-Caveat Lector- WJPBR Email News List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peace at any cost is a Prelude to War! 0283. Predator missile launch test totally successful by Sue Baker Aeronautical Systems Center Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio, (AFPN) -- Aerospace history was made recently with the successful launch of a live missile from an unmanned aerial vehicle. The Air Force's Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program is evolving from a non lethal, reconnaissance asset, to an armed, highly accurate tank-killer, according to senior program officials from Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base, Va., and Aeronautical Systems Center here. "Capping a three-part series of demonstration flight tests on Feb. 21, Predator successfully aimed and launched a 'live' Hellfire-C, laser-guided missile that struck an unmanned, stationary Army tank on the ground at Indian Springs Air Force Auxiliary Airfield near Nellis AFB, Nev.," said Major Ray Pry, Predator program manager. Flown by a pilot and sensor-operator from the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group at Nellis, who were located in a nearby Ground Control Station, Predator launched the missile using line-of-sight communication, inflicting heavy damage to the tank," Pry said. The final flight, part of the Phase I feasibility demonstration that began in August, was preceded by two similar, completely successful Hellfire launches, Pry said. "This first recorded missile launch from a UAV took place on Feb. 16," he said. "Equipped with a single, inert Hellfire-C missile, the Predator, using its line-of-sight communication band and infrared 'Kosovo' laser-ball, aimed and struck the tank-turret about 6 inches to the right of dead-center, spinning the turret around about 30 degrees. It made a big, gray dent in the turret -- just beautiful." Following that first launch, the Predator/Hellfire launch team reviewed telemetry data and camera footage captured by the GCS crew and a helicopter from the Nellis Range, Pry said. "We wanted to be sure that we had captured what we thought we had seen -- that the stress and loads were within Predator's limits, and that the guides worked perfectly," he said. "With two shots planned for Feb. 21 using both satellite and LOS communications links, we wanted to ensure we could use the satellite link to fire the missile." With the initial weaponization feasibility tests successfully completed, Gen. John Jumper, Air Combat Command commander will review the results to determine when Phase II will begin, said Lt. Col. Tom Carlson, director of ACC's advanced weapons requirements branch. "Phase II will take the Predator/Hellfire combination to more realistic, operational altitudes and conditions, including the challenge of a moving target," Carlson said. "This will complete the demonstration of the objectives we set down at the beginning of this process, to demo the technology, and prove its operational feasibility." There are still some challenges ahead, the colonel said. "We need to do some re-engineering on the missile, to take it up to higher altitudes. Once we're given the 'green light' to proceed to Phase II -- and all indications are that we will - it will require another symphony of players, brought together by Major Pry and his team, to execute the second round of demonstration flights. "The bottom line is that we are taking a Hellfire missile, normally launched from an Army helicopter with its landing-skids 'in the trees,' or from the deck of a sea-borne Navy carrier, flying under 2,000 feet, and asking it to fly at higher altitudes," Carlson said. "The recent Predator launches were done within the normal operating elevations for Hellfire." 0281. Air Force releasing senior master sergeant promotion list March 7 RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- The Air Force plans to release its list of the newest senior master sergeant selectees March 7. Beginning April 1 and over the course of the next year, 1,354 individuals out of 16,203 eligibles will sew on their new stripes. This represents a selection rate of 8.36 percent, an increase from last year's promotion rate of 7.89 percent. Over the past few years, senior master sergeant promotion rates have improved when compared to percentages in the early to mid 1990's, said Air Force personnel officials. For example, 1994's selection rate was just 4.62 percent. The cycle 01E8 Senior Master Sergeant Evaluation Board convened Feb. 5 to 23 at the AFPC here, to evaluate individual records of senior master sergeants eligible for promotion. The average total score of selectees during the cycle was 671.68. Average selectee score breakdowns are: -- 37.55 points, time in grade; -- 20.53 points, time in service; -- 5 points, performance reports; --19.69 points for decorations; -- 69.99 points for U.S. Air Force Supervisory Examination, and -- 388.92 points for evaluation board score. The average selectee has 5.21 years time in grade and 19.42 years time in service. The complete list of selections will be posted