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Military Connection: DOD Announces New Best Practices for Spending

May 14, 2015/in Archived Blogs

In the business world, the companies that continue to evolve with new technology are the ones that triumph over the competition. The same case can be said for militaries. Through the course of history, the mightiest military powers were laid to waste at the feet of new technologies. The powers that lasted the longest were those who kept on top of new weapons and defensive measures. They were also the powers that were willing to keep an open mind and open budget to these changes.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) is implementing a new spending initiative designed to maintain the U.S. military’s technological edge over any and all potential adversaries and countries.

The DOD is calling their program “Better Buying Power 3.0.” As the numerical inclusion in the name implies, the new initiative is built upon previous programs. The original Better Buying Power (BBP) program was launched in 2010. An upgraded version, BBP 2.0, was introduced in November 2012.

The Better Buying Power initiative ties to the Long-Range Research and Development Planning Program. BBP calls for closer ties to the private sector, and the development of new technologies for military use.

Better Buying Power 3.0 was announced as the revised version of the best practices designed to strengthen the DOD’s buying power, and provide an affordable technological impact for the U.S. military.

Like the earlier versions, 3.0 will continue the affordability caps for programs. The DOD will continue to emphasize “should-cost” structures for programs. Competition will continue and the program will encourage effective incentives.

The 3.0 version is different from its predecessors in that it will shift emphasis towards the gradual improvement in many different areas across the DOD. BBP 3.0 will focus on those who execute contracts in all levels of the process.

One of the key areas that the program will focus research and development resources in will be cyber security.

Many other countries have been funneling their money and resources into military research and development. The DOD contends that if the U.S. is to maintain its technological superiority, some changes will have to be made.

“Better Buying Power 3.0 really is animated by an urgent concern of ours, and that is what we see to be a steady erosion of our technological superiority that we have relied upon for so long in all of our defense strategies,” said Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work. “We all think this is one of the biggest issues facing our department and our nation.”

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: DOD Announces New Best Practices for Spending: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Iraq Reclaims 25% of Land with Help

May 13, 2015/in Archived Blogs

By Debbie Gregory.

After the rapid and massive gains made by the Islamic State in 2014, Iraqi forces have managed to retake approximately 25% of the territory from the terrorist group.

American airstrikes against Islamic State units and strongholds effectively weakened the terrorist insurgents’ positions, to the point where ground forces were able to gain back an area that represents 5,000 to 6,500 square miles in northern and central Iraq.

But despite these gains, Iraq’s Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, contends that his country requires even more international assistance in its fight against the Islamic State.

Since the U.S. began training Iraq’s military to take over the fight against the Islamic State, approximately 6,000 Iraqi soldier have completed the training. Officials at the Pentagon estimate that 20,000 to 25,000 soldiers will be needed to retake Mosul.

Until then, the ground forces that support the Iraqi government are made up of Shiite and Kurdish militias. Although not as thoroughly trained, these militias are armed, determined, and prepared to fight against the Islamic State. Many of the Shiite militias are backed by the Iranian government, who supply them with funding and weapons.

The intervention of Iran in the efforts against the Islamic State are a double edged sword. The militias, as well as the artillery and other support offered by the Iranian government, is proving effective. But U.S. officials aren’t so keen on the idea that the Iranians might be pushing the Islamic State away so that they can slide in with their influence, which have historically been anti-American.

The Iranians have been supplying their assistance to the Iraqi government, and have yet to ask for anything in return. So both the Iraqi government and the U.S. government are stuck choosing between the possibility of allowing a snake in their yard or looking a gift horse in the mouth.

Recent talks with Iraqi leaders and U.S. officials called for the removal of all “Shiite militias” to withdraw from the front lines in Sunni-populated Ramadi. The U.S. said that they would not increase airstrikes against the Islamic State until the Shiite militias were gone, citing that they caused unrest among the Sunni locals. This is a true and valid point. But the way that the terms were relayed implied that the U.S. specifically wanted the Iranian-backed militias withdrawn.

