Past Events
May - July 2007 Events
After a very busy spring cumulating is a very successful 11th Annual Test Instrumentation Workshop
co-hosted by the China Lake Chapter (over 300 in attendance, 40 Vendor booths, 35 technical
papers) the AV Chapter was looking forward to an active Summer.
We kicked off our summer (our summer starts earlier since we don’t have that problem those east
coasters have with that season called “Winter”) in May with a presentation by Dr. Charles McQueary
(DOT&E) on “Initiatives to Address Identified T&E challenges” to a standing room only crowd. Dr.
McQuery’s speech, only slightly interrupted by Mr. Crisp with some obscure reference to Naval athletic
successes, was well received by the audience who enjoyed not only the talk but a very informative
question and answer session. Dr. McQuery presented a roadmap to many of the T&E challenges
faced by testers today and into the future.
In June Dr. George Ka’ilwai provided an inspirational talked on “Building the Air Force T&E Enterprise”
to the assembled audience. When we say ‘Enterprise’ we aren’t referring to not NCC-1701, it means
we are “cooperative, coordinated…even collaborative, coherent!” Dr. Ka’ilwai commented. This type of
approach is not only nice, but necessary. How we invest, prioritize, divest, and balance capability vs
capacity in an tight budget environment is becoming critical. The AF T&E Enterprise is a necessary
response to several “forcing functions” (NDAA, new rules, costs/affordability etc). To date most efforts
at ‘enterprise solutions” have been low scale ad-hoc in approach. It has not been systematic nor
purposeful. During the first AF T&E Summit, which latter became the AF T&E Days annual conference,
the various AF Technical Advisors have come together in a conscience effort to build a AF T&E
Enterprise. According to Dr. Ka’ilwai the “AF T&E Days conference has actually become a process as
a forcing function for collaboration and technical excellence.” Upper Level Leadership (AF/TE, AFMC,
AFFTC, AAC, AEDC) has been the key to change. In December 2005, Lt General Bedke (AFFTC/CC)
stated “ Collaboration/Teaming will be Crucial to Future Success”. Dr. Ka’ilwai went on to present the
T&E Enterprise Vision, roadmap, and the Master Capabilities List. The AF plans to continue to evolve
this concept using AF Smart Operations for the 21st Century (AFSO21) initiative as part of our
continuous process improvement efforts. Dr. Ka’ilwai went on to describe the AFO21 initiative that
seeks to tie Lean, Six Sigma, Design of Experiments, and Theory of Constraints concept as an
integral part of AF activities. Increasing T&E effectiveness was one of the initial strategic enterprise
programs identified. Using a F-22 example, Dr. Ka’ilwai provided a sample of AFSO21 concepts as
they could be applied to an active test program. He wrapped-up his presentation with a summary and
a active question and answer session.
This talk was especially timely as Dr. Ka’ilwai has recently accepted a new position as the J6 at
PACOM in Honolulu. He will be missed by his friends and colleagues at the AFFTC. He has provide
us clear vision and an excellent path. Good luck Dr. K and remember your friends in the desert!
In July, the AV Chapter was fortunate to host a special speaker on the effort to get a 4 year University
in the High Desert during the monthly meeting. The guest speaker was introduced by Gary Johnson,
the ITEA AV Chapter Vice President. Bob Johnstone (Director- The Aerospace Office, Inc, Lancaster
CA) provided an excellent talk on the efforts to bring Higher Education into the Antelope Valley at the
Monthly ITEA Luncheon Meeting.
Cal Poly-High Desert was the title of the speech provided by Mr. Johnstone to highlight the local efforts
to secure a CSU Campus in the High Desert. Currently both CSU Bakersfield and CSU Fresno, in
association with the Antelope Valley College, offer 4 year degrees in the Antelope Valley. The
Aerospace Office, a key promoter of local Higher Education, believes the success of these extension
centers has laid excellent groundwork for a future 4 year. Through these schools a person can do all
the coursework and labs required for a BS or MS in several engineering disciplines without leaving
the valley.
The high desert high school students are being exposed to engineering today. The Lead-The-Way
program, and others like it, have paved the way to prepare these students for admittance to a
university level engineering program. Over 200 High School students are involved in these “pre-
engineering” programs that promote math, science, and exposure to the engineering career through
robotics clubs and visits to industry. Interest in HS and College engineering internship programs are
also growing and showing promise according to Mr. Johnstone.
