Wing's Innovation Showcase Attracts Industry Partners and Defense Leaders

Home , 20th Attack Squadron, 432nd Wing, Air National Guard, Whiteman Air Force Base

est. February 1980 A MAGAZINE BY THE 163D ATTACK WING MARCH 2017

ALSO INSIDE: MQ-1 faces retirement 163d represented at state awards ceremony First. Sgt. diamond applicants wanted Cal Guard and 163d partner with Ukraine

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nationnationWing’s Innovation Showcase attracts industry partners and defense leaders

/163ATKW @163ATKW www.163ATKW.ang.af.mil On GUARD is proudly published for the members of the 163d Attack Wing and their families.

Public Affairs Office 2nd Lt. Jessica Huerta Integrity First Senior Master Sgt. Service Before Self Stanley Thompson Wing Commander Vice Wing Commander Excellence Tech. Sgt. Neil Ballecer Col. Dana Hessheimer Col. Keith Ward In All We Do Tech. Sgt. Joseph McKee Tech. Sgt. Gregory Solman Senior Airman Cynthia Innocenti 163 throwback 163d Fighter Airman 1st Class Group com- Crystal Housman mander Col. Airman Cecil Sanders Michelle Ulber looks on as Special thanks to: his daughter Kat Lange, On GUARD Cheryl Sand- logo designer ers signs her enlistment The On GUARD is the official papers in magazine of the 163d Attack Jan. 1971, to Wing, March Air Reserve become the Base, California. unit’s first fe- The contents of On GUARD male enlistee. are not necessarily the official (163d Attack views of, or endorsed by, the Wing archive U.S. government, Department photo) of Defense, Department of the Air Force or the 163d Attack Wing.

Our COVERstory Mission INNOVATION NATION: Vice Commander Col. Keith Ward To be one team providing discusses takes Congressman Mark Takano on a tour of dedicated, disciplined and the wing’s new Hap Arnold Center during an Innovation diverse Guardsmen ready Showcase held Feb. 22 at March Air Reserve Base. to defend our state, nation and local communities Photo by Airman 1st Class Crystal Housman from any threats that compromise the safety, MORE PHOTOS AND STORY ON PG. 6 security and well-being of our citizens and allies.

