudes, said Col. Ken Merchant, director of Eglin's Area Attack System Program Office. The weapons typically needed to be dropped from low altitudes to be accurate. Air Force combat crews during Operation Desert Storm were exposed to extremely heavy surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery fire when flying low over Iraqi targets, Merchant said. They had to drop their weapons from mid to high altitudes to enhance their chances of survival. When dropped from high altitudes, the strong desert winds made it difficult to achieve accuracy, Merchant said. The targets were often obscured by sandstorms or smoke from oil fires. So, Air Force officials turned to the Air Armament Center here to find a solution. Merchant's system program office experts began a program to develop a guidance kit for cluster munitions in 1996. Pentagon officials estimated it would take 10 to 12 years to get the guidance kit to the warfighters at a cost of $40,000 per kit. Eglin's experts delivered the WCMD to combat aircrews in half that time at a cost of $10,000 per kit, Merchant said. It also exceeded all accuracy and performance requirements. A WCMD can be used on three major weapon systems: the sensor fuzed weapon, the combined effects munition, and the gator aerial mine system. The SFW contains 40 submunitions and is primarily used against massed armour. The B-1B Lancer can carry 30 SFWs, which gives it the potential of attacking 1,200 targets in a single pass. The CEM contains 202 bomblets that scatter over a wide area. These are a mixture of incendiary, anti-personnel, and anti-armor submunitions. The gator TMD scatters a large number of small mines over a large area. The mines can be programmed to self-destruct at a pre-programmed time to prevent needless injuries after their combat usefulness has passed. Introducing the WCMD has greatly improved the weapon's accuracy and reduced collateral damage, Pentagon officials said. "WCMD became one of the greatest success stories in the history of Defense Department munitions acquisition, for which it received this year's (Gen. Bernard A.)/ Schriever award for outstanding program management," Merchant said. 1798. Air Force secretary, chief send holiday greetings by James G. Roche, secretary of the Air Force, and Gen. John P. Jumper, Air Force chief of staff WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- This holiday season marks the end of an emotional year for all Americans; a time reserved for reflecting on past events, counting blessings, and looking to the future and the promise of the new year. While the tragic events of Sept. 11 weigh heavily on the hearts of all Americans, our spirit continues to rise from the ashes of New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. America's abundant blessings are more evident than ever; we now appreciate things once taken for granted. Our nation turned to its military for strength and character during this critical time and America's military again answered her call. As in holidays past, America's airmen can be found across the globe, in more than 115 countries, making a stand for freedom and eliminating the scourge of terrorism. Like all Americans, these airmen cherish holidays spent with family and friends, but faithfully choose to serve their nation. America is blessed by your service. On behalf of a grateful nation, we give thanks for the selfless sacrifice of those who wear the uniform. Know that you and your families are foremost in our thoughts and prayers during this special season. 1803. Servicemembers supporting Enduring Freedom get tax break by Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom will pay little or no federal tax this year thanks to an executive order President Bush signed Dec. 14. The order, effective Sept. 19, 2001, declares that the country of Afghanistan and the airspace above it is a combat zone. It makes servicemembers involved in combat operations in or above Afghanistan eligible for certain tax benefits. The Department of Defense will also certify the eligibility of certain troops outside of Afghanistan to receive these tax benefits. To be eligible, these troops must be directly supporting operations in Afghanistan and must be receiving imminent danger pay or hostile fire pay for reasons related to the Afghanistan operation. In the Internal Revenue Code, different degrees of tax relief exist under the combat zone tax benefits: -- For enlisted people and warrant officers, all compensation for active service earned in a combat zone is tax free. This includes regular basic pay. Special pay, such as re-enlistment bonuses, is also tax free if the servicemember re-enlists in a combat zone. -- For commissioned officers, the monthly tax exclusion is capped at the highest enlisted pay, plus any hostile fire or imminent danger pay received. Therefore, for 2001, the most an officer can earn tax free each month is $5,043 ($4,893, the highest monthly enlisted pay, plus $150, hostile fire or imminent danger pay). The tax exclusion applies only to compensation for active service in the armed forces. Civilians are not eligible. Troops serving in a combat zone are also allowed extra time to file tax returns and to attend to other tax matters. The deadline for taking