Jayhawk Flyer
The Official Newsletter of the 184th Wing
_____________________
October 2024
FROM THE TOP
Capt. John Baxter
Commander, 184th Comptroller Flight
Fighting Jayhawks,
As we close out Fiscal Year 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on our incredible journey. This year has been a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together. The collaboration between Base Contracting, resource advisors, organizational defense travel administrators, the Comptroller Flight, and the unwavering support of each squadron has truly paved the way for continued excellence. Together, we’ve not only overcome significant hurdles but also achieved several significant victories that will bolster our wing’s future.
Current Year Execution and Major Victories
Fiscal Year 2024 was full of highlights, far too many to list in this short message, but some of our key victories stand out. Across the wing, we saw unparalleled coordination, with Civil Engineering (CE) and Communications Flight (CF) leading the way in securing critical funding that will equip the wing for upcoming challenges. Our success was driven by the proactive involvement of every squadron, working hand-in-hand with NGB functionals to secure mission-essential funding.
One of the most notable wins was CE’s successful capture of $31.7 million for the Building 54 project, a key development that will significantly boost our operational readiness and efficiency for years to come. Additionally, CF secured $760K for Information Technology infrastructure essential to the remodel of Building 54, ensuring we are well-positioned for future missions. On top of that, CF secured an additional $500K to transition all components related to voice communication, making them fully compatible with the 22nd Air Refueling Wing. This strategic move enhances our joint operations and ensures seamless communication across all our mission sets.
The closeout process was another great example of the wing coming together, with the Comptroller Flight and resource advisors reconciling accounts to reveal an additional $530K used to buy down Unfunded Requests (UFRs). Maximizing the closeout process helped address pressing needs, ensuring we’re always ready to employ the many instruments of war contained in this wing.
Overcoming Challenges: Military Personnel Funding and Unfunded Requests
While 2024 was full of wins, we faced some challenges, particularly with under-execution in the Military Personnel Program. Under-execution poses a potential threat to future appropriations and is something we’re addressing head-on. The solution? Squadrons must ensure their spend plans are as accurate as possible. Accurate planning ensures optimal fund allocation, minimizing financial risks to future appropriations. Every Airmen plays a role in this process.
Another area for improvement is to prepare UFRs earlier in the fiscal year. While we successfully funded several last-minute requests this year, early preparation is vital and opens up more procurement options. By submitting UFRs sooner, squadrons can expand on the ways an item can be purchased and ensures they have the means to train and equip combat-ready Airmen without delay.
Execution Strategies for the Upcoming Fiscal Year
As we look toward Fiscal Year 2025, it’s clear we need to continue refining our execution strategies. One key area of focus will be mitigating the risk identified by NGB/FM regarding the under-execution of the Military Personnel Appropriation. Fortunately, we’ve already been given a heads-up to plan for nine days of funding per person, allowing us to plan for training opportunities earlier in the fiscal year.
Squadrons, here’s the bottom line: If you’re requesting resources, we need you to be ready to execute them, without delay. Execution is a yearlong necessity and shouldn’t be reserved for the last three months of the fiscal year. The common misunderstanding of the budget process is that we cannot spend money under a Continuing Resolution; in fact, the opposite is true, and we should spend early instead of waiting. Future year appropriations rely on healthy execution in the previous fiscal years.
Conclusion
Fiscal Year 2024 has been an outstanding year, full of both notable accomplishments and insightful lessons. From securing funding for vital projects to navigating obstacles with precision and collaboration, we’ve proven time and again that our unity makes us formidable. As we enter a new fiscal year, let’s continue to focus on collaboration, planning, and execution. In doing so, we’ll ensure our Wing is equipped to fight, protect, and win… anytime and anywhere!
We Finance the Fight!
Wing Priorities
Lethality | Readiness | Resiliency
______________________________________________
Around the Wing
____________________
Canadian Armed Forces Awards 284th ASOS with Top Honors
Top-level Canadian Armed Forces personnel presented the Canadian Forces Unit Commendation award to the 284th Air Support Operations Squadron, 184th Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, during a ceremony at Smoky Hill ANG Range, Oct. 1, 2024. The 284th ASOS was nominated for the award for their part in helping the Canadian Armed Forces’ Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) program regain NATO accreditation in 2022.