MARCH 2017 3 PICTUREthis Members of the 163d Attack Wing gather for a group photo following the 2017 California National Guard Soldier and Airmen of the Year Banquet Jan. 28 in San Diego. The wing presented three nominees for state awards including Master Sgt. Cross and Technical Sgt. Paulk. The wing’s third nominee, pho- tojournalist Airman 1st Class Crystal Housman, was named California Air Na- tional Guard Airman of the Year and will now represent the wing and state in the national competition. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Carzis AROUNDtheFORCE Air Force to retire MQ-1s next year by Senior Airman Christian Clausen 432nd Wing / 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Published Feb. 24, 2017 CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- For the past 21 years, the Air BRIEFS Force has flown the MQ-1 Predator remotely piloted aircraft in combat, Applicants sought for Airmen and for the last 10, the MQ-9 Reaper. Combined with a skilled aircrew, these aircraft provide consistent support in daily engagements making an impact downrange. First Sgt. vacancies wanted for While the MQ-1 has provided many years of service, the time has come for the Air Force to fly the more capable MQ-9 exclusively, and retire the Drill status Guardsmen and technicians are wanted Weather Flt. MQ-1 in early 2018 to keep up with the continuously evolving battlespace to apply for multiple upcoming First Sgt. diamond- environment. slotted vacancies. openings The MQ-9 is better equipped than the MQ-1 due to its increased speed, high-definition sensors and the ability to carry more munitions. These Eligible applicants include Master Sgts. and Tech. 210 Weather Flight, the 163d’s battlefield weather combat attributes allow the MQ-9 to complete a wider array of mission team which supports U.S. Army aviation brigades, is sets, which can help the Air Force stay prepared in the fight. Senior Airman Thomas of the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing marshals an MQ-1 Sgts. who are immediately promotable to Master Predator after a training flight at Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville Sgt. by May 1. Applicants must have retainability to currently looking for enlisted Airmen who are inter- “When you ask about readiness, you have to ask ready for what?” said Nov. 3, 2012. The 163d Attack Wing flew MQ-1s before transitioning to the MQ-9 Col. Joseph, 432nd Operations Group commander. “If we talk about the and being redesignated from a reconnaissance wing to an attack wing. (Air National serve an initial First Sgt. tour of three years or more. ested in cross-training. things we could be ready for and what we should be asking our attack Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey) squadrons to do, then transitioning to an all MQ-9 force is imperative for Application packages are being accepted until The flight supports U.S. Army aviation brigades by of combat lines on the MQ-9, so by the end of the year we are only an readiness.” MQ-9 squadron.” close of business April 2, and the selection board providing weather forecasting for aviation opera- Current areas of responsibility call upon combat RPAs for more precise What is unique for James’ squadron is some 20th ATKS aircrews are train- is scheduled to meet during the May super-drill unit tions. Deployment opportunities may include the close air support engagements from the attack squadrons, a consider- ing on the MQ-9 for two to three months, while home station crews are able change from the days when RPAs were used solely for intelligence training assembly. continental U.S., the Middle East, Europe, South still flying the MQ-1 in daily combat missions overseas. gathering and real-time reconnaissance. America, Korea, and Australia. “For the better part of the last few months I’ve had upwards of 30 percent Packages should include a letter of intent, letter of “The reason that the MQ-9 has turned into a CAS platform, and this is of my squadron gone at any time,” James said. “It’s been quite a chal- endorsement from applicant’s commander, full RIP The minimum ASVAB scores required for these the key point, is the fusion of two things,” he said. “The first thing is the lenge, but the motivation is very high to transition to this more capable technology. We took an airplane and outfitted it with more raw power and from the Virtual MPF application, and fitness his- positions are 50 in electronics and 66 in general. airframe, and my squadron is excited to take it to combat.” capability, but then we did the other half and matted that technology with tory showing a score of 80 or above on the last two Applicants must have normal color vision. a professional aircrew.” “We’re converting an MQ-1 squadron in combat 24/7/365 to an MQ-9 squadron in combat operations without taking a single day out of com- fitness tests or a score of 90 or above on the most Joseph also explained a third item, which is the trust developed with Current and prior service members will complete bat,” Joseph said. “The herculean efforts done by the 20th ATKS is noth- combatant commanders and troops on the ground. This confidence, com- recent test. ing short of remarkable.” active duty training including a nine month weather bined with an ever-changing battlefield, spawned increased demand and desire for more combat RPA support. The 20th ATKS and every unit which flew the MQ-1 achieved significant Selected applicants will attend the First Sgt. Acad- course in Mississippi, four months of follow-on combat zone effects daily while laying the foundation for future combat training in Florida, four months of seasoning days While the MQ-1 and the crews who flew them proved their weapons emy (FSA). Within 12 months of FSA graduation, RPAs. proficiency, it was never originally designed to carry weapons, resulting in First Sgts. must complete Senior NCO Academy, at March Air Reserve Base, and a one month battle- a limited 200-pound payload. The demand for more attack capabilities “I think when we look at the legacy of the MQ-1 we’re going to be scratch- and within 18 months of FSA graduation, applicants field weather mission qualification course in either exceeded the MQ-1s design. ing our heads wondering how we did so much with so little,” Joseph said. “The men and women flying them starting with two squadrons took a must have their Community College of the Air Force Florida or Arizona. “In the case of the MQ-1, I think we wanted more out of it, but we were at science project and throughout many evolutionary changes made it what a physical stop on the airplane and needed a new one,” Joseph said. associate degree completed. it is today.” Interested personnel and those with questions may The fresh MQ-9 design picked up where the MQ-1 left off, boasting The MQ-1 began as the RQ-1 Predator, an unarmed RPA flown by line-of- Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact 210 WF at (951) 655-2954 or contact Re- a nearly 4,000-pound payload and the ability to carry missiles and sight. Some changes include the adding of the Multi-Spectral Targeting bombs. enroll in SNCOA and being completing their CCAF de- tention at (951) 655-3078. system, the addition of weapons and remote-split operations capability. These upgraded capabilities directly impact combat readiness and transi- grees without hesitation, according to Gil Sanchez, “The MQ-1 is a great example where the Air Force took a technology dem- tioning to just the MQ-9 will also help the aircrews stay primed and ready 163d Attack Wing Command Chief. onstrator and turned it into a major weapons system having daily effects to go. Airman & Family Readiness, on the battlefield,” James said. Active Guard/Reserve (AGR) members are ineligible. “Having a single aircraft buys more flexibility, simplifies training and “We have found how to fly an imperfect weapons system very well, and I logistics and gives our people more [career progression] opportunities,” FSS, move to headquarters think we have maximized the effectiveness that we can get out of the MQ- Joseph said. “I can’t move my people in between squadrons without pay- 1. I have no doubt that we will continue to find ways to be more effective ing the penalty of having to train them on another aircraft” The 163d Airman & Family Readiness office is now in combat with the MQ-9.” March Holidays & Observances The Air Force will no longer have to maintain a training pipeline or equip- K9 Veterans Day ...... Mar. 13 located inside the 163d Attack Wing headquarters James also said the desire for the real-time reconnaissance and persis- ment on two separate aircraft, which also eliminates the cost of operating tent strike capabilities that combat RPA aircrew provide to the combatant National Medal of Honor Day...... Mar. 25 building on Graeber St. two different airframes. Instead, everything will be specific to the MQ-9. commanders would never stop. Greek Independence Day...... Mar. 25 Currently, the 20th Attack Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mis- Members of the 163d Force Support Squadron have “We’re hitting a home run by going to the MQ-9,” James said. “We have Women’s History Month ...... Month-long souri, is making the conversion from MQ-1 to MQ-9. made a difference.” Irish American Heritage Month ...... Month-long also moved into the headquarters building. All per- “Right now the plan is to stop flying the MQ-1 in 2018, and that means National Brain Injury Awareness Month ...... Month-long sonnel matters requiring FSS, except for ID cards, we need to get transitioned this year,” said Lt. Col. James, 20th Attack Nutrition Month ...... Month-long Squadron commander. “As part of that we are going to stop flying the (Editor’s note: The last names of certain individuals in this story have been can be conducted in the headquarters building. removed for security reasons.) Sleep & Vision Month...... Month-long MQ-1 completely by July 1, 2017. We will gradually stand up our number The base ID card office is located in building 2314.

