The Capital Guardian - Spring 2011

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Spotlight on the 1946th Contingency Contracting Team A small unit with a BIG mission By Spc. Jesse Searls JFHQ-PAO Resident Historian One of the DCNG’s newest units is also one of the smallest. At full strength at opening formation, the1946th Contingency Contracting Team has only four names on its unit roster. Its small size, however, belies a huge mission and a broad expanse of technical skills and education. Only two short years ago, the 1946th CCT was formed in 2009 under the 74th Troop Command. The unit is commanded by Maj. Mark Hutchinson with 1st Lt. Ural Jones as the second officer. Sgt. Jacqueline Brown and Sgt. 1st Class David Bangura fill the enlisted ranks. Bangura, the unit NCO in charge, has been with the unit since its inception. He said the unit’s mission is “to enable effective and efficient contracting in support of deployed forces and humanitarian operations through innovative policy, guidance and oversight.” When in garrison, the 1946th is part of the DCNG United States Property & Fiscal Office, and drills on Bolling Air Force Base. While deployed to a theater of operations, Bangura explained, “We will fall under a battalion-sized element and will perform purchasing and acquisitions for them.” In a deployment environment, “getting the gear” by contracting for the needs of an army can be a major factor in mission effectiveness. The 1946th places logistical expertise at a tactical level to help units get what they need to get the job done. In preparation for a possible deployment next year, the 1946th conducts productive, mission-oriented training just as any other unit preparing for deployment does. A typical drill includes training under the USP&FO to do full-time contracting and might involve DA Form 1379s, PD2 software, and the standards and ethics of contracting. The CCT also trains with other CCTs from around the country. The 1946th packs quite a punch when it comes to professional education. Each member of the 1946th is trained under the Army logistics branch where they learn skills that correlate directly to the civilian sector. Playing on the strengths of each member, all four members of the unit bring outside experience to the DC Guard from their work in acquisition-related fields during the week. Two members have full-time jobs in auditing; two have jobs in contracting. Team members are trained to an incredible degree through the logistics branch and Defense Acquisition University. Stated officially, the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act requires Level II certification and on-the-job experience for MOS 51C for NCOs and Functional Area 51 for officers. 14 • CAPITAL GUARDIAN / Spring 2011 and Sgt. 1st Class David Bangura 1946th Contingency Contracting Team 1st Lt. Ural Jones, Master Sgt. Leslie Riffey, Sgt. 1st Class David Bangura and Maj. Mark Hutchinson during a training session. The training requirements consist of online, resident courses and on-the-job training. As contracts management sergeant, Bangura elaborated on the Army training. To become a Certified Acquisition Professional, he said, Level I is achieved by completing online contracting courses with the Defense Acquisition University, followed by an intensive six-week program held at the Army Logistics University located at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. For team members to earn their level II DAWIA certification, they must also complete online classes prior to completing the six weeks of graduate level II courses at the Army Logistics University. Completing their education is only one step in the process for these “logistics warriors.” Once a team member earns a level II certification, they are eligible for selection for an appointment giving them the authority to legally bind the government in a contract valued up to $5 million. Contracts that the 1946th deals with are from the U.S. Army classes of supply covered in FM 4-0. The only class of supply not dealt with by the team is class VI, or personal demand items, such as alcohol, snacks or cigarettes. The 1946th Contingency Contracting Team may not be a unit that you’ve trained beside, but their work has undoubtedly had an effect on every soldier in the DCNG. Editor’s Note: Starting with this first article on the DCNG’s own Contingency Contracting Team, the Capital Guardian will present special reports in later issues on smaller units within the DC National Guard.
NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS 113th Wing promotes three chiefs during historic ceremony Chief Master Sgts. Louis R. Keeler, Kevin W. Kling and James T. Mathews (left to right) extinguish the candles during their promotion ceremony. The 113th Maintenance Squadron held its first-ever pinning of three chief master sergeants during a promotion ceremony on Feb. 12, 2011, at Hangar 18, Andrews Air Force Base. By Tech. Sgt. Gareth Buckland 113th Wing Public Affairs Office The DC Air National Guard’s firstever promotion of three chief master sergeants was celebrated in a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews on Feb. 13, 2011. “This is a historic moment for the DC National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, commanding general of the DC National Guard. “We’ve never been able to promote three chiefs since the beginning of the DC Air Guard more than 70 years ago. I’m proud of their accomplishments.” With more than 70 years of combined experience, Chief Master Sgt. Louis R. Keeler, 113th Equipment Maintenance Flight superintendent; Chief Master Sgt. Kevin W. Kling and Chief Master Sgt. James T. Mathews, both of the 113th Maintenance Squadron, were officially pinned in a ceremony at Hangar 16 on Andrews Air Force Base. Family, friends and fellow airmen looked on as Kling received his stripes from his two children, 2nd Lt. Adam Kling and Airman 1st Class Jenna Kling. Kling also presented his son, Adam, with his first chief’s coin. Keeler was pinned by his two sons, Jonathon and Zachary. He also recognized his wife’s sacrifice while he was deployed. Lt. Col. Marshall S. Glasser, the commander of the 113th Maintenance Squadron, highlighted each of their careers and collective contributions to the unit and the district. He said the three embodied the core values of the United States Air Force, “Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do.” Being promoted to chief master sergeant is no easy feat. It is the pinnacle of any enlisted career. Only 2 percent of the enlisted force ever make it to the rank of chief master sergeant. The wing’s current chiefs were all present to offer support and encouragement to the new chiefs. The ceremonial lighting of the candles, which indicate the ranks the chiefs have to pass through, were lit, then extinguished, leaving the one candle representing the rank of E-9. The afternoon ceremony was attended by about 120 fellow airmen and family members. Spring 2011 / CAPITAL GUARDIAN • 15 Tech. Sgt. Gareth Buckland
Page 1: Land Component Commander promoted t
Page 4: Commanding General’s Column We ar
Page 7 and 8: Spc. Mark Ingutti Soldiers from the
Page 9 and 10: the DCNG Tech. Sgt. William Parks F
Page 11 and 12: Bass player Pfc. Anthony Jenkins, a
Page 13 and 14: Members of the DC National Guard ca
Page 15: million annually, and he used to fr
Page 19 and 20: NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS ... NEW
Page 21 and 22: NEWS BRIEFS ... NEWS BRIEFS ... NEW

The Capital Guardian - Spring 2011

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?