Behind the Braids Reservists play key role in first women's hair policy change in 70 years - Citizen Airman Magazine
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Click. Tweet. Like. citamn.afrc.af.mil @citizenairman @citizenairman Volume 73 No. 2 April 2021 Behind the Braids Reservists play key role in first women's hair policy change in 70 years Official Magazine of the Air Force Reserve
From the Top @ AFRCCommander Chief’s View @ AFRC.CCC DEVELOPING RESILIENT LEADERS RESOURCES FOR DEVELOPING RESILIENT LEADERS We will identify, develop and retain leaders who combine emotional intellect with the innate We must develop leaders with the appropriate tools to create and sustain an environment characteristics required to win in future operating environments. These leaders must be able in which all Airmen can reach their full potential, valuing the many aspects of diversity within to operate independently, build trust in their units, and create an environment that enables our Air Force. Airmen who do not or cannot reflect these and the related attributes we value Airmen to take smart risks and generate combat power. fall short of being the future Air Force leaders we require. - AFRC Vision, Mission and Priorities - General Charles Q. Brown, Chief of Staff of the Air Force Heroes of the Air Force Reserve: state and local agencies, and develop organization. Mutual trust creates an Developing resilient leaders can be complex. There is not a As a command team, one of our tailored guidance to balance the need environment in which we can have candid single solution or program that can mass produce the caliber of strategic priorities is to focus on how we to protect the health of Reserve Citizen discussions about how to better perform leaders we need to win in a competitive environment. Since I develop resilient leaders. We recognize Airmen and their families while meeting the mission. Trust breeds empowerment. became your command chief two years ago, Lieutenant General the importance of leaders who have a mission readiness requirements. In future Empowerment with good judgment Scobee and I have worked tirelessly to provide the resources to high degree of emotional intelligence at environments with potentially contested allows leaders at each level to take smart units that will set the conditions for success for this strategic all levels, as technical competence alone communications, the ability to assess risks to test new ideas. Given the rapid priority. We have also been fortunate to hear from many of you will not guarantee our future success. complex situations, collaborate locally and pace of technological evolution, game out in the field on your approach to leadership development. Emotionally intelligent leaders are highly continue to execute the mission will be changing innovations are likely to come The most important part of leadership is learning how to motivated and inspire those around them invaluable. from our most junior personnel who lead yourself. Comprehensive Airman Fitness is one way to to overcome adversity. They have a high When reflecting on the lessons have the deepest experience with new understand how we lead ourselves. This model has four pillars: Chief Master Sgt. Timothy White poses with some of Air Force Reserve degree of self-awareness, recognizing learned over the course of his 100 years technology. Resilient leaders are aware of mental, physical, social and spiritual. You can think of these Command's resilient leaders at AFRC headquarters, Robins Air Force their own limitations and blind spots. of life, former Secretary of State George this inherent strength in their teams and pillars like the four legs of a chair. If these pillars are a little out Base, Georgia. They are guided by empathy, aware Shultz once wrote “Trust is fundamental, have the humility to accept that they may of balance, you’ll probably wobble a little, but if they’re really out of how their interactions affect those reciprocal and pervasive. If present, not always have the best solution. of balance you’ll wind up on the floor. As a command team, we significant backlog of students waiting for the Chief Orientation around them. Finally, they have the social anything is possible. If it is absent, Recently, during a meeting with want to ensure that you and your units have the right tools to Course. Many of our Professional Development Center courses skills necessary to build resilient teams nothing is possible.” several Air Force Reserve senior leaders, help with these pillars. have also been redesigned to focus on developing resilient based on mutual trust. Each of these Trust is the glue that holds together I had the opportunity to listen to several The pandemic has caused disruptions to our fitness leaders. We have also shifted our NCO Academy and Senior components of emotional intelligence everything we do. Our nation trusts us to junior Reserve Airmen brief their ideas assessments and our fitness routines and as an Air Force, we are NCO Academy delivery to the virtual environment. Each of is essential to leading in the Air Force deliver winning capabilities whenever and on developing resilient leaders. They rethinking how we assess fitness. We are actively engaged in these courses has had some degree of curriculum redesign with Reserve. wherever they are needed. We trust our presented bold new ideas for changing developing ways to better assess fitness holistically, examining the goal of helping leaders build trust within their organizations The Chief of Staff of the Air Force leaders to set the conditions for success how we better identify and develop both physical and mental fitness, as we prepare to roll out a and make their units more resilient. highlighted key characteristics of future in our organization to the best of their resilient leaders within our organization. revamped program designed to more accurately assess overall The boss and I have been fortunate enough to safely resume operating environments in Accelerate abilities. We trust our fellow Reserve Change often comes from the bottom up. fitness. some of our travel. We have been in awe of every Reserve Change or Lose. The forces shaping our Citizen Airmen to execute the mission. As a command team, we embraced many We have also worked on getting the necessary manpower Citizen Airman we meet. We are especially thankful to those of future include declining resources and Each of those elements of trust: of their ideas. authorizations to provide more full-time chaplains and first you who have stepped forward to work on scalable grassroots aggressive global competitors, along between the nation and our organization, The command chief and I are proud to sergeants. We are in the process of building out our religious solutions to develop resilient leaders across the command. We all with rapid technology development between our people and their leaders, and serve with each of you and look forward support teams across our host unit wings to provide full-time have had a challenging year due to the pandemic. Each of you and diffusion. Given that any one of between each other, can be undermined to the future that resilient leaders bring to support to the spiritual fitness pillar. We are also finalizing our has been there for at least one of your teammates during this these elements can drive uncertainty, it by the presence of extremism