The Air Force recently decided to transition existing Controlled Spend Account travel cards to an enhanced Government Travel Card by the end of fiscal year 2012.

"The CSA, a pilot travel card program, provided some enhancements for travelers, but also brought about significant challenges for our most frequent travelers and those with unique mission sets," said Joan Causey, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Operations. "We recognized that for any travel card program to work, it has to work for all travelers. In the end, we were not satisfied that any proposed changes to the CSA program would get us to the desired state for our most frequent travelers."

The actual transition will occur in August and September and current CSA cardholders should continue to use their cards as normal. The transition strategy allows travelers to continue using their "blue cards" without interruption. The card functionality will be converted to a GTC by CitiBank without the need to get a new card. Also, travelers will once again be provided with a permanent credit limit, and there will be no need to call for "temporary spend limit" increases.

One of the enhancements being pursued for the GTC program will be via the Defense Travel System. Default settings will be changed to automatically align most non-mileage expenses to the card. Additionally, the traveler can split-disburse any residual funds to his/her personal account. Finally, as a carryover from the CSA program, CitiBank will upgrade their GTC online system to allow travelers to request electronic fund transfers of credit balances directly to their bank accounts.

"The CSA to GTC transition plan is already in motion," Causey said. "We're planning a brief test in July to ensure all systems are a go. If all systems perform as expected, roughly 300,000 cardholders will be converted during the August and September timeframe."

CitiBank will not process any early transitions and should not be contacted to do so. For more information, contact the 62nd Comptroller Squadron at 253-982-3945 or 62CPTShelp@us.af.mil.

The Airborne Operations career field is the Air Force Association 2012 Team of the Year, Air Force officials announced April 13.

Annually, AFA recognizes a specific enlisted career field (as well as Airmen in that specialty) that personifies professionalism, technical expertise and leadership.

The following Airmen were selected to represent the airborne operations field for this year's award:

-- Master Sgt. Michael Sailer, 27th Special Operations Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.;
-- Tech. Sgt Scott May, 129th Combat Training Squadron, Robins AFB, Ga.;
-- Senior Airman David Pederson, 489th Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale AFB, Calif.;
-- Senior Airman Kathleen Eliseo, 4th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.; and
-- Senior Airman Jared Kordos, 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron, Tinker AFB, Okla.

Award winners will be recognized in May during a presentation ceremony in Washington, D.C. For more information on Air Force recognition programs, visit the Air Force Personnel Services website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.

Firefighter Anthony Taylor crawled down into the C-17 wing and maneuvered himself into a cramped space. With his arms and legs in various holes within the wing, he was ready - to be rescued.

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord firefighters were participating in confined space training last week. The weeklong class included three days of instruction and two days of hands-on scenarios.

While most of the firefighters have had confined space rescue training in the past, this was the first time some of them had ever practiced in a plane wing. The wing they practiced on is actually one that Air Force technicians train on in the 373rd Training Squadron, Detachment 12 facility on McChord Air Field.

For the JBLM Fire Department, it was important to train their firefighters on Air Force equipment.

"We want to make sure that the Air Force is comfortable with us going into the wings," Fire Chief Dean Dixon said.

Last week's training was the second done this month for 48 firefighters. The remaining firefighters will be trained later by instructors from the department. For those participating last week, the course was a good reminder of the skills they already have, as well as a learning experience.

"We're learning that we have some large firefighters," Capt. Tom Wayne said. "This gives us an idea of our capability for certain types of rescues."

There are many jobs to fill during a confined space rescue, including those who go into the space, someone to hand out equipment, another to assess any hazards that may be encountered and others to help pull the person completely out of the space from the outside. Depending on the conditions, firefighters may rotate out every 15 to 20 minutes so as not to tire or be exposed to heat or hazardous conditions.

Instructor Wayne Chapman of CMC Rescue was on hand to teach the confined space rescue class last week. His role during the rescue simulation was to ensure the firefighters were applying techniques learned in class and followed the intricate legal protocols involved in entering confined spaces.

"I'm here to get them to the point where they feel comfortable doing the confined space rescue," Chapman said.

