A collection of news and information specifically for the C4ISR community

Vol. 1, No. 26
June 16, 2005

By Chuck Paone
ESC Public Affairs

The massive realignment of the Electronic Systems Center into wings, groups and squadrons continues to move forward. This week, all civilian positions were formally transferred so that they show up on the new unit manning documents.

The center successfully transferred all military positions back in early March. In addition, military personnel occupying the positions have been transferred, too, so that both “spaces” and “faces” line up in their new homes.

ESC had taken steps to realign civilians to their new organizations in the civilian personnel data systems in April and May but was delayed until now, said Col. Bruce Johnson, ESC’s director of Plans and Programs.  (More)

(Top photo) An operator uses a new terminal that is part of the DoD Advanced Automation System.  (Bottom photo) The  Digital Airport Surveillance Radar at Luke AFB, Ariz.

By Daryl Mayer
ESC Public Affairs

The National Airspace System Modernization Program received the green light from new Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Kenneth J. Krieg to move into full rate production June 7th.

The program replaces older analog systems, some more than 40 years old, with state-of-the-art radar, communications and tracking systems at hundreds of Department of Defense and civilian air terminals throughout the United States. The FAA is serving as acquisition lead for civilian terminals. The Air Force Electronic Systems Center is the acquisition lead for all DoD sites. 

“This group of program managers, engineers, testers, logisticians, operators and many others from across the armed services, Federal Aviation Administration and industry has successfully collaborated to overcome many technical challenges,” said Lt. Gen. Chuck Johnson, ESC commander. “This is a tremendous example of what can be achieved when a group, even as diverse as NAS, partners as a team to reach a common goal.”

This decision primarily impacts two of the three systems that comprise the NAS modernization effort:

(More)

By Daryl Mayer
ESC Public Affairs

June 22 looks to be a very unusual day in the life of Col. Alphronzo Moseley, commander of the Global Air Traffic Systems Group. It will be the first time in 34 years he hasn’t had an Air Force uniform to wear.

Anyone interested in pointing out that Colonel Moseley wasn’t technically in the Air Force while attending college should be ready for a fight.

“Even in ROTC, I was still committed to the Air Force and that makes it 34 years,” he states flatly.

The first of those years began for this self-described Georgian from Albany (pronounced Al-bennie), Ga., where deep feelings of patriotism and a profound respect for the military are a part of the culture. For many young Southern men and women, being “in the service” is a common career path. For a young Al Moseley, it was even more so.  (More)

Noted tenor Daniel Rodriguez, Boston Pops guest artist (left), meets with attendees of the Military Affairs Council Night at the Pops. They are from right: Marilee Johnson, Brig. Gen. David Eichhorn, his wife, Anita, and daughter, Stacy. (Photo by Kevin Gilmartin)

Hanscom has 'Night at the Pops'

By Kevin Gilmartin
ESC Public Affairs

Members of Electronic Systems Center and the Military Affairs Council of the North Suburban Chamber of Commerce celebrated Flag Day June 14 with a trip to Boston’s Symphony Hall to hear a performance of American standards by the Boston Pops.

Three hundred people from Hanscom and local industry attended MAC Night at the Pops, an annual tradition for more than 20 years. Daniel Rodriguez, a noted singer who is a former New York City police officer, was guest artist with the Pops, and Bruce Hangen served as conductor.  (More)

SECAF, CSAF issue source selection guidance

Communication through the source selection process

We all carry a tremendous responsibility to ensure the integrity of the Air Force acquisition process.  At any one time, the Air Force has many on-going source selections to select contractors, who will develop, produce, and sustain our weapon systems or provide other critical mission support, to include services.  It is important to review some of the responsibilities we share when we participate (directly or indirectly) in the process of evaluating and selecting contractors for award of Air Force contracts. 

Prior to the initiation of the source selection process, we must develop a sound requirements package.  Typically, this requires detailed market research and dynamic communications with industry.  During this period, we must encourage our acquisition and requirements professionals to interact with industry in ways that ensure we treat all interested parties in an even-handed manner.  When it is known a source selection will be conducted, it is crucial that potential offerors are treated in a manner that prevents them from gaining an unfair competitive advantage.  We should also maintain thorough records of our interactions with potential offerors.  Once the source selection process begins (i.e., release of Request For Proposal), communications must be strictly controlled through the Source Selection Authority and Contracting Officer.  (More)   

General on the move

The President has nominated Lt. Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Director, Joint Staff at the Pentagon, for appointment to the grade of general. 