in our every corner of the Air Force Reserve. ■ hiring for full-time first sergeants, who will serve as our local difficult time; and each of you make us proud to serve in the Air is essential that we continue to identify, organization. The Department of Comprehensive Airman Fitness champions, helping Reserve Force Reserve. ■ train and educate leaders who can adapt Defense’s ongoing Extremism Stand Citizen Airmen access helping services, regardless of their status. to, navigate through and thrive in volatile Down is the first step to addressing We have also worked on refining our Key Spouse program, environments. extremism within the ranks. Throughout which helps to build connections between our Reserve Citizen We have already seen the value this ongoing process, resilient leaders Airmen’s families and their units. of leaders who are able to operate will be crucial to strengthening teams by Along with investments in additional manpower, we independently. The COVID-19 pandemic enhancing trust. have fundamentally changed the way in which we deliver RICHARD W. SCOBEE TIMOTHY C. WHITE JR. clearly demonstrated how local leadership Innovation cannot exist without Lieutenant General, USAF professional military education. The pandemic forced us to Chief Master Sergeant, USAF can integrate threat information in a trust. Leaders at all levels must vet (not Chief of Air Force Reserve rethink our training delivery, pushing several of our Professional Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Air Force Reserve rapidly evolving situation, partner with veto) ideas to continually improve our Commander, Air Force Reserve Command Development Center courses online. This enabled us to clear a Command Chief Master Sergeant, Air Force Reserve Command 2 // April 2021 April 2021 // 3
www.citamn.afrc.af.mil Table of CONTENTS Leadership Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. Chief of Staff, United States Air Force Volume 73 No. 2 // April 2021 FEATURED STORIES NEWS & PEOPLE Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee Commander, Air Force Reserve Command 06 Col. Beth Horine Behind the Braids Director, Public Affairs, Reservists help change women's hair policy Air Force Reserve Command 09 Magazine Staff Going Virtual Bo Joyner Editor, Public Affairs, HQ ARPC introduces monthly evaluations training courses Air Force Reserve Command 12 Anthony Burns A New Level of Realism Graphic Designer, Public Affairs, Luke Reservists ramp up combat casualty training Air Force Reserve Command 15 Contributing Writers Pegasus Proficient Master Sgt. Chance Babin, Ed Butac, Tech. Sgt. Aeromedical Reservists receive initial KC-46A training Iram Carmona, Senior Master Sgt. Ted Daigle, Laura Fitzmorris, Master Sgt. Kelly Goonan, Col. 16 Kjäll Gopaul, Senior Airman Kristen Pittman and Personnel Changes Are Coming Tech. Sgt. Courtney Richardson Reservists urged to claim their AFIPPS account in 2021 Citizen Airman magazine (ISSN No. 0887-9680) is published bi-monthly by Headquarters Air Force Senior Airman Kristen Pittman Tech. Sgt. David D. Morton 18 Reserve Command Office of Public Affairs for the The Globemaster commander of Air Force Reserve Command. 10 22 28 Reservists reflect as C-17 fleet reaches four million flying hours Periodical postage paid at Warner Robins, Georgia, and additional mailing offices. Copies are mailed, free Courtesy photo 20 of charge, to the homes of all Reservists. Content is It Can Be Done normally news articles and features developed for The sky is the limit for med tech-turned pilot release to commercial media as part of the Air Force Reserve’s continuing public affairs program. Opinions Still Answering The Future Shoot for 25 of contributors are not necessarily those of the Air A New Capability Force Reserve. All photos are U.S. Air Force photos unless otherwise indicated. Readers-per-copy ratio: the Call Work Environment the Stars 920th Rescue Wing executes first joint high-speed, air-to-air refuel 4-1. Send inquiries and submissions to HQ AFRC/PAO, 26 155 Richard Ray Blvd., Robins AFB, GA 31098-1661. More aeromed specialists deploy Reserve team trying to determine Resilient and motivated leader Learning by Doing Or, email them to HQAFRC.PAO.Operations@us.af.mil. For questions about the magazine or its contents, call to support pandemic what tomorrow's 'office' will look like encourages goal setting in 2021 Reserve recruiters participate in joint air operations (478) 327-1771 or DSN 497-1771. 31 Moving? PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHANGES OF A Page of its Own ADDRESS TO CITIZEN AIRMAN. To continue receiving New HQ RIO website makes it easier to serve the magazine, unit Reservists, as well as people serving a statutory tour of duty, should send a change of address to their military personnel flight or unit orderly room. Individual mobilization augmentees ON THE COVER: Master Sgt.Louis Vega Jr. should call the Total Force Service Center-Denver toll free at 1-800-525-0102 or DSN 665-0102. Reserve Citizen Airmen have been instrumental in helping bring about Capt. Scott Balak, Buckeye Fire Department POSTMASTER: Please send all Forms 3579 to Citizen the first major change in the Air Force’s women’s hair policy since the late 1940s. SWAT medic, shows an infusion needle to 944th Airman, HQ AFRC/PAO, 155 Richard Ray Blvd., Robins For the story, see page 6. (Chief Master Sgt. Jaimee Freeman) Fighter Wing Reserve Citizen Airmen during AFB, GA 31098-1661. Tactical Combat Casualty Care training at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. For more on the training, see story on page 12. Chief of Air Force Reserve’s Priority 1: Prioritize strategic depth Priority 2: Develop resilient leaders Priority 3: Reform the organization Look for these icons for stories that A publication by the and accelerate readiness Strategic Priorities #ReserveReady #ReserveResilient #ReserveReform focus on these three priorities. U.S. Air Force Reserve
Behind the Braids Research conducted by the Woment's Initiative Team and the Warrior Braids Project showed that the old women's hair policy had a negative effect on both operational and medical readiness. (Chief Master Sgt. Jaimee Freeman) Lt. Gen. Mary F. O’Brien,deputy chief of staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air didn’t support a culture of inclusion for almost a Force JoAnne S. Bass stand in front of a group of female Airmen demonstrating the Air Force’s new hair policy for quarter of our Total Force Airmen.” women in front of the Air Force Memorial. (Master Sgt. Thousands of women across the Air Force Grant Langford) provided feedback to the WIT and Warrior Braids. Many said that constraints to hair grooming standards resulted in damage to hair, migraines and, in some cases, hair loss. When the time came to seek senior leader support for a new women’s hair policy, one of Nadeem’s first stops was Air Force Reserve Command headquarters. “As a Reservist, my first thought was to find out I talked to my wife (who also serves in the Air Force and was what General Scobee and Chief White thought,” she said. deployed at the time) about this, she told me she was actually Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee is the chief of the Air Force Reserve considering getting out of the Air Force because of the same and commander of Air Force Reserve Command. Chief Master problems. I had