305th AMW Commanders Call Questions

The 305th Air Mobility Wing's commander and command chief, Col. Darren Cole and Chief MSgt. Timothy Pachasa, fielded questions from Airmen at the 305th AMW all call, Jan. 5th, 2017. Cole and Pachasa worked to find answers to questions that could not be answered during the allotted time.

Question: My Pre Question for upcoming 5 Jan 2017 305 AMW Commander Call: A few years ago the Base Commander at JB-MDL put out a policy letter regarding jogging on JB-MDL roadways stating (para phrasing) that use of main roadways for jogging was prohibited and that use of non-roadway accommodations (grass or sidewalk areas, Golf Courses, Gym, treadmills, etc) should be used. Is that Policy still in effect? Apparently not as last night on way home at approximately 1745 hrs (complete darkness) I was driving on West Arnold Ave and while going around the curve at Bldg 2217 a jogger was running toward traffic on actual road way (with strips of reflective tape on attire). Due to low visibility (inclement weather, wet roads, darkness, and especially since jogger was not in line with vehicle headlights--due to curve) I had to swerve left into oncoming lane to avoid hitting the jogger. But then had to immediately swerve back right to avoid hitting a 2nd jogger on other side of road who was extremely blended into environment (no reflective tape and dark clothing). 2nd runner was approximately 15 feet behind 1st jogger.

My actual question: 'Is this policy still in effect or simply not enforced?' 2nd part is: 'If not a current policy, will it be re-instated and enforced?'

My prediction: 'Next accident at JB-MDL will be a fatality pedestrian/jogger due to above similar scenario.

Answer: Thanks for your safety consciousness. Here’s the policy in brief: No person shall run, jog or walk on 8th Street, Texas Ave, or Broidy Rd at any time or during peak traffic period hours (0600-0800 and 1600-1800 excluding weekends and holidays) in the following areas:

McGuire: All traffic circles, McGuire Blvd, Tuskegee Airmen Ave, E. Arnold Ave, Can Do Way

Dix: All traffic circles, Delaware Ave, Pennsylvania Ave, New Jersey Ave, Ft Dix Rd.

Lakehurst: Lansdowne Rd, Saniuk Rd. Severyns Rd, McCord Rd,

The entire JB MDL policy on this can be found at: https://eim.amc.af.mil/org/87se/default.aspx

Question: If someone writes a 5 EPR for their troop and they deserve one but they haven’t won an award and can justify it, do they have a leg to stand on when it comes to getting a must promote statement? I’ve seen SrA do the same job as staffs, run programs, deploy and get decorations but still not get a 5 because someone knocked the rating down…does supervision have the right to change the number on the rating or can they only change the statement of promote, promote now and must promote?

Answer: As worded, this is a difficult question to answer. References to 5’s, and Must Promotes are confusing current EPR processes and institutional ideologies. Chief Pachasa will bring up this question in the Enlisted Call he plans to have at the end of the month.

Question: Any news on bonuses for all 2A5 AFSC’s or zones A B C D?

Answer: Not at this time, but the Air Force is looking at it.

Question: Are the BASH windows going to change so we don’t have another bird strike like the C-17 that’s been destroyed for weeks

Answer: We are always taking data points regarding bird strikes and will adjust the BASH window to mitigate as much risk and cost to damaged aircraft as able. We will not prevent every bird strike no matter what we do.

Question: How about a steam room for the men’s room at the fitness center?

Answer: There were severe maintenance issues along with bacteria growth problems with the old steam room, so it was converted to a shower several years ago. There are no future plans for re-installing one at this time due to cost/maintenance.

Question: Any KC-46 Updates?

Answer: YES! It was recently announced that JB MDL and Travis AFB are the two preferred MOB4 bases and will receive 24 KC-46s. We will not know the timing until the Environmental Assessment is complete. That could be as long as a year from now and your leadership is engaged to ensure a very detailed transition plan, down to the last Airman, will be in place when the time comes. For now, focus on the knowns and keep producing the RGM excellence with what we’ve got right now.

Question: When will there be additional parking possibly in the empty field directly behind the parking lot or even assigned parking spots in the 2719/2720 dorms

Answer: CE has a contract and funding approval to add approximately 1,000 square yards of additional parking behind building 2720. The contract is on hold until the spring due to weather concerns.

Question: Who are we sending AK-47’s to? Does the US military use AK-47’s?

Answer: Great question. The United States is supplying arms to the Iraqi Army and Syrian rebels. It has helped turn the momentum in the fight against ISIL.

Question: Is the awards program based strictly on merit? Are there other factors that go into selecting the winners?

Answer: The wing awards program is strictly based on merit. Once packages are submitted and make it to the wing level, there is a board of individuals who objectively score the packages based on quality and impact. The board members rotate each quarter. As far as your individual unit, talk with your supervisor and see what their respective processes are.

