A collection of news and information specifically for the C4ISR community

Vol. 4, No. 34
September 4, 2008

642 ELSS work at four Air Force bases enhances security, saves money

Capt. Max Gulezian, 642nd Electronic Systems Squadron Transformational Technology Insertion program manager, inspects a Wide-Area Surveillance Thermal Imager as part of the TTI equipment suite now installed on the air field tower balcony at Randolph AFB, Texas. (Courtesy photo)

By Monica D. Morales
66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

In a time of strapped budgets and unwavering missions, the 642nd Electronic Systems Squadron’s Transformational Technology Insertion Program is reaping monetary savings while further enhancing security at four Air Force sites as part of an ongoing Defense Department initiative.

“TTI is not only a benchmark program in integrated base defense security, but it’s a great program for an Air Force acquisition program manager and other integrated product team members to be involved in,” said Capt. Max Gulezian, Transformational Technology Insertion program manager. “TTI provides the rare opportunity of managing a complex acquisition program from nearly cradle-to-grave in one assignment.”

TTI involves the installation of an intrusion detection system that protects a military installation by using thermal imaging cameras and ground-based radars to detect threats along its perimeter. Information is relayed to a Security Forces Squadron’s law enforcement desk, where operators pinpoint a threat's exact location and decide how to act upon it.

Among the bases benefitting from this initiative are Randolph AFB, Texas, MacDill AFB, Fla., Travis AFB, Calif., and Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass. The 15-person 642 ELSS team completed work at its Texas site in June, with work currently nearing completion at MacDill.  (More)

Vice commander humbled by first star

Electronic Systems Center Vice Commander Brig. Gen. Terry Feehan poses with his wife, Becky, and ESC Commander Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds, after they pinned on his first star during a Sept. 2 ceremony at Hanscom’s Minuteman Club.  (Photo by Rick Berry)

By Chuck Paone
66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Calling his promotion humbling, Brig. Gen. Terry Feehan officially pinned on his first star Sept. 2 in a ceremony at the Minuteman Club here.

General Feehan, who serves as vice commander of the Electronic Systems Center, headquartered at Hanscom, said his promotion didn't come about because of jobs or specific events, but because of people.

"It's about the people I've had the pleasure to serve with; this is their promotion too," he said. "This is what we've done and achieved together."

He proceeded to list many who had influenced him and his career, including a pair of master sergeants who worked to show him the ropes when he was a young lieutenant. General Feehan said they saw training new lieutenants as part of their jobs.  (More)

DoD challenges discussed at 2008 Air Force IT Conference

Lt. Gen. Ted F. Bowlds, commander of the Electronic Systems Center, speaks with vendors about technology solutions at the 2008 Air Force Information Technology Conference in Montgomery, Ala., Aug. 26. (Photo by Karen Costura)

By Karen Costura
554th Electronic Systems Wing

The nearly 6,000 people who attended the 21st Annual Air Force Information Technology Conference Aug. 25 through 27 at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Montgomery, Ala., heard about major challenges facing the Air Force and Department of Defense.

Hosted by the 754th Electronic Systems Group, this year’s conference, which was themed, “Knowledge — Local, Global, Operational,” focused on how information is created locally, shared globally through the Air Force’s vast communications capabilities and used operationally in support of the warfighting effort and cyberspace domain.

The event provided a terrific learning opportunity for Department of Defense and industry attendees alike, said Lt. Gen. Ted Bowlds, commander of the Electronic Systems Center.  (More)

Air Force Chief of Staff defines standard of excellence 

Air Force Space Command Commander Gen. C. Robert Kehler (left) and AFSPC Command Chief Todd Small (right) say farewell to Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, after he addressed Airmen at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., Sept. 2.  (Photo by Duncan Wood)

By Ed White
Air Force Space Command Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, came to Air Force Space Command for a series of briefings and then visited with Peterson AFB personnel at an open forum at the base theater.

His comments included what he called "vital things," the foremost of which is the need for the Air Force to go "back to basics."

"It is being loyal to those things that have inspired Air Force members for years. That is our fundamental values of Integrity, Service and Excellence. Excellence is the byword.

"We are going to re-emphasize compliance in our routines and in our inspection processes and our accountability and in our military discipline generally. We are going to return to the fundamentals of precision and reliability in all that we do."  (More)

Registration for the upcoming ESC University Integration Week will be open Sept. 8-26.

Integration Week will be held Oct. 6-10 and will feature over 15 new classes. Personnel are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous courses covering topics that range from ESC’s new SEP process to acquisition strategy planning.