no idea it was such a problem for my wife and Sgt. Timothy White is AFRC’s command chief master sergeant countless other women throughout the Air Force.” and Scobee’s senior enlisted advisor. Lind and his wife, Tech. Sgt. Jocelyn Lind, started the “I wholeheartedly supported the WIT’s efforts to reform the Warrior Braids Project in hopes of bringing about a change to Air Force hair policy for women,” Scobee said. “It’s imperative the Air Force’s women’s hair policy. Lind interviewed hundreds that we implement policies which account for all genders, of women and started working with his various chains of ethnicities and backgrounds while ensuring leaders continue to command to try and bring about a change to the policy, with foster a culture of inclusiveness. The time was definitely right to varying degrees of success. Lind said a number of fellow Airmen change the outdated hair policy for women serving in the Air have been critical to Warrior Braids efforts over the years, Force.” Reservists play key role in first women's hair including Capt. Hailey Garrett, 1st Lt. Natasha Monroe, Master “To me, this was a no-brainer,” White said. “As a father Sgt. Ashley McCarthy and Senior Airman Emily Stanley-Cruz. of two daughters, I could see how the old policy could be a In 2019, Lind and Warrior Braids joined forces with the potential barrier for young women interested in joining the policy change in 70 years WIT in hopes of accelerating a change in policy. “We had a lot of great data and the By Bo Joyner WIT had a lot of great contacts, so our partnership was critical to getting the Reserve Citizen Airmen have been instrumental in helping “The Women’s Initiative Team works to remove barriers for change approved,” he said. bring about the first major change in the Air Force’s women’s Airmen so they can continue to serve successfully and uses a In addition to Lind, Nadeem said Capt. hair policy since the late 1940s. common-sense approach to change outdated policies,” she said. Sarah Berheide and 1st. Lt. Montana As an outcome of the 101st Air Force uniform board, Air “The women’s hair policy has been on the WIT’s radar for a Pellegrini have been instrumental in the Force women can now wear their hair in up to two braids or a number of years.” WIT’s efforts to advocate for a change to single ponytail with bulk not exceeding the width of the head Nadeem said active-duty Master Sgt. Johnathon “JB” Lind the women’s hair policy. and length not extending below a horizontal line running deserves a lot of the credit for bringing problems with the old “Our research and the research done between the top of each sleeve inseam at the under arm through hair policy into the limelight and tirelessly working toward a by Master Sgt. Lind showed that the old the shoulder blades. In addition, women’s bangs may now touch solution. policy actually had a negative effect on their eyebrows, but not cover their eyes. “For me, this all started in 2016 when I had a very courageous both operational and medical readiness,” These new changes went into effect upon publication of the young Airman who came to me and told me about all the Nadeem said. “In addition, the policy new standards in Air Force Instruction 36-2903 Feb. 10. problems she was experiencing from having to wear her hair in Maj. Alea Nadeem, a Reserve Citizen Airman who serves as a tight bun all the time,” Lind, who currently serves as the NCO The changes to the Air Force's women's hair the leader of the Air Force Women’s Initiative Team, played a in charge of air traffic control training for the 4th Fighter Wing, policy are the first major updates since the late key role in bringing about the hair policy change. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, said. “When 1940s. (Chief Master Sgt. Jamiee Freeman) 6 // April 2021 April 2021 // 7
Air Force, and I could see how it was contrary to the culture of board announced that the Air Force would be changing its diversity and inclusion we are constantly striving for.” women’s hair standards. Scobee and White immediately wrote a letter to the Air In announcing the policy change, Air Force senior leaders Force Uniform Board in support of women’s hair policy reform, expressed their support for the new standards. saying that the proposed changes would “mitigate safety, medical “In addition to the health concerns we have for our Airmen, and operational risks, while fostering a culture of inclusion not all women have the same hair type, and our hair standards within the Department of the Air Force.” should reflect our diverse force,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the “Eventually, we got letters of support from seven of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass. “I am pleased we could make this nine major command commanders and more than 40 wing important change for our women service members.” commanders,” Nadeem said. “Having the support of General Nadeem is serving in an Active Guard Reserve position as Scobee and Chief White from the beginning was critical to our a Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison with the success.” Secretary of the Air Force Financial Management Directorate. With the backing of dozens of commanders and years of research and data in hand, the team made its case to the Air She volunteered to be part of the WIT in 2015 while serving on active duty. In 2017, she was asked to lead the team. HQ ARPC introduces monthly Force uniform board in November 2020. In late January, the “We have more than 600 active-duty, Reserve, Guard and evaluations training courses Thousands of women across the Air Force provided feedback regarding the hair standards. Many said that constraints to hair grooming standards resulted The Headquarters Air Reserve Personnel Center’s Members of the Women’s Initiative Team pose for a photo during the in damage to hair, migraines and, in some cases, hair loss. (Chief Master Sgt. Jaimee Freeman) initial photo shoot illustrating the Air Force’s new hair policy for women. evaluations branch hosted virtual training sessions for more The WIT was instrumental in bringing about the change. From left than 1,000 service members and civilian employees during to right are: Maj. Megan Biles, Maj. Alea Nadeem, Lt. Col. Jessica the first quarter of calendar year 2021. The training has Ruttenber, Lt. Col. Kathryn Gaetke and Lt. Col. Kimberly Smith. consisted of an in-depth review of the Air Force Forms 910, (Master Sgt. Grant Langford) 911, 912 and 707. In previous years, evaluations team members facilitated civilian volunteers serving on the WIT,” she said. “We are training on-site at Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado, but constantly striving to improve the lives of Airmen and their due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the course families by working with Air Force leaders to make policy transitioned to the virtual environment. The benefit of the changes. The new women’s hair standards are a big win for the virtual training is that, instead of roughly 20 members Women’s Initiative Team and the Department of the Air Force.” attending the training, HQ APRC can accommodate an “I think this just goes to show what you can do if you don’t audience of more than 10 times the previous size. HQ give up,” Lind said. “If you believe what you are doing is the ARPC also provides videos of the training