Question: COMBS: do we have an active duty liaison…I personally have lots of issues and questions with this contract but not getting the answers I need to effectively lead my team

Answer:. Yes, there is an active duty liaison. Mr. Scott Haines, MXG Deputy, has the name. Please work with your leadership and go through appropriate channels to resolve these issues and most importantly, thank you for your proactiveness.

Question: When is the new tattoo policy coming out?

Answer: The CSAF, CMSAF, and the SECAF have approved the following changes to the Tattoo policy: Removal of size limitation of tattoos on the arms, legs, chest and back. The policy provides more definitive guidance that restricts all tattoos above the collar line and limits tattoos on the hands to one single band ring tattoo on one finger. This will allow tattoo "sleeves" with the wear of all uniforms. The restriction on offensive tattoos remains in place. Commanders still retain the responsibility and authority to ensure a professional appearance remains intact and can direct tattoos to be covered for specific purposes. This guidance can be found at the link below:

http://www.af.mil/Portals/1/documents/Policy%20Memo.pdf?ver=2017-01-10-100008-623

Question: If excellence is the standard, how is there only 1 must promote in the sq when you say we did an awesome job over all 2016

Answer: Overall, the 305 AMW performance in 2016 was excellent. As a unit, we met that high standard. The collective effort is the result of many individual efforts of various levels of performance. The Air Force Enlisted Evaluation System is built to reward the highest individual performers and thus they limit the number of "Must Promote" recommendations.

Question: Chief P, can you discuss the limitations and the way forward for the PT tests conducted in the basketball court in the Doughboy gym?

Answer: The track in Doughboy Gym was certified by both CE and Safety to use for Fitness Assessments. Our FAC only utilizes the Doughboy Gym track if we cannot test at McGuire Fitness Center due to inclement weather. Once Griffith Field House is re-opened we will move all inclement weather testing back to Griffith Field House. We've seen no trends of failures related to the new track, but are actively monitoring testing to ensure it does not affect our Airmen.

Question: How is the 305th doing on course 15 completion? What are the pass rates?

Answer: Not too badly, and we haven’t tracked pass rates, just completion dates. The key is that if you bust 1 year, you MUST be complete by SCOD or you will be ineligible to promote.

Question: What is the value added via course 15? Every person I know hasn’t learned anything other than non-compliance means separation

Answer: Chief Pachasa plans to discuss this at his Enlisted Call later this month!

Question: What happened to the EPR being changed to rated on job performance? Now being with whole airman concept being stressed, it now seems as if volunteer is more important.

Answer: Chief Pachasa would love to address this at the Enlisted call. We can assure you, the 305 AMW and the Air Force, are not stressing the Whole Airman Concept above performance in your primary duties. Even in our EPRs, the Whole Airman Concept bullets make up only 2 of the possible 13, meaning they account for approximately 15% of your total performance.

Question: Where can we get example 1206’s?

Answer: Chief Pachasa will gather bullets from the past year, sanitize them, and send them out for people to see. He’ll send good ones, bad ones, and OK ones, along with the discussion points to show how strong they are.

Question: Any idea when we can expect more information on the single payer salary system

Answer: Good question from an alert newsreader! The FY 2017 NDAA outlines the new single salary pay system in which BAH would be compensation (part of basic pay) vs an allowance, applicable 1 January 2018. Per Sec 604 of the Conference Report relating to the FY 17 NDAA, Secretary of Defense shall submit an initial assessment and progress report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives Not Later than 1 March, 2017, to contain the military pay tables as of January 1, 2017, that reflect the Regular Military Compensation of members of the Armed Forces as of that date in the range of grades, dependency statuses, and assignment locations.

Question: How will quarterly wing events be decided and how can ideas be submitted?

Answer: Any and all ideas are encouraged to be sent to the Command Chief Exec’s org box at 305AMW.CCCE.CommandChiefExecutiveAssistant@us.af.mil. We'll take all inputs and bounce them around for applicability, cost, availability, and scope of participation. Things such as the Can Do Games and the Combat Dining Out are just two examples of the types of events we're looking for. The 305 AMW/CC will make the final decision.

Question: Can you expand on the degraded ops training in the future?

Answer: Starting in March with the MOBEX, we will have WIT members who will be intentionally deselecting or simulating failure of highly reliable systems (GPS, radar, data link, countermeasures, communications systems, etc.) to achieve desired learning objectives and train to realistic scenarios. The intent is to continue these scenarios in WAREX, ACOT and eventually into daily training.

Question: Pudgy’s new system with not having a wait staff or bartender service until 1600 Monday through Friday is not a positive change to the culture of the base. What prompted them to change their hours and don't they realize that this affects a privilege we all enjoy?

Answer: As referenced in a recent email from the 87 ABW/CC, these are cost saving measures that were necessary to keep Pudgy’s operating. The change was not managed as well as desired and corrective actions have been taken.