The terms that the U.S. ambassador presented to Iraqi leaders, and agreed upon, called for the Shiite militias to withdraw, or for the individual fighters to come under the command of the Iraqi military.

The U.S. has been extremely concerned with ridding Iraq of the Islamic State, but is not willing to do so at the cost of opening the door for Iran to take over Islamic State holdings.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Iraq Reclaims 25% of Land with Help: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Former Airman, Playboy Model Set Off Debate Over U.S. Flag

May 13, 2015/in Military, Military News, Military Veteran

By Debbie Gregory.

An Air Force veteran, mother of two, and former Playboy model was banned from Valdosta State University after taking an American flag from a group of demonstrators.

Michelle Manhart was detained by campus police after she took the flag from a group of protesters. “This flag belongs to the entire United States,” Manhart said on camera, clutching the stars and stripes as her daughter videotaped the incident. She was not arrested

“I did not want anything like this, but I got a call from a student who told me that the flag was on the ground, and they were walking on it,” said Manhart. “I don’t know what their cause is, but I went to pick it up because it doesn’t deserve to be on the ground.”

Manhart wasn’t wrong to say that damaged flags have to be disposed of properly. Both federal and Georgia state law outline rules for how the flag should be treated.Those penalties are rarely, if ever, enforced, however.

Manhart, a former United States Air Force military instructor, is no stranger to controversy. She was placed under investigation in 2007 after posing nude in Playboy magazine.

She was reprimanded and demoted as a result of the investigation and resigned from the service in 2008.

Although Manhart has previously appeared in a series of videos and photographs for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, draped in the American flag, she said that there is a big difference between her actions and those of the demonstrators.

“We wanted to strip the human of all material items and stand behind the flag because if we don’t have anything, we still have this. We still have our freedom.”

Manhart said she has no regrets about the photo shoot and views it as a celebration of freedom, which she believes stands in stark contrast to the demonstration at VSU.

Manhart said she would like a letter of apology from the group and to take possession of the flag so she could dispose of it properly.

As for the demonstrators who were walking on the flag, she said she was not on campus long enough to fully understand their cause but might have supported it if it was not for the group walking on the flag.

“I have seen that flag on caskets returning home,” Manhart said. “It was just the thought of those demonstrators standing on someone’s casket. I was so internally frustrated.”

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard,Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Former Airman, Playboy Model Set Off Debate Over U.S. Flag: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Over 4,000 Military Jobs Will Open To Women

May 13, 2015/in Military, Military News

By Debbie Gregory.

Earlier this year, the US Army announced their decision enabling female soldiers to be eligible for up to 4,100 positions that, in the past, would have only been open to male troops. The U.S. Army Special Operations Command’s (USASOC ) Directive 2015-08 was signed in February, 2015, including women for positions in the US Army Special Forces Command, National Guard airborne battalions, and tactical psychological teams. Yet to be inclusive of women are closed combat positions in Special Forces, Ranger, or other similar combat units as detailed in the Direct Ground Combat Assignment Rule.

This impetus is now the focus for all four of the services to develop gender-neutral standards for all military occupations. Ideally, the Pentagon officials expect the rules to be in place by the fiscal year end. The intent is to identify the best personnel to fulfill positions by passing the qualifications of the position, regardless of gender.

Currently, there are approximately 80 women participating in a training and assessment course at Fort Benning, Georgia, and six female officers have recently completed the Ranger Training Assessment Course. While the officers have earned the Ranger Tab, they will not be eligible to serve with the 75^th Ranger Regiment, which is still closed to women. Recommendations from these assessments will be included in what accommodations, if any, are needed to open up Ranger School to women.

Implementing these changes in phases are deliberate. While women have proven their capabilities in many specialties already, including maneuver units, the physical demands of combat units will need to be evaluated, and whether standards will be compromised if women are included.