Throughout the training he listened to them problem solve and address the rescue in a number of ways. He would only speak up if they were doing something wrong. But of the first group he saw last Thursday, he said things went very well.

"They are a pretty aggressive group," he said. "We were done early but they want to keep training."

After each simulated rescue, the group would evaluate what worked and what didn't. For the people "rescued," they offered tips on what would have made the rescue easier on them, like rolling them on their stomachs for easier manipulation through the tight spaces.

While the comfort of the patient was important, the main concern for the rescue team is always getting the victim out alive.

For firefighter Chris Rhude, the course was all about ropes, knots, safety and how to work in a toxic atmosphere. Working with the group was an important aspect to get the patient out of the space.

"It's a team approach," he said of rescue missions.

Fortunately JBLM firefighters have not had to respond to a confined space rescue, but if they are called, they will be prepared.

"We all need to know the functions of confined space rescue," Wayne said. "A lot of firefighters still want this class and they will get it later this year."

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.  -- Master Sgt. Scott Winchell, 62nd Aerial Port Squadron, was awarded a Bronze Star Medal during a ceremony at April 11, 2012.

Winchell distinguished himself with exceptional meritorious service while during his fifth deployment while serving as the 19th Movement Control Team superintendent from August 2011 through March 2012.

He set the bar for aircraft and surface cargo movements within the unit while leading 14 Airmen and six Soldiers. The team expedited the movement of 60,000 tons of weapon systems, fuel and supplies, 21,000 passengers on 9,000 thousand transport platforms.

While enduring 35 mortar and rocket attacks, he directed increased safety and accountability procedures within the 19th MCT, which is the only landing zone in theater to operate under blackout conditions.

He also uncovered systemic cargo fraud within theater to include 113 illegal weapons and personal goods shipments within the intra- and inter-theater movement process. His logistical vigilance led directly to policy change and scrutinization of cargo planning and execution processes.

"It was a huge accomplishment for me to correct mistakes and make sure they don't happen in the future," said Winchell. "I never imagined I'd receive a Bronze Star for this."

Additionally, Winchell exhibited the highest display of honor as he hand-carried five fallen warriors from the air ambulances in preparation for their final return home to families and loved ones.

"Given his character, not one person is surprised he received this award," said Senior Master Sgt. Robert Childress, 62nd APS passenger terminal superintendent. "He is the kind of person who makes change happen. He knows the difference between right and wrong and he's not afraid to take on a challenge. Everyone knows he deserves this."

Photo: Lt. Col. Robert Farkas, left, 62nd Aerial Port Squadron commander, pins on Master Sgt. Scott Winchell’s Bronze Star during a ceremony April 11, 2012, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Winchell distinguished himself with exceptional meritorious service while during his fifth deployment while serving as the 19th Movement Control Team superintendent from August 2011 through March 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Leah Young)

Eligible pilots, combat systems officers and engineers have an opportunity to join the ranks of airpower pioneers like Jimmy Doolittle and Chuck Yeager, but they have to apply for U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School to do so.

The 2012 U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School selection board will convene in July to fill openings for July 2013 and January 2014 class start dates. All officer and civilian applications are due to the Air Force Personnel Center by June 1, said Howard Peterson, Air Force Personnel Center pipeline and trainer assignments branch.

The TPS trains pilots, combat systems officers and engineers to develop, test and evaluate the newest aircraft and weapons systems in the fighter, multi-engine, helicopter and remotely piloted aircraft categories, Peterson said.

The 48-week course consists of four closely related curricula: experimental test pilot, experimental test combat systems officer, experimental test remotely piloted aircraft pilot and experimental flight test engineer.

"Competition is always stiff for a test pilot school position," Peterson said. "TPS graduates are future senior leaders who will be in high demand in an era of increasing combat technological advancements on the battlefield."

Minimum eligibility requirements include a flying physical -- class II for pilots and CSOs (including weapon systems officers, rated navigators and electronic warfare officers), and class III for flight test engineers -- certified by the Air Force Materiel Command Surgeon General Aerospace Medicine.

