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Show Aug. 10, 1995 CSAF to review Black Hawk actions WASHINGTON (Air Foil News The Air Force chie1: v ,taff Service) will review the administrative and personnel actions taken by the service following the accidental shoot down of two U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters in Northern Iraq last year. Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman will report his findings to Secretary of the Air Force Sheila Widnall along with recommendations for additional actions or changes to Air Force policies or processes, said an Aug. 1 news release announcing the review. Fogleman had said in a July 1 1 message to commanders, "We cannot tolerate actions which appear to condemn inappropriate conduct one moment, condone it the next, or even worse, reward it." Accountability is critically important, he said. "To do less will undermine good order and discipline of the force and destroy the trust of the American public." Air Force had already started reviewing whether administrative actions taken against those involved in the April 14, 1994, incident were sufficient considering the circumstances, the release said. Twenty-si- x people died in the accident, including 14 Americans. Air Force took administrative action against some of those involved in the shootdown last year, which included issuing an Article 15, five letters of reprimand, two letters of admonition and a letter of counseling, said Air Force legal officials. Capt. Jim Wang, senior director of the mission crew on board the airborne warning and control aircraft the day the accident, was charged with three counts of dereliction of duty but was acquitted by a court-martiJune 20. The same day, Widnall said in a press statement that the Black Hawk mishap "was not the result of any one of al individual's actions," but "of the conduct of numerous officers" and a system itself which contributed to the accident. Air Force dismissed charges of negligent homicide in December against Lt. Col. Randy May, one of the two 5 pilots who mistakenly identified the Black Hawks as Iraqi Hinds violating Iraq's "no-fl- y zone." No charges were ever filed against the second pilot, Capt. Eric Wickson. In addition to the above reviews, Air Force is also reviewing whether personnel actions such as evaluations, F-1- decorations, subsequent assignment actions, and promotions following the Black Hawk shoot down were appropriate, the news release stated. "Although accountability for this tragic mishap cannot compensate for the loss, it is an essential element of leadership and closure to the series of events surrounding this incident," Fogleman said in the release. Previously, the Air Force implemented a number of specific actions to preclude similar incidents in the future, including: H Recertifying all AW ACS crews with a program that included academics, mission planning and a formal presentation before a certification board. The Prairie Schooner a.m. Lunch: 11 Located 392-271- at 445 2 -- 2 p.m. Mon.-Fr- f. Dinner M.-Tf- e. 0f Frl., Sol. 5-- 11 Sun. 4-- a policy of crew Establish? tegrity which n quires the same 1 rs to operate together on all missions to provide continuity of training, deplo ment and employment. B Revising visual identification training and certification procedures and manuals to reflect enhanced tactics, techniques and procedures. B Developing a computer-basecombat visual identification training system to display aircraft visual characteristics in animation, graphics and digitized video to improve the pilots' ability to visually identify aircraft, including d three-dimension- Latest drawdown number announced in- crew-membe- 5 Hilltop Times al helicopters. B Reducing the number of days AWACS aircrews are on temporary duty to below 120 days per year. AWACS aircrews had been averaging in excess of 180 days away from their home stations. Reducing the time away from home stations has also provided more time for training and increased proficiency levels for said Air Force officials. Immediately after the Black Hawk accident, the U.S. European Command commander in chief changed the rules of engagement to clarify responsibilities for command and control. crew-member- s, Additionally, the Joint Requirements Oversight Council is continuing to pursue improved "identification friend or foe" dependability, enhanced command, control and communications systems, and doctrinal and oper- ational procedures to reduce the chances of human error, officials said. RANDOLPH AFB. Texas (AFNS) Latest drawdown figures released by the Air Force Military Personnel Center here show that 1,339 officers and enlisted members have applied for early retirement under the fiscal 1996 Voluntary Early Retirement Program. The numbers who have applied as of Aug. 2 are: Enlisted: senior airman 4. staff sergeant 109. technical sergeant 379, master sergeant 374. Total 866. Officers: captain 71. major 317. lieutenant colonel 85. Total 473. Volunteer goals are 1.200 enlisted and 1.000 officers. The fiscal 1996 Voluntary Early Retirement Program is no longer open to line captains. All applinon-deferre- cants have 10 working days to withdraw their application once they are notified they've been selected for promotion. Local military personnel flights have more information. Hospital closes for Commander's Call The Hill AFB Hospital will close three days commencing at noon Friday and ending at 7:30 a.m. Monday. This closure will allow for an extended Commander's Call. All services will be closed except the pharmacy and emergency services, which will be operating on a limited basis. for 9 Park Blvd. on Ogdan River. Turn at th Ogdan Arch M"1Z& 621-55- 11 XXXXX'XV-"-X'XV-'- - "Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement" 10 hours of instruction Wednesdays - 4 weeks. page workbook & reference Personal financial inventory Covers: Investments, asset allocation, 167 pensions, annuities, insurance, Soc Sec, Medicare, Medicaid, transfer at death, wills, trusts and much, much more. 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