“The desired end state is enhanced capability, supporting the Army chief of staff’s strategic priority to build adaptive Army leaders for a complex world,” according to the USASOC statement. “USASOC is committed to maintaining the highest standards and delivering the most qualified operators to the nation, irrespective of gender.”

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Woman Succeeds in Security Forces

May 13, 2015/in Archived Blogs

By Debbie Gregory.

Currently, the Armed Forces are in a great state of flux. Military career opportunities have never been more plentiful or accessible to women. Air Force Senior Airman Julie Breault has been lucky to experience that opportunity first-hand.

While the security forces career Breault has chosen is traditionally male-oriented, Breault said she remains undeterred and unaffected by gender-role stereotypes. She has been able to fulfill a desire to serve that was instilled in her at a young age.

“I wanted to be security forces. I know a lot of people go into the Air Force and get weeded into security forces, but I chose it because I feel like as security forces I can truly make a difference,” said Breault. She is carrying on a family tradition, being a 4th-generation service member.

Breault understands that she is in a male-dominated field, but says her male counterparts treat her equally.

“When stuff hits the fan, it doesn’t matter [the] the gender of the person to the left or right of you. We’re defenders. That’s the label I’d prefer.”

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kevin Smith, Breault’s supervisor at the 97th Security Forces Squadron said Breault performs her duties just as well, if not better, than many of the males in the same career field.

“I wish more airmen would try to emulate her. She does things the best way she can and learns how to do things properly so she doesn’t have to do them again,” Smith said of Breault’s duty performance. “She’s a very hard worker. She’s one of the best that I’ve had work for me.”

As for a career in the military, Breault says her decision was easy because she wants to be a strong role model when she has children. Breault also wants to break the stereotype that women can be recognized for their hard work, and not just because they’re female.

“Women should be able to get excited about their accomplishments without having to hear, ‘You got it because you’re a girl,” she said.

Breault described her experiences and expectations as promising and sees a bright future for herself in the Air Force. She joked that she plans on staying in the Air Force until she has to be wheeled out as an old lady.

Sgt. Smith also sees a bright future for her, saying she has the type of drive and motivation needed to become a chief.

“You don’t have to give her a task if she knows something needs to be done. She’ll just go ahead, take the lead, and knock it out. She’s top-notch.”

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Woman Succeeds in Security Forces: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Carry-over Leave Law Expiring

May 12, 2015/in Archived Blogs

By Debbie Gregory.

On October 1, 2015, any service members holding more than 60 days of leave will lose those days. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 extended the authority to carry over an additional 15 days of leave (total of 75 days) to September 30, 2015. The previous authority was set to expire, but the DoD recommended a two year extension of the 75 day leave carry-over limit in 2013. This was done to provide ample time for affected members to plan and use accumulated leave, and to coincide with the reduction in combat posture in Afghanistan.

The 75-day leave carry-over limit does not apply to members who qualify for Special Leave Accrual; they may carry over up to 120 days of leave.

To ensure there is no loss, service members are being asked to check their Leave and Earnings Statement and talk with their finance office to help understand their correct balance. They are also encouraged to work with their commands to manage their leave through the rest of this fiscal year.

Members may qualify for Special Leave Accrual if they:

Served on active duty for a continuous period of at least 120 days in a hostile fire or imminent danger pay area;
Were assigned to a designated deployable ship, mobile unit, or other similar prescribed duty as determined by the service secretary concerned; or
Performed qualifying duties designated by the Secretary concerned.

The projected use-or-lose balance will only take into account leave that was charged to members’ accounts through April 22^nd. Any leave taken or posted to the members’ account after that date will not be reflected. Reserve component members with projected use-or-lose leave, will be contacted individually by DFAS and given their use-or-lose balance.

Although previous LES’s did not account for the 75-day leave carryover expiration in projecting use-or-lose leave amounts, officials from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service say those LES projections have now been corrected for active component Army, Navy, and Air Force service members. They will appear on the April LES.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Carry-over Leave Law Expiring: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: ISIS Activity Prompts Increased Security

May 12, 2015/in Military, Military News

By Debbie Gregory.