According to Peterson, applicants who do not have a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, mathematics, physics or a comparable science may apply if they have a master's degree in engineering, and all applicants must have a secret security clearance. Additional criteria are explained in the personnel systems delivery memorandum (PSDM 12-28) on the Air Force Personnel Services website.

"Program requirements change slightly every year, so members who currently have an application on file must submit new applications and waivers, if applicable," Peterson said.

For more information about test pilot school opportunities and other personnel issues, visit the Air Force Personnel Services website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.

MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- Even with a diverse skill set and years of training and experience, Maj. Peter Jorgensen proves there's always something new to learn.

The 28-year medical professional has held many positions throughout a lucrative career, beginning as an enlisted logistician on active duty, up to his current responsibilities as a Medical Services Corps officer with the 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron here.

Now, the Reservist serves in Afghanistan with the critical role as director of operations for the 651st Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron in Kandahar, overseeing the daily duties of more than 100 people, who support around-the-clock aeromedical evacuations for more than 100,000 NATO troops.

"Major Jorgensen is a dedicated Medical Service Corps officer with a wealth of experience, from his time serving with the (446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron here) and now with the 446th AES," said Col. Janette Moore-Harbert, 446th AES commander. "This experience has allowed him to help facilitate the depth of the patient movement process from the staging facility into the operational and flying element of the AE system. He not only brings that to this current deployment but also to the 446th AES, allowing us to be better patient providers by understanding our partners roles and responsibilities in the ASTS, in order to ensure a seamless and smooth patient movement system." 

With Jorgensen being an air Reserve technician, a full-time Reservist who helps maintain the continuity and combat readiness of the traditional Reservists, thanks Moore-Harbert, not only for contributing to his growth as a 446th AES Reservist, but for allowing him to serve overseas.

"I owe a great deal of thanks to my commander, for allowing me to deploy and grow as a military member," said Jorgensen, a Lakewood resident. "Being an air Reserve technician, it was no small sacrifice for her and the rest of the unit when I volunteered for the deployment." 

Jorgensen easily applies his homestation training to his deployed function.

"This mission is a lot like the way we train in the 446th AES during our exercises and local missions during the month and UTA weekends," said Jorgensen. 

Although he's learning a lot in his current assignment, it isn't his first rodeo. In fact, most of his deployments as an officer with the 446th ASTS are directly tied to his mission with the 446th AES.

"This is my third deployment and I feel right at home here from the fact that I started as a Medical Service Corps officer attached to the 446th ASTS," said Jorgensen. "During my eight years with the ASTS, I had the opportunity to deploy to Balad Air Base (Iraq) in 2006. I was functioning both in the (Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility) as an administrator and as a launch and recovery officer for more than 100 missions. Little did I know at the time, the launch and recovery along with crew management was exactly what we train for in the (446th AES). I can honestly say that my wartime success can be directly contributed to my countless 446th Airlift Wing training opportunities over the years." 

But wealth of experience isn't the only factor which has made Jorgensen's deployment a success. He says bringing out the best in his troops, so they can perform is critical.

"Relationships with your people are key to your success as a leader, and they need to be maintained in order to bring out the best in them- even if it's not their best day," he said. "As an officer, I've become better and more knowledgeable at reading the signs as whether someone is having a good or bad day." 

Even as his deployment comes to a close, Jorgensen still has his eyes on the reason he's there.

"There are a lot of people making huge sacrifices both here and at home for us to be successful," said Jorgensen. "It's been a huge learning experience and one that I look forward to bringing back to my unit and the wing." 

Moore-Harbert stresses her pride in having Reservists, like Jorgensen representing the 446th AES.

"I am very proud of him and his ability to excel and represent the 446th AES anytime and anywhere," she said.    

From military.com: Air Force leaders at all levels must fight the problem of suicides within the service by developing a culture of healthy airmen across the board, said the service's top enlisted man Thursday.

"We've got to talk about" the problem of airman suicides openly, look at suicide rates, discuss lessons learned from suicides and even acknowledge "saves," said Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, James Roy, during an April 5 luncheon on Capitol Hill.

