Permit No. 30 StandardTOBYHANNA

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REP RTER VOL. 62, NO. 7 TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, TOBYHANNA, PA. (WWW.TOBYHANNA.ARMY.MIL) AUGUST 22, 2017

Army colonel assumes commandTobyhanna Army Depot welcomes Col. Nathan Swartz as 32nd commander

Col. Nathan Swartz, center left, assumes command of Tobyhanna Army Depot in a ceremony here Aug. 4 before nearly 1,000 personnel and distinguished guests. He accepts the organizational flag and the mantle of command from U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command commander Maj. Gen. Randy Taylor, center right. For story and more photos, see Page 5 (Photo by Jim Lentz)

Tobyhanna Army Depots Quality Engineer Leonard Zito (standing on Humvee) and Missile Defense Agency personnel stand next to a blast barrier on Launch Hill on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands one day prior to launch. A launch stand was load tested up to 315,000 pounds to support the 106-foot-tall missile. (Courtesy photo)

Multi-year mission culminates in historic target missile launch by Justin Eimers Assistant Editor

Its hitting a bullet with a bullet. Those were the words of Vice Adm. James Syring,

previous Missile Defense Agency (MDA) director, following a test on May 30 which marked the first time in U.S. missile defense history that an intercept missile successfully hit an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) target. Syrings remarks alluded to the complexity of the Flight Test Ground-Based Interceptor 15 (FTG-15) mission, in which a target missile was launched from the Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, tracked by a variety of sensors, and then intercepted by a missile launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

At the Kwajalein Atoll, a team from Tobyhanna was responsible for the equipment that transported the target missile and supported it during the launch. This included road testing of the trailer to identify potential logistical issues. The team also conducted structural analysis and load testing of the launch stand to ensure it met necessary specifi cations.

The Tobyhanna team did a tremendous job for Targets and Countermeasures and we look forward to working with them in the future, said David Goodall, logistics management specialist for the MDAs ICBM Targets Program.

Tobyhanna began providing operational support of mission equipment to MDA in 2014. Our bid came in so much lower than the previous contractor that we won the

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Depot preps for Windows 10 rollout

Partnership promotes warfi ghter readiness

From concept to reality

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2 TOBYHANNA REPORTER AUGUST 22, 2017

NEWS NOTES Memorial ceremony set

The Tobyhanna Veterans Council will host the 16th Annual POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony at noon on Sept. 21 at the POW/MIA Memorial (across from the Landing). This ceremony marks the memorials 10th anniversary.

The annual event recognizes and honors personnel held in captivity or declared missing in action. Local veteran advocate groups, Rolling Thunder and Friends of the Forgotten will participate in the ceremony.

AUSA schedules lunch The Tobyhanna Army Depot Association of the United

States Army Chapter will host a membership luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 14 at The Landing. The guest speaker will be Liz Miranda, director of the Communications-Electronics Commands Integrated Logistics Support Center. Tickets cost $15 and are available at directorate secretary offices until Sept. 6.

Prevention fair date set Tobyhanna Army Depot will host the 5th Annual

Prevention Fair from 9 to 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 12 in Building 1C, Bay 1 near the EEO.

The fair will provide information on a number of topics, including suicide, domestic violence, sexual assault, alcohol and drugs, fire and safety, bullying, smoking cessation, cancer awareness, mental health wellness, and nutrition. Representatives from the depot and local community will provide information, screenings and demonstrations.

The event is sponsored by the Tobyhanna Prevention and Wellness Committee. For more information, contact Eva Granville, X57943, eva.m.granville.civ@mail.mil or Sheila Opsasnick, X58514, Sheila.opsasnick.civ@mail.mil.

MWR announces new website Tobyhanna Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) has

a new website. Visit https://tobyhanna.armymwr.com to read about upcoming events, facility information, hours of operation, phone numbers, prices and ticketing.

For more information, call community services at X57150.

Volunteers support Day of Caring Employees are invited to help local organizations in a

regional charity event this summer. On Sept. 7, Lackawanna and Wayne counties will conduct their annual Day of Caring (DOC). On Sept. 14, Monroe County will have their annual DOC.

Volunteers throughout the community will perform various service projects to benefit local organizations. Projects include carpentry, painting and clerical tasks.

For details, contact DOC Coordinator John Ross, X57581 or john.j.ross.civ@mail.mil.