The promotion will be in association with his reassignment as  the new commander of the United States Transportation Command headquartered at Scott AFB, Ill.

The move is pending confirmation by the Senate.

In commemoration of Flag Day on June 14, Headquarters Operations and Sustainment Systems Group at Gunter Annex, Ala., held a ceremony in honor of the Stars and Stripes. The event included remarks by the mayor of Prattville, Ala., the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by a local Boy Scout troop and a formal Retreat Ceremony. In the photo, OSSG members of the Maxwell/Gunter Honor Guard fold the flag at the Retreat Ceremony.  (Photo by Carl Bergquist)

Boeing, Lockheed Martin targeting AMF JTRS PDR in August
-- Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
The next milestone in the Department of Defense's Airborne and Maritime/Fixed Station Joint Tactical Radio System (AMF JTRS) program will occur this August when the department conducts a preliminary design review for the program.

Network Centric, Rush to Connect -- Aviation Today
The U.S. military at all levels is focused on network centric operations. If global, seamless connectivity can be ...

Air Force wants to get connected on communication
-- Ogden (Utah) Standard-Examiner
Chatting may be the military's next great communication innovation.

Hanscom to get new airfield vendor -- Boston Globe
Banking on increased corporate aviation activity at Hanscom Field in Bedford, a fledgling Woburn company, Crosspoint ...

In New England, a sense of abandonment -- MSNBC
Several times a year, wives and children of Navy submariners make a pilgrimage to the Eastern Point Beach or Avery Point ...

Local group plans to lobby Pentagon on a BRAC closing
-- San Antonio Express-News
A group of 100 government and business people plans to lobby Pentagon officials to keep a group of military intelligence ...

The Future of the Air Force: A View from the Top
-- Heritage Foundation
How should the Air Force be transformed to maximize its efficiency and effectiveness? In 2004, the Air Force issued ...

Air Force Gen. Creech getting honor
-- Las Vegas Review-Journal
With the military's growing emphasis on the remotely piloted Predator aircraft, it seemed inevitable that more recognition ...

Airbus, Boeing battle for dominance at Paris Air Show
-- USA Today
European planemaker Airbus boosted commitments for its planned A350 jet on Wednesday as it scrambles to catch ...

editorials and opinion ...
Use of these articles does not reflect official endorsement.  Reproduction for private use or gain is subject to original copyright restrictions.

Tanker Sore
-- Holman W. Jenkins, Jr., Wall Street Journal
"This isn't over," John McCain vowed after the Pentagon issued its report last week on the tanker scandal. Let's hope not.

An air superiority message (op/ed)
-- Kay Granger, Fort Worth Star-Telegram
This week, the U.S. House will consider the defense appropriations bill for fiscal 2006. This bill provides more than $400 billion for our national defense, including significant ...

Hyperventilating Over 'Space Weapons'
-- By James Oberg, USA Today
Mere military exploration of space hardware doesn't mean the next Star Wars is at hand. In fact, misinformation in such ...

NSPS is the new pay and performance system for civilian employees.  The biggest change will be that annual salary increases and within-grade "step" increases will not be automatic. This  "pay-for-performance" system will significantly affect your role as a civilian employee or supervisor of civilians (including military supervisors).  To succeed under NSPS you can start now.
 
Setting Performance Expectations
 
Supervisors and employees can start now clarifying performance expectations.  Ensure these are specific, measurable, and attainable.  Openly discuss individual performance goals and expectations. 
 
Linking Performance Expectations to Organizational Objectives
 
Supervisors and employees can start now discussing how your organizational goals relate to the DoD mission.  Ensure you understand the near-term and long-term goals of your organization and how individual performance impacts mission accomplishment.
 
Providing Feedback
 
Progress towards meeting performance expectations should be discussed and evaluated frequently through informal and formal discussions. You can start now by creating a good communications environment, improving interpersonal relationship skills, providing periodic updates about accomplishments and progress. 
  
Learning More
 
The AF Portal has several courses, skill briefs, and job aids to assist in developing interpersonal communications, managing change, setting goals, coaching, and conflict resolution.  

The Integrator is a weekly product of the Electronic Systems Center Public Affairs Office designed to give ESC decision makers a snapshot of news affecting the C4ISR community.  This e-publication is approved by Kevin Gilmartin, Director of Public Affairs, (DSN) 478-4110 or commercial (781) 377-4110.  Back issues are available online.  To facilitate service, please select a link for your e-mails:  
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