Local support is very active. The Antelope Valley Board of Trade has engaged the local political
structure in support of this concept. Mr. Johnstone defines the High Desert as an area bound by
Ridgecrest on the North, Palmdale on the south, Tehachapi on the west, and California City on the
east. “In this area the 7 mayors of the largest cities are advocates of a future CSU campus” he stated.
He went on to say that “this much support was unheard of” according to CSU officials he has met with
on this topic.
CSU Regents have many requirements to met before a community is considered for a Campus.
Projected population growth, curriculum needs, and land/resources (360 acres minimum) must be
analysis and addressed.
The needs of the High Desert are well documented in these areas. With a projected population
growth of 800,000 by 2025 (to over 2 million total), a current skills needed survey completed
(engineering #1 followed by health care, sciences, legal, and education), and several options for
possible sites “the High Desert mets these requirements” Mr. Johnstone stated in his speech.
“A proposed site near Mojave airport seems to be the best bet” Bob stated in the speech. This site is
large (640 acres), close to transportation (14 and 58 freeway interchange near-by), and has a private
developer offering funding for infrastructure. A “Joint Powers Authority” has been formed by State
Senator Runner to implement the Master Plan for this University. They will have their work cut-out for
them as they address these vital issues.
During the questions and answers portion of the talk Mr. Johnstone was asked “what can we do?”.
“Get involved” replied Bob. “Let your elected officials know this is important to you. Let them know we
need a united solution to go foreword if we are to be successful”.
Mr. Johnstone was thanked for this interesting speech and presented a token of our appreciation by
ITEA AV Chapter President Tim Chalfant.
After a very busy spring cumulating is a very successful 11th Annual Test Instrumentation Workshop
co-hosted by the China Lake Chapter (over 300 in attendance, 40 Vendor booths, 35 technical
papers) the AV Chapter was looking forward to an active Summer.
We kicked off our summer (our summer starts earlier since we don’t have that problem those east
coasters have with that season called “Winter”) in May with a presentation by Dr. Charles McQueary
(DOT&E) on “Initiatives to Address Identified T&E challenges” to a standing room only crowd. Dr.
McQuery’s speech, only slightly interrupted by Mr. Crisp with some obscure reference to Naval athletic
successes, was well received by the audience who enjoyed not only the talk but a very informative
question and answer session. Dr. McQuery presented a roadmap to many of the T&E challenges
faced by testers today and into the future.
In June Dr. George Ka’ilwai provided an inspirational talked on “Building the Air Force T&E Enterprise”
to the assembled audience. When we say ‘Enterprise’ we aren’t referring to not NCC-1701, it means
we are “cooperative, coordinated…even collaborative, coherent!” Dr. Ka’ilwai commented. This type of
approach is not only nice, but necessary. How we invest, prioritize, divest, and balance capability vs
capacity in an tight budget environment is becoming critical. The AF T&E Enterprise is a necessary
response to several “forcing functions” (NDAA, new rules, costs/affordability etc). To date most efforts
at ‘enterprise solutions” have been low scale ad-hoc in approach. It has not been systematic nor
purposeful. During the first AF T&E Summit, which latter became the AF T&E Days annual conference,
the various AF Technical Advisors have come together in a conscience effort to build a AF T&E
Enterprise. According to Dr. Ka’ilwai the “AF T&E Days conference has actually become a process as
a forcing function for collaboration and technical excellence.” Upper Level Leadership (AF/TE, AFMC,
AFFTC, AAC, AEDC) has been the key to change. In December 2005, Lt General Bedke (AFFTC/CC)
stated “ Collaboration/Teaming will be Crucial to Future Success”. Dr. Ka’ilwai went on to present the
T&E Enterprise Vision, roadmap, and the Master Capabilities List. The AF plans to continue to evolve
this concept using AF Smart Operations for the 21st Century (AFSO21) initiative as part of our
continuous process improvement efforts. Dr. Ka’ilwai went on to describe the AFO21 initiative that
seeks to tie Lean, Six Sigma, Design of Experiments, and Theory of Constraints concept as an
integral part of AF activities. Increasing T&E effectiveness was one of the initial strategic enterprise
programs identified. Using a F-22 example, Dr. Ka’ilwai provided a sample of AFSO21 concepts as
they could be applied to an active test program. He wrapped-up his presentation with a summary and
a active question and answer session.
This talk was especially timely as Dr. Ka’ilwai has recently accepted a new position as the J6 at
PACOM in Honolulu. He will be missed by his friends and colleagues at the AFFTC. He has provide
us clear vision and an excellent path. Good luck Dr. K and remember your friends in the desert!