“One of the highlights of Integration Week will be Rich Stillman’s course on the new DoD 5000 series, a must-see for anyone involved in the acquisition process,” said Andrea Paquin, ESC University consultant. “The Integrated Baseline Review briefing may also be of interest to base personnel because it counts as one of four classes required to earn a certificate in Earned Value Management.”

Additionally, EN and FM are offering an array of new courses, including Human-Systems Integration for Project Managers and Engineers and Anti-Deficiency Act Training.  (More)

Deployed Hanscom Airmen bring rock to Baghdad fire station

Tech. Sgt. Kim Lively and Master Sgt. Mark Stanaford perform for an audience of Iraqi firefighters in what is most likely the first-ever performance of an American military rock band at Baghdad International Airport. Sergeant Stanaford is the band NCO in charge and saxophone player and Sergeant Lively is the vocalist for the Air Force Central Command band "Mirage." (Photo by Master Sgt. Brian Davidson)

By Master Sgt. Brian Davidson
447th Air Expeditionary Group

BAGHDAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Iraq -- A group of eight American Airmen deployed from Hanscom AFB, Mass., made huge strides in furthering U.S. and Iraqi ties using the universal language of music in what is most likely the first-ever rock concert at Baghdad International Airport.

The Air Force Central Command's classic rock band "Mirage" brought their music to a group of Iraqi firefighters who have dedicated their lives to protecting the lives and property of others.

Using the airport fire station as an improvised auditorium, the band set up for the show in the firetruck parking garage as their Iraqi hosts helped unload the assortment of instruments and sound equipment.

Once the stage was set, the Iraqi fire chief served as the interpreter for band leader and bass guitarist Tech. Sgt. Kenny Maurais while he explained how honored the band was to perform for such a special group of Iraq's finest. (More)

Judge advocate general's corps announces law school programs

Two programs that could lead officers to careers as Air Force judge advocates begin taking applications early next year.

Applications for the Funded Legal Education Program and Excess Leave Program are being accepted from Jan. 1 to March 1, 2009. Interested officers should take the Law School Admission Test and apply to law school this fall in order to meet the March 1 application deadline.

“FLEP and ELP add military officers with experience in different career fields to the JAG Corps, helping us build and maintain a corps of judge advocates whose military experience complements their legal training. This helps us provide commanders with the highest caliber of legal support,” said Col. Douglas G. Murdock, Electronic Systems Center staff judge advocate. Colonel Murdock was a cost analyst on the C-17 program before becoming a judge advocate through FLEP.

“JAGs help the Air Force accomplish its mission within a legal framework,” Colonel Murdock said.  (More)

Acquisition partner: Interview with Lt. Gen. Ted F. Bowlds
-- Military Information Technology
Lieutenant General Ted F. Bowlds is commander, Electronic Systems Center (ESC), Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. The center’s mission is to acquire command and control systems for the Air Force.

Air Force Cyber Command plan falls through hole in nuclear control net
-- Defense Systems
Despite a renewed focus on nuclear weapons safety and management, the Air Force will forge ahead on a command intended to safeguard military and domestic networks, an Air Force cyberspace official said at the Air Force Information Technology Conference in Montgomery, Ala., last week.

New leader at cyber command departs
-- Federal Computer Week
One of the leaders at the provisional Air Force Cyberspace Command will leave his post after being there for less than four weeks to fill an acquisitions position for the service.

Gates OKs new chief for Pentagon’s ISR Task Force
-- C4ISR Journal
Army Lt. Gen. Richard Zahner, deputy undersecretary of defense for joint and coalition warfighter support, will lead the U.S. ISR Task Force as it tries to deliver more intelligence to forces in Iraq and Afghanistan over the next year.

DOD struggles with early warning
-- Federal Computer Week
The Defense Department hasn't been including in its contracts provisions that alert officials early about problems, according to a memo.

Plan for combat training consolidation scrapped
-- Air Force Times
The plan to centralize ground combat training for airmen is the latest project scrapped by the Air Force’s new leadership.

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

Cybereye | The next battlefield
-- Federal Computer Week
For anyone who remembers duck-and-cover drills and Civil Defense shelters, today’s headlines have a disturbingly familiar ring to them: Russian tanks roll into a neighboring country ...

command comments ...

-- Air Force Chief of Staff
Gen. Norton Schwartz

The Integrator is a weekly product of the 66th Air Base Wing 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, Chief 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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