Air Force

For the second consecutive year, Army Human Resources Command will offer Army lieutenants serving in four overstrength career fields an opportunity to voluntarily apply for transfer into five understrength branches or four functional areas. The new opportunity expands last year’s pilot program that limited transfers of only Infantry and Armor lieutenants into three understrength career fields.

This year’s Officer Rebranching Program (ORP) is open to those Year Group 22 lieutenants currently serving in the Infantry, Armor, Field Artillery or Engineer branch. The window of opportunity to apply will be available from Jan. 7 through Feb. 17, 2025.

“Last year’s pilot program was successful as more than 130 YG21 lieutenants voluntarily transferred from the Infantry and Armor branches into the Adjutant General, Finance and Signal Corps. By offering more options this year we hope to get greater participation and have a greater impact on readiness,” said Maj. Thomas F. Mussmann, a readiness analyst for HRC’s Force Shaping Directorate.

This cycle, HRC is looking for approximately 300 YG22 lieutenants to transfer into understrength positions in the Adjutant General, Air Defense, Finance, Logistics, Signal Corps, as well as Functional Area 26 (Info Technology Engineer), FA 40 (Space Operations), FA 46 (Public Affairs) and FA 57 (Simulations Operations). Officials stress that each branch has a designated cap on the number allowed to transfer out or into a particular career field.

Rebranching opportunities occur when the Army determines a misalignment exists between manning requirements and available officer inventory. Like branch detailing and the Voluntary Transfer Incentive Program (VTIP), the Officer Rebranching Program seeks to rebalance the Active Component force, Mussmann explained. Unlike VTIP, the ORP occurs a year earlier on the officer’s timeline and offers multiple choice transfers.

“The ideal candidate for this program is someone who enjoys the Army but is looking for a change from their current career field. Maybe they’re looking for company command time but in a branch with a long wait queue or they didn’t get their initial branch of choice upon commissioning. This is a retention tool for those who want to stay and serve rather than to separate and seek opportunities elsewhere,” said Maj. Jesse Lansford, a senior marketplace analyst at HRC.

To identify themselves as volunteers, all YG22 infantry, armor, field artillery and engineer officers must log into the IPPS-A portal, locate the TAM Soldier Workcenter within the “Self Service” window and select “Closed Marketplace Preferences” where they will provide their preferencing input for the rebranching process.

To re-branch, officers must place any desired branches above their current branch in the order that they prefer. Officers will be transferred according to their preferences and the availability of allocations within their desired branches. Those selected to change branches will receive their new branch based on their preference and their placement on the National Cadet Order of Merit List from the FY22 branching boards.

To transfer into a functional area, the officer must preference the desired functional area as their number 1 preference. These officers will be pre-screened prior to being accepted.

Officers may change their preferencing as many times as desired up through the end of the preferencing window. The officer’s preference at the end of the cycle will be used as their true preferences and cannot be edited after the market closes or undone after rebranching results are published.

Officials stress that no officers will be forced to change branches and of those who participated in the pilot program last year, 57% received their first choice of branch transfer with the remaining 43% selected for their second choice.

“Offering these opportunities allows us to retain individual officers at the beginning of their careers while rebalancing the force for long term readiness. The Army will eventually face shortages at the battalion, brigade, division and corps level if we don’t shape the force now,” said COL Shay O’Neal, director of HRC’s Readiness Division.

Officers approved to transfer will be immediately moved into their new branch or functional area on notification of approval without incurring a permanent change of station (PCS) move. HRC officials anticipate publishing results in early March 2025.

“We’re not looking to accelerate the officer’s PCS timeline. After transferring, an officer can seek out a post internal move to align themselves with their new branch until it’s time to schedule Captain’s Career Course with their new branch,” Lansford added.

For more information, refer to MILPER Message 25-456 or view the MILPER at: https://www.hrc.army.mil

FOXBOROUGH, MA. (Nov. 18, 2024) – Standing in front of a stadium filled with 65,000 fans, a new generation of service members took the oath of enlistment during the NFL’s Salute to Service event before the opening kickoff between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams.

Maj. Gen. Scott Naumann, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum commander, administered the oath of enlistment at Gillette Stadium, swearing in 150 new service members across the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines. He recognized the journey these future recruits are about to take and noted that it’s encouraging to see them take the oath.

“Less than 1 percent of Americans raise their hand today to serve our country,” Naumann said. “It’s pretty incredible to think we have 150 today who made that commitment, who stood and said, ‘I want to be a patriot.’”

Gillette Stadium, home to the New England Patriots, was just one of the NFL stadiums that hosted an enlistment ceremony on Sunday during the Salute to Service event before the opening kickoff.

The Salute to Service is an annual event taking place between weeks 10 and 12 of the NFL season. The event is meant to recognize the sacrifice and commitment of the men and women in the armed forces.

“Being here in Boston at Gillette Stadium, known as the birthplace of American freedom, makes it even more special,” Naumann said.