on the ARPC right thing, keep on pushing. You can make a difference.” YouTube page and DVIDS for those unable to attend or who #ReserveReady #ReserveReform #ReserveResilient ■ want to refer back to review the content. HQ ARPC will continue hosting monthly virtual training sessions throughout the year. The training will be accessible on Microsoft Teams. The training courses will provide valuable content for all Airmen, but commander's support staff and military personnel flight personnel responsible for As an outcome of the 101st Air Force uniform board, Air Force women assisting with routing evaluations are especially encouraged are now able to wear their hair in up to two braids or a single ponytail with bulk not exceeding the width of the head and length not extending to attend. The next training course is scheduled for May 19 below a horizontal line running between the top of each sleeve inseam at at 11 a.m. Moutain Standard Time and will cover referral the under arm through the shoulder blades. enlisted performance reports. In addition to the training courses, the evaluations team can also assist with questions via myPers. HQ ARPC does not recommend contacting members directly for assistance as it becomes difficult for other technicians to see transactions and notes outside of the myPers console. Announcements regarding upcoming training dates, topics and log-in information will be distributed through AFRC/ A1 communication channels and the HQ ARPC public affairs office. Be sure to like HQ ARPC on Facebook for the latest updates on these virtual courses and all personnel matters impacting the Air Force Reserve. ■ 8 // April 2021 April 2021 // 9
Still Answering the Call More 1 2 aeromed specialists 4 5 deploy to support pandemic 3 1. Senior Airman Emilie Canlas, flight medic for the 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, awaits the cue to raise the litter during a pre- Story and Photos by deployment exercise at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi in January. 2. Capt. Toya Williams, 36th AES flight nurse, and Canlas work together to Senior Airman secure a patient's litter. 3. Williams tends to a patient as part of her pre-deployment training. 4. Senior Airman Madison Ross, 36th AES flight medic, goes over a patient checklist with Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Staut, operations support flight chief for the 36th AES, before an aeromedical evacuation Kristen Pittman training flight. 5. Staut briefs a crew of flight nurses and medics during pre-deployment training. The 36th Aeromedical Evacuation squadron, “but I think this is a great harmful airborne agents. They will also life support whereas we’re more focused A traditional Reservist who works as transporting of patients with various Squadron, Keesler Air Force Base, opportunity.” spend time familiarizing themselves with on basic life support,” said Comeaux. a travel nurse in the Los Angeles area as illnesses and injuries. Mississippi, has been called upon once While at their deployed locations, the various levels of personal protective “We’re more involved with configuring a civilian, Williams said her family's and “Our AE experts were some of the again to deploy personnel to multiple the Airmen will do their part to safely equipment they will use during missions the aircraft and running the mission, employer's support is what keeps her in very first Airmen nationwide to deploy locations in support of the fight against transfer and care for COVID-19 and how to properly don all of its granted they do take part in that aspect good spirits and excited as she prepares to in the fight against COVID,” said Col. COVID-19. patients as they are moved from remote elements. too. It’s just important that they are able assist transferring and caring for patients Jeffrey A. Van Dootingh, 403rd Wing In 2020, the squadron sent nine locations and/or hospitals that cannot “It’s exciting to put all of this training to focus more on the clinical, patient-care all over the European and African commander. “But since the job is not volunteers out the door to various accommodate their medical needs to we’ve been doing to use in real-life applications of the mission.” Command areas of responsibility. yet done, we’ll continue to mobilize our locations. Recently, six more Reserve hospitals that can effectively treat them. situations,” said Ross. “It’s also nerve- One member providing that advanced In addition to the six deploying to medical Reserve Citizen Airmen to take Citizen Airmen deployed to Travis Air The three said they feel confident the wracking because it’s not your friend capacity of care is Capt. Toya Williams, support COVID-19 operations, the unit care of their fellow Americans until this Force Base, California, and Ramstein Air Air Force has prepared them and they acting as a patient. You’re actually making 36th AES flight nurse, who will be has eight more members who recently pandemic is over.” #ReserveReady Base, Germany, for six months. will become even more capable as they a difference and potentially saving lives.” providing her capabilities to the 10th deployed to Travis and Ramstein as well (Pittman is assigned to the 403rd Wing Among those deploying were first- arrive at their deployment locations and Bernal, Comeaux and Ross will be Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation as Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, and public affairs office.) ■ timers Senior Airman Joseph Bernal, receive mission-specific training. working alongside other flight medics Flight at Ramstein. Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, said Lt. Col. Senior Airman Chris Comeaux and Part of that training is becoming as well as flight nurses, as a typical crew “What we’re doing is so important,” Rosalind Johnson, 36th AES director of Senior Airman Madison Ross, all flight acquainted with the Negative Pressure consists of three medics and two nurses. said Williams. “We’ve got to get these operations. While these individuals have medics. Conex, said Bernal. The NPC is a vessel Comeaux described the role of medics people where they need to be, so they can not been tasked specifically for COVID- “Generally, it’s rare for us to deploy, inside the aircraft designed to allow as being “extensions of the flight nurses.” get back to their jobs, be healthy and be 19 support, their deployments will especially just coming out of training,” treatment for infectious disease patients “Flight nurses are registered nurses, so with their families. That aspect is what most likely entail transporting COVID said Bernal, a relative newcomer to the while protecting those outside of it from they’re trained in more advanced stages of I’m excited about.” patients on top of a typical deployment’s 10 // April 2021 April 2021 // 11