6 MARCH 2017 MARCH 2017 7 innovationinnovation

Wing unveils Hap Arnold Center during innovation showcase nationnationStory and photos by Airman 1st Class Crystal Housman Pentagon officials, California Nation- Industry representatives demon- Experimental (DIUx) and manag- al Guard leadership, local Congress- strated software platforms and ing partner Raj Shah, a former Air men and defense industry represen- equipment to solve that problem and National Guard fighter pilot, invited tatives met Feb. 22 with members illustrate how agencies can mesh three recent technology partners to of the 163d Attack Wing at March data across systems. present their latest projects, devel- Air Reserve Base, California, for the Presentations included the Multi- oped in collaboration with the DIUx California Air National Guard wing’s Intelligence Smart Processor (MISP)- team. One such company, Sonitus innovation showcase and dedication IV, mission planning using immersive Technologies, Inc., showed a wire- ceremony for the wing’s new Hap three-dimensional virtual reality less, hands-free, two-way commu- Arnold Center located on base. workstations and software by zSpace nications device that is worn in the The day-long event gave technology and Tanzle, SIRIS mission collabora- mouth to convey sound using the partners and military personnel the opportunity to demonstrate new and existing tools for collaboration across military branches and civilian agencies for use in federal combat operations and domestic missions such as emergency response. “Everyone’s got a different widget,” said James “Snake” Clark, who serves as the Director of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Modernization and Infrastruc- ture and as Deputy Chief for ISR at Headquarters Air Force inside the Pentagon. Congressman Mark Takano gets a live look at maps detailing flooding in northern California during the Brig. Gen. Laura Yeager of the California National Guard looks 163d Attack Wing’s Innovation Showcase held Feb. 22 at March Air Reserve Base. at a Tanzle workstation while touring the 163d Attack Wing’s “How do you get them new Hap Arnold Center Feb. 23, 2017 at March Air Reserve tion overlays for Google Earth, and Base, California. The wing hosted a day-long innovation show- all the same piece of other tools. bone that connects teeth to the ear case to demonstrate new technologies from industry partners canal. and provide congressional representatives with a look at ways information if something Additionally, the Department of the wing is innovating in both federal and domestic operations. Bringing industry partners together Clark asked. Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit happened?” [CONTINUED AS INNOVATION NEXT PAGE] 8 MARCH 2017 MARCH 2017 9 Far left: Technology is demonstrated during the 163d Attack Wing’s innovation showcase and Hap Arnold Center dedication Feb. 22, at March Air Reserve Base. This page, top: Congressman Ken Calvert speaks with 163d Attack Wing Com- mander Col. Dana Hessheimer and DIUx managing partner Raj Shah during the innovation showcase. This page, bottom left: Actors from the 163d Attack Wing and CAL FIRE prepare to video teleconference into a collaborative digital environment. This page, center: Software for collaboration and technology integration is explained during the innovation showcase. This page, bottom right: The zSpace three-dimensional virtual workspace is demonstrated.