The participation of the 10th Mountain Division was organized by Phil Buttafuoco, executive director of special events at Kraft Sports + Entertainment (New England Patriots, New England Revolution, and Gillette Stadium). He explained how recognizing our men and women in the armed forces is essential.

“We appreciate what the military does to support us as citizens of the United States, and we like to show that off,” Buttafuoco said.

Fort Drum is the only active-duty military installation located in the Northeastern United States. The 10th Mountain Division’s participation brought excitement to the New England Patriots organization.

“When we heard that the 10th Mountain would be represented, we were pleased about that and to have the division in our backyard,” Buttafuoco said.

The 10th Mountain Division is known for its heritage and for being one of the Army’s premier units. The event allowed the public to interact with the division’s command team and see the base they call their own.

“Fort Drum is our base from a New England standpoint,” Buttafuoco said.

The Salute to Service event also included a meeting with Gold Star family members and a pinning ceremony for veterans of the Vietnam War. The organization wanted to ensure that the public could pay its respects to its service members.

“We are here to honor and create greater awareness for our military,” Buttafuoco said.

With a roaring crowd and thousands of fans watching the next generation of leaders take the oath, “It’s really special to be part of that ceremony,” Naumann said.

“When I looked out across the faces of those people raising their hands today just seeing the incredible untold stories and journeys they’re going to be on, it’s just really cool.”

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala — The cadre at Air University’s Ira C. Eaker Center for Leadership Development’s Master Resilience Trainer Course are building Mission Ready Airmen during a 5-day course at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, November 4-8, 2024.

The course is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge needed to facilitate Comprehensive Airman Fitness skills training and peer support at their respective units.

Upon graduation, students are certified as Master Resilience Trainers and are prepared to work with their wing’s Integrated Prevention Office to ensure application of resilience education and support across their installation.
“By building a repeatable resilient practice and putting these skillsets into action, we have a fighting force capable of making sound decisions that mitigate risk, increase safety, and foster a cohesive team that communicates effectively up and down the chain, to realize Commander’s intent,” said Tech. Sgt. Kathleen McConnell, an MRT Course Instructor.

The course cadre recently implemented two new lessons with the objective of demonstrating how resilient Airmen are better equipped to support the Mission Command leadership philosophy within their units.

On day one of the course, the instructors introduce the principles of Mission Command and the 5 C’s, character, competence, capability, cohesion and capacity. During the lesson, students break out into groups to discuss how their knowledge of resilience ties into competencies such as executing commander’s intent, communication, character development and unit cohesion. Then on day three, the students get to revisit these concepts after covering the course material, to connect specific resilience skills that they have learned throughout the week to Mission Command principles.

“By instilling responsibility and accountability within a resilience framework, we are preparing our airmen for challenges they have yet to encounter,” said Tech. Sgt. Brianna Benko, an MRT Course Instructor. “It is our hope that by practicing these skills, they can further succeed in contested environments.”

The process for becoming an MRT involves leadership identifying military and civilian members who would be capable and reliable peer-supporters for their organizations. Once the MRT candidate is identified, they will coordinate with their wing’s Integrated Prevention Office to complete the next steps in the process for nominating the member to enroll in the MRT Course.

Upon graduation from the MRT Course, members are permitted the wear of the MRT patch on their left shoulder, identifying them as go-to leaders for building personal and organizational well-being. They are uniquely prepared to build resilience within others, foster inclusive and cohesive environments, and further build trust within units.

(U.S. Air Force news article by Master Sgt. Eric Spillman)

FORT BELVOIR, Va. – The Defense Logistics Agency Task Force Americas supported FEMA by overseeing the delivery of petroleum products to assist in recovery effort following Hurricane Milton’s impact in Florida.

Following their deployment to Georgia for Hurricane Helene, the TFA team relocated to Florida to respond to the needs created by the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. TFA coordinated fuel supply efforts.

DLA Energy Americas Operation Officer Adam Minnick took part in the task force feeling well-prepared after participating in Clear Path XIII, the U.S. Department of Energy’s annual all-hazards energy security and resilience exercise. “It is very humbling to be able to help others, knowing my efforts are making a positive impact on their lives,” he shared.

“Our DLA Energy contingency contractor has delivered over 330,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 175,000 gallons of unleaded gasoline to support FEMA emergency responders, high-water rescue missions, and portable power generation for critical life support at FEMA staging areas, as well as the NOAA weather monitoring station in Florida,” DLA Energy Americas Deputy Director Jason Exum said.

Exum added that the Task Force Americas team acts as the command-and-control element that manages FEMA’s fuel requests and works with our contingency contractor to ensure timely fuel delivery to first responders and essential infrastructure.

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Spencer Brown joined the effort, participating in TFA for the first time. “It’s inspiring to witness the teamwork and dedication of everyone involved as we worked to assist those in need after the disaster,” he remarked.

The TFA team is composed of six DLA employees, each bringing experience from diverse backgrounds. Through their swift and effective response to Hurricane Milton, the DLA Energy Americas task force has demonstrated their commitment and capability to assist the nation in times of natural disaster.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 17, 2024) – The four strike fighter squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 departed the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and returned to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni this week, with the primary fly-off taking place on Nov. 17, 2024.