After studying patient care and deaths over the past few years, To help with this aspect of the training, the ASTS reached A New Level of Realism the Defense Health Agency determined that almost 90% of all out to the 944th Security Forces Squadron and acquired combat deaths occur before the injured person reaches a medical paintball guns to replicate a live-fire environment. treatment facility. To take the training a step further, Smith’s team coordinated “We learned that a large portion of those deaths were with Techline Technologies Inc. Luke Reservists ramp up combat casualty training preventable,” Smith said. “The two biggest causes of death were “Technline Technologies offers trauma simulation equipment hemorrhaging and airway obstruction.” TCCC focuses on how to help in the training process for the military, law enforcement, to reduce the number of preventable deaths. fire departments and medical responders,’ said Jay Hibberd, “During the three-day course, participants learn the three the company’s business development specialist and director of phases of care: care under fire, tactical field care and tactical training. By Tech. Sgt. Courtney Richardson evacuation,” said Master Sgt. Lysa Busalacchi, 944th ASTS Techline has a mobile training unit that provides everything NAEMT site coordinator. “Students practice learned skills in from basic life saving techniques to courses like TCCC. Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 944th Fighter Wing’s “The Air Force is phasing out what we know as Self-Aid and static stations, where our goal is to emulate realism. This includes “We brought our ‘TOMManikin’ to the training,” Hibberd Aeromedical Staging Squadron took combat casualty training Buddy Care and moving into TCCC,” said Capt. Breck Smith, utilizing pork tracheas for advanced surgical airway training, said. “It is a breathing, bleeding, talking, articulating 185-pound to a new level of realism during a January training event at Luke the officer in charge of the joint medical operations training chicken legs for simulated intraosseous (bone) infusions and mannequin that we control through a tablet.” Air Force Base, Arizona. initiative. racks of ribs to simulate needle decompression techniques.” “It’s one thing to learn something on a PowerPoint,” Smith The 944th ASTS is certified by the National Association of The transition comes after evaluating the needs of the After learning new techniques, the students are put to the test said. “It’s totally different performing your task on a mannequin Emergency Medical Technicians to provide Tactical Combat military over the past several years. during a field exercise on the final day of training. that is giving you direct feedback. When you perform the task Casualty Care training. TCCC is designed to use evidence- “SABC is basic first aid, and at the time, that was OK,” Smith “TCCC means care under fire, which means we conduct the correctly, you can see the result first-hand, all while under fire.” based practices to provide life saving measures and trauma said. “But, TCCC is an adaption of what we are learning from training under fire,” Smith said. “As nurses, when we deploy, management strategies in battlefield conditions. war. The easiest way to think of it is that TCCC means taking we are noncombatants under the Geneva Convention, but we The squadron has been facilitating this training since 2012 care of patients while getting shot at.” still have to train with weapons because we have to protect our and provides the course for all branches of the military as well as patients.” civilian organizations. Participants of a 944th Aeromedical Staging Squadron-led Tactical Combat Casualty Care training exercise drag a simulated patient to a safe location while under fire at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. (Tech. Sgt. Courtney Richardson) 12 // April 2021 April 2021 // 13
Pegasus Proficient Aeromedical Reservists receive initial KC-46A Left, Capt. Scott Balak, Buckeye Fire Department SWAT medic, shows an intraosseous infusion needle to 944th Fighter Wing Reserve Citizen Airmen. (Master Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.) Right, Staff Sgt. Sergio Tosi and Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey Neilsen, 944th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, training prepare pork tracheas to be used for advanced surgical airway training (Master Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.) One participant said she quickly understood the impact of “Having to break the role from medic to security was a lot By Tech. Sgt. Iram Carmona the training. easier than I thought it would be because in my mind I am “In most of our training, we have been working with basic still taking care of the patient while I’m holding the weapon,” Reserve Citizen Airmen assigned to dummies with imaginary wounds, and the most we could she said. “If I move, I endanger everyone behind me who is the 433rd Airlift Wing’s Aeromedical do is talk through what we would do to fix the problem in a providing direct patient care. Knowing when to switch and how Evacuation Squadron, Joint Base San classroom,” said Staff Sgt. Catelynn Apple, 944th ASTS medical to effectively do that was a great learning experience for me.” Antonio-Lackland, Texas, trained for technician. “In this training, we had the realistic dummies that In addition to the military members, local law enforcement the first time aboard a KC-46A Pegasus were yelling, communicating and bleeding. They only stopped specialists and first responders took part in the training as well. March 8-10, to learn and practice their bleeding when we did the proper care. It was great hands-on Jim Clark, a fire captain and special weapons and tactics aeromedical skills on the new aircraft. 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron personnel respond to a simulated patient emergency training because we could see if we were doing anything wrong.” medic from the Buckeye, Arizona, fire department, said training The training mission was a inside a KC-46A Pegasus. The Reserve Citizen Airmen were conducting initial qualification During the field exercise, Airmen were tasked with providing with people from other agencies was extremely helpful. collaboration with the 931st Air training on the new aircraft. (Tech. Sgt. Iram Carmona) security and moving out of a hostile environment in addition to “We typically focus a lot of training on our respective Refueling Wing, McConnel Air Force conducting patient care. For some of the medical specialists, this battlefields, but with the world changing, our battlefields are Base, Kansas, aeromedical evacuation A 433rd AES technician, Tech. Sgt. Lt. Col. Ronald A. Deregla, 433rd was challenging. now across the United States,” he said. “This training was real- personnel and KC-46A technical Tristan Thorland, said that some of the AES chief nurse, said that adding the “Our mindset is to go straight to the patient to take care of life. It reinforced what I know and opened my eyes to something specialists from other locations, and things they trained on were the different KC-46A to the aeromedical evacuation them, but we have to put in our minds to stop and evaluate the I lost value in – communication. the Alamo Wing, where more than 20 capabilities the KC-46A offered. aircraft inventory will provide more scene, then stabilize the patient enough to move them to a safer “When I am with my SWAT team, I know what they know. medical personnel conducted training in “In comparing this aircraft to other capabilities to transport medical patients. location,” Apple said. I know their movements and hand signals and they know a variety of emergency scenarios on the aircraft, it’s very comfortable, we don’t “It’s a great experience for all of us She said she had to convince herself that she was still helping mine. This training made me realize that if I found myself in ground and in