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Show B Fighter Country March 25, 2004 Commentary: By Fit. Lt. F. J. Calder, RAF 388th Equipment Maintenance Squadron At about half past four on a Friday afternoon at Head Quarters Strike Command (HQ STC or Strike), I got a call to see the wing commander. "Here we go," I thought to myself, "Friday panic." As with a lot of military services, Friday afternoons in the Royal Air Force seem particularly prone to those fateful Urgent Technical Instructions or (OTIs in American-speak- ) out of deploypeople dropping ments at the last minute, with the same old names coming forward as "willing volunteers" This time, thankfully, it was different. Arriving at the boss's door, I found him on the phone. So I waited outside, patiently musing the seemingly countless scenarios that could shape my weekend (or beyond). To my surprise, he beckons me in and informs me that my desk officer at Personnel Management Agency, RAF Innsworth (the gentleman who moves me around the world at the stroke of a pen!), is on the phone and wants to know if I still want an exchange tour. Hmm, tough question for a Friday. I consider the offer for and respond -a unconvincingly disappointed "Oh, if I must." Thirteen months later (and yes, that's not a typo!) I arrived here to find in a fleet-wid- e myself neck-dee- p problem that could have had a drastic impact on the fighter wing's capabilities. Welcome to the USA. The next couple of months I saw the 388th Maintenance Group and Depot carry out a tremendous amount of aircraft inspections and any necessary recovery work. I was immediately impressed by the professional and dedicated approach taken nano-secon- Scotsman abroad from the RAF A ft d, -- t rarely heard any complaints (well, no more than engineers are bred to do, it's in the genes). Aside the challenges of an OH, I set about getting familiar with this very different - but somehow very familiar - environment. The aircraft are different, the trade structures are different, and still it all feels very familiar. You quickly realize that wherever you are in the world the mentality of aircraft engineers is very similar. Everyone realizes that they are playing a key part in their nation's ability to both protect itself, as well as protecting its foreign interests. Few people in the military believe that we can still stand by and allow oppressive regimes to build themselves up unchecked to a point where they become world powers, and this means an enormous amount of selfless commitment. Fixing aircraft is a significant responsibility for everyone 'The aircraft are different, the trade structures are different, and still it all feels very familiar - Flight Lt F. J. Calder 388th Equipment Maintenance Squadron v.. those times the middle of the night?). Our troops were carrying on with all the maintenance, as well as coping with the additional burden of the wing Operational Readiness Inspection. Nevertheless, we by all departments involved. My working day had extended at from its normal 0800-170- 0 HQ STC, to an outrageous 0600-223- 0 (I had been briefed by my predecessor that the working day would be a wee bit longer, but aren't both of ill involved, especially the junior airmen. However, they rise to the challenge and perform their tasks to the highest standards. In the back of your mind you know one mistake can easily result in a smoking hole in the desert, or worse. So you just make sure the mistake isn't yours. Some things never change. The crisis is over and I now look forward to meeting more and more of the challenges I had hoped to encounter on an exchange tour. This posting has already presented more opportunities to learn than I thought possible, or could have hoped for, and I have no doubt that it will continue to provide an exacting, but rewarding tour. The USAF has some truly remarkable people working for their cause; it's just a shame more of them aren't Scotsmen! Still, you can't have everything your own way. CSAF Sight Picture Motorcycle safety: each rider a mentor for others By Gen. John P. Jumper Chief of Staff of the Air Force Editor's note: This is the first article in a series concerning motorcycle safety. two-pa- rt How many times have you heard a story like this one: A couple of friends at a party had been drinking and one suggested they take his new motorcycle to get more alcohol. They hop on the bike, no helmets, and the operator decides to show how fast the bike can go. He's been signed up for training, but he hasn't completed the course yet. Before long they're traveling at 120 mph in a 60 mph zone. The operator loses control and they crash. The passenger is killed, and the operator spends 30 days in the hospital. Or one like this: A new motorcycle owner decides to get the biggest, baddest Harley he can get. He doesn't wear a helmet because he doesn't think it's "cool." He had preliminary motorcycle training and a learner's permit. He decides he can pass a car on the right around a curve. He loses control and launches 100 feet into the air. He dies on impact. These actual incidents are only two examples of many similar stories that pass across my desk, and illustrate why we need to change the way we think about and approach motorcycle safety. Motorcycles can be a great form of transportation and entertainment, but they must be respected. Lately, our