on the AFPC home page by 4:30 p.m. CST, March 9. The address is http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil. 0280 Air Force issues moratorium on civilian visitors operating equipment WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- Falling in line with a Department of Defense-wide directive, the Air Force has issued a moratorium on permitting civilian visitors to operate any item of military equipment when such operation could cause, or reasonably be perceived as causing, an increased safety risk. The moratorium is in effect while the Air Force conducts a top-to-bottom review of its policy relative to civilian visitors operating military equipment. Until such time as the review is complete, civilian passengers aboard Air Force aircraft are prohibited from manipulating the controls of the aircraft -- to include on-board systems such as air refueling booms. This policy is effective regardless of how closely service members supervise the civilian visitors, said Air Force officials. Additionally, civilian visitors will not operate any Air Force equipment, such as small arms, shop equipment, aerospace ground equipment, specialized vehicles and any other equipment that requires training to operate, unless they have been specifically trained in the operation of such equipment. This does not mean civilian visitors can not ride aboard equipment, in concert with current Air Force instructions -- it only means they can not operate it, said Air Force officials. Civilian employees, contractor employees, and other civilians who must operate Air Force equipment as part of their assigned duties are not considered civilian visitors and are not covered by this moratorium, officials said. Civilians who are visiting another unit or installation and are not performing their normally assigned duties are subject to this moratorium, as are Air Force family members who are not employed by the service or assigned to a military service. This restriction does not apply to nonappropriated fund equipment, such as go-carts, recreational vehicles, sailboats and motorboats, in use for recreational purposes by service members, civilian employees, retirees, their family members and other authorized patrons. The moratorium does not preclude Air Force units from hosting civilian visitors and giving them the opportunity to see the Air Force at work. Service officials said they want to ensure visitors are able to view and appreciate the Air Force's capabilities in as safe an environment as possible. 0282. First recruit awareness day a resounding success by Chris Zdrakas 78th Air Base Wing ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) -- The 367th Air Force Recruiting Group and people from the base here wrote a new chapter for the "We Are All Recruiters" how-to book with what one recruiter described as a "RAD" idea -- that's RAD as in Recruit Awareness Day. Air Force Recruiting Service has recognized both the awareness day and the Robins recruit mentor program as "best practices". The designation opens the door for recruiters in other areas to adopt similar programs. "They are both creative, innovative ways of getting the base and local recruiters working together," said Sgt. Jeff Young, recuriting service area flight chief. The 78th Air Base Wing joined the leadership of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center and a contingent of area recruiters to bring 35 young adults to Robins to see for themselves what it's like to be airmen. Key to RAD was the presence of airmen who volunteered as mentors to answer questions and talk about the rewards they had found in Air Force careers. The daylong orientation began with a kickoff and a welcome by Col. William Heinen, vice commander of the 78th Air Base Wing, and Col. James P. Stanton, commander of the 367th Recruiting Group. Before it was finished, the young people saw Air Force missions, recreation areas, dormitories and medical facilities, and met with other young people who had signed on as mentors to share their military experiences. The potential recruits sat at the controls of a parked KC-135 Stratotanker, and learned the ins and outs of being a member of the air-to-ground surveillance system known as Joint STARS and associated fields. The recruits then visited security forces, medical personnel, fuels technicians, vehicle maintenance personnel and others. At day's end, they toured the Robins Museum of Aviation and played a game modeled after the popular show in which the grand prize winner takes home $1 million. Stanton said the tours helped young people think about the pathways that are open to them in the Air Force. "It's clear to me that it was a great success," he said. "I hope we can do it again soon. The day was a great demonstration of the cooperation that the entire Robins community has given to the recruiting effort. Together, we are all working really hard to make sure we meet the needs of the Air Force for quality people. Robins is on the ball, and we've received great support -- absolutely fantastic. It was a great day." Many of those attending had