The center is an operational devel- “This is a place for all As state officials work to address [INNOVATION FROM PREVIOUS PAGE] opment facility promoting the kind flooding due to a series of storms for a day of demonstrations, network- to talk with elected officials Rep. Ken “I’ve been really impressed of vision and innovation forecasted Airmen to get away from in northern California, finding ways ing and collaboration was important, Calvert, who represents California’s with the enthusiasm, the by its namesake and former March and new platforms to work together said Col. Dana Hessheimer, 163d 42nd District and sits on a defense their workcenters, think spirit, and the drive to do Air Reserve Base commander, Gen. between agencies and cross-commu- Attack Wing Commander. subcommittee of the House Com- about a problem, brain- mittee on Appropriations, and Rep. what’s right for the warf- Henry H. “Hap” Arnold, at the end of nicate for domestic operations is a “It was good to see all the contrac- Mark Takano, a who represents ighter,” said Chris Pehrson, Vice World War II. “The next war may be storm, and work toward topic of much discussion. tors come in to support this so it fought by airplanes with no men in California’s 41st District, and is the President of Strategic Development solutions,” Baird said. wasn’t just a military operation,” vice ranking member of the House them at all,” Arnold said. “This couldn’t be Hessheimer said. “We couldn’t have for General Atomics Aeronautical, That goes for any Airman and any Veterans Affairs Committee. At its core, the center is a place done this without them.” which makes the MQ-9 Reaper collaboration for training or real- more timely,” said Brig. where Airmen can work together with “We had a good discussion about remotely piloted aircraft flown by the world use, Hessheimer said. Gen. Laura Yeager, California Nation- As the day went on, he could see industry partners to problem solve how our private sector innovators are 163d. al Guard Director for Joint Staff, who companies sharing ideas and com- and innovate with technology in an “The Hap Arnold Center is not about partnering with the Defense Dept. The event culminated with hands-on spent most of the day learning about ing together. (sic) to put the latest technology to unclassified environment and on an the wing, it’s about saving and equipment and software demonstra- the center and partner technolo- “You could see the contractors play- use to keep our soldiers safe and unclassified network. protecting the lives of both civilians tions at the wing’s new Hap Arnold and military personnel,” Hessheimer ing off of each other, sharing their complete their mission,” Calvert said “Airmen can bring in their technologies. “You guys are really Center using real-time imagery and said. “Our goal is to train first re- technologies, and bringing their in a social media post following the gy, plug it in here, and feed data onto data from disaster response efforts sponders and military members, us- pushing the envelope with skillsets together as one unit,” Hes- event. our ISR network to test and develop in northern California, and also a ing the most current tools, to defeat sheimer said. new tools,” said Maj. Mike Baird, who technology and what you For elected officials, wing leadership short dedication ceremony for the the enemy or defeat a disaster,” he serves as the Hap Arnold Center’s The event also gave military leader- and contractors alike, the common facility. said. are doing here.” ship and contractors an opportunity theme was taking care of troops. project officer for the 163d.

10 MARCH 2017 MARCH 2017 11 PROMOTED COINED 163d Maintenance Group Com- Three members of the 163d Logistics Readiness Squadron were recently named Warriors of the mander Blake LaMar is promoted to Week and coined by the Mission Support Group RETIREDCONGRATS Col. and pinned on by family mem- Commander, 380th Expeditionary Logistics bers Feb. 12. His father and former Readiness Squadron. SrA Paul was recognized Lt. Col. Todd of for standing up a document control system and the 163d Main- 163d commander, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) digitizing over six years of materiel documents Edward B. LaMar, administered the facilitating a 97% cut in research time. Staff Sgt. tenance Group, Alejandro led his group in remodeling their ware- oath of office. (Air National Guard photos left, presents a house and assisted in remodeling central and by Airman 1st Class Crystal Housman) custom tool belt outside storage areas, recovering 7,500 cubic ft. and boosting storage capacities by 40%. Master to Chief Master Sgt. Ruben, who is serving as flight chief in a Se- Sgt. Ronnie, also nior Master Sgt. billet, led his expeditionary unit’s supply account from number eight to number of the 163d one in the U.S. Air Force Central Command. Maintenance Group, during the REENLISTED Chief’s retirement ceremony Feb. 11 at March Air Reserve Base. (Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Crystal Housman)

Senior Master Sgt. Michael Leocadio of the 163d Communications Flight reenlists during a ceremony Feb. 15 at March Air Reserve Base. (Courtesy Photo) NEWCOMERS INDUCTED FINI FLIGHT Col. Douglas, former commander of the 163d Operations Group, gets sprayed with water from a fire hose at March Air Reserve Base Robert Phipps is inducted into the Feb. 23 following California State Military Reserve’s the final flight of his 163d Attack Wing State Reserve Air Force career. Group Feb. 12 by group com- Hosing down an mander Lt. Col. Conrad Hernandez. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. aviator following his Gregory Solman) final -- or fini -- flight is a long time Air Force tradition. (Air Know someone who deserves a shout-out? Email the 163d ATKW National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Crystal Public Affairs team at [email protected] to let us know who got promoted, Housman) who received an award, or who did something else that was just plain awesome. Snapped a photo? We’ll take it. Send it to our way and it might show up in the next issue of On Guard! 12 MARCH 2017 MARCH 2017 13 CONNECTED COUNTRIES PART II: UKRAINE State Partnership Program pairs Cal Guard with Ukrainian counterparts