The air wing is forward-deployed to Japan and is embarked aboard the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier when it operates at sea.

“Carrier Air Wing 5 has always provided the U.S. Navy and our allies premier strike capability, and I’m proud to say we continue to improve and innovate,” said Capt. Patrick S. Corrigan, commander of CVW 5. “We’re coming back even better than we left. Our presence – both at sea and in Japan – is a powerful deterrent force in an ever-evolving theater.”

This year marked a period of transition for the air wing and carrier strike group.

George Washington replaced USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) as the Navy’s forward-deployed carrier, while the air wing welcomed its first F-35C Lightning II jets, with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, as well as CMV-22B Osprey aircraft, with the arrival of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, Detachment Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF).

CVW 5 departed Japan in May aboard Ronald Reagan and is returning aboard George Washington. The carriers conducted a “hull swap” of personnel and equipment in San Diego to transfer forward-deployed duties in July, during which time the air wing conducted fully integrated training at Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada.

“Carrier Air Wing 5 represents the Navy’s determined investments in Naval Aviation through cutting-edge technology and our most advanced training with years of unmatched experience flying in this consequential theater,” said Rear Adm. Greg Newkirk, commander of Task Force 70 and the George Washington Carrier Strike Group. “Our forward-deployed forces in Japan are among our most capable in the world and represent a tangible sign of America’s commitment to Japan and the region.”

The F-35C is the most capable fighter in the U.S. Navy and the backbone of air superiority; it complements the carrier strike group with a dominant, multi-role, 5th generation aircraft that enhances U.S. power projection and deterrence.

The Navy’s V-22 variant includes increased operational range, faster cargo loading/unloading, aerial refueling capability, increased survivability and enhanced beyond-line-of-sight communications when compared to the legacy C-2A. This aircraft brings agility, flexibility and sustainability to effectively operate our naval forces forward in a high-end fight. The CMV-22B represents the next generation of the Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) mission and is the critical enabler to ensure sustained deployed mobility for the carrier strike group.

In addition to the Argonauts of VFA-147, CVW 5’s strike fighter squadrons are the Diamondbacks of VFA-102, the Royal Maces of VFA-27 and the Dambusters of VFA-195, the latter three of which fly F/A-18F and F/A-18E Super Hornets.

Alongside the strike fighter squadrons, CVW 5 includes the EA-18G Growlers of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, the E-2 Hawkeyes of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 125, the MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 and the MH-60R helicopters of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77.

The air wing’s helicopter squadrons operate out of Naval Air Field Atsugi when not embarked aboard the carrier.

CVW 5 became America’s first permanently forward-deployed air wing in 1973, when it was embarked with the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV 41) in Japan.

These forces, along with their counterparts in the Japan Self-Defense Forces, make up the core capabilities needed by the alliance to meet our common strategic objectives. The security environment in the Indo-Pacific requires that the U.S. Navy station the most capable ships and aircraft forward. This posture enables rapid response times for maritime and joint forces, and brings our most capable ships with the greatest amount of striking power and operational capability to bear.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii – Team Hickam hosted Wings of Aloha Open House Nov. 16, 2024, the first time Team Hickam has opened its doors to the public in 15 years.

Events like Wings of Aloha highlight the 15th Wing and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam’s ongoing efforts to connect with the community and celebrate their shared home.

“Wings of Aloha is our opportunity to welcome the local community on base to receive some insight on our Air Force operations, tour aircraft, learn about our mission and meet the Airmen that serve them everyday,” said Col. Garrett Fisher, 15th Wing commander.

Students from several local schools on Oahu attended the first day of the event, affording them the opportunity to interact with Airmen face to face.

“The first day was a day reserved to partner with local schools, encourage aviation related careers and provide an opportunity to ask questions about the military serving on the island,” said Maj. Eric De Gruchy, Wings of Aloha event director.

The second day was an event for the local community to see interactive displays of various Air Force careers and equipment. Community members spoke to Airmen, toured Hickam Field and learned about what the Air Force has to offer and what Team Hickam is capable of in the Pacific.

Wings of Aloha also featured a diverse lineup of static displays, including the C-17 Globemaster III, the KC-135 Stratotanker and the F-22 Raptor, that visitors were allowed to tour.

Airmen from a variety of career fields including 647th Security Forces Squadron, 15th Medical Group, 15th Maintenance Group and other volunteers contributed their expertise to the open house and made the event possible.

“As the event planner for the Wings of Aloha, I led a team of over 50 Airmen and civilians who offered their time above and beyond what their normal day-to-day duties demand,” said De Gruchy. “I am grateful for their efforts because nothing happens without people getting out there and getting the work done.”

Team Hickam’s leadership believes the event is just the beginning, and hopes that there will be more events like this in the future so that the community can continue learning about Hickam’s capabilities and the importance of its mission in the Pacific region.

“This event was a great step forward toward fostering a deeper, more meaningful connection with our friends in the local community,” said Capt. Gabriella Basham, Wings of Aloha ground operations officer.