In July, the AV Chapter was fortunate to host a special speaker on the effort to get a 4 year University
in the High Desert during the monthly meeting. The guest speaker was introduced by Gary Johnson,
the ITEA AV Chapter Vice President. Bob Johnstone (Director- The Aerospace Office, Inc, Lancaster
CA) provided an excellent talk on the efforts to bring Higher Education into the Antelope Valley at the
Monthly ITEA Luncheon Meeting.
Cal Poly-High Desert was the title of the speech provided by Mr. Johnstone to highlight the local efforts
to secure a CSU Campus in the High Desert. Currently both CSU Bakersfield and CSU Fresno, in
association with the Antelope Valley College, offer 4 year degrees in the Antelope Valley. The
Aerospace Office, a key promoter of local Higher Education, believes the success of these extension
centers has laid excellent groundwork for a future 4 year. Through these schools a person can do all
the coursework and labs required for a BS or MS in several engineering disciplines without leaving
the valley.
The high desert high school students are being exposed to engineering today. The Lead-The-Way
program, and others like it, have paved the way to prepare these students for admittance to a
university level engineering program. Over 200 High School students are involved in these “pre-
engineering” programs that promote math, science, and exposure to the engineering career through
robotics clubs and visits to industry. Interest in HS and College engineering internship programs are
also growing and showing promise according to Mr. Johnstone.
Local support is very active. The Antelope Valley Board of Trade has engaged the local political
structure in support of this concept. Mr. Johnstone defines the High Desert as an area bound by
Ridgecrest on the North, Palmdale on the south, Tehachapi on the west, and California City on the
east. “In this area the 7 mayors of the largest cities are advocates of a future CSU campus” he stated.
He went on to say that “this much support was unheard of” according to CSU officials he has met with
on this topic.
CSU Regents have many requirements to met before a community is considered for a Campus.
Projected population growth, curriculum needs, and land/resources (360 acres minimum) must be
analysis and addressed.
The needs of the High Desert are well documented in these areas. With a projected population
growth of 800,000 by 2025 (to over 2 million total), a current skills needed survey completed
(engineering #1 followed by health care, sciences, legal, and education), and several options for
possible sites “the High Desert mets these requirements” Mr. Johnstone stated in his speech.
“A proposed site near Mojave airport seems to be the best bet” Bob stated in the speech. This site is
large (640 acres), close to transportation (14 and 58 freeway interchange near-by), and has a private
developer offering funding for infrastructure. A “Joint Powers Authority” has been formed by State
Senator Runner to implement the Master Plan for this University. They will have their work cut-out for
them as they address these vital issues.
During the questions and answers portion of the talk Mr. Johnstone was asked “what can we do?”.
“Get involved” replied Bob. “Let your elected officials know this is important to you. Let them know we
need a united solution to go foreword if we are to be successful”.
Mr. Johnstone was thanked for this interesting speech and presented a token of our appreciation by
ITEA AV Chapter President Tim Chalfant.
AFMC Deputy Presents Talk on Career Development
The AV Chapter of the International Test and Evaluation Association presented a
special speaker at its September monthly luncheon meeting at Club Muroc, Edwards
AFB.
Mrs. Barbara A. Westgate, Executive Director, Air Force Material Command (AFMC),
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, presented a special talk on “Perspectives on
Career Development, Leadership, and Current Issues within AFMC and the Air Force”.
Barbara A. Westgate, a member of the Senior Executive Service, advises the
Commander in managing all aspects of the Command's mission to deliver war-winning
capabilities, aircraft and weapon systems on time and on cost to America's war-
fighters. She also advises the Commander on labor union relations and development
of the civilian work force, which at 70 percent of AFMC's total force is the highest
among the Air Force's nine major commands.
Mrs. Westgate structured her talk as an informal “conversation” covering many different
topics including time for questions and answers. As the senior ranking civilian in the
AFMC, she provided an interesting perspective on topics ranging from the budget
“circle of ternary” to life balance and taking care of your fellow employee.
The “circle of ternary” was in reference to a significant challenge within the AFMC,
doing more with less. Mrs. Westgate noted that while the Air Force is required to
“budget to the penny” it is often unable to respond to those rising costs we all face
daily. As an example, when the 2006 budget was approved, the cost of oil (a significant
portion of the AF budget) was $42 per barrel. During the year the budget was executed,
it rose to over $70 per barrel. This alone created a $600M bill for the AF to pay. These
bills need to be taken out of existing funds, no other funds are available. As a result,
AFMC program staffers are always looking for the “blood in the water” to draw needed
funds away from programs having problems. She sited the costs of normal operations
and maintenance has increased 179%, health cost in AFMC have risen by three times,
personnel cost have risen 60%.
