-Caveat Lector- WJPBR Email News List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peace at any cost is a Prelude to War! 1136. Cops graduate from second countersniper school by Staff Sgt. Jason Tudor Air Force Print News CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, Ark. -- Eight airmen and three Naval Academy cadets graduated Aug. 16 from the Air Force countersniper course here, ending more than two weeks of physical and mental training. The course, taught by National Guard Sniper School instructors here, is the second of its kind to be taught to airmen. It provides fundamental countersniper techniques for air base defense, including reconnaissance techniques, target distance measurement, and memory and marksmanship skills. The Army accredited National Guard Sniper School, established in 1993, provides a variety of services for the Defense Department, teaching classes across the spectrum of sniper training to all services. The countersniper course is part of a pilot program for the Air Force. Airmen in this class came from the 16th Special Operations Wing's Defender Challenge team, a group of security forces personnel, that was eager to tackle the challenge of the countersniper course. "It's good training. We thought we were going to come here and learn how to fire a weapon, but it's so much more than that," said Senior Airman Todd Tomlinson, one of the course graduates. "I've learned a lot doing this and more about air base ground defense." Instructors of the course bring together a diverse background of shooting specialties from Air Force, Army and Marine Corps backgrounds. The entire school cadre emphasized the countersniper aspect of the course -- that is, the sniper's role in air base defense -- which is not a traditional Army or Marine sniper's job. Instructor Chief Master Sgt. Mark Hughes emphasized the sense of urgency every student needs to have during the instruction. "Stress is the biggest challenge, but most of that is self-induced," Hughes said. "We've had students quit because it was just too much on them." Hughes also emphasized the relationship between the interchangeable positions of shooter and the spotter. "Here they are equal, but usually the spotter is the most experienced," he said. "The guy on the gun doesn't do anything unless the spotter tells him to. The most important part of these guys is the spotter because if he misses the first round, it's his job to make him hit on the second round." The students qualified shooting Army M-24 rifles on targets between 300 and 1,000 meters away. They also qualified firing the Barrett .50 caliber rifle, which can reach targets at ranges of more than 2,000 meters. They were required to fire in day and night settings. In addition, students were required to score 70 percent or higher on the Army physical fitness test, memory tests and shooting scores to pass. 1141. Iraqi forces threaten coalition aircraft STUTTGART-VAIHINGEN, Germany (AFPN) -- Iraqi forces threatened Operation Northern Watch coalition aircraft Aug. 17 by firing anti-aircraft artillery from sites north of Mosul. Coalition aircraft were also targeted by Iraqi radar while conducting routine enforcement of the northern no-fly zone. Coalition aircraft responded to the Iraqi attacks by delivering ordnance on elements of the Iraqi integrated air defense system. All coalition aircraft departed the area safely. Coalition aircraft have been enforcing the northern no-fly zone for more than 10 years. Officials at U.S. European Command here said that since Dec. 28, 1998, Saddam Hussein has opted to challenge this enforcement by firing at coalition aircraft with surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft artillery and by targeting them with radar. Operation Northern Watch aircraft respond in self-defense to these threats, while continuing to enforce the no-fly zone, officials said. 1134. Test Pilot School application deadline draws near by Leigh Anne Bierstine Air Force Flight Test Center Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- The deadline is drawing near for people planning on applying for a position at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School here. Training at the school lasts 48 weeks, and recent graduates walked away with 1,200 sorties in more than 38 different types of U.S. and foreign fighter, trainer and transport aircraft. For those interested in the daily and often hourly challenges of the flight test world, the school's selection board is accepting applications for classes beginning in July 2002 and January 2003. Applications must reach the Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, no later than Sept. 21 to meet the next selection board convening Nov. 5 through 9. Both experienced pilots and engineers are eligible to apply for what some call the ride of their lives -- training in the latest methods of flight testing and systems evaluation. Depending on their background, students graduate from either the experimental test pilot course or the experimental test navigator/engineer course; however, all students attend the same academic classes involving more than 520 hours of flight-test academics, officials said. The two courses are highly integrated to foster cooperation and understanding among all test team members. Applicants need to be preparing their application packages now, said Col. George Ka'iliwai, the school's commandant. "Our goal at the USAF Test Pilot School is to take the world's best pilots, navigators, and engineers, and produce the world's best experimental test pilots, flight test navigators, and flight test engineers," Ka'iliwai said. "Because of the high caliber of the students entering TPS, almost 200 of our graduates