Question: Are the rash of NOV 30th overseas assignments directly correlated to projected manning increase?

Answer: Wouldn’t say that there is a direct correlation. Functional managers do their best to align assignments with current needs of the Air Force. That being said, there is a projected increase of 4,000 Airmen in 2017.

Question: What is the projected manning increase for 2017 or the next five years?

Answer: 4,000 for 2017, bringing the total to 321,000. The 2018 request is for an increase of 30,000 over the next few years.

Question: Why can't I do sit ups before push-ups on the PT test?

Answer: The AFI does not specifically restrict an individual from doing sit-ups before push-ups or the muscular fitness components before the aerobic components. The order in which the muscular components are tested at the discretion of the installation FAC’s established procedures. Here at JB MDL, the procedure is to do the muscular fitness components before the aerobic, and to do push-ups before sit-ups. To change the order in which these are done on a constant basis, according to airmen’s preference, would slow the process and/or require more manpower. Please see AFI 36-2905, Chapter 3 for specifics. However, CMSgt Pachasa is in contact with the 87 ABW to discuss allowing some deviation to account for personal preference.

Question: Chief, when can we have an enlisted mentoring session?

Answer: This month! Be on the lookout for the invite within the next week.

Question: Sir, this is my first duty station, I've been here for 7 years today. Is 7+ years at a base the new "norm"?

Answer: Many factors such as AFSC, time on station, career progression, etc. go into when a person will PCS. Although a new "norm" can’t be defined, please work with your supervisor regarding information for your specific individual situation.

Question: Any date as to when the Griffith Fieldhouse will be reopened?

Answer: Per 87th FSS, The project is on schedule, but won't have a projected date until later this week. As of now it's Spring 2017.

Question: Any plans to make taxi line going into and out of dock 1 and 11 for towing aircraft? I feel like it would help newer airmen with confidence in towing instead of eye balling the route.

Answer: Great suggestion, we’re submitting your idea to our Safety Office/Airfield Management. Keep up the good ideas!

Question: Sir can you speak about some of the consequences of failing to complete EPME

Answer: The consequences could vary from person to person, depending on your rank, and timelines involved. One of the more serious consequences, is busting the one year suspense, and not having your EPME complete by your SCOD/PECD. Failure to do so will render you ineligible for promotion that year.

Question: Will there be another air show this year?

Answer: We knocked the airshow out of the park, but unfortunately the next Power in the Pines will not be until 2018.

Question: Any news on the road past the old hospital? New construction on that site?

Answer: Still working this one with 787 CES. We will follow up with you soon.

Question: Just attended NCOPES, GREAT info! Is that a mandatory requirement for E-5/6s? If not, how can all that VERY pertinent information get to the squadrons on a more intentional and wider level other than just going to that course?

Answer: NCOPES isn’t mandatory, just highly encouraged. There are several courses of action on how this information will be delivered to different people and/or units, and CMSgt Pachasa will speak to that at his Enlisted Call.

Question: Is anything in the works for fixing finance? Multiple people I have spoken with report the same problem. When you go in for help they sit you at a computer station and disappear to the back without actually sitting down with you to help. Is this going to remain the way they help?

Answer: Finance is committed to resolving these customer service issues and has heard your voice. You should start being escorted back to their workstations (workload and manning permitting) to resolve issues and get guidance through the process. If you haven’t seen a change in this process and/or your customer satisfaction, please follow up.

Question: I've heard a lot of airmen mention their desire for the base to build a cross fit style facility or a facility with that type of equipment similar to ones at Hurlbert or Charleston. Are there any plans in the works for something like this?

Answer: The FSS is currently working on an Extreme Fitness Project that will be housed in Doughboy Gym once Griffith Field House re-opens. Several members of the 305 AMW are representatives on the committee and will have a direct impact on the final result of the project.

Question: Is there a projected timeline for bringing the CSS back to the smaller squadrons?

Answer: Sadly, no timelines are available right now. While it may not help in the near term, the AF has heard our pleas for help, and they’re taking the necessary steps to remove some of the burden from our teammates. When more information becomes available, we’ll send it out as soon as we can.

Question: Is there a time frame when MX will return to 8hr shifts?

Answer: The wing, in conjunction with the maintenance group is actively studying how and when this might be possible. Although we can’t provide a good estimate at this time, rest assured that it is a top priority from your senior leadership and we will provide updates when able. Please continue to follow up with your immediate leadership.

Question: Can we work Panamas (2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on) instead of 4-3 schedule

Answer: This is truly a very detailed answer that can vary from unit to unit, but the two main reasons are respect for individual’s time and continuity. On a Panamas, most appointments and training would be done on "your time" whereas, the current construct allows you to conduct that training or go to your appointments without disrupting your days off. Additionally, the large amount of churn in leadership over those Panama days tends to create both administrative and leadership holes that aren’t normally found in the current 4-3 system.