Based on her talk, it appears that the Command is facing a very real budget crisis. With
the rising costs in the Command, and the current war-time operations tempo, no relief is
in sight. “We are in the 17th year of a sustained combat operation” she stated in her
talk. “We’ve been on a combat footing for so long it is no longer a surge but our normal
operation”. Every 9 seconds an AF aircraft takes off. This happens 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. This higher operations tempo takes a toll on the Air Force. 14% of the
fleet is either grounded or on flight restrictions. “If you’ve read material on the Terrorist
plans you’ll see they are looking to fight a 100 year war” Mrs. Westgate shared. The
Command is faced with the challenge of executing today’s war, and planning for
tomorrows. Not an easy task, but one that we must accomplish. The Command needs to
create the “headroom” for its future.
Mrs. Westgate discussed Military/Civilian relationship and the need to keep them
strong. “This is the total force concept presented by General Jumper” she sited. She
stressed that military and civilians must work closer together, understand each others
personnel systems, and support the “total” force. With the implementation of a new
civilian pay system (the National Security Personnel System, or NSPS) on the civilian
side, and many changes in the military structure, the Command must face these
leadership challenges. “Our leaders, whether military or civilian, must be equivalent”
she noted. Whether the person is a Colonel or a GS-15, they must have the same
higher education (Masters) and Professional Military Education. She reinforced that in
the AFMC, we are a combined force and we must address civilian careers as well as
military careers.
The Palace Acquire program, a competitive higher education/job training program for
college graduates, was sadly under utilized by the AFMC she concluded after visiting
many of the bases in the Command. “This program needs to be re-invigorated” she
stated. This program, coupled with mentoring from senior leaders, can help address the
personnel shortfalls across the Command.
Palace Acquire will pay for advanced degrees and salaries for those in critical job
categories (like Engineers) with an employment commitment to the government.
Mrs. Westgate went on to stress the importance of balance in your life. “Are you taking
care of yourself?” she asked the audience. She shared her exercise plans to walk a
half marathon in the near future and the importance of an individual exercise program.
Without exercise “work will consume you” she commented.
She added that everyone needs interests outside of work. Look out for yourself and
your family. Social interactions are important. On any given day, the Air Force has 35%
of its force deployed. This is a significant challenge which requires we evolve the
“Wingman Culture” effectively she recommended. Part of the Wingman Culture, where
we are tasked to take care of each other (our "wingmen”), requires we take the time to
follow-through. Mrs. Wingate provided an example of what can occur when a wingman
does, and doesn’t, take the extra time to ensure their wingman is alright. “We must
follow-through with our actions and ask the right questions. What is wrong? You haven’t
been yourself, can I help? ”she implored. Once you have engaged, stay engaged until
help arrives. Don’t abandon your wingman.
She concluded her talk with the remark “work should be fun”. If you are not enjoying
something make a change. Take action. In all we do we must consider the Air Force
core values (Service…). We must lead an ethical life because “eventually we will have
to explain what we did to Mom or Dad”.
The luncheon concluded on a high note with an interesting question and answer
period. The audience was very appreciative of Mrs. Westgate’s positive upbeat talk.
The International Test and Evaluation Association (ITEA), is a not-for-profit educational
organization founded in 1980 to further the exchange of technical information in the
field of test and evaluation. Its members include professionals from industry,
government, and academia, who are involved in the development and application of
policy and techniques used to assess the effectiveness, reliability, and safety of new
and existing systems and products.
The AV Chapter is active locally in technical education, promoting science and
engineering in our local high schools, and sponsors the annual ITEA Instrumentation
Workshop (6-8 May 2008 at the AV Fair Grounds).
The AV Chapter of the International Test and Evaluation Association presented a
special speaker at its September monthly luncheon meeting at Club Muroc, Edwards
AFB.
Mrs. Barbara A. Westgate, Executive Director, Air Force Material Command (AFMC),
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, presented a special talk on “Perspectives on
Career Development, Leadership, and Current Issues within AFMC and the Air Force”.
Barbara A. Westgate, a member of the Senior Executive Service, advises the
Commander in managing all aspects of the Command's mission to deliver war-winning
capabilities, aircraft and weapon systems on time and on cost to America's war-
fighters. She also advises the Commander on labor union relations and development
of the civilian work force, which at 70 percent of AFMC's total force is the highest
among the Air Force's nine major commands.
