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Commander’s Call: Wing Commander Q&A

  • Published
  • By Col. Laura Lenderman
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander

Here is the next round of Q&As from my most recent Commander’s Call.

I posted these responses and previous Q&As to our wing Sharepoint site and our public website, www.scott.af.mil, for future access and review.

Please keep the questions coming!

 

PERSONNEL ISSUES

Can civilians have time off / flex time to exercise in the morning?

Great question! The 375th Air Mobility Wing recently authorized full-time, appropriated fund civilian employees excused absences for participation in physical fitness and wellness activities. The supervisor is the granting authority for civilian employees to participate in fitness activities, and employees must be present at their duty location prior to beginning fitness activities or at their duty location following exercising. In addition, employees are required to use the installation fitness facilities.

 

Will there be reenlistment bonuses for individuals in the communications career field?

While some categories of the 1B4 AFSC, along with 116 other AFSCs, are on the Feb. 16 Selective Reenlistment Bonus Listing, there are no bonuses currently offered to the 3D AFSCs. The most current information and guidance on the SRB program can be found on the MyPers website or by following the menu options in MyPers: Enlisted >> Compensation >> Selective Reenlistment Bonus Program. The list is normally updated annually; however, the Air Staff could make changes during the year and release an updated listing.

 

Where can we get info about the enlisted pilot program?

The Air Force recently released more information about the Enlisted Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot program. MyPers provides the most current guidance. In addition, a Career Assistance Advisor will be able to help members in determining if they can apply for the 1U1X1 career field.

 

Is the Air Force going to pay for gender reconstruction surgery? If so, why won’t the Air Force pay for liposuction for moms who just had a baby?

Thank you for your question. I was unclear if you were asking about gender reconstruction or gender reassignment, so here’s an answer for both. TRICARE currently pays for gender reconstruction surgery to correct a congenital anomaly, injury or physiological problem associated with a disease.

TRICARE may also pay for gender reassignment surgery in the future as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for gender dysphoria. We expect to receive more DoD/HAF guidance in October 2016. As for liposuction, any cosmetic, reconstructive, or plastic surgery must be medically necessary in order to be covered by TRICARE.

Currently, TRICARE deems cosmetic surgery medically necessary in situations such as restoration following an accidental injury, correction of disfiguring or extensive scars resulting from cancer surgery, or other causes.

Pregnancy weight gain is not currently one of the approved reasons for TRICARE to cover the cost of cosmetic surgery. However, if an individual is located near a large military treatment facility, such San Antonio or Washington, D.C., he or she can seek cosmetic treatments that otherwise are not covered by TRICARE. These cases are used to ensure military physicians retain the necessary skills to provide comprehensive care to our Airmen and their families. In these cases, it is important to note that the patient is required to pay for the MTF surgery using the accepted reimbursement rates.

 

END OF THE YEAR FUNDING

Is the wing getting more end of year funding?

Yes, our wing is receiving end of year funding. To provide a little background, as part of the normal funding process, our wing receives funding from both Air Mobility Command and Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center throughout the year. Funding we receive is based on prioritized mission requirements. Each squadron/unit determines its requirements and prioritizes them. These priorities are then vetted through the corporate budget process. During the Financial Management Board, I determine how much money each unit receives.

The requirements from each unit that remain unfunded are placed on a Wing prioritized list. These unfunded Wing priorities are shared with AMC and AFIMSC who in-turn prioritize major command requirements. As additional funding becomes available AMC/AFIMSC, in conjunction with the wing commanders, use this list as well as any new emergent information to distribute funds towards the most pressing mission requirements. As of Aug. 4, the wing had already received funding from AMC for our top 15 unfunded requirements.

 

FACILITIES

Can we get some A/C? The A/C in my building (P61) is terrible.

Thank you for highlighting your facility issue to our team. After inspecting P61, CE discovered that an A/C motor needed to be replaced. The new motor should improve air circulation. The A/C unit is also on the replacement list and should be upgraded in the next few years. Additionally, CE recommends that all Facility Managers validate their building requirements in the Air Force’s new service request system (TRIRIGA) to ensure visibility of ongoing problems in a workspace. If there are any questions on how the new service request system works, please do not hesitate to call CE Customer Service at: 256-2202 or DSN 576-2202.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

Is Pokémon Go banned on base?

No, Pokémon Go is not banned on base. Players are free to visit PokéStops and catch Pokémon throughout the base. Players, however, are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and mindful of their actions. For example, you should not enter areas, such as the flight line or munitions area, which are not generally accessible. Members in uniform should not use electronic devices while walking and should use their duty time responsibly. Also, players should always observe the rules of the road and be careful not to wander into unauthorized areas. Ultimately, players should rely on their common sense and good judgment while playing on base.

 

When will the water fountains at the dog park be turned back on?

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Our civil engineers were able to fix the water fountains at the dog park this week. Thank you again for bringing this issue to our attention.