"Some have said, don't talk about it, I just throw that aside," said Roy. "When somebody commits suicide, some people would say that I shouldn't be sharing the [suicide] numbers the way I share them. Why not? How do I tell what happened last April or last March if I don't show you where we are today? How do I compare the two?"

The Air Force lost 99 airmen in 2010 to suicides, 90 in 2011 and 35 so far in 2012, making suicide the service's leading cause of death, according to slides presented by Roy during his presentation.

The Air Force must avoid turning its efforts to develop a culture of healthy, resilient airmen into a "check in the box" training program, said Roy.

To read the rest of the story, click here. 

From the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph: ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The Air Force's force doesn't just come from the air anymore.

Recognizing the increasing role airmen play in ground operations, and facing an enemy that can appear anywhere at any time, the Air Force has started a new firearms training course aimed to simulate real combat conditions. Previously the training consisted basically of pointing a gun at a target and firing. Now elements are added that include moving before shooting, firing at the right target while avoiding the wrong one, and getting accustomed to commands airmen may hear in the field in the event of a firefight.

Also every airman must qualify each time they deploy, no matter what their job may be.

The new course also at least doubles the amount of rounds fired in training. For airmen who use weapons as a regular part of their duties, it more than doubles it.

Robins Air Force Base started the training Dec. 1. The five firearms instructors in the 78th Security Forces Squadron teach the two-day classes with 24 students at a time. The previous training only took one day.

"It's a big upgrade because (the students) used to never move," said Tech Sgt. Chainey Moates, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the training. "They just sat still and stayed in positions. Now they are actually going real time doing what they would be doing down range. It's actually getting their heart rate up and gets their adrenaline pumping, and that's what they would be having to deal with down range."

See the rest of the story here.   

Wouldn't it be nice if you could instantly know of any emergency situation on base? What if you and your family could receive a text message to your personal mobile phones any time there is a threat? With the new emergency mass notification system being fielded at McChord Field this spring, this will become a reality. 

McChord Field's new AtHoc Alerts system can notify Airmen, civilian employees and their dependents within minutes of an emergency event. These notifications range from force protection condition changes and anti-terror warnings to driving conditions, reporting instructions and base disaster responses. 

Several Air Mobility Command bases have already successfully installed AtHoc Alerts. In fact, Joint Base Lewis-McChord's own I Corps 24/7 Watch Office is already using AtHoc Alerts right next door. 

Eventually, all AMC bases and the AMC Command Center will implement this system. The 62nd Airlift Wing Command Post is the McChord Field operator of the system and will send base-wide notifications or alerts and provide reports to the commander as needed. 

For McChord Field, the 62nd AW commander also has the authority to approve any other organization's important alerts on a case-by-case basis through the Command Post. A small "purple globe" icon will appear in the desktop icon tray to let you know the program is available on your computer. In fact, the AtHoc system has already been installed on most of McChord Field's computers. 

In order to begin receiving alerts, all Airmen and those civilians designated as "key" and "Level A and/or B" must update their contact information by using the AtHoc Alerts Self Service module at their work desktop. Just right-click on the purple globe, select "access self service" and update accordingly. 

All Airmen and those civilians designated as "key" and "Level A and/or B" will provide at a minimum: name, organization, duty phone, duty e-mail and an after-hours contact phone number. You can provide additional contact information such as an off-duty email address as well. 

Providing emergency notification information in AtHoc is not mandatory for all other civilian personnel. However, all civilian personnel are encouraged to provide personal contact data in order to receive vital safety and emergency information for themselves and their families in the event of a base incident or a natural disaster. 

During an actual event or a test of the AtHoc system, the alert will include a specific set of instructions. Ensure you read the entire alert and/or listen to the entire message. Then respond accordingly, usually by selecting a numeric response provided in the message.  

(Courtesy Maj. Aaron Torczynski, 62nd Airlift Wing Command Post chief) 

Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Goodnight, 627th Force Support Squadron, discusses leadership techniques during a speed mentoring session March 23, 2012, at the McChord Field Chapel Support Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. During monthly speed training sessions, senior noncommissioned officers provide advice concerning topics ranging from enlisted performance reports to fitness evaluations.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Leah Young)