-Caveat Lector- WJPBR Email News List [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peace at any cost is a Prelude to War! 0239. Official Air Force Web site sets new record in 2000 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The Air Force's redesigned Web site, Air Force Link, registered a record number of users for 2000, and continued the trend into January. The site was accessed 114,722,964 during 2000, up from 102,540,034 in1999. The site averaged 2,206,211 accesses per week. Growth was attributed to a complete redesign introduced last year. Record usage continued into January when 2,704,716 page downloads were registered for the week of Jan. 28. "Our biggest successes came from putting direct access to the news on the front page -- print, TV, radio and Link Plus -- as well as a consistent, easy-to-use navigation model," said Staff Sgt. Jason Tudor, news technology specialist for Air Force public affairs. "The combination of both, plus great content, really elevated our numbers and brought in some new folks who may have never experienced Air Force Link before." The new format debuted Sept. 27 and includes a redesigned U.S. Air Force Online News. The redesign marked a milestone in the Air Force's efforts to modernize the site, said Brig. Gen. Ron Rand, director, Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs. "With more than 2 million pages being accessed weekly, Air Force Link is a proven resource that is evolving with changing technology," Rand said. Air Force leaders expect usage to remain high in the coming months. "We're working to improve the user's experience by consolidating nearly 1,000 Air Force sites with one look and feel," said Capt. Laurel Scherer, chief of technology integration for Air Force public affairs. "With an automated content management system, it will be much easier for our managers to provide the latest news and information. We also plan to include more value-added services to the public in the future," she said. Air Force Link can be reached at www.af.mil. 0235. C-130 mishap pilot offered nonjudicial punishment MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N. J. (AFPN) - Twenty-First Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. George N. Williams, offered nonjudicial punishment proceedings under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice to Captain Darron A. Haughn Feb. 16. Haughn was the pilot of a C-130 aircraft that impacted the ground short of the runway in December 1999 at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, killing three military passengers and injuring seven others. "This decision comes after a lengthy personal review by General Williams, based on the recommendations of Brig. Gen. Paul J. Fletcher, the 314th Airlift Wing commander at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., as well as the recommendations of a military judge who conducted a pretrial investigative hearing and the accident investigation board report," said Capt. Jeff Glenn, Air Mobility Command spokesperson. Haughn has three duty days, unless he requests an extension, to accept the offer of nonjudicial punishment proceedings or demand trial by court-martial. If he accepts nonjudicial punishment proceedings, he is entitled to present his case to Williams, who will then determine whether he committed any offense, and if so, whether he should be punished and what punishment to impose. Punishment options which may be imposed by Williams under Article 15 include a reprimand, forfeiture of one half pay for two months, 30 days arrest in quarters and/or 60 days restriction, or various combinations of those punishment actions. Generally, details of Article 15 proceedings are protected by the Privacy Act and the actual punishment imposed, if any, may not be disclosed. (Courtesy of AMC News Service) 0237. AAFES tests program to eliminate social security numbers on checks DALLAS, Texas (AFPN) -- In today's financial climate, where the issue of personal privacy is of the utmost importance, the issue of Social Security numbers on checks is fast becoming a major concern among shoppers everywhere. Many contend that the use of Social Security Numbers on checks is an open invitation for identity theft. Currently, AAFES cashiers enter the Social Security number of the sponsor printed on the check. The numbers are either pre-printed or must be printed somewhere on the check by hand prior to cashing. In an effort to eliminate the need for Social Security Numbers on checks, AAFES has set up a three-phase process. The first phase was a pilot "proof-of-concept" test conducted in November at five sites on three military installations. These included the AAFES store in Dallas; the service station and shoppette at Fort Sam Houston, Texas; and the service station and shoppette at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Under the new system, the Social Security number of the person presenting the check will be entered. This will be accomplished by taking the Social Security number off the presenter's ID card. The Social Security Number will not be required to be shown on the check. The check will be scanned to obtain the routing number, account number and check number. The testing period for this second phase, what AAFES calls its "Check Acceptance Test," began in early February at the exchanges in San Antonio and is expected to run through the end of the month. If the program goes as expected, a world-wide rollout is planned to start in early April. "It is AAFES' policy to take every practical step to ensure the privacy of the service members, retirees and the family members we serve," said Tim Bailey, AAFES management information systems fiscal support branch chief. "AAFES has made this commitment as a part of our mission to better serve our customers throughout the world." 