flight. have sudden temperature changes and to learn this… because now we have a the wounded even when she didn’t actually have hands on the a situation while off-duty, I might be rendering care with the According to Lt. Col. Terrence it has all the amenities we need,” said greater platform to air medivac,” said patient. aid of any other concerned citizen and I wouldn’t know how McGee, 4th Air Force KC-46A pilot, this Thorland. “It’s not as big as a C-17, but Deregla. “We normally use C-130s, they think. So, communication could save a life. Being in this training will help provide a more ready it’s a good aircraft and we’ll probably be KC-135s, C-5s or C-17s, and now class was perfect for me because I was able to work on my and deployable force from the Reserve using it a lot.” we have an addition to give us an communication skills and help extract and treat patients.” component. The training included a day opportunity to move more patients.” Smith said he had one main goal for the class. “For Reserve Command, as far as familiarization with the aircraft, and two The 433rd AES mission is to fill the “I hope to provide a whole new level of realism to the the number of people, one of the largest days of in-flight training for medical need when events like natural disasters, students so that when they go downrange or respond in any mission sets is aeromedical evacuation,” personnel. They practiced the loading and war or routine medical transportation by emergency situation, they don’t freeze,” he said. “They’ll know said McGee. “So the mission today offloading of aeromedical equipment, gear air is required. what that stress can feel like and the shock value is lessened. is to support aeromedical evacuation and supplies, while also simulating caring The KC-46A is a multi-service aircraft They can let muscle memory take over, making them capable of personnel getting an initial qualification for incapacitated patients. that provides next-generation aerial providing patient care as needed.” #ReserveReady on the KC-46A. The quicker we can get Once the aircraft was in flight, medical refueling support and is multi-mission (Richardson is assigned to the 944th Fighter Wing public affairs them indoctrinated and familiar with the technicians practiced responding to capable. #ReserveReady office.) ■ equipment, the sooner we can employ it.” patient medical emergencies, such as (Carmona is assigned to the 433rd Airlift As a multifunctional aircraft, the in-flight sicknesses, seizures and falls. Wing public affairs office.) ■ KC-46A can refuel military aircraft in They also simulated scenarios involving Exercise participants assess a simulated patient’s injuries after removing flight and airlift various loads, to include cabin decompression and an emergency him from a hostile environment (Tech. Sgt. Courtney Richardson) passengers, medical patients and cargo. landing. 14 // April 2021 April 2021 // 15
Personnel Changes Are Coming Reservists urged to claim their AFIPPS account in 2021 One of the Air Force’s top priorities is taking care of its (dependent-related information, for example). If an error is people. With between 50,000 and 60,000 pay problems a year identified, the individual can immediately engage in the current plaguing the force and hindering Airmen from focusing on the process for correction of their records, thereby guaranteeing the mission, the service realized there was a big problem. most accurate information transfers to AFIPPS when it goes The Air Force Integrated Personnel and Pay System live in 2022. (AFIPPS) is designed to resolve the causes of pay errors, while “The intent is that all Reserve military members are ready and improving human resources and pay processes for military go claim their account and review their data by the end of 2021,” members. Coumbs said. AFIPPS will provide Airmen and Guardians with a Phase two, full capability, is scheduled to be delivered in the modernized, technological solution that includes streamlined summer of 2022. At that time, registered users will have access capabilities and time saving features by improving upon to all AFIPPS capabilities and will be able to see and actively and expanding the current Military Personnel Data System engage AFIPPS to deliver timely and accurate personnel and (MilPDS), adding payroll, workflow and self-service capabilities. pay actions. “The Air Force Reserve force support community is at the Airmen and Guardians will continue to receive updates as tip of the spear when it comes to implementing this initiative,” each phase progresses. said Lt. Col. Michelle Coumbs, Air Force Reserve Command’s Reserve AFIPPS questions can be directed to the Reserve former AFIPPS lead. “Their new launch campaign is called AFIPPS team at A1.A1R.AFRC AFIPPS Team@us.af.mil. AFIPPS Ready-Go and the intent is just that … to ready #ReserveReady #ReserveReform ■ Reserve Citizen Airmen for the AFIPPS phase one ROSS (Read-Only Self-Service) account release happening this summer, before transitioning to phase two and full capability in the summer of 2022.” During AFIPPS phase one ROSS, Total Force Airmen and Guardians will be required to create their individual AFIPPS account. Members will receive an email notification with instructions on how to claim their account. The process should take approximately two minutes to accomplish, and allows members to review their records and ensure their information is correct in the system. During this time, accounts will be read-only, affording members the ability to see the human resources data they normally wouldn’t be able to see through another single Air Force platform 16 // April 2021 April 2021 // 17
A C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, The Globemaster flies over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge May 8, 2020. The 62nd Airlift Wing C-17 Demonstartion Team, made up of pilots and loadmasters from the 4th, 7th, and 8th Airlift Squadrons, conducted a flyover of nearly 45 hospitals, healthcare organizations and landmarks up and Reservists reflect on C-17 as fleet down the Puget Sound, in appreciation of those working during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Airman 1st Class Mikayla Heineck) reaches four million flying hours Left, a formation of C-17 Globemaster IIIs from the 62nd Airlift Wing, 446th Airlift Wing, and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, prepare to take off from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washinton, June 6, 2020. These aircraft made up a small portion of the 87 total that participated in a weapons instructor course joint force training exercise over the Nevada Test and Training Range. (Airman 1st Class Mikayla Heineck) Right, an Airman from the 791st Airlift Squadron adjusts his harness on a C-17 Globemaster III above North Field, South Carolina, in January. Joint Base By Ed Butac Charleston hosted and executed a ceremonial flight of the C-17 to celebrate the airframe’s four millionth flying hour. (Courtesy photo) In January, the U.S. Air Force celebrated the four millionth for the 313th Airlift Squadron. “I’ve been privileged to travel to presidential support into combat zones. And I’ve been fortunate the C-141 Starlifter and the C-17 came along and opened up flying hour of the C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base more destinations than most of the population