by Tech. Sgt. Gregory Solman In January, Lt. Col. John said, “the Wing is looking for an to appear to be encroaching toward the border.” ment, only 80 Ukrainian Air Force aircraft—a mix of Suk- 163d Attack Wing Public Affairs event to jump start the partnership in the next four to six But that proscribed area of operations is new, as recent hoi Su-25 and Su-27 fighters and Su-24 bombers, Mil The California National Guard’s two State Partnership months.” as the Euromaidan revolution in 2014, Scott says. “It Mi-24 Hinds, MiG-29s—were considered airworthy, per Program (SPP) nations, Nigeria and Ukraine, could be According to Army Maj. Alexys Scott, the Wing may not hasn’t effected our partnership. We just have limita- an RIA Novosti estimate. Ukraine lost aircraft to Russian facetiously dubbed “Hot and Hotter.” have to wait long. Scott heads up California’s SPP as tions,” Scott insists. “In fact, it has increased our en- capture, despite having not engaged them in battle, dur- the Security Cooperation Branch Chief, while serving gagement with our partner nation. And they are happy to ing the annexation of Crimea. Military expenditures have But this one’s no comedy. While Nigeria festers with ratcheted up from 2013-16, from .97 percent to 3.8 per- internal strife and Boko Haram’s brand of Islamic ter- in the J5 directorate at Joint Forces Headquarters in engage.” Sacramento. He’s been an integral part of the Ukrainian cent of gross domestic product, according to the Central rorism—and the 163d Attack Wing offers sorely needed Scott points out that an upcoming California Army Intelligence Agency, an indicator of the looming storm. military expertise (see February’s On Guard)—Ukraine partnership, off and on, since 2006, including a tour as National Guard “training engagement” in Lviv, near the a Bilateral Affairs officer under United State European The Ministry of Defense ordered 68 Soviet-era Tu-141 suffered revolution from within as well as invasion by the Polish border, is beginning a full second-year rotation, un- unmanned aerial vehicles to be taken out of mothballs neighboring Russian Federation and the annexation of Command (UECOM) as recently as 2013-2016, years of abated by current events. “It’s your basic ‘Shoot, move, turbulence and anxiety. and restored in an attempt to shore up reconnaissance, Crimea, as recently as 2014. communicate,’ NATO-style, how we do things,” Scott according to Medium journalist Robert Beckhusen. De- Ukraine may have been a target “because it’s not a NATO “Ukraine is very welcoming towards explains. spite their limitations, the Ukrainian Air Force is engaging partner,” says Lt. Col. John, who leads the 163d Attack Americans, towards Europeans, towards As to the future efforts of the 163d Attack Wing, Scott the ongoing insurgency in Donbass. Wing’s efforts. “They had a leader that wanted to join says: “I would think there is an opportunity to engage moving west,” Scott says. “That’s not “All of our way forward is decided by a multinational NATO, and that was perceived as a threat as too close to with blue (with Air). Obviously, not in the sense of flying joint commission. And there are subcommittees in all Russia’s borders. They funneled resources into an insur- to say that the whole country is that jets and drilling holes in the sky, but logistics. Because disciplines. The governing body provides the way ahead,” gency. They took subs, infrastructure—a seaport.” way. But the area we are authorized to Ukraine does have an air force. Sooner or later, Ukraine Scott explains. “The overarching theme is the restoration “I think under [Russian President Vladimir] Putin they will learn how we do joint operations and we hope they of the Ministry of Defense so it’s more in line to engage would like to return to the Cold War mentality, where they engage in feels that way.” will be able to incorporate, tie in with each other. But at in future exercises and training. The SPP supplements, were more respected and revered around the world,” The relatively friendly territory lies west of the Dnieper this point they’re still in the crawl phase of being able to or augments, if you will, one of those subcommittee’s says Lt. Col. John, who also serves as an officer in the River; anything east is off limits for military activity or se- do their own joint exercises and operations.” plans.” 160th Attack Squadron. curity assistance, Scott says. “We, as the U.S., don’t want Indeed, as of 2014, after years of chronic underinvest- [CONTINUED AS UKRAINE NEXT PAGE] Top: Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin, Adjutant General of the California National Guard, hosted Lt. Gen. Yuriy Allerov, commander of the Ukrainian National Guard, during a weeklong visit to Cal Guard sites across the state in mid-November 2016. Allerov and other members of Ukrainian National Guard leadership visited Camp Roberts, the California Military Department headquarters in Sacramento, the California Office of Emergency Services, and observed Cal Guard briefings and training sessions and a Veterans Day observance. (California National Guard Photos)

[UKRAINE FROM PREVIOUS PAGE]