Discount tickets available at new site Tobyhanna Army Depot has partnered with TicketsatWork

to provide discounts, special offers and access to preferred seating and tickets to top attractions, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets, and hotels. Team Tobyhanna, family members, active duty and retired service members are eligible. To sign up go to TicketsatWork.com and click on become a member. Personnel will be prompted to create an account with an email address and company code: DPTAD.

Stroke prevention screenings in September There will be stroke prevention screenings from 7 a.m. to

4 p.m. on Sept. 12 and 13 in the Occupational Health Clinic, Bldg. 11. The cost is $10.

The screenings are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, visit the clinic to sign up. Phone appointments will not be accepted. The event is sponsored by the Installation Prevention and Wellness Team.

Attitude plays key role in individual happiness by Heather Fiedler Employee Services Center

August is National Happiness Happens month. It started me thinking about happiness.

Too often, people equate happiness with a state of being versus an active, purposeful mindset. Every day we are faced with choices such as how am I going to approach today? What we sometimes call attitude.

How will you assist others if asked or how will you make the day harder for yourself or others? If youre reading this passage and thinking

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It isnt that simple I dont have choices, then this is exactly where you need to start and develop critical awareness.

We all have choices about attitude and mindset. There are days when I bound out of bed and cant wait to get to work and interact with others. Then, there are days when I dont want to get out of bed. However, I have a choice about how I approach my day and others. You never know how your attitude and behaviors may impact others positive or negative.

Another way to increase your awareness of mindset and attitude is

by acknowledging what you have in your life, what you are grateful for. Focusing on what you have versus what you dont have takes cognitive effort. Admittedly it is easier and part of our nature to look at what others have, such as happiness, health, wealth, and think Why dont I have that? Likewise, it is harder to look at what you have family, friends, job, home, car, food and be grateful.

Practicing gratitude has emotional and physical benefits. Finding that your glass is half full reaps rewards today and tomorrow. To discuss cultivating awareness, call X59689.

workload hands-down, even with plenty of competition, said Leonard Zito, quality engineer in the depots Continuous Process Improvement Directorate.

The team tackled everything from troubleshooting and reverse engineering to electrical, structural and corrosion problems with the mission equipment.

Wiring needed to be traced and labeled, and later required reprogramming for circuits, switch controls and power cables to hydraulic systems. Operational support also included making modifications to the design of several pieces of equipment. All repairs and changes were inspected, tested and approved by the MDA. Detailed logs of all repairs were kept, including the torque specifications of every bolt.

According to David Shuleski, logistics management specialist in the Production Management Directorates Field Support Project Management Branch, the success of the mission and quality of support has paved the way for future work with MDA.

Depot personnel were housed in three-bedroom fiberglass domes (bottom right) on the Kwajalein Atoll while supporting the Missile Defense Agencys Flight Test Ground-Based Interceptor 15 mission. A launch stand was load tested to support the 106-foot-tall missile. (Courtesy photos)

THANKS I want to thank my Tobyhanna Army Depot and contracting

friends and co-workers for a great send off into my retirement. I am proud to have worked with the best, and done my part to help the warfighter for 38 years. To all of you, keep up the great work. No matter what your job, never forget the importance of your part in the end product. Remember those who are serving our great nation. They deserve the very best product that can be provided, and you do that very well. Be proud of yourselves. I am. Thank you all.

Tami Kirkuff retiree

TOBYHANNA REPORTER

The Tobyhanna Reporter is an with Tobyhanna Army Depot. The editor authorized, monthly publication for members reserves the right to edit all information of the Department of Defense. Contents of submitted for publication. the Tobyhanna Reporter are not necessarily News may be submitted to the the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Tobyhanna Reporter, Tobyhanna Army government, the Department of Defense or Depot, 11 Hap Arnold Boulevard,

WELL DONE The mobile depot maintenance repair team

consisting of Howard Rouse, Garry Cooper and Dennis Piazza did an outstanding job and worked extremely fast. The team also spotted additional damage to the shelter and radar, and made the necessary repairs without question. The team is assigned to Tobyhannas Systems Integration and Support Directorate.

Slade Blair Fort Riley, Kansas

Commander, Col. Nathan M. Swartz Acting Public Aff airs Offi cer, Kristyn Smith

Editor, Jacqueline R. Boucher Assistant Editor, Justin W. Eimers

Photographer, Jim Lentz

the Department of the Army. Tobyhanna, Pa., 18466-5076. (Internal Mail The 4,800 copies are printed by a private Stop 5076.) Telephone (570) 615-8073 or

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AUGUST 22, 2017 TOBYHANNA REPORTER 3

Depot Windows 10 rollout

starts with pilot program, expect full install this year

Staff Sgt. Omauri Murphypermuy was named Tobyhanna Army Depots Warfighter of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2017 during a ceremony at the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders pre-game military appreciation event on July 22. (Photos by Ryan Beilman)

Award winner inspires next generation

by Jacqueline Boucher Editor

Team Tobyhanna joins every combatant command, service, agency and field activity in the Defense Departments enterprise-wide upgrade to a more secure version of the Microsoft Windows operating system.