0233. Langley airman sentenced for drug use LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- A board of officers found Airman 1st Class Stephanie Collins guilty of multiple uses of ecstasy in a general court-martial here Feb. 15. Collins was sentenced to 30 days confinement, 90 days hard labor without confinement, 60 days restriction, reduction in rank to the grade of E-1 and loss of $100 in pay per month for five months. Maximum punishment for these charges in a general court-martial is forfeiture of all pay and allowances, confinement for five years and a dishonorable discharge. 0234. Mildenhall airman convicted of drug use, sentenced ROYAL AIR FORCE STATION MILDENHALL, England (AFPN) -- Airman 1st Class Marco A. Pena Jr was found guilty of illegal drug use and sentenced to reduction to airman, 15 days confinement, and a bad conduct discharge, here, Feb. 14. During the special court-martial hearing, Pena Jr. pled guilty before a military judge and a jury of officers to two specifications of violation of Article 112a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice for use of the controlled substances marijuana and ecstasy. 0231. Osan looks at new ways to protect against chemical, biological attacks by Master Sgt. John Norgren 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea (AFPN) -- How Department of Defense installations protect themselves against and react to future chemical and biological attacks could be influenced by the results of exercises held here over the next three years. The first of these Restoration of Operations exercises began Feb. 10 and ended Feb. 16. About 450 DOD observers were here to observe how 51st Fighter Wing members recover from chemical and biological warfare attacks, and then resumed combat operations. The weeklong Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration established a baseline for the five-year, $58 million testing program. "It's intended to identify off-the-shelf chemical and biological defense technology that can be adopted to improve existing procedures at fixed military sites, particularly airports and air bases," said Maj. Steve Stallings, RestOps operational manager. RestOps goals include: -- Finding ways to protect personnel and equipment before an attack; -- Detecting, identifying and warning of chemical and biological attack; -- Decontaminating people and personal equipment; -- Determining the extent of contamination; -- Decontaminating critical equipment and facilities necessary to restore and sustain operations; and, -- Determining chemical and biological attack impacts on key operations like fighter sortie generation, timed phased forces deployment flow, medical operations, logistics and noncombatant evacuation operations. The RestOps process starts with a baseline exercise that is very similar to routine local Initial Readiness Response Inspection or Combat Employment Readiness Inspection. While the exercise participants deal with the clean up and recovery after simulated chemical and biological attacks, the RestOps team documents what they do and how they do it. The team's intent is to do that on a "non-interference basis." To do this, RestOps staff will observe scenario events, take notes, fill in forms, photograph, videotape, and do what's necessary to get a snapshot of how things are being done right now, said Karen Merritt from Detachment 1, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center. Merritt, the RestOps Military Utility Assessment Integrated Process Team demonstration manager and chair, is the leader of the team responsible for assessing RestOps technologies and procedures, and managing the execution of all RestOps operational assessment events. While RestOps observers are a visible presence during an exercise, exercise participants are told to act like they are not there. RestOps is co-sponsored by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency in Washington, and U.S. Pacific Command located at Camp Smith, Hawaii. The next step in test program will be during a Pacific Air Forces inspector general inspection here March 12 to19. The 8th Fighter Wing at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, will also participate in the inspection. Although the exersise tests take place in the Republic of Korea, the RestOps focus has DOD implications. During the observation period, RestOps team members will focus on post-attack recovery procedures, personnel and equipment decontamination processes, and the medical flow of contaminated casualties, said Michael Glass, RestOps Technology Test Integrated Process Team chairman. Among the items being considered are: -- Skin decontaminants and protectants; -- Mass decontamination systems; -- Personal protective equipment like filtration systems, hoods, masks and protective suits; -- Early warning chemical and biological detectors detection equipment; -- Protective coverings, decontamination systems, decontaminants and other decontamination products; -- Logistics planning tools designed to help commanders better prepare for chemical attacks, equipment covers; and, -- Other barrier materials. "The speed of this process (the Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration) is a major benefit. Not only does the product get in the field quicker, but it's more applicable and fits the user's needs better," said Dr. David Brown, one of the visiting RestOps delegation's shift leads. Under the ACTD concept, if a technology or operating procedure meets an immediate mission need, the host base can incorporate it into