To that effect, two- to four-man subject matter expert teams constantly rotate from California to the Ukraine. “I think it’s going great,” Scott avers. “In the beginning, when everything was hitting the fan, there was a lot of uncertainty, and not just for the SPP, which is just one sliver of the whole combatant command and Depart- ment of Defense mil-to-mil engagement.” “When Euromaidan happened, EUCOM put a pause on everything for about six months,” Scott recalls. “Ev- erybody put the brakes on. Since then, it’s going well. We understand our left-right limits. We keep engaging. There’s plenty of opportunity.” That includes the annual Rapid Trident regional command post and field-training exercise as well as the second year of the Joint Multinational Training Group- Ukraine, involving 40 or more CAANG soldiers to provide ground training to Ministry of Defense battalions. “We’re getting our good name out there,” Scott con- cludes. “Everybody wins from this experience.” *For security reasons, some last names are omitted. SPOTLIGHT

Members of the 163d Attack Wing public affairs shop, along with volunteers from throughout the wing and from other wings’ public affairs shops, served as the production crew for the 2017 California National Guard Soldier and Airmen of the Year banquet Jan. 28 in San Diego. The team worked overnight to build 163d Public Affairs supports the banquet stage, hang lights, and run the production, which included spotlights and multiple live video camera feeds. The annual event is one of the 163d public affairs team’s flagship events each year. state awards banquet (Air National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Carzis)

18 JANUARY 2017 JANUARY 2017 19 COMMUNITYRELATIONS Norco High School cadets tour wing Cadets from Norco High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) unit visit the 163d Attack Wing Feb. 8, 2017. The cadets listened to the wing’s Reaper 101 briefing and had an opportunity to see the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft up close. (Air National Guard photos by Tech. Sgt. Neil Ballecer)

Marine Corps JROTC cadets march between events Feb. 16 during a tour at March Air Reserve Base. Cadets from Desert Hot Springs visit 163d

Cadets from Desert Hot Springs High School’s Ma- rine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program visit the 163d Attack Wing Feb. 16, 2017. (Air National Guard photos by Tech. Sgt. Neil Ballecer)

20 MARCH 2017 MARCH 2017 21 163d Airmen graduate from Senior NCO Leadership Course Members of the 163d Attack Wing partici- pated in a base-wide Senior NCO Leadership Course instructed by Chief Master Sgt. Chad Welch and Senior Master Sgt. Marcia Evans at March Air Reserve Base in Feb. 12, 2017. (Air National Guard photos by Tech. Sgt. Gregory Solman) Medical Group holds open ranks Members of the 163d Medical Group gathered for an open ranks inspection of their Class A uniforms during Feb. drill. (Courtesy photos)

163d Operations Group changes command Lt. Col. Kristy salutes 163d At- tack Wing Commander Col. Dana Hessheimer while accepting command of the 163d Opera- tions Group during a ceremony held Feb. 7 at March Air Reserve Base. At right, outgoing group commander Col. Douglas, looks Civil engineers deploy to Oroville Dam on. Each commander offered Staff Sgt. Donnel Ho, second from right, remarks during the ceremony. and Senior Airman Renato Mendoza, far right, both at the 163d Logistics Readi- (Air National Guard photos by ness Squadron, issue cold weather and Tech. Sgt. Gregory Solman) wet weather gear to Tech. Sgts. Jarrod Bricker, left, and Reuben Dominguez, second from left, of the 163d Civil Engi- neer Squadron, on Feb. 13, at March Air Reserve Base, as the engineers prepare to deploy on emergency state active duty in response to the Oroville Dam spillway failure near Oroville, California. Accord- ing to Cal OES, on Feb. 12, residents of Oroville and other Butte County communities were asked to evacuate due to the instability of the auxiliary spillway at Lake Oroville. (Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Crystal Housman)

22 MARCH 2017 MARCH 2017 23 CCAF graduation The 163d Attack Wing human resource scheduled advisor presents three questions to ask A Community College of the Air around your workcenters during the month Force graduation ceremony is of March: scheduled for May 7 at March Air 1. Have you seen the new senior Reserve Base. NCO promotion board scorecard? Airmen interested in participating (If not, it will be loaded into the in the ceremony are encouraged (Air National Guard photos by Airman 1st Class Crystal Housman) wing’s mobile app soon.) to check their graduation status with wing training by the end of 2. Do you have an idea that can en- February. Education and training 163d Airmen earn scholarships hance the wing or the Air Force’s Staff Sgt. Jennie Aguilar of the 163d Attack Wing Chaplain Corps accepts a certificate and scholarship Wing coins available ability to perform the mission? If recently moved to Building 625. check from 452nd Air Mobility Wing Commander, Brig. Gen. Russell Muncy, and 163d Attack Wing New 163d Attack Wing coins are in stock and available for purchase. The coins The May 7 graduation ceremony Commander Col. Dana Hessheimer Feb. 15. Aguilar, along with Tech. Sgt. Will Dumproff of the 163d so, what is it? (AFI 38-402) Logistics Readiness Squadron and Master Sgt. Erika of the 163d Maintenance Squadron, were each are $10 and can be purchased at the 163d Headquarters front desk. The coin is slated for 10 a.m. at the Base commended for their entries into a Team March scholarship essay responding to the question How 3. Have you heard about the wing’s has your military experience enhanced your civilian life and vice versa? front features the 163d Attack Wing shield and the back features the logos of Cultural Center, Building 467. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Neil Ballecer) each of the wing’s four groups. new Hap Arnold Center?