DoD is deploying Windows 10 to strengthen cybersecurity, lower the cost of information technology (IT) and streamline the IT operating environment. All offi ce IT systems department-wide are scheduled to be migrated by the end of March. Tobyhanna IT experts plan to complete the task by the end of the year.

We should have everyone online by December, said Tim Faux, project manager for the Windows 10 migration. There are nearly 4,000 computers on the depot that will be migrated to the new software.

In July, nearly 100 depot employees started test driving a specially configured version of the Windows software to help uncover any potential issues before the depot-wide rollout is implemented at the end of August.

Were looking for feedback from personnel participating in the pilot program, Faux said. We havent had much time to test the software since we modified the U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM) image to meet Tobyhanna-specific requirements. For machines running Windows 10, users will note the approved configuration is Secure Host Baseline instead of Army Gold Master, which was used with Windows 7.

All CAC users will have access to comprehensive Windows 10 training, through Army SkillPort. Additional end user training and information is available through the Microsoft Virtual Academy. If employees encounter problems with SkillPort, Army E-Learning, or wish to use the Learning Resource Center for this training, call Lori Giello, X57663.

Aside from initially taking a while to log in on the first day, transition has been seamless, said Katie Nolan, Public Affairs assistant. I like that its been easy to adapt to Windows 10. My files were all there, even my background stayed as it was pre-migration.

It was a rocky start for Electronics Mechanics Leader Stephen Bucklaw, who struggled with technical issues for the first couple days. Bucklaw works in the C4ISR Directorates COMSEC Branch.

I recommend users back up everything in case there are problems with the installation, Bucklaw said. You also need to pay close attention when logging in, dont rush the process. Take your time and follow the prompts.

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by Jacqueline Boucher Editor

A recruiter must possess the self-discipline and professional ethics to maintain Army standards and values, aggressively seek self-improvement, and use initiative to implement and adapt to new technologies supporting Army recruiting missions. Words to live by for one local Soldier.

Staff Sgt. Omauri Murphypermuy was named Warfighter of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2017 during the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders pre-game military appreciation event

on July 22. As an Army recruiter for the Wilkes-Barre Recruiting Center, Murphypermuy inspires qualified Americans to serve in what he considers the most powerful and innovative Army in the world.

Murphy is instrumental in the overall success of the Scranton Recruiting Center and the Wilkes-Barre Recruiting Company, said Capt. Dawson Quenneville, company commander. He helps more people join the Army than any other recruiter in the company.

The 11-year combat veteran was recognized as the top recruiter in

The Scranton Wilkes-Barre Railriders paid tribute to Tobyhanna Army Depot Retirement Services Office volunteers during the pre-game on the fi eld ceremony. The RSO provides information and assistance to military retirees and their family members.

Volunteers earn accolades

the Syracuse Recruiting Battalion for the first quarter of 2017. Whats more, battalion officials rewarded the sergeants hard work and dedication with an Army Achievement Medal for contributing six enlistments in a month.

According to Quenneville, a significant increase in the recruiting companys community relations posture is attributed to Murphys participation in multiple community events.

Its gratifying to know others appreciate the hard work and sacrifices made for this great country, Murphypermuy said. I love training, coaching and mentoring Soldiers. They are my motivation.

A few years ago, Murphy deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as a motor transport operator. While there he moved supplies, fuel and equipment to meet mission requirements within the area of operation. The staff sergeant remarked that delivering goods to warfighters was one of the highlights of his career.

Murphypermuy said the key to his success is always putting the welfare of others before his own and living up to the Army values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Honor, Integrity, Selfless Service and Personal Courage.

My experiences have taught me that life is hard, but as long as you stay motivated and profi cient, youll be successful in everything life throws at you, he said.

4 TOBYHANNA REPORTER AUGUST 22, 2017

Tobyanna, PM SWAR achieve Nett Warrior milestone

by Justin Eimers Assistant Editor

A mission at Tobyhanna Army Depot to provide situational awareness for warfighters around the globe during combat operations reached a major milestone in June with the completion of the 100,000th Nett Warrior cable. The achievement is the culmination of nearly five years of rapid response, innovation and continuous process improvement.