All military bases nationwide have raised the terrorist threat level to “Force Protection Bravo,” triggering a wide range of measures designed to protect troops and their families from attacks.

The threat levels begin at Threatcon Normal, meaning there is no threat of a terrorist attack, followed by Alpha, a general threat of a terrorist attack. Bravo is an increased and more predicable chance of attack, and Charlie means an incident has occurred or intelligence indicates an attack is imminent. Delta affects an immediate area in the aftermath of an attack, or intelligence has revealed a specific target for attack.

The order to upgrade the threat level was signed by Admiral William Gortney, head of the U.S. Northern Command, which oversees all U.S. military installations in the continental U.S. The security order affects 3,200 sites, including bases, National Guard facilities, recruiting stations and health clinics, a Pentagon official said. Adm. Gortney, raised the protection level so military personnel are on “increased vigilance” because of a “vast array of threats, not any specific threat” such as ISIS, according to Air Force Master Sgt. Chuck Marsh, a Northern Command spokesman.

The directive comes on the heals of the fatal shootout in Garland, Texas, on May May 3^rd between police officers and two gunmen at a cartoon contest featuring drawings the Prophet Muhammad. Isis has since claimed credit for inspiring the attack, but federal officials have downplayed any direct support from the Syria-based terror organization.

Sgt. Marsh says “Bravo” isn’t anything to be panicked about, as it’s simply designed to tighten security, without unduly burdening troops, harming a unit’s operational capabilities, or annoying local authorities.

The change in threat level status could mean more checks of vehicles entering bases, and more thorough identity checks of all personnel.“For most people, the only things that they’ll notice are little longer lines for getting onto base,” said March, adding that the commanders of individual units are allowed to elevate base security above “Bravo” levels, depending on local determination of threat conditions.

Since NORTHCOM was established in October 2002, the threat level has reached Bravo on four occasions: Feb. 9, 2003, amid concerns al Qaeda was planning attacks on American targets; Dec. 21, 2003, when officials were concerned about attacks during the holiday season; May 1, 2011, in the aftermath of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden; and the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

It reached “Delta,” its highest level, on Sept. 11, 2001, a day that will be burned into the memory of every American, for generations to come.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard,Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: ISIS Activity Prompts Increased Security: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Army Colonel Retires After Challenging Policies

May 12, 2015/in Archived Blogs

By Debbie Gregory.

Lt. Col. Danny Davis is leaving the Army, and he has mixed feelings leaving a military he loves and has been proud to serve in. But Davis has faced ridicule and scrutiny due to a scathing report he wrote in 2012. “Dereliction of Duty II,” criticized top U.S. generals for misleading the American public in order to push failing policies in Afghanistan. The piece made headlines because of the fact that it was penned by an active-duty officer.

So what does Davis have in mind for retirement? He’s launched a fundraising campaign for a group he created called Democracy Awake. He hopes to gain non-profit status for the new venture, which he hopes will combat the sway of powerful donors with deep pockets on the political system through voter education.

Davis said that his activism made him feel isolated in the Army, with many colleagues avoiding him out of anger or fear of being associated with a controversial figure. “Can you imagine going to work every day with people who saw red every time you entered the room because they hate you?” he said.

Army spokesman Wayne Hall said the Army encourages officers to write about their experiences as long as it is “clearly identified that those opinions are personal and do not necessarily represent official U.S. Army policy.”

As expected, Davis has received both praise and criticism for speaking out while in uniform. Retired Army Col. Joseph J Collins reviewed Davis’ work and tossed the criticism back saying that although every veteran has an important story, Davis’ was a mess.

“I was prepared for a real critique and came away profoundly disappointed,” he wrote.

As a nonprofit, Democracy Awake will provide voters with “staunchly non-partisan” rundowns of candidates by issues. Davis’ new venture will also assist those who want to run for office who do not have big donors backing them. Launched on indiegogo.com, Davis hopes to raise $30,000 to get the campaign off the ground.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Army Colonel Retires After Challenging Policies: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: Robotic Wheels on the Ground

May 11, 2015/in Military, Military News

By Debbie Gregory.

