Commander answers Airmen's questions at all call Published May 11, 2011 By Col. Jamie Crowhurst 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The following statements are taken from the question and answer section of the commander's call April 28, 2011. Q: "When can the lane lines outside the main gate be repainted?" A: Painting lines used to be contracted to local companies, but is now an in-house project. Civil engineering got new equipment for painting at end of last summer. Now that weather has warmed up, they have begun those projects. Replacing and repainting pavement markings at the East Gate began May 5, 2011. Warmer temperatures than expected prolonged set times of the product being used. Therefore, we now anticipate completion to be COB May 12, 2011. Q: "Can we install a keypad on the outside door of the fitness center weight and cardio room and security cameras to allow 24-hour access?" A: Unfortunately, using a keypad system in the fitness center is not possible due to Air Force Instruction requirements; staff must be available in the event of injuries or other emergencies. Due to the lack of nighttime use and manning constraints, the fitness center currently closes from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays. McConnell has however, used Comprehensive Airmen Fitness money to improve workout facilities in various workcenters, i.e. command post, security forces and the maintenance group. For example, with a line badge or a wingman as an escort, the fitness room in Building 1169 is accessible 24-hours to the base populace. Q: "Can the Air Force implement a combat stress test, like the Army and U.S. Marine Corps, or specialized tests?" A: The Air Force continually looks to improve the validity and real-world application of the Air Force Fitness Assessment. At this time, there is finite information on implementation of a new test or combat stress test. However, if more information is provided from the Air Staff, we will be sure to push it out to the wing. Q: "Can we get a better, longer and level indoor track?" A: No plans in the near future because construction of a longer track would take five to ten years to acquire funds and compete with other projects we need more, such as consolidating the maintenance complex and a new combat arms facility. Repairing the indoor track would be a shorter approval process (two to three years). Currently, repair funds are being spent on renovating the showers and locker rooms. Q: "Besides the BX expansion, what other quality of life improvements are in the plans?" A: We're completing an $800,000 renovation of the outdoor pool, which will re-open May 27, 2011. We also built restroom and shower facilities in the Krueger Recreation Area. We have also used CAF funds to improve various programs like expanding Give Parents a Break and Mental Health/Family Advocacy resource libraries, and sponsor events like Tops in Blue, Military Spouse Conference and the Beach Party. Some pending requests include an outdoor turf sports field and a 5k running path through the KRA. Another quality of life project that will begin soon is privatized housing. Q: "Where does the housing privatization contract stand?" A: The Air Force made its official announcement on May 10, 2011, for the housing privatization partner for the continental group bases (McConnell, Seymour-Johnson, Eglin, Edwards, Hurlburt, and Eielson Air Force Bases); Picerne Military Housing. Negotiations will occur throughout the spring/summer (to include the development of a construction schedule). It is expected that Picerne Military Housing will hold several town-hall meetings during the summer. The next town-hall meeting is scheduled for May 25, 2011. This will help inform McConnell Airmen and their families of what to expect and look forward to during the transition from government housing to privatization. Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available. Q: "How long will it take to reach our end strength and restructure career fields?" A: Air Force officials announced the closure of enlisted voluntary and involuntary force management programs for fiscal 2011 after meeting end-strength goals for enlisted Airmen. While some career fields are shrinking, other career fields, including cyber, intel, reconnaissance and surveillance have grown. In fall 2010, Air force officials announced that approximately 2,300 officers must be cut by fiscal year 2012 through reduction in force and selective early retirement board mechanisms. Since the cuts are different for each Air Force Specialty Code and year group, affected members should inquire for additional information through their chain of command. The board is scheduled to meet in September 2011. Q: "What is the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal time frame?" A: In the three tier plan, we're in the third phase. The first tier trained predominantly legal, chaplain and personnel services. In Tier 2, commanders, directors, deputies and first sergeants were trained. Now in Tier 3, commanders have until June 30, to train everyone else--military and civilian personnel about the repeal. As Tier 3 training proceeds, progress will be reported to the Office of the Secretary of Defense until the OSD is able to certify to the President that everyone across all of the services has been briefed on the subject. Expect the repeal policy to take effect 60 days after that certification. Q: "Why is there such a long wait list for the sports bike course?" A: Due to instructors that have either had a Permanent Change of Station or are deployed, the Safety Office has only one sport bike instructor. Classes are limited to six students per instructor. The March class was cancelled due to instructors that were deployed. April and May classes are full with standbys to cover any cancellations. Therefore, there is a two-month wait. Currently, the sport bike class is once a month, but we're looking into offering an additional class on Saturdays. Safety is currently taking instructor applications, but our instructor training funds for this fiscal year have already been depleted. We're in the process of contracting motorcycle training to a downtown company beginning in Fall 2011. Q: "When will the Mexico travel advisories/restrictions be lifted?" A: Members may still travel with the approval of the first O-6 in their chain of command. U.S. Northern Command will continue to monitor the situation. Restrictions have been added in an updated Commander's Guidance Memorandum extended through November 1, 2011.