In November 2012, Program Manager Soldier Warrior (PM SWAR) contacted depot personnel with an urgent requirement. At that time, PM SWAR was commissioning all Nett Warrior kitting, engineering and configuration management requirements to a contractor in Monmouth, New Jersey. The contractors facilities sustained significant damage from Hurricane Sandy, leaving them unable to meet the fielding requirements for the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum scheduled to begin that month.

Tobyhanna accepted the challenge of establishing capability within two weeks in order to support the Nett Warrior program and immediately established a kitting area to facilitate inventory receipt and storage, radio loading and testing, kitting and shipping. As a result of Tobyhannas rapid response, all personnel and equipment arrived on time at Fort Drum to support the 10th Mountain Division fi elding.

What started as quick response to a supply chain disruption in 2012 has evolved into spearheading project management responsibility for a wide-array of program support for PM SWAR, said Tia Martini, supply systems analyst in the Production Management Directorates Materiel Management Division.

Current support includes cable design, configuration management, prototyping, testing and manufacturing; software configuration; checkout of end user device; failure reporting, analysis, and correct action system; inventory, supply support, kitting of Nett Warrior components; demil and disposal, and ad hoc forward support. The initial request to manufacture two types of cables has now increased to a variation of 41 different Nett Warrior cables.

Since the programs start date, the team has managed an increase in annual funding of over 500 percent and an increase of

87 percent in annual cable production. This past year, thanks to the steady rise in production, Tobyhanna designed and implemented a dedicated Nett Warrior engineering lab, warehouse and production facility. In creating a dedicated project team to meet Nett Warrior requirements, the depot was able to pass on fiscal 2016 savings in excess of $500,000.

Stan Czock, electronics engineer and lead engineer for Nett Warrior, said the advancement of other technology has also aided the growth of the Nett Warrior mission.

As multiple programs are starting to look at the use of smart phone technologies, the Nett Warrior Program has become the pivot point for the program offi ces, and Tobyhanna Army Depot is the focal point for cable fabrication and integration, he said. This says a lot for the confi dence that the PMs have in our delivery capability and quality of the product.

Throughout the mission, innovation has played a major role in driving process improvement. Several issues with the systems were uncovered during extensive network integration evaluation testing in 2013. One issue was discovered with the Soldier Wearable Integrated Power Equipment System (SWIPES) kit, which is used to charge batteries for Nett Warrior and Rifleman Radio systems in the field. Under different thermal conditions, the SWIPES kit failed to function properly and would not supply adequate charge to the systems, reducing mission capability.

Another issue was identified by users who experienced overheating and could feel significant spikes in temperature coming from the system. Czock said the most effective solution, both in terms of mission- and cost-effectiveness, would be to develop an alternative power source.

The conformal batteries werent being used because they couldnt supply power through the SWIPES kit, so Soldiers were burning through Rifleman Radio batteries every three or four hours while trying to support a 24-hour mission, he said. We knew we needed to design a new power source that could satisfy mission capability requirements while reducing the Soldiers carrying payload wherever possible.

The solution was an RPA (radio power adapter) that eliminated the malfunctioning

charging mechanism and provided an 18- to 20-hour battery life in addition to a 4-hour battery backup, ensuring Soldiers never lose connection. By getting rid of both the charger and the need for additional Rifleman Radio batteries, a significant cost avoidance will be realized once all units are fielded.

The RPAs also cut down the size of the unit and allows it to run about 10 degrees cooler than the old ones, improving comfort for warfighters during combat operations.

Tobyhanna has also directly contributed

to the identification and modifi cation of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) design flaws in the Nett Warrior system. In fiscal 2016, while performing a test for an unrelated issue, the depots Nett Warrior engineering team discovered a design flaw in the Integrated Soldier Power and Data Distribution System (ISPDS) hub. In collaboration with the OEM, Tobyhanna personnel created a new ISPDS hub

See NETT WARRIOR on Page 6

Program Manager Soldier Warrior and Tobyhanna Army Depot have fielded over 10,000 complete Nett Warrior Systems since forming a partnership in 2012. (Photo by Steve Grzezdzinski)

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Excellence in electronics and, so much more! BLUF (bottom line up front) you guys are awesome! Ive attended or participated in well over 200 changes

of command during and since my days in uniform. Most of you witness only the Tobyhanna change every few years. Let me tell you, Team Tobyhanna knows how to host and execute a change of command rivaling those at much larger and more senior organizations.