24 MARCH 2017 MARCH 2017 25 Gen. Ronald Fogleman created the CSAF Professional Reading Program in 1996 to develop a common frame of reference among Air Force members -- officers, en- Wing Training, testing listed, and civilians -- to help each of us become better, more effective advocates of air and space power. moves to new facility Each CSAF since then has enhanced and continued the Professional Reading Program. Wing Training has moved from Building 441 and is now located in Building 625 next to the Riverside gate. The new building’s street address is 5730 Thinking, Riverside Ave. Members reporting for testing should sign in with Fast and Slow Wing Training once they have arrived in office 214. Published in 2011 For training inquiries, contact the Guard Training What does a psycholo- Manager located in office 214C. gist who won the Nobel Prize in Economics have to teach Airmen? His CCAF Transcript Processing theories on decision Community College of the Air making shifted think- Force receives 500-700 tran- ing from a robotic utility scripts daily, Air Force wide. maximizing, rational actor model to some- With only eight on staff in thing more recognizable their mail room, classifying — sometimes human and scanning each document New two-year degree program offered for AF civilians decisions are irrational can take several weeks. often prone to fallacies. Why do we too often Once the official transcripts are scanned on to the by Maj. Angelic Ramirez degree and create more oppor- maximum of 90 enrollees. Selec- underestimate the time and money it will take to student’s record, program managers will then evalu- Headquarters Air Force tunities to attend higher levels of tions will be announced no later complete a project? What makes us risk averse, ate each course listed on the transcripts to deter- Published Feb. 22, 2017 developmental education.” than November 2017. especially when lives aren’t on the line? Kahne- mine if it meets the accreditation requirements. JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RAN- Full-time permanent appropriated “Providing our civilian workforce man explains how our brains are built to favor This process can take an additional two months un- DOLPH -- The Air Force is expand- fund employees in any grade who with opportunities to further their mental shortcuts and how this “fast” thinking til members can finally see their courses in the Web ing development opportunities for do not currently possess an as- education is important so that can create big problems. Progress report. the civilian workforce by offering sociate or bachelor’s degree from they can acquire the skills along Members may contact Wing Training regarding the an associate degree at little to no an accredited college or university with the experience to grow into ABOUT THE AUTHOR: cost. status of transcripts. can apply. Enrollees must have future leaders,” said Loretta Daniel Kahneman is an Israeli-American Graduates of the online program an acceptable performance ap- Brown, civilian leadership devel- psychologist notable for his work on the will be awarded an Associate of praisal rating, two years of federal opment program administrator at psychology of judgment and decision- Program offers activity grants for Applied Science degree in Air making, as well as behavioral econom- civilian service by the application the Air Force Personnel Center. ics, for which he was awarded the 2002 Force Leadership and Manage- deadline and a high school diplo- “This is a great opportunity for Air Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sci- children of deployed personnel ment Studies. The 60-credit hour ma (GED or equivalent). Bargain- Force civilians to reach their full ences (shared with Vernon L. Smith). His empirical findings “Our Military Kids” offers grants of up to $250 for program is accredited by the challenge the assumption of human rationality prevailing in ing unit employees should ensure potential through an easily acces- children of military personnel deploying on Title 10 Southern Association of Colleges modern economic theory. “impact and implementation” has sible degree.” orders outside of the continental U.S. for 120 days and Schools. been completed at their location. For more information on the or more. “We continue to value education Local base civilian personnel sec- program, select “Any” from the Grants can be awarded to children from age 5 as a force multiplier, and this tions can provide more informa- dropdown menu on myPers and through grade 12 for lessons, tutoring, or one activ- degree will assist civilians in their tion. search “Associate Degree.” Indi- ity/program. academic journey,” said Russell Applicants can submit their pack- viduals who do not have a myPers Frasz, director of Force Develop- age through myPers under Civilian account can request one by Grants do not cover school tuition, child care, or ment at Headquarters Air Force. Force Development from March following the instructions noted religious mission trips. “This new program will open the 1 to May 1. The first term begins online at http://www.retirees. For more details or to download an application, visit pathway toward a bachelor’s March 2018 and will include a af.mil/myPERS/ www.OurMilitaryKids.org