Mrs. Westgate structured her talk as an informal “conversation” covering many different
topics including time for questions and answers. As the senior ranking civilian in the
AFMC, she provided an interesting perspective on topics ranging from the budget
“circle of ternary” to life balance and taking care of your fellow employee.
The “circle of ternary” was in reference to a significant challenge within the AFMC,
doing more with less. Mrs. Westgate noted that while the Air Force is required to
“budget to the penny” it is often unable to respond to those rising costs we all face
daily. As an example, when the 2006 budget was approved, the cost of oil (a significant
portion of the AF budget) was $42 per barrel. During the year the budget was executed,
it rose to over $70 per barrel. This alone created a $600M bill for the AF to pay. These
bills need to be taken out of existing funds, no other funds are available. As a result,
AFMC program staffers are always looking for the “blood in the water” to draw needed
funds away from programs having problems. She sited the costs of normal operations
and maintenance has increased 179%, health cost in AFMC have risen by three times,
personnel cost have risen 60%.
Based on her talk, it appears that the Command is facing a very real budget crisis. With
the rising costs in the Command, and the current war-time operations tempo, no relief is
in sight. “We are in the 17th year of a sustained combat operation” she stated in her
talk. “We’ve been on a combat footing for so long it is no longer a surge but our normal
operation”. Every 9 seconds an AF aircraft takes off. This happens 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. This higher operations tempo takes a toll on the Air Force. 14% of the
fleet is either grounded or on flight restrictions. “If you’ve read material on the Terrorist
plans you’ll see they are looking to fight a 100 year war” Mrs. Westgate shared. The
Command is faced with the challenge of executing today’s war, and planning for
tomorrows. Not an easy task, but one that we must accomplish. The Command needs to
create the “headroom” for its future.
Mrs. Westgate discussed Military/Civilian relationship and the need to keep them
strong. “This is the total force concept presented by General Jumper” she sited. She
stressed that military and civilians must work closer together, understand each others
personnel systems, and support the “total” force. With the implementation of a new
civilian pay system (the National Security Personnel System, or NSPS) on the civilian
side, and many changes in the military structure, the Command must face these
leadership challenges. “Our leaders, whether military or civilian, must be equivalent”
she noted. Whether the person is a Colonel or a GS-15, they must have the same
higher education (Masters) and Professional Military Education. She reinforced that in
the AFMC, we are a combined force and we must address civilian careers as well as
military careers.
The Palace Acquire program, a competitive higher education/job training program for
college graduates, was sadly under utilized by the AFMC she concluded after visiting
many of the bases in the Command. “This program needs to be re-invigorated” she
stated. This program, coupled with mentoring from senior leaders, can help address the
personnel shortfalls across the Command.
Palace Acquire will pay for advanced degrees and salaries for those in critical job
categories (like Engineers) with an employment commitment to the government.
Mrs. Westgate went on to stress the importance of balance in your life. “Are you taking
care of yourself?” she asked the audience. She shared her exercise plans to walk a
half marathon in the near future and the importance of an individual exercise program.
Without exercise “work will consume you” she commented.
She added that everyone needs interests outside of work. Look out for yourself and
your family. Social interactions are important. On any given day, the Air Force has 35%
of its force deployed. This is a significant challenge which requires we evolve the
“Wingman Culture” effectively she recommended. Part of the Wingman Culture, where
we are tasked to take care of each other (our "wingmen”), requires we take the time to
follow-through. Mrs. Wingate provided an example of what can occur when a wingman
does, and doesn’t, take the extra time to ensure their wingman is alright. “We must
follow-through with our actions and ask the right questions. What is wrong? You haven’t
been yourself, can I help? ”she implored. Once you have engaged, stay engaged until
help arrives. Don’t abandon your wingman.
She concluded her talk with the remark “work should be fun”. If you are not enjoying
something make a change. Take action. In all we do we must consider the Air Force
core values (Service…). We must lead an ethical life because “eventually we will have
to explain what we did to Mom or Dad”.
The luncheon concluded on a high note with an interesting question and answer
period. The audience was very appreciative of Mrs. Westgate’s positive upbeat talk.
The International Test and Evaluation Association (ITEA), is a not-for-profit educational
organization founded in 1980 to further the exchange of technical information in the
field of test and evaluation. Its members include professionals from industry,
government, and academia, who are involved in the development and application of
policy and techniques used to assess the effectiveness, reliability, and safety of new
and existing systems and products.
The AV Chapter is active locally in technical education, promoting science and
engineering in our local high schools, and sponsors the annual ITEA Instrumentation
Workshop (6-8 May 2008 at the AV Fair Grounds).
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