With advances in technology, real boots on the ground in conflict areas may be reduced. According to Scott Davis, program executive officer for Combat Support and Combat Service Support, the Army may be deploying ground robots to assist in conflicts.

During a recent session of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), Davis shared an update on the robotics programs. Due to activate between 2019 and 2024, the program includes autonomous and semi-autonomous systems used to clear mines, provide surveillance, convoy supplies and acquire targets, among other things.

Previous ground-based, semi-autonomous systems were a hodgepodge of nonstandard, non-interchangeable system parts. They were rushed through design, production and distribution in order to meet the immediate need of saving Soldiers’ lives.

While the current generation is undergoing testing, one major obstacle is the speed at which the current technology is evolving. Innovations render the systems obsolete, even before they reach fielding or initial operational capability.

The Robotics Enhancement Program, or REP, should alleviate this concern, Davis said. The concept is similar to that of the Soldier Enhancement Program; once small quantities of the robotics system are evaluated, they will be expedited for validation, prioritization and funding through the G-3/5/7.

Twice a year, a council of colonels will meet to evaluate battle lab test results, to see if capabilities of new systems or components pan out. If green lighted, they could become requirements.

Davis provided solutions for most of the Army’s wishlist: incremental hardware and software enhancements to existing systems/chassis; sensor and payload upgrades; modularity; open architecture in IOP, or, in- and out-processing software; standardization; miniaturization and light weight; and intelligent behavior.

Davis touched upon other robotic systems including a bird-dog like robot that can see, smell, hear, and fetch. The capabilities would allow the operator to focus on the mission at hand, and not the tools used in the mission. Also expected is a large robot that can haul up to half a ton.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.

Military Connection: Robotic Wheels on the Ground: By Debbie Gregory

Military Connection: A Very Special Birthday Today

May 11, 2015/in Military Veteran

By Debbie Gregory.

Happy birthday to the oldest verified surviving American World War II veteran. Today, Richard Arvine Overton celebrates his 109^th birthday

Overton was born May 11, 1906, and like most Americans, he answered his country’s call to service during World War II. He served in the South Pacific from 1942 through 1945, including stops in Hawaii, Guam, Palau and Iwo Jima. Sergeant Overton left the U.S. Army in October 1945.

Following his military service, Overton worked at local furniture stores before taking a position with the Texas Department of the Treasury in Austin. He was married twice, but never had children.

He still drives, maintains his yard, drinks whiskey and smokes cigars. In 2013, Overton was invited to the White House, where he met President Obama during an honor flight trip. He told the President “I smoke at least 12 Tampa Sweet cigars a day.” While he is a fan of cigars and whiskey, he only partakes of the whiskey occasionally now.

The spry centenarian celebrates his birthday every year in his yard, but this year was extra special. His neighbors organized a party with the theme: Mighty Fine at 109. The celebration included Mighty Fine burgers, shakes, a visit from Austin’s Mayor and of course, whiskey.

Overton doesn’t really have an explanation as to why he has been blessed with such a long life, except to say that he takes aspirin daily, and lives a relatively stress-free life since he left the military. “I got good health,” he said. “I also stay busy around the yards, I trim trees, help with the horses. The driveways get dirty, so I clean them. I do something to keep myself moving. I don’t watch television.”

He added, “You have to ask God about that. He brought me here and he’s taking care of me, and nothing I can do about it. I can talk about what he’s doing for me.”

Needless to say, this Veteran is well loved by his friends, family and neighbors.

Military Connection proudly serves those who serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard,Guard and Reserve, Veterans and their Families. We are the go to site for Veteran Employment and information on Veteran education. Militaryconnection.com provides Veterans with and Directory of Employers, a Job Board, information on the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and a blog that offers Veterans boundless information. Be sure to visit Militaryconnection.com, the go to site.