26 MARCH 2017 MARCH 2017 27 Blended Retirement System Opt-In course available Cross training by Kat Bailey financial counselor at the Airman and the new system to understand what Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs Family Readiness Center. The training their junior Airmen should know as they Published Feb. 1, 2017 (course number J3OP-US1332) is now prepare to make their decisions in 2018. opportunities JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH available via Joint Knowledge Online The Leader training course is also avail- -- The Department of Defense will and takes approximately two hours to able to those without a Common Access implement the new Blended Retirement complete. Card -- to include family members -- via available System in less than a year. While no one Only those active Airmen who, as of an alternate website. needs to make a decision until Jan. 1, Dec. 31, 2017, have served fewer than BRS information is continuously updated 163d Attack Wing Recruiting & Retention 2018, all Airmen should take advantage 12 years, or reserve Airmen who have on myPers. Click “Retirement” from any Looking for change? Want to learn a new AFSC? The of training and informational resources accrued fewer than 4,320 retirement military landing page. In addition, a to research their options during 2017. points, will have the option of electing live chat feature on BRS is available for 163d Attack Wing currently has cross training op- Airmen eligible for the new Blended BRS or remaining in the legacy retire- Airmen. To chat live with a Total Force portunities available in the following areas: Retirement System will begin receiv- ment system. These Airmen will be Service Center representative, go to the ing email notifications in February from required to take the Opt-In training and page and allow about 30 to 60 seconds 1C3X1 Command Post 3D0X2 Cyber Systems myPers to ensure they receive correct should provide a copy of the JKO training to enable a representative to come 1N0X1 Intelligence Operations information regarding their benefits to certificate to their Unit Training Manager online. 1W0X1 Weather (Enlisted & 3D1X1 Client Systems make the decision best suited for their upon completion. For more information about Air Force Officer) 3D1X3 RF Transmissions individual needs. The Air Force recommends BRS training personnel programs, go to myPers. 2A5X3 Avionics Systems for all Airmen and encourages them to Individuals who do not have a myPers 2F0X1 Fuels 3E0X1 Electrical Systems The Opt-In course is designed to provide sufficient information for eligible Airmen take either the Opt-In course or the BRS account can request one by following the 2G0X1 Logistics Plans 3E0X2 Electrical Power Pro Leader Training on JKO (course number instuctions posted at http://www.afpc. 2S0X1 Material Management 3E1X1 HVAC to make an educated decision about J3OP-US1330). Many leaders may not af.mil/myPers. 2T0X1 Traffic Management 3E3X1 Structural their retirement system. However, Air- men are highly encouraged to discuss be eligible to opt-in to BRS themselves, 2T1X1 Vehicle Operations 3E4X1 Water and Fuel Systems but still need to be knowledgeable about 2T3X1 Vehicle Maintenance 3E5X1 Engineer their personal situations with a personal 2T3X7 Fleet Management 3N0X1 Public Affairs 2W0X1 Munitions 3P0X1 Security Forces 2W0X1 Weapons 5J0X1 Paralegal This program rewards on a multitier system of incentives. Call (951) 655-3078 or stop by the Retention office As a person brings in more recruits, the rewards move up in the located in Headquarters to learn more about the 4 tiered system. cross training process. Save the date: Riverside area Veterans Expo set for April The 2017 Riverside Area Veterans Expo and Veter- ans Stand Down is scheduled for April 21, 2017, at the Lt. Gen. Herbert R. Temple, Jr. Army National Tier 4 10 applicants Guard Readiness Center, 14941 Riverside Dr., at Tier 3 Tier 2 5 applicants March Air Reserve Base. Tier 1 3 applicants Attendees will be able to explore economic, educa- 1 applicant tional, medical and recreational benefits available to veterans, active duty military, their dependents and their survivors. Base member receives a California State Airman receives an Recruiting Ribbon and incentive ride on Unit Commanders coin F15 Eagle The event is free and open to the public. Base member receives an pending approval Base member receives National Guard Bureau and Adjutant an Recruiting and Recruiting and Retention General coin Attendees are first required to register in person at Retention Appreciation Referral Award and Certificate from NGB Recruiting and Retention the Army National Guard Readiness Center. Superintendent Coin.

The veterans program, display of services and a Disclaimer: All itemsDisclaimer: will be distributed All items only will after be distributedthe applicant(s) only haveafter beenthe applicants sworn in and have gained been swornby the in unit. and The gained contest by the end unit.s at the end of FY 2017. mid-day meal are open to all registrants. The (Pendingcontest ends incentive at the flight end approval).of FY 2017.

28 MARCH 2017 MARCH 2017 29 YESTERDAY. TODAY. TOMORROW.