JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- How will they determine who will be “deployed” for the upcoming MOBEX?
The determination of which 87 ABW personnel who will process for deployment in Phase I of the MOBEX, but not actually travel, was made by a fair-share division of UTCs across all Groups by the IG based on Group CC intent and established inspection objectives. The determination of which 87 ABW personnel will process for actual deployment in Phase II to Gulfport, MS was based on actual real-world mission partner support requirements downrange combined with Group CC intent to evaluate our ability to survive and operate in a deployed environment.
In regards to inspections and compliance, many units are operating under the assumption that being vague and “hiding” our faults is the best policy. While I believe senior leaders shun this behavior, it runs rampant. Units are even being lauded for how “well” they do things on paper when in reality they hide the truth. With the UEI approaching, could the IG make more efforts to “call our bluff” and call out our WIT members that are actually directing that we be vague and avoid the truth. Maybe a cross-functional inspection or even a SAV from another wing.
First, my mantra from day one in Command with regard to inspections has been, “Embrace the Red.” In fact I drive this point monthly in our CIMBs. The Air Force Inspection System (AFIS) focuses on daily mission readiness through continuous improvement, where every Airman is a rule-follower, a thinker, an innovator, and a sensor who reports accurately. I know our commanders in the 87 ABW value honest reporting via the Commander’s Inspection Program (CCIP). Certainly, my command chain in AMC, the USAF and the DoD expects me to report our problems promptly and without shading so we can get them fixed. A WIT appointment is one of public trust and they are specifically charged with highlighting our shortcomings, not hiding them. The challenge is one of developing a widespread culture of smart compliance and critical self-assessment at all levels, and in all ranks. The surest way to failure is to hide our problems. I recognize that this is a somewhat radical shift in our inspection paradigm from years past and that it sometimes takes courage to speak up when things aren’t right in the workplace; but I must encourage each of you to “Embrace the Red.” The intent of our CCIP here in the 87 ABW is to identify, document, and fix discrepancies. We do, perform occasional cross-functional inspections and sometimes fund external inspectors to travel from other wings and other bases to inspect our people. However, these are the exception. Our WIT are the backbone of the AFIS, and our integrity is what makes it work. I will make sure the IG looks into this and briefs all WIT members that being vague and hiding our faults is NOT the best policy.
I noticed the on-duty mishaps spiked significantly in 2014. Do you believe this could be due in part to the force reduction that happened around the same timeframe and the constant “do more with less” attitude? Perhaps we are doing too much more with too much less with most career fields being undermanned.
There certainly was a large increase in mishaps in 2014. We studied that jump extensively, and believe the large increase in mishaps in 2014 is most likely the result of a change in mishap reporting and processing. During this timeframe, a change in Safety personnel caused the office to reevaluate our processes and alter our interpretation of what was a reportable mishap. This change resulted in increased mishap reporting. Further study of the mishap data shows the 87 ABW has actually had a 46% decrease in civilian mishaps and a 13% decrease in on-duty military mishaps since FY14. That being said, if you see any unsafe situations in your workplace due to manning, resources, or for any other reason, please tell your supervisor or commander so they may address the situation.
Can research be done to see if it is feasible to install a filtered water refill station for five gallon jugs on JB MDL? I’ve seen this on other installations and wondering if this is something that can be done here.
This type of filter system would not be considered Real Property but rather an equipment item. CE would not install or maintain such a system for this reason and recommends a contracted vendor. We are looking into the feasibility of contracting such a service.
Is there any word on the replacement for the muscularly beneficial Jacuzzi?
The old hot tub was in disrepair, and a new hot tub was funded and ordered. We expect the new hot tub to be delivered and installed within the next 30 days. The hot tub belongs to the 87 FSS Aquatics Section, indoor pool, and is used in conjunction with recreation and lap swim times.
Is the Joint Base trying to down size its Civilian Police Officer force?