actions with the Internal Revenue Service will be extended for at least 180 days after: -- The last day the taxpayer is in a combat zone (or the last day the area qualifies as a combat zone). -- The last day of any continuous qualified hospitalization for injury from service in the combat zone. The tax deadline extension also applies to certain civilians serving in a combat zone, such as Red Cross workers, accredited correspondents, and other civilians acting under the direction of the U.S. armed forces in support of those forces. Under the Internal Revenue Code, survivors of servicemembers killed or declared missing in a designated combat zone may receive certain benefits: -- Special filing status if deceased spouse was in a missing status as a result of service in a combat zone. -- Forgiveness of income taxes of servicemembers who die in a combat zone or by reason of combat zone-incurred wounds. -- Reduction in estate taxes for servicemembers who die in a combat zone or by reason of combat zone incurred wounds. -- Survivors may file a joint return if a spouse is in missing status as a result of service in a combat zone. Most states follow the federal lead, but servicemembers should check with unit tax or legal advisers to be sure. Presidents have previously designated combat zones during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the Persian Gulf War and military operations in Kosovo. 1800. 2002 military pay and allowance explained by Staff Sgt. Amy Parr Air Force Print News WASHINGTON -- In the event the fiscal 2002 National Defense Authorization Act is not approved by the end of the year, officials said people should not worry; guidelines are in place. Effective Jan. 1, military pay and allowances will be based on previous statute authority, unless Congress approves the NDAA and the president signs it into law before then. People need to be aware of what changes will be made and pay close attention to January and February 2002 leave and earning statements, said Maj. Shannon Averill, Air Force pay and allowance entitlement policy chief. Without a signed NDAA on Jan. 1, basic pay will increase at 4.6 percent across the board. Averill said this number is based on the fiscal 2000 authorization for military raises to be set at the Employment Cost Index plus .5 percent. If approved, there will be a minimum 5-percent raise across the board. Targeted ranks will see a 6- to 10-percent raise. "These two scenarios are not cumulative," Averill said. "We will only have one pay raise, either the 4.6 percent or the targeted. If the legislative language permits, the fiscal 2002 NDAA rates will be retroactive to Jan.1, 2002." Averill said it is important for people to keep in mind that because the NDAA status for 2002 is unknown, finance officials anticipate late notification to the Defense Finance Accounting Service. "Members may not see the new pay rates in their mid-month (January 2002) pay," she said. "But, they will receive all required pay and allowances as soon as possible." Because fiscal 2002 basic allowance for housing rates are based on fiscal 2001 authorization, new rates will take effect regardless of fiscal 2002 NDAA status. They will be based on an 11.3 percent out-of-pocket cost for the National Median Housing Cost. Averill said out-of-pocket costs will be reduced to zero by 2005. Housing costs are calculated based on median rent plus average utilities and insurance in each local area for rank and dependency stats. The goal of reducing out-of-pocket costs is so people can afford the same level of home, regardless of assignment location, Averill said. "If a particular BAH rate doesn't increase, it's because the local BAH is already set at or below the dollar amount out-of-pocket expense for that grade and dependency status for the same level of housing," Averill said. Housing costs are based on fair-market rentals and not mortgage prices. The separate BAH rate determined by the Secretary of Defense for transition from overseas locations and for reserve component members on periods of active duty less than 139 days will increase 4.6 percent. BAH-differential will also increase 4.6 percent. Like BAH rates, fiscal 2002 basic allowance for subsistence rates are also based on last year's NDAA. On Jan. 1, enlisted people who have graduated basic military training will see an increase in their BAS, raising it to $241.81 a month. In circumstances where a prorated amount must be paid for a partial month, the daily rate will be $7.95. Officer BAS will increase to $166.48 per month. Prorated amounts for partial months will be $5.47 per day. People who currently receive the rations in kind not available may see a decrease in their BAS. RIKNA will terminate Dec. 31 unless the fiscal 2002 NDAA allows it to continue. If approved, the amount will remain $262.50 per month. Averill said overseas and continental U.S. cost-of-living allowances will be adjusted Jan. 1. New rates will be available on the per diem Web site. Also based on the fiscal 2001 NDAA is the family subsistence supplemental allowance. "Beginning Feb. 1, 2002, all FSAA payments need to be recertified using new 2002 pay and allowance tables," Averill said. "To ensure there aren't pay gaps in payments, recertifications can be made between Jan. 2 and March 2, 2002." Tables for 2002 military pay and allowances should be posted on the Internet by the end of the year. For more information, check out www.dfas.mil and www.dtic.mil. Questions should be directed to local finance offices. 