will ever know to have supported the U.S. Antarctic program with flights to doors to the career enlisted aviator field that I would never have Charleston, South Carolina. or care about, but I think the camaraderie with the folks I travel Antarctica.” imagined. More than two decades ago, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, with trumps everything else. On March 26, 2003, nearly 1,000 U.S. service members were “From special mission certifications to career broadening to Washington, received its first C-17. It has added another nearly “We truly have the best crew community on the planet. parachuted into the Kurdish-controlled area of northern Iraq promotions to leadership and circling back to my serving the four dozen of the cargo aircraft to its fleet since, carrying out We stick together and support each other to get the job done in Operation Northern Delay in support of Operation Iraqi newly enlisted Airmen in our Air Force.” missions supporting worldwide combat and humanitarian airlift through thick and thin, highs and lows,” Corrigan added. Freedom. This was the first combat insertion of paratroopers At 174 feet in length, 55 feet high, with a wingspan of just contingencies. A C-17 can execute the strategic delivery of troops and cargo using the C-17. under 170 feet and a maximum gross takeoff weight of 585,000 The Air Force Reserve’s 446th Airlift Wing at McChord to forward areas, perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions, “The large airdrop, Operation Northern Delay, in northern pounds and the ability to land on a runway as short as 3,500 has flown more than its fair share of the four million flying and transport litters and ambulatory patients. Iraq was one of the most memorable flights I’ve had on the feet, the C-17 remains flexible. hours. From peacekeeping missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina, In the cargo aircraft, Corrigan and other aircrew members C-17,” said Chief Master Sgt. Derek Bryant, chief loadmaster The C-17 is also known for its reliability. It has an aircraft the Persian Gulf buildup, African relief efforts, Operation Deep have experienced many things. for the 728th Airlift Squadron. “And I have more than 8,290 mission completion success probability rate of more than 92%. Freeze missions in Antarctica and even transporting a killer “We have been privileged to repatriate fallen military flight hours and counting on the C-17.” #ReserveReady whale, the airlift wing certainly added to that total. service members from North Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan,” The Boeing-built aircraft is designed to fly longer, carry more (Butac is assigned to the 446th Airlift Wing public affairs office.) “What a fantastic aircraft in which to have spent the last 24 Corrigan said. “Equally importantly, we’ve given life-saving and land on shorter runways than any of its predecessors. ■ years of my life. I’ve probably logged around 6,000 flying hours flights to those gravely injured in battle so they may receive “My overall experience as a C-17 loadmaster has been since that time,” said Lt. Col. Charles Corrigan, examiner pilot care outside the combat zone. I’ve been honored to fly U.S. nothing short of amazing,” added Bryant. “I was a loadmaster on 18 // April 2021 April 2021 // 19
It Can Be Done The sky is the limit for med tech-turned-pilot Lt. Col. Jesse Hildebrand, 343rd Bomb Squadron commander, looks over a B-52 Stratofortress with members of his family at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, in January. Hildebrand, who originally enlisted in the Air Force Reserve, used a wide range of By Senior Master Sgt. Ted Daigle resiliency skills to achieve his dream of becoming a pilot. (Senior Master Sgt. Ted Daigle) “Somebody said that it couldn’t be done Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, working young staff sergeant was determined to Somebody said it couldn’t be done him with questions about who could. who had backgrounds in aviation and But he with a chuckle replied as a medical technician. The constant become a pilot. As the cycle repeated itself, with the military. Determined not to be left That 'maybe it couldn’t,' but he would be one parade of jets zooming across the skies But the way ahead was far from clear. Taking the same strategy he did to each denial being met by Hildebrand behind, Hildebrand doubled down on his Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.” of the pilot training base captured his His path to flight school was marked join the military, Hildebrand began with more questions about where to go efforts, completing a year of training in attention and his imagination. with the same hazards as his initial entry researching and looking for resources and what to do next, each commander the T-37 Tweet and T-38 Talon. Lt. Col. Jesse Hildebrand smiled as “I thought ‘Look at all those jets, I into the military. Hildebrand had no to get his dream started. He contacted suggesting another unit to try. He described learning to fly the jet as he read the opening passage from Edgar bet they need a lot of pilots,’ but what experience flying, no family background an active-duty recruiter, but that avenue “It isn’t that I can’t take ‘no’ for an “the best year and toughest year of my Guest’s poem, “It Couldn’t Be Done.” I didn’t know was they were just doing in it and very little in the way of support. didn’t yield the results Hildebrand answer, it’s that I’m always just looking life.” Hildebrand, fought to learn the ins The limerick is a favorite of the native touch-and-go’s,” he said, laughing at the What he did have was an attitude of wanted. to see if there is a ‘yes’ behind it,” said and outs of flying and master the tiny Texan and it seems to capture his life’s memory. “I didn’t realize I was seeing the determination. His rationale for wanting So, he started looking within the Hildebrand of his search for answers. trainer. But he loved the challenge and philosophy in prose. same jets over and over!” to become a pilot rings with the echoes of Air Force Reserve. That hunt led him "I’ll keep trying until it happens and if it ultimately made it through his first year The new commander of the 307th Hildebrand may have known little his favorite poem. to the commander of the 47th Fighter doesn’t work out, I’ll try something else.” of pilot training. Bomb Wing’s 343rd Bomb Squadron, about Air Force aviation, but something “I just wanted to see if I could do Squadron, an A-10 Thunderbolt unit Hildebrand changed tactics, moving All the flying struggles seemed to Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, had clicked. Those jets were a challenge in it,” he said, breaking into one of his big stationed at Barksdale at the time. from fighters to bombers. He went to the disappear when Hildebrand finally got has never been one to shy away from his eyes, a mountain he had to climb. The smiles and shrugging his shoulders. Hildebrand explained what he wanted 93rd Bomb Squadron, who listened to his to the B-52 Formal Training Unit. He a challenge. His entire military career to do. The commander listened carefully, story and decided to give him a chance immediately took to the big bomber, Then-1st Lt. Jesse Hildebrand, 93rd Bomb Squadron B-52 Stratofortress pilot (left), takes part has been a series of missions into the in survival training in October 