signed up under the Air Force's delayed enlistment program. Others were potential recruits who were still in the career exploration stages. The mentors and areas the recruits visited were targeted for the fields in which the Air Force currently needs personnel. Young said it was "a tremendous opportunity" and that the young people appeared enthusiastic. Among the enthusiasts was Ashley McWilliams of Macon, Ga., who is interested in the medical field. She said people talking about the Air Force is what attracted her in the first place. Marcia Brown of Macon, who has an interest in law, said she "liked what the Air Force had to offer." Her parents were both in the Army, and she "wanted to do something different." The recruiters said they expected that some of the young people who were "on the fence" about their careers were now willing to make a commitment to the Air Force. Mentor Staff Sgt. Kenneth F. Shaw of the 653rd Combat Logistics Support Squadron here, seemed to enjoy the day as much as the potential recruits. "Most significantly, it took me back to where I was when I was getting ready for the military," he said. He had intended to stay four years and get an education. He's been in for 12. He said his career has far exceeded his expectations. 4012. Commentary: Should I stay or should I go? by Master Sgt. Jim Perry 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) -- Should I stay or should I go? Easy steps for a talented dancer, but when applying this song to the reality of making the military a career, the steps may get difficult. One might stumble, move the wrong way, or even trip and fall on his or her face. Nearly 20 years ago, I signed on the dotted line. I never regretted it. Having three older brothers who all joined the military, I knew that was what I was going to do. My oldest brother and I both made a career out of the military. I never beat him in rank, although we both held the same rank occasionally. Early in my career, we were both stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Mich. Ironically, we both lived on the same street in base housing. He was a staff sergeant and I was an E-4. When I made staff, he put in for an assignment. It was embarrassing for him to be around his little brother who was now the same rank as he. My brother wasn't dumb. He could test well. But, he did get out of the service for one year, then came back in. I thought he had it made once he was out. He was working for my uncle, getting paid good money. Come to find out, he said money wasn't everything. Security for him and his family was sound while in the Air Force. He didn't have that same sense of security in the "civilian world." I never had a break in service; however, I weighed the pros and cons twice during my career. The bottom line: What company can provide the security, benefits, training, travel, camaraderie and adventure given in today's military, whether it be Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard? I've given a lot toward the military. In turn, the military has given me an equal share, if not more. Imagine the costs associated with having to pay for the delivery of five children, along with the care provided for my family and me. At 20 years I get to retire. I think it's great, but think about it. I was only present for a little more than 18 years of it. You get nearly two years off for leave. I don't know too many companies who, first, let you retire at 20 years, but during the 20 years allow 30 days paid vacation each year. Think about it. Think about all the training. I never dreamed of having all the training provided to me at no cost. I've had four Air Force specialties: security police, supply, student training adviser and public affairs. I've been to instructor school, provided Soviet awareness briefings to non-prior students, journalism school, countless environmental courses and much more. When I got bored, I moved on, not out. I've been assigned to seven different bases, always my first choice. The Air Force provides opportunities for all. Most have heard the saying "Air Force needs come first." Take advantage of it; let it work for you. I have an associate's degree, which wasn't hard or costly. I don't have the G.I. Bill. When I joined back in 1981, I fell under a program called Veterans' Education Assistance Program. Since I never put one dollar into it, I am not entitled to the G.I. Bill. I regret it now, but at the time, education was not my priority. Today, people can get more than $20,000 in educational benefits. I can go on and on. Just think about a few things when making your decision. If you find a company that will provide you with a place to live, three meals a day, free training, 30 days paid vacation annually, medical benefits, retirement at 20 years, paid moving expenses, unlimited travel opportunities and a chance to meet some of the best people from all walks of life, let me know. I retire soon. *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! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. 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