1802. Air Force selects future test pilots by 2nd Lt. Dan Bernath Air Force Flight Test Center Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- A U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School selection board announced its selection of 31 students and 11 alternates to take part in the service's test pilot program. The board met at the Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, in November. The test pilot school students rate among the world's top combat pilots, engineers and navigators. During the 48-week course, students repeatedly prepare for and conduct test flights. Most of those selected will attend the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School here. Two Air Force selectees have been chosen to attend the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md. Three will attend the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, for an engineering master's degree before reporting here in January 2004. "The TPS selection board was very pleased with the high quality of its applicants," said Col. George Ka'iliwai III, TPS commandant and board chairman. "The selectees have near-perfect flying records, show tremendous leadership potential and have high undergraduate and graduate grade point averages." Prior to viewing the applications, TPS recomputes the applicant's undergraduate grade point average by considering only technical courses like engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics and chemistry. The average technical undergraduate GPA for selectees is 3.54 on a four-point scale. All but two selectees have technical master's degrees with an average GPA of 3.74, and two selectees have doctorates in technical fields with an average GPA of 3.88. Of the 31 selectees, six are distinguished graduates of Squadron Officer School. "TPS normally attracts the Air Force's best and brightest who want to pursue careers in flight-testing and weapons acquisition," said Ka'iliwai. "This year was no exception." For the complete list of selections and alternates visit the Air Force Personnel Center Web site at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil 1804. NCO, officer earn top aircraft generation award by Staff Sgt. A.J. Bosker Air Force Print News WASHINGTON -- Capt. Brian Stuart from the 33rd Rescue Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and Senior Master Sgt. Andres Alvarez from the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein AB, Germany, received the 2001 Gen. Lew Allen Jr. Trophy during a Dec. 14 Pentagon ceremony. The award, named in honor of Gen. Lew Allen Jr., the 10th chief of staff of the Air Force, recognizes sustained job performance, job knowledge, proven leadership, direct sortie involvement and other military qualities. Among Stuart's achievements as the 33rd RQS's maintenance officer, he had his people focus on basic maintenance practices and accountability resulting in the highest annual quality assurance pass rate out of five flying squadrons. His contributions led to an "outstanding" rating for aircraft generation and regeneration during the 2001 Pacific Air Forces Initial Response Readiness Inspection. Stuart's leadership yielded an abort rate of only 4.5 percent and a 91-percent flying scheduling-effectiveness rate for fiscal 2000. Also, because of his efforts, the squadron's maintainers won the 2000 Air Force Maintenance Effectiveness Award in the rotary wing category. Alvarez's guidance as lead production superintendent of the 37th AS resulted in 180 maintainers generating 3,376 sorties and 7,829 flying hours, spanning airlift operations in 39 countries. Facing many maintenance challenges that come with a 38-year old C-130 Hercules fleet, Alvarez was able to balance operational demands to produce an 81.8-percent mission capable rate while maintaining a 100-percent maintenance scheduling effectiveness rate for six consecutive months. His contributions helped the squadron earn an "excellent" rating during the United States Air Forces in Europe's 2000 Functional Inspection and led to its selection for the 2000 Air Force Maintenance Effectiveness Award. 1801. Academy staff, students streamline Gunships by Staff Sgt. Jason Tudor Air Force Print News COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Orbiting low and slow over enemy territory, the prop-driven flying Air Force artillery division known as the AC-130 Gunship riddles its foes with a shower of 25-mm bullets, and pounds them with cannon rounds. Because it flies in circles, the hail of ammunition is continuous, nightmarish and demoralizing, all traits American battlefield commanders find "cool" in their weapons' systems. Unfortunately, the Gunship soars with one not-so-cool trait discovered in 1996 by Air Force Special Operations Command crews and U.S. Air Force Academy cadets. It flies like a block of granite. Protruding objects on the specialized aircraft add 50 percent more drag than an unmodified C-130 Hercules. Drag reduces air speed, uses more