2003. Now the 343rd BS commander, Hildebrand enlisted in the then shook his head no. The 47th FS at becoming a B-52 Stratofortress pilot. feeling right at home in its cockpit. unknown. Air Force Reserve as a medical technician before attending Officer Training School and becoming a was a pilot training unit, the commander Persistence had finally paid off. “I always felt comfortable in the B-52, Hildebrand enlisted in the Air Force pilot. (courtesy photo) explained. Hildebrand would need prior “I don’t think they knew what they although some of my instructors might Reserve while still in college, entering experience flying the jet before he could were getting into,” said Hildebrand with tell you something different,” he said. service as a medical technician. But just be part of the unit. a laugh. “I didn’t even know what I was Hildebrand’s struggles in the cockpit joining the military was a practice in trial But the commander’s answer didn’t getting into!” were over, but he still faced challenges as and error. Hildebrand did not come from deter the NCO, it just made him start The Texan took his “yes” and ran with he moved up in rank and took on greater a military family and he found himself asking questions. it. He’d overcome all the objections, now responsibility and leadership. He is quick navigating the myriad of options by “Well, where can I go to get hired as he’d have to overcome the next obstacle: to say he’s been surrounded by great himself. an A-10 pilot?” Hildebrand asked. inexperience. friends and mentors who helped him “I went to every one of (the services) Surprised by Hildebrand’s persistence, every step of the way. and the Air Force Reserve just seemed the commander suggested he try reaching Not giving up until he tried If history is any indicator, he’ll use like the best fit,” said Hildebrand. out to the 926th Fighter Squadron, past experiences to guide and mentor He quickly learned how to balance a another Reserve A-10 unit in New Hildebrand admitted to being others, always looking for ways to help full academic schedule with work and Orleans at the time. completely lost when he entered the them reach their potential, the lines from his military obligations. Before long, he Hildebrand called the commander aviation world. On his very first flight in Eddie Guest’s poem ringing in his mind. became a noncommissioned officer. Still, there, who was also taken aback by the a Cessna, a bird hit the windshield of the #ReserveResilient he wasn’t satisfied. Something inside was brazen request. Neither was quite sure plane. Wide-eyed, Hildebrand turned to (Daigle is assigned to the 307th Bomb pulling at him to try and do more. what to do with a medical technician who his instructor. Wing public affairs office.) ■ showed up asking to be a pilot in their “Is this going to happen a lot?” he A lightbulb moment unit. asked. The instructor just shook his head Just as before, the 926th commander and laughed. That tug grew stronger in the summer explained he couldn’t help Hildebrand. During pilot training, Hildebrand of 1999. Hildebrand was on orders at And like before, Hildebrand peppered found himself surrounded by classmates 20 // April 2021 April 2021 // 21
The Future Work Environment AFRC mapping out a tomorrow highlighted by more alternative workspace arrangements Above, Air Force Reserve Command announces its Outstanding Airmen of the Year via Zoom. Right, Staff Sgt. Charlie Trilles, a 624th Civil Engineer Squadron engineering journeyman, teleworks with his 1-year- old son Evan on his lap during a 624th Regional Support Group virtual unit training assembly in 2020. (Courtesy Photos) “Overnight, the AFRC staff went from 7% of our work force doing some sort of telework to almost everyone teleworking full-time,” Pawlak said. “And now after the dust has settled a little bit, we have about 78% of our people teleworking at least part of the time. The FWE team is charged to create a work environment that embraces modern technological capabilities and work balance while still meeting mission demands.” “We will never return to managing our workforce the way we In addition to A1, the team includes experts from did prior to COVID,” said Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee, AFRC’s Contracting (PK), the Logistics, Engineering and Force commander and chief of the Air Force Reserve. “Telecommuting Protection Directorate (A4), the Communications Directorate will be an enduring part of our workforce.” (A6), and the Directorate of Analyses, Lessons Learned and Pawlak echoed Scobee’s statement. “The one thing we know Continuous Process Improvement (A9). for sure is that we’re not going back to way things were before the pandemic,” he said. “Beyond that, we’re Tech. Sgt. Amber Kurka, 624th Public Affairs photojournalist craftsman, speaks with Col. looking at what is the right mix of in-office work Athanasia Shinas, 624th Regional Support Group commander, during a virtual interview versus telework and what impact this has on our from her home in Mililani, Hawaii. (Christopher Kurka) mission, our work spaces, our communications systems and our people. We’re focused on Airmen from the 919th Special Operations Force Support Squadron assist Jacqueline Gonzales, 919th Special Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, Air creating and maintaining a future work Operations Wing Airman and Family Readiness Center Force Reserve Command was dipping its toes into the pool of environment that provides essential manpower director, test a virtual resiliency event at Duke Field, telework work and other alternative workspace arrangements. and capabilities, enabling rapid response, Florida. Virtual events have become commonplace The pandemic pushed the command into the deep end, forcing operational surge and long-term operational throughout Air Force Reserve Command as the command AFRC to immediately shift to a work-from-home business sustainment of its people, infrastructure and embraces more alternative workspace arrangements. model. technology. This strategic depth is critical to our (Tech. Sgt. Jonathan McCallum) In the months that have followed, AFRC has made necessary national defense.” adjustments in order to meet mission requirements and ensure Dawn Androsky, AFRC’s director of staff, is force health protection. As a result, a large portion of the championing the work of the FWE team and headquarters staff now combines work from home with some is excited about the command’s future work in-office work to meet mission demands while preemptively environment. decreasing the likelihood of COVID-19 exposure. “AFRC wants to obtain the best and the Now, a cross-functional team at AFRC headquarters, Robins brightest,” she said. “Flexible work options will Air Force Base, Georgia, is trying to determine exactly what the allow us to do this. Since 80% of our reserve command’s future work environment should look like. Lt. Col. workforce is part-time, we want to lead the way Dustin Pawlak, deputy chief of readiness and integration in the for the future work environment. This effort Directorate of Manpower, Personnel and Readiness (A1), is will allow us to retain talent, but not necessarily By Bo Joyner leading the command’s Future Work Environment (FWE) team. require us to have them on-site. Today, we have 22 // April 2021 April 2021 // 23
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