have gone on to the stars, either as astronauts or general officers." Students begin with the performance phase of the course but soon find themselves engaged in flying qualities, systems, and test management phases. These four areas form the foundation for students who implement their knowledge in real-world test programs prior to graduation. "They are now armed with the most extensive and intensive training of its kind in the world," Ka'iliwai said. Recent test management projects run by students include the testing of a liquid-filled, full-body, anti-gravity suit and the evaluation of a new symbol set to assist pilots using helmet mounted displays. To better align the school's selection process with that of the overall Air Force assignment system, applications for this year's board are due three months earlier than in the past. For more information on the school visit http://www.edwards.af.mil/tps/ 1135. Heart problems attributed to trainee's death MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) -- An investigation into the death of Officer Trainee Angel A. Castro Jr., who collapsed July 2 here, found the cause of death were two severely blocked arteries. The blocked arteries hindered the supply of blood to the heart and caused a slightly enlarged heart. Castro was in his sixth week of the 12-week officer training program, which began May 29. Before coming to OTS, he was an avionics technician at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. He had been in the Air Force 15 years and attained the rank of technical sergeant. Castro had completed a self-paced, not timed, routine physical conditioning run at the school track and collapsed at about 5:50 a.m., July 2. CPR was administered immediately, and an ambulance transported him to Jackson Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:40 a.m. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and Officer Training School classmates of Angel Castro," said Lt. Gen. Donald A. Lamontagne, Air University commander. "His presence and leadership will be missed by all who have known him." Lamontagne directed an investigation into the circumstances leading up to Castro's death. 1133. B-2 quick-turn proves combat capability by Tech. Sgt. Dee Ann Poole 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFPN) -- People from the 325th Bomb Squadron made history July 28 and 29 when they flew back-to-back 21-hour sorties in just 45.5 hours using the same aircraft. That aircraft, the B-2 "Spirit of Kansas," performed flybys both days at the Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force Cottesmore, England. The mission let people from the squadron test their combat capabilities. Maintainers performed a quick-turn on the jet in just 3.5 hours, surpassing the Air Combat Command standard of four hours. Meanwhile, aircrews flying the Global Power mission practiced bombing en route while perfecting their endurance in long-distance flight. The crews performed three aerial refuelings, one with a KC-10 Extender and the others with a KC-135 Stratotanker. During the two flights, the B-2 drank 235,000 pounds of fuel. "The flights went well," said Lt. Col. Bob Wheeler, 325th BS commander. Wheeler and Col. Jonathan George, 509th Operations Group commander, flew the bomber July 28. Maj. Scott Trotter and Capt. Chris Larson, also from the 325th BS, performed the July 29 flyover. "We came back Code 1: There were no write-ups," Wheeler said. "It's a true testament to the combat capability of the jet and, most importantly, the crews who maintain it." The quick-turn was a "real team effort," Wheeler said. The aircraft landed July 28 at 6:40 p.m. for the scheduled turn. "It looked like a pit stop at a NASCAR event," he said. "The folks who prepped it did outstanding, ensuring it was performance-ready for the (next) flight." Maintainers performed inspections, refueled the aircraft, checked for foreign object damage and removed the individual safety gear Wheeler and George used for the flight. Senior Airman Eddy Crissen, 325th BS assistant dedicated crew chief, said the goal is to send another safe jet into the air, and that is just what the eight-member quick-turn team did. "It gives me a lot of pride in our aircraft and team," Crissen said. "We work together daily to complete our mission. I'm proud of the 325th team." While the team performed the quick-turn here, maintainers were also ready to catch the jet in England should it need to land. "We put together the best team available to be ready to catch the jet," said Senior Master Sgt. Bo Baumeister, 325th BS. The England team included nine maintainers, four pilots and two intelligence officers from the 325th and 393rd bomb squadrons. The teams were split into two groups; one stayed at Cottesmore for the flyover and the other went to RAF Mildenhall, England, should the jet be forced to divert. Staff Sgt. Tracie Welling was one of the people who went to England. She is a 325th BS communications, navigations and mission management specialist, and she said it was important for the B-2 to fly over the RIAT at Cottesmore. "It's important to remind people of the B-2's long-range capabilities, which helps with the Air Force's role of deterrence," Welling said. "It's also nice to be able to share the B-2 with our allies" through the flyby, Welling said. RIAT, founded in 1971, is a yearly international air show event featuring 400 aircraft from 35 countries. It is considered one of the world's largest aviation gatherings. This is the second year the B-2 participated in the event. The bomber was met over the Atlantic by two F-15C Eagles from RAF Lakenheath, England. The fighters escorted the B-2 to the air show to prevent foreign aircraft from