fuel and steals time on target from the Gunship's 13-airmen crew. It also means it has to fly closer to enemy weapons fire. Enter 36 cadets and one aeronautical engineering professor at the academy. They just wrapped up a four-year-long study to streamline the fleet of H-model and U-model Gunships. The $133-million H model, or Spectre, has flown since the Vietnam War. The $190-million U model, or Spooky, rolled out in 1995. There are about two dozen Gunships in the Air Force inventory. After tweaking, prodding and testing hundreds of drag modifications, the cadets' work resulted in modifications to both models. When fully implemented, they could result in a 30-minute increase in flying time and a 2,000-foot increase in ceiling for the AC-130H. For the Spooky, it could mean a 22-minute increase in flight time and a 1,500-foot rise in the ceiling. About 50 percent of the changes proposed to the Spectre have been made. Funding is still pending for modifications to the newer Spooky. Retired Lt. Col. (Dr.) Tom Yechout, a professor of aeronautical engineering at the academy, spearheaded the project. He said providing a safer, better flying aircraft -- especially now that he knows those crews are deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom -- made perfect sense. "What's satisfying to us," Yechout said, "is that we have airplanes supporting current operations that are modified and are flying with less drag because of what happened here." Created from a "slick," or unmodified C-130, the Gunship's left side fuselage is loaded with heavy weaponry, including guns and cannons. It is also equipped with a number of sensors and communication gear, including TV cameras to pick out friend or foe on the ground. During a typical mission, the Gunship flies, or loiters, in an orbit above a selected area, shooting bad guys and supporting good guys. "There were a lot of things sticking out of the Gunship that didn't have a lot of thought from an aeronautical standpoint," Yechout said. Most of the academy team's work took place during more than 500 hours of testing in the engineering department's subsonic wind tunnel using two resin and metal 1/48th scale models, much like those available to consumers in a hobby store. The team focused on the Spectre from 1996 to 1998 and was later asked by the systems program office at Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Ga., to study the Spooky. The professor and his group of student engineers were under a number of constraints. They could not move anything and they could not affect the Gunship's functionality. Further, the modifications had to be fairly inexpensive. "For aeronautical engineers reducing drag, it would have been really nice to move a couple of things," Yechout said. "That just wasn't in the ground rules." Yechout said the H-model Gunship held the most potential for streamlining. There were more unused systems that could be removed. "Initially, the depot thought it was easier for them to leave the unused components on the airplane," Yechout said. "They figured it wasn't costing them anything. Our wind tunnel tests really opened their eyes." For instance, the Spectre used to have two 20-mm Vulcan cannons (removed so the plane could fly higher) and a radar system called a Black Crow (a relic of the Vietnam War). The cannons and the Crow had long since been removed, but the radome for the Crow and fittings for the cannons remained. The Academy team proposed removing the radome and creating fairings for each fitting. On the U model, the forward-looking infrared radar provided an interesting challenge, Yechout said. The radar itself was mounted in a circular base, but encased in a large metal cube near the left side of the nose of the Gunship. Large metal cubes, it seems, do not do well aerodynamically, Yechout said, especially when they are mounted on the front of aircraft. As a result, the academy team created a more streamlined fairing to hide the cube and cut down drag. Innovation aside, Yechout said much of their satisfaction came from their work supporting the operational crews in the field (The academy is involved in more than 15 applied research projects with the service). "The biggest thing was helping the guys in the field. Maj. Greg Anders is one of those who will benefit from the modifications. An AC-130 pilot, Anders is also the 18th Flight Test Squadron's Gunship branch chief at Hurlburt Field, Fla. He said the research and work made a difference. "It's important because it provides information for us and gives the students an opportunity to see how things work in the field," said Anders, who has flown Gunships for 10 years. "It provided them a unique opportunity." Second Lt. Scott Chadsey was one of the 36 students who contributed to the Gunship modifications. The aeronautical engineering major started work as a junior and immediately saw the benefits of the project. The lieutenant was so motivated he stayed behind to finish the project on "casual" status after he was commissioned. The work also influenced Chadsey, now an undergraduate pilot training student at Vance Air Force Base, Okla., to work for a slot as an AC-130 pilot. "Knowing that it would help our guys now was what made the project interesting," the 2000 graduate said. "It wasn't something theoretical. We knew it was something that would have a direct effect today. There was a real sense of accomplishment once it was done." Yechout said the entire experience caused him to learn more about what the field is interested in from its military scientists. It also caused him to think in different directions. "If you've got less drag, you use less power, you have a cooler exhaust and there's less chance of that heat-seeking missile picking you up," Yechout said. "They don't want to go faster. It's about crew safety, time on target, less fuel used and a smaller infrared signature. That's what counts." 