Air Force members have been involved in a high number of motorcycle accidents, many of which were fatal. In FY03, we lost 24 Airmen to motorcycle accidents, most of which involved unsafe operation of single vehicles and operators who practiced poor risk management or operated beyond their abilities, and lost their lives in the process. Every member of our Air Force is critical for mission success. On the job, we exercise good operational risk management in performing difficult and dangerous tasks. We take care to train new operators in the safest practice of our profession. We provide oversight and guidance for inexperienced Airmen and young officers as they advance from apprentice to journeyman and craftsman. We pass on the benefits of our experience and correct mistakes to help our Airmen succeed. We should also do so y activities. Our concern for during our our people should not end with the workday, and off-dut- our safety consciousness should not end there either. Learning about a favorite activity can be enjoyable in itself. The proper training, safety instruction, and skill level make any activity more enjoyable. Just as we ask experienced operators to mentor and train our less experienced ones, I am ask ing experienced motorcyclists to mentor new riders and help them develop, their skills and knowledge about rid- -- ing. For that reason, I have asked the Air Force Chief of Safety, with the assistance of the Vice Chief of Staff and the Air Force Operational Safety Council, to explore, develop, and field a motorcycle mentoring concept that could foster the education and skills development of our motorcycle rid' netThis Air Force-wid- e work of motorcycle clubs could foster relationships between riders who have been riding in an area for years and those new to the area or new to riding. They can also create a supportive environment of responsible and riding motorcycle enjoyment while serving as a force multiplier for commanders' mishap prevention programs. My vision is for a mentoring program that will provide motorcycle operators the opportunity to work together to maximize their skills, reduce their chances for mishaps, and have fun in the process. The formula is simple: fundamental knowledge in the form of street strategies d and skills coupled with the most critical well-hone- a responsible riding mindset. I am element also asking commanders to look out for their motorcycle riders. Make sure that the troops under your command who ride are trained to do so. A commander's responsibility for safety does not end with the duty day. Actively seek out those who have bikes or are interested in taking up motorcycle riding. Make sure they take the safety courses offered on our bases, even if they have no intention of on riding base, and 2 them to join I ask these clubs. commanders to encourage all their people to live life off-duwith the same regard for safety we practice on duty. To those who ride motorcycles, I respect your right to choose a motorcycle as a form of transportation andor recreation. But, I ask you to operate them safely, practice good risk management, and operate within your abilities. Above all, make sure you are wearing the proper safety equipment. Also, look out for those who aren't ready for more advanced challenges and prevent them from engaging in dangerous behavior. I'm a new rider myself, and I will be taking an approved motorcycle training course to make sure I am qualified to ride before I take my bike on the road. I'm looking forward to riding, but only when I have the skills necessary to ensure I won't be a danger on the road. And I won't go anywhere without my helmet. Only through your efforts will we reduce the mishap rate throughout our Air Force. We will it is every rider's provide the tools necessary responsibility to put them to use. ty A big STEP up Tech. Patane 388th Keith Sgt. from the Aircraft Maintenance Squadron gets surprised with a new pair of master sergeant Lt. Gen. stripes. Randall Schmidt, 12th Air Force commander, (right) and Lt. Col. Glenn 388th Ferguson, AMXS commander, (left) pin the stripes on. Sergeant Patane received the stripes through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program. Photo by Senior Airman Nak'ita Camsie Inn Published for People Like... Tech. Sgt. Glenn Bivens mmm Editorial StafT Colonel Charlie Lyon 2nd Lt. Vernon Thompson Senior Airman Madelyn Waychoff Unit: 4th Fighter Squadron Job: Resource advisor Commander Deputy Chief, Public Affairs Editor Time in Service: 21 years Most recent accomplishment: Mentoring the younger troops on military life : '.ft' v - v Goals: To retire with an honorable discharge and be a loving bandfather . could change one thing at Hill AFB what would it be: To make everybody's assignment the best while they're here If I hus- The Fifhtrr Country a supplement to the Hilltop Times. published by MorMcdia. Iik.. a pma firm m no a; connected with Ac U S. A Force, under exclusive written contract with the Ogdea Air Lopsucs Center Public AfTan Office. This commercial entcrprix Air Force newspaper an aatborued puMicatioa far members of the lT S military services. Contents of inkier Country are not necessarily die official views of. or endorsed by the V 3. Gu.ui.mm. the PepanmaM of Defense or the Department of the Air Force. 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