No. What is occurring is a MAJCOM-directed review of military and civilian manning numbers in the Security Forces Squadrons across AMC. It is not an unprecedented practice within MAJCOMs to level out manning across the force. The intent is to ensure an appropriate mix of military and civilian positions at each base.
Air Force Reserves eliminated a large number of medical AFSCs, limiting support for our reserve personnel. Is there a plan in motion to ensure their mission doesn’t come to a halt?
Although the AF Reserve reduced certain medical AFSCs, the expectation is to not duplicate functions that are already provided by our active duty counterparts, e.g. occupational health. Reserve Airmen, activated and deployed, will receive the same quality care that active duty enjoy. Drilling reservists are to use their primary care providers for care. The Reserve Medical Clinic is intended to monitor the health of its Reserve members, ensuring their capability to execute the mission and deploy. Reserve medicine is focused on incorporating health care providers and the commercial health care system provided, either through Tricare Reserve Select or the member’s individual health insurance.
Is there any reason why follow-on assignments from remotes are being declined?
The more choices given to AFPC, the more likely an Airman will receive one of them. If an Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) is not authorized at a certain base (local personnel offices maintain the listing indicating AFSCs at each installation), members should not waste a valuable choice by listing it. AFPC is only able to approve Home Base (HB)/Follow-On (FO) requests when it is determined that a requirement exists in a grade and AFSC at the time of availability (the date eligible to return from overseas (DEROS) month + 60 days). IAW AFI 36-2110 "Assignments," Airmen receive FO consideration only once. It is in their best interest that Airmen provide the maximum number of choices in priority sequence. Airmen may apply for up to 8 CONUS locations (either bases, states, or locales) and up to 8 OS locations (bases or countries). If both CONUS and OS locations are indicated, OS preferences will be considered first. If an Airman applies for both HB and FO, the HB request is considered first.
Is there a hands in the pockets exception to policy here at JB MDL?
No, there is no exception to policy here at JB MDL. IAW AFI 36-2903 "Dress and Personal Appearance," when in uniform or civilian clothes (in an official capacity), the following actions are prohibited while walking or in a formation, including organized or unit PT. Do not stand or walk with hand(s) in pocket(s), except to insert or remove an item.
Should units be responsible for outfitting personnel with cold weather gear since we have extreme cold weather here?
Unit commander has discretion for units with missions requiring their members to perform duties in extremely cold weather. Commanders may determine the supplies required to accomplish the daily mission (including cold weather gear).
Do you plan to spend funds to improve the gates at Lakehurst which are substandard to McGuire?
Lakehurst Main Gate security improvements are planned for 2021. However, if it gets a MILCON approval, than we can adjust the date as it will need about a year to fund and complete the architectural and engineering design plans.
Can you speak to the issues that occurred over the weekend with respect to limiting entry into the US? Also, with hundreds of Mexican Airmen affected by the decision to build a wall between the US and Mexico, what can you tell us about how we should deal with the repercussions?
We can’t speak to the policies of the new administration because the Joint Base does not play a role in those decisions. The Joint Base will continue to do its part in protecting our nation and supporting the military’s mission. If any of policies of the new administration are concerning to you, please reach out to your helping agencies around the base, like the Military Family Support Center, to get answers to your specific questions. Additionally, I encourage everyone to make their opinions known by writing their elected officials in their states of residence. Our elected officials are elected to represent the people and one very effective way of expressing your opinion is to write your Governor, Senators, and Representatives.
Can the KC-46 information be more explained in more detail as far as how would it impact our base and our members? What is the mission behind it, and what is the purpose? What is the big picture in the Air Force with this new implementation?
Bringing the KC-46A online is an important step in recapitalizing our aging tanker fleet. The KC-46A has extended refueling capacity and range, improved capabilities and efficiency, and the ability to perform cargo and aeromedical evacuation. The KC-46A is expected to produce better mission-capable rates and less maintenance downtime. It is hard to say how adding this mission will affect our base until after the Site Action Task Force visits the installation, and they complete their survey.