1797. Reserve band adds patriotic flair to Disney parade ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) -- Christmas came early for thousands of cheering guests at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom on Dec. 5, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The Band of the Air Force Reserve participated in Disney's Magic Kingdom Christmas Parade for an upcoming ABC television special, hosted by Regis Philbin. The two-hour program will air Dec. 25 on ABC, 10 a.m. EST and 7 a.m. PST. "I first received the call about asking our band to do this during our Operation Seasons Greetings tour to Europe," said Dave Ballengee, the band operations officer. "We were tired and cold, but the idea of being a part of Disney's Christmas Day Parade kind of warmed us up." The band traveled by bus for eight hours from its home here to Florida to tape its portion of the program to be aired on Christmas Day. A production crew from Los Angeles recorded patriotic standards on a back lot, then videotaped the band members as they marched through Liberty Square and the Hall of the Presidents in full military dress, led by the Bagpipe and Drum Corps. Fifty-three members of the band, plus people from the Robins Honor Guard, participated in the parade. Bandsmen and technicians had already spent an average of 85 days on the road during 2001, performing at more than 500 venues. ABC was looking for a military band, in uniform, to perform the patriotic portion of the program. Planet Grande, the production company contracted by ABC, offered to pay for the band's lodging, greatly reducing operational costs for the trip. Company representatives praised the band members' talent and professionalism. "Our producer expressed to me that the band was outstanding and their taping was a highlight of the week," said Bob Radock, Disney's entertainment director. "We were proud Americans watching the band's performance here at Walt Disney World Resort." "I just watched the rough cut of the Band of the Air Force Reserve and must say this is one of the more moving performances I have witnessed in many years," said John Fitzgerald from Planet Grande. "The crowd's emotional reaction to the bagpipe-enhanced version of God Bless America will give our viewers a sense of comfort and pride." Although the unit serves primarily in the southeastern United States, the Band of the Air Force Reserve has traveled throughout the world. Performances include the Peace Victory Day Parade in Moscow; the Victory in Europe Day Parade in St. Petersburg, Russia; U.S. Capitol functions; and the Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service) 1796. Military people have new options for leisure travel by Staff Sgt. Scott Leas Air Mobility Command Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFPN) -- Air Force people around the world now have greater opportunities to travel through a new full-services travel agency provided by the Air Force Services Agency's Information, Tickets and Travel offices. Although ITT offices themselves are not new, their new direction as a travel agency is. What was once done at many Air Force bases by the leisure travel section of the traffic management office is now done by the ITT office. In May, the activation of full-travel service by ITT offices at various Air Force installations was started with plans for all bases to be online by 2003. Unlike Internet travel agencies, ITT offices have trained professionals who assist customers with all their travel needs while ensuring they get the best military discount rates available, said Denise Lanier, ITT program manager for Air Force Services. "This new program is designed to offer a full range of travel services," she said. "The services include airline, cruise ship and rental car reservations, which ITT can make for their customers." This service is not limited to people who are planning an extended vacation at a distant location. ITT offices also offer local tours and information on attractions within their local area. "Our program goal is to support customers as they plan their leisure-time activities, whether it is around the corner or around the world," said Lanier. "We want to help our customers obtain the lowest possible military pricing in travel arrangements and entertainment ticket venues." Customers who do not have ready access to an Air Force ITT office also have the option to obtain travel services through "AFtravelonline.com," at www.aftravelonline.com. *COPYRIGHT NOTICE** In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. 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