its operations almost immediately. "One interesting wrinkle of this process is that if a solution is identified and the equipment is available, Osan can get it on the spot from RestOps if it meets an identified mission need," Glass said. Another RestOps benefit is Osan can keep and immediately use products that improve current operations. "These items were purchased for Osan (by the Defense Treat Reduction Agency) afterwards the base can keep them. Osan won't have to wait for any (approved) technology; it stays right here," Brown said. Even if Osan doesn't choose to accept the tested systems, other military services could still benefit. "Technologies that have an immediate impact on a unit's capabilities or field operating procedures will be fielded throughout Pacific Command and other supporting commands for up to two years," Brown said. Likewise, when RestOps is complete, improved concepts of operation and lessons learned during the ACTD will be incorporated into joint and multi-service publications," Stallings said. "ACTD's are nice because you can focus on a single aspect of a DOD mission," Glass said. "This lets you to target specific technologies to fix identified needs. That's the beauty of ACTD." (Courtesy of Pacific Air Forces News Service) 0236. William Cathay -- a one-of-a-kind Buffalo Soldier by 1st Lt. Michelle Frempong 321st Missile Squadron F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. (AFPN) -- Born a slave in 1842 to wealthy farm owner in Jefferson City, Mo., William Cathay would prove to be exceptional figure in American history. Along with several other slaves, the 13th Army Corps drafted Cathay shortly after the onset of the Civil War. Working as a cook under the Union soldiers, he traveled through cities in Arkansas, Louisiana, Washington, Virginia and later returned to St. Louis, Mo. Cathay's travels helped him developed a keen understanding and appreciation for the military. This experience would prove to be an invaluable asset in his future endeavors. Following the end of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, Congress created six all-black military units. They became known as the Buffalo Soldiers. It was a name of honor and respect given to them by the plains Indians due to their demonstrated strength, courage and perseverance as soldiers in combat, as well as their ethnic physical trait of short, black and curly hair. At the time of his enlistment, a physician's gave Cathy a limited medical assessment and cited him as being 5'9" with black skin, black eyes and black hair. At the time he was determined fit for duty. After his assessment, Cathay joined the ranks as a private in Company A of the 38th U.S. Infantry, which was commanded by Capt. Charles Clarke. Shortly after his enlistment, Cathay contracted small pox and was hospitalized. After his recovery, he rejoined his unit stationed in New Mexico. Then on October 14, 1868, Private William Cathay received some shocking news. He was discharged from the U.S. Army Corps having served only two years of his original three-year enlistment. The circumstances of his discharge were not clearly stated, yet Cathay upheld the notion that he had been a good soldier. Cathay once said, "I was never put in the guard house and no bayonet was ever put to my back. I carried my musket and did guard duty and other duties while in the Army." Though unsubstantiated, the discharge remained in place. What distinguishes Cathay's story from other common accounts of service to our country is a bit uncommon. While hospitalized in New Mexico, it was discovered that William Cathay was actually Cathay Williams, masking her identity in order to enlist in the U.S. Army Corps. At the time of her recruitment, the physicians were simply checking for obvious deformities or impairments, so it was not too difficult to understand her entrance into the Army. Furthermore, her height and stature in their unflattering uniforms belied her female characteristics. Williams is the only known female to have served among the Buffalo Soldiers. (Courtesy of Air Force Space Command News Service) 4010. Commentary: Ecstasy wreaks agony on Air Force careers by Maj. Jeffrey Palmer 30th Space Wing Deputy Staff Judge Advocate VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- When a person takes, or "rolls" on, ecstasy, it can be almost like an out-of-body experience. An overwhelming sense of euphoria takes over, with all the senses peaked to maximum capacity. Ordinary things take on extraordinary dimensions. For some, ecstasy sounds pretty cool. But what is really happening when you take ecstasy? Ecstasy, or methylenedioxymethamphetamine MDMA, is a powerful chemical compound which harms neurons that release serotonin, a chemical in the brain that is thought to play an important role in regulating memory and other functions. Ecstasy also increases your heart rate and body temperature and can lead to severe dehydration. At the University of California at Santa Barbara, a student recently died of cardiac arrest during her first and only use of ecstasy. Also, the muscles in the jaw contract involuntarily, causing teeth grinding. Frequently, the cheek lining and tongue are chewed without the user realizing it, so an infant pacifier is a standard piece of the drug user's paraphernalia. In people who use ecstasy, the lasting effects include significant impairments in visual and verbal memory, impairments in other cognitive functions, such as the ability to sustain attention or reason verbally. The first studies of the neurotoxic effects of ecstasy occurred more than seven years ago on research animals. Today, the animals are brain damaged. One conclusion drawn from