getting too close, eliminating potential safety issues. Having the air show at Cottesmore lent a historic note to the event, Wheeler said. During World War II, United States bombers were escorted by long-range fighters out of bases like Cottesmore which made the difference in the war. (Courtesy of ACC News Service) 1138. Tuition assistance to increase, include master's degree ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) -- Air Force Reserve Command will increase the maximum amount of assistance and level of course work offered through its Tuition Assistance Program starting Oct. 1. The maximum aid reservists may receive annually will climb from $2,500 to $3,500, and the program will expand studies from a bachelor's degree up to a master's degree. The changes are part of the Reserve's ongoing effort to attract recruits and bolster retention. Unit reservists can learn more about the eligibility requirements and program features from base/wing education and training offices. Individual mobilization augmentees can obtain assistance from Delaina Hull of the military training division at Air Reserve Personnel Center headquarters in Denver. The telephone number is (303) 676-6396 or DSN 926-6396. (Courtesy of AFRC News Service) 1340. Okinawa commander discusses curfews, crime, drugs, noise by Tech. Sgt. Adam Johnston 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Curfews do not work, justice is pursued in criminal acts, gate checks for drug abusers and drunk drivers will continue; and base officials take every possible step to reduce noise at this air base. These statements were made recently by the top Air Force officer on Okinawa. Brig. Gen. Gary L. North, 18th Wing commander, detailed several community efforts and military responses to incidents to local television and newspaper reporters during a media day held here Aug. 15. "Curfews are ineffective," North told media representatives during an hourlong question-and-answer session at the base's Schilling Community Center. North said he took an unemotional look at research into the effectiveness of curfews on the Air Force community. The research focused on crimes committed six months before and after the last curfew was imposed and proved from statistical standpoint, that curfews do not work, he said. "I personally do not think a curfew is effective as a way to curb future incidents, and (effectively) punishes the majority of military members for the indiscretions of a few," he said. "We are always willing to discuss effective ways to curb incidents." While North said he does not support a curfew, he did say that military officials here will continue to work together with the local communities. Efforts to educate troops on behavior off-base and off-duty will continue, he said. For those who do not heed that advice, North said that wayward troops will be "afforded the full (prosecution) opportunities of Japanese law and military justice." Base officials have also been working with local officials in a cooperative effort to uphold the drinking laws of Japan, North said. "We ask that no one underage (off base) is served alcohol," he said. Military officials have asked local officials to impose identification checks on servicemembers who appear underage before serving them alcohol. North recently ordered a civilian and airman to his office for a dressing down after both 19-year-olds had been drinking alcohol served to them off-base at 4 a.m., he said. The drinking age in Japan and on military installations here is 20. Unannounced gate checks like those used during Operation Nighthawk recently are also part of North's plan to deter future drug abuse and drunk driving, he said. Operation Nighthawk -- initiated Aug. 10 at Kadena's Gate 2 -- had security forces stopping nearly 300 people entering the gate between 1 and 4 a.m. to report to a base facility for mandatory drug testing. North clarified his intent with such an initiative. "The U.S. military forces have a very big drug problem with the so called 'club drugs,'" North said. Operations like Nighthawk, North said, will continue to go on so that troops remain drug free. "If you take drugs, we will catch you. Drug use is incompatible with the military mission." When reporters questioned about an alleged rape by a Kadena staff sergeant and an arson committed by a senior airman, North said: "I think we entirely focus too much on individuals who are irresponsible. Each of us clearly regrets incidents such as those." The airman has been prosecuted for arson, and a trial date for the alleged rape case has been set for Sept. 11, North said. "I assure you that irresponsible military members will be dealt with appropriately and swiftly by military commanders," he said. Top military officials are satisfied with the legal processes used in each incident. While acknowledging regrettable incidents, North also told reporters that equally regrettable is that the amount of good that servicemembers do on Okinawa largely goes unreported. "Our (military) community does great work for our community every day," he said. As an example, North cited a recent international baseball tournament with Americans and Okinawa children that virtually went unreported in the local press except for the base newspaper. "Baseball is big in the Japanese and American community," North said. Because baseball is a unifying sport for the both communities, North said media agencies missed a perfect opportunity to tell another side of U.S. military life in Okinawa. By not covering the baseball competition, he said another opportunity to focus on the collective good efforts of the Air Force with the local communities was missed. North also told reporters that the base is in full compliance with noise reduction initiatives agreed upon by U.S. and Okinawan officials. "We of course have an operational requirement and we do fly at night," North said. But flight operations are in compliance with 14 separate noise reduction issues agreed upon by both governments. "We have adapted our landing patterns also to reduce noise on the civilian population surrounding our airfield," he said. "You have my word that we have taken every operational step to reduce noise." 