____________________
KSANG Members Participate in Local High Football School Game, Post Colors, Coin Toss
Members of the Kansas Air National Guard participated in the opening ceremonies during the Kapaun Mt. Carmel versus Andover high school football game at the Styker Sports Complex in Wichita, Kansas, Sept. 6, 2024. The 184th Wing’s Honor Guard presented the colors during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The 184th Wing’s Recruiting and Retention team was also at the game.
____________________
Trailblazer Award Goes to Senior Master Sgt. Chris Platzer
The 184th Wing’s Chiefs Group presented the Trailblazer Award to Senior Master Sgt. Chris Platzer, 299th Network Operations Squadron, during a small ceremony with his peers and coworkers at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Sept. 8, 2024.
The Trailblazer Award recognizes Airmen who contribute leadership, support, and dedication which bring about positive changes in the 184th Wing and the surrounding community. It’s only given twice a year, and Platzer was the very first recipient.
____________________
ACC Hackathon: Airmen are the solution
The 184th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group hosted Air Combat Command intelligence, targeting and communications personnel from across the U.S. for the Nexus Hackathon at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, Aug. 19-23, 2024.
The hackathon was in an innovative approach to the Nexus operation order issued in 2023, which aims to increase readiness by replacing manual processes with automation.
___________________________________________________
Around the World
____________________
Around the Air Force: Defining Units of Action, SECDEF’s well-being initiatives, B-21 Raider update
In this week’s look around the Air Force, the Department of the Air Force further defines the evolution of wings into Units of Action, the Secretary of Defense announces seven new well-being initiatives for military members and their families, and an update on the Air Force’s newest bomber: the B-21 Raider.
____________________
DAF leaders reaffirm commitment to reoptimization for Great Power Competition
The 2024 Air, Space, and Cyber Conference, hosted by the Air and Space Forces Association, offered DAF senior leaders an opportunity to share their views on modernization and readiness in response to emerging security threats, while reaffirming the DAF’s commitment to reoptimization.
____________________
Standing up new commands: designing the DAF for Great Power Competition
Department of the Air Force senior leaders spoke about the development and realignment of the department’s commands during a panel at the Air and Space Force Association’s Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Sept. 17.
The panel discussed the development and realignment of the department’s commands during an era of Great Power Competition.
___________________________________________________
We’re All Recruiters
Your referrals make a big difference. Forward this newsletter to your family, friends, and coworkers. And tell them about your experience in the Kansas Air National Guard.
Invite them to contact a recruiter at 316.759.7424.
____________________
Featured Job Openings
____________________
1D7X1R: RF Transmissions
Radio Frequency Transmission Systems specialists install and maintain our radio frequency communications. These experts must deploy, sustain, troubleshoot and repair the vast variety of communications devices—including antenna systems, tuners and transmission lines—to ensure our ability to communicate between multiple assets and platforms.
____________________
1B4X1: Cyber Warfare Operations
With the ways of war changing by the day, it’s imperative we stay one step ahead. Cyber Warfare Operators in the Air Force develop, sustain and enhance cyberspace capabilities to defend national interests from attack. They manage cyber and information warfare operations both on base and at deployed locations while overseeing multiple operations units.
____________________
1N1X1: Geospatial Intelligence
Some of our most critical intelligence comes from keen eyes spotting miniscule details in aerial imagery. Responsible for analyzing imagery from satellites, remotely piloted vehicles and other sources, Geospatial Intelligence specialists discern what is normal and what could be a threat. These highly trained experts perform a wide array of intelligence activities that include exploitation, development and distribution of multi-sensor geospatial intelligence products to support the needs of any of our missions.
Career fields list above may be eligible for bonuses.
The Jayhawk Flyer
184th Wing, Public Affairs
52955 Jayhawk Drive, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, 67221
184iw.ang.af.mil