these studies is that the effects of ecstasy are long-lasting and possibly permanent. Perhaps some are willing to put their body through that experience and risk the dangers of side effects, but at what personal cost? At Vandenberg, there were five ecstasy courts-martial last year. There were also a few ecstasy users who received Article 15 punishments and discharges. Each of those young people's lives has changed forever. I seriously doubt that any of them considered the full impact ecstasy would have on their careers or their futures when they "rolled." In 2000, the number of ecstasy investigations conducted by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations increased by more than 400 percent from 1999. Air Force-wide, the number of positive urinalysis tests for ecstasy increased by more than 200 percent from 1999. While it has quickly become the drug of choice for young people across the country, it's now encroaching on the Air Force. Where does it all end? Well, if you're in the Air Force it has to end here and now. Education is one of the keys to deterring illegal drug use by our people. Everyone needs to understand the consequences of ecstasy use -- not just the physiological consequences to the body and brain, but the personal consequences to his or her Air Force career and to his or her aspirations for the future. Could a few moments of ecstasy ever be worth that? 4011. Commentary: Celebrating Washington, the leader by Maj. Gen. William A. Moorman Judge Advocate General WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- One of my favorite quotes is from the pen of George Washington. "Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all." These words provide a clear and forceful explanation of why we work so hard to help commanders maintain good order and, of course, discipline, within their units. The quote comes from a letter Washington wrote to his regimental officers in 1757 when he was a colonel commanding the Virginia militia. That letter reveals much about the kind of commander he was, and it lays out amazing parallels between his day and ours. As we celebrate President's Day, I'd like to talk about some of Washington's thoughts. The letter starts with a mission statement, "Gentlemen: The principal end proposed in sending you to the post to which you are ordered is to protect the inhabitants of those posts, and to keep them if possible easy and quiet." Have you seen any mission statements more direct and effective than that? I found this passage to be enlightening because it reveals that mission statements are not simply the product of modern management programs; rather, they are time-tested devices that help focus an organization's efforts. The rest of the letter could serve as a primer on military leadership and management. Washington was adamant that his troops avoid interfering with private property rights (i.e., horses), unless the "interest of the Service indispensably requires it." He enjoined against his troops making unauthorized treaties and was a stickler for maintaining an accurate paper trail regarding expenditures. The letter laid out how provisions should be distributed and defined who had what authority to issue them. He went on to address proper military appearance and readiness and described how the duty to monitor these areas might be delegated. However, he was quick to point out that delegation was not an excuse to neglect this duty. In other words, he believed in delegation of tasks, but not delegation of overall responsibility. Colonel Washington specified requirements for regular reporting on manpower, weapons and equipment (he didn't use the terms "metrics" or SORTS but the concept was the same). He made it clear that he wanted to be apprised "of all material occurrences in your quarter." Sound familiar? He addressed funding limitations regarding military construction and repairs. Two paragraphs were devoted to military justice procedures, including the need to comply "exactly" with the Articles of War and the rules and customs of the Army. Another passage is worth quoting because it illustrates his expansive view of military duties and deportment. "You are to use every imaginable precaution to prevent irregular suttling, licentious swearing and all other unbecoming irregularities and to neglect no pains or diligence in training your men (when off duty) to the true use and exercise of their arms; and teaching them in all other respects, the duties of their profession." Apparently, he believed that to be able to teach, one must learn. In the "strongest manner" he urged his staff to "devote some part of your leisure hours to the study of your profession, a knowledge in which cannot be attained without application; nor any merit or applause to be achieved without a certain knowledge thereof." Today we urge our Air Force professionals to understand the greater Air Force in order to more effectively serve. I took away two main lessons from this letter. First, George Washington paid great attention to detail yet always kept his eye on the big picture, the welfare of his troops, his organization's mission and the ultimate purpose of the military. Second, despite our living in a world dramatically different from his, the essentials of an effective military force remain the same -- protecting people and property with a disciplined, ready and well-trained force, operating under the rule of law. Some lessons are simply timeless. Send this email to friends and colleagues so they can subscribe at http://afproducts.ease.lsoft.com/archives/usafonlinenews.html *COPYRIGHT NOTICE** In accordance with Title 17 U. S. C. 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