1139. Don't kill your chance of survival by Staff Sgt. Amy Parr Air Force Print News WASHINGTON -- Despite the fact that the annual 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign is winding down for another year, Air Force officials are stressing a single message to airmen stationed around the world: Don't let your guard down -- safety is a 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year proposition. That is the word at the Pentagon as the number of Air Force fatalities reached new levels this year. More Air Force people have lost their lives in 2001 -- 53 airmen to date -- than either of the previous two years. The majority of fatal accidents have occurred in off-duty vehicle accidents. As the 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign enters its last few weeks, Air Force officials are reminding people that safety should be practiced year-round, both on and off duty. Gen. Michael Ryan, Air Force chief of staff, is urging commanders to focus attention on protecting airmen and their families. "Our troops are our most vital asset," he said. "You can have the most modern and reliable equipment, but without people, it is merely machinery. Motor vehicle operations and recreational activities are our top killers and leading causes of serious injuries. We need to focus our efforts to avoid dangerous driving and recreational risk environments. "Any accident is one accident too many," Ryan said. "And while accidents do happen, more can be done to prevent them." The primary causes of death include drinking and driving, failure to wear seatbelts, excessive speed for conditions and violation of traffic laws. "While we can't control the other guy, we can make sure we do the right thing," Ryan said. "Follow basic common sense guidelines -- wear your seatbelt, drive defensively, and if you're going to drink, don't drive." This year's 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign has also seen an increase in on-duty deaths. Four airmen have lost their lives while on the job. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Jim Finch said it is important to not only look out for one's own personal safety, but that of others as well. "Our people make us the best Air Force in the world. It's important that we take care of them," he said. "Watch over your buddies. Make sure they follow proper safety procedures and that they're OK. "Accidents do happen and sometimes they're caused by humans," Finch said. "If there is an accident, do your best to make sure the human error wasn't yours." It is also important for people to exercise caution during the summer heat and not overextend themselves, safety officials said. Drink plenty of water and watch others for warning signs of heat-related illnesses. A little caution now could save a life, maybe even your own, officials said. For more information on historical and summer season mishap information, visit http://safety.kirtland.af.mil. 1137. Operation Stand Down helps homeless vets by Janelle DeGagne Electronic System Center Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. (AFPN) -- Forty volunteers here recently participated in Operation Stand Down, an annual program designed to assist disadvantaged veterans in Boston. Through heat, wind and rain, volunteers served the veterans food and handed out clothes as they talked to them and shared stories. "I love organizing the recruitment of volunteers on base," said Donna Tosi, Hanscom volunteer coordinator. "It feels so good to see volunteers understand the cause by becoming more aware of the hardships the homeless veterans endure." "I tried to talk to as many of the veterans as possible," said 1st Lt. James Fielder, of ESC's office of intelligence. "I was talking to this Army vet who was discharged before Vietnam started," Fielder said. "He pointed to another fellow that had difficulty walking due to some sort of leg injury. The Army vet said, 'I was so lucky to be discharged when I was. I grew up with that fellow. He went to Vietnam. Only his body came back.' I was humbled by this story. I'm so glad I volunteered." Volunteers were able to compare their situations to some of the veterans and sympathize with the veterans' challenges. "In talking to the veterans, I saw that each had their own account of history based on their experiences," said Maj. Lindsay Weber, 66th Mission Support Squadron commander. "They all have families, just like us. They served their country honorably but after that their lives took a very bad turn. It's quite sad to see where they are now." "I volunteered because I felt a sense of duty to give back to the veterans for their sacrifice," said Maj. Eric D'Anna, of ESC's surveillance and reconnaissance section. "These folks are certainly less fortunate, yet they have given so much." Most of the volunteers had a good experience volunteering and have plans to go back next year. "Operation Stand Down needs to continue," D'Anna said. "The vets love it and it helps them so much. Volunteering made me realize how much need there is out there. I need to be involved in the community more. I want to go again next year." *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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