This year was no exception. From welcoming guests at the Scranton Gate, through

the ceremonial activities in front of Building 11, to the

reception for the new commander and his family at The Landing, no detail was missed by any member of Team Tobyhanna.

The security, installation services, and escort teams made parking and arrival processing a breeze.

The morale, welfare and recreation, public affairs, protocol and command group staffs executed the pre-event activities and the change of command ceremony seamlessly and professionally.

Installation services and information technology staffs set-up the venue meticulously.

Static displays demonstrated the expertise and quality of the skilled technicians from across the depot.

The color guard, Soldiers and civilian honor guard were precise and proud representatives of who you are and why Tobyhanna exists.

As a Tobyhanna alum, you once again made me proud to be a part of your history, heritage and excellence.

Col. Ron Alberto, retired Former depot commander

AUGUST 22, 2017 TOBYHANNA REPORTER 5

The U.S. Army Wilkes-Barre Recruiting Company Color Guard participates in Tobyhannas change of command ceremony. (Photo by Jim Lentz)

Tobyhannas new commander, Col. Nathan Swartz, talks to local media representatives. (Photo by Steve Grzezdzinski)

Maj. Gen. Randy Taylor, CECOM commander, speaks to the crowd gathered to watch the change of command. (Photo by Jim Lentz)

Hundreds of depot employees, distinguished visitors and family members watch as Col. Nathan Swartz becomes Tobyhannas 32nd commander. (Photo by Jim Lentz)

SWARTZ JOINS TEAM TOBYHANNA by Anthony Ricchiazzi Public Aff airs Specialist

With the passing of the depot flag, Col. Nathan Swartz became Tobyhanna Army Depots 32nd commander on Aug. 4.

The traditional military ceremony took place in front of the administration building before hundreds of depot employees, representatives of federal, state and local government, and family members.

Swartz accepted command from the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics

Active Duty and Reserve Component Soldiers, including members of the U.S. Army High Tech Regional Training Site-Maintenance, 80th Training Command, stand in formation during the ceremony. (Photo by Jim Lentz)

Command (CECOM) commander Maj. Gen. Randy Taylor and in his remarks, thanked all those in attendance.

He also thanked Sgt. Maj Paul Watson and the Civilian Honor Detachment for representing all 3,200 dedicated employees of Tobyhanna Army Depot.

Swartz said he looks forward to the opportunity to continue to build on the legacy of Tobyhanna, noting that the depot has established world-wide recognition for providing superior communications-electronics logistics support.

I am humbled and honored to serve as the 32nd commander of this great organization, he said.

Former depot commander Col. Greg Peterson, who retired from the Army after 28 years, received the Legion of Merit for his outstanding performance as commander here from July 2015 to August 2017.

In his farewell remarks, Peterson acknowledged depot employees commitment to the warfighter. Nobody does it better than you, he said. The nation may go to war in the future, but in order to win any future wars, the nation needs you, the workers of Tobyhanna Army Depot, to continue to come to work and do what you do. You are as much a part of the common defense as any other military organization, uniformed or not.

You are simply the best, and it has been my distinct honor, and my distinct privilege, to have been your commander. Thank you.

Taylor praised the depot work force, saying that Tobyhanna directly generates readiness and operational capabilities throughout the Army.

Our Soldiers, our nations sons and daughters, depend on the work and fortitude of this team, right here in Pennsylvania, he said.

Taylor noted that Peterson has been an honorable and professional servant of the nation, and under his leadership, Tobyhanna earned several awards and accolades.

Greg doesnt just embrace our Army values, but lives them every day, he said.

Nathan, he said to Swartz, you are inheriting an amazing team of professionals here at Tobyhanna. Theyre the best in the world at what they do and youre going to learn a lot from them. Always remember to put the team before yourself. The Army and I have great trust in your ability to lead this team and take them to the next level.

From left, depot commander Col. Nathan Swartz , former commander Col. Gregory Peterson and CECOM commander Maj. Gen. Randy Taylor, participate in the change of command ceremony. (Photo by Jim Lentz)

Members of the Army Materiel Command Arsenal Brass Band play to the audience during the Tobyhanna Army Depot Change of ceremony on Aug. 4. (Photo by Jim Lentz)

6 TOBYHANNA REPORTER AUGUST 22, 2017

DoD to open online exchange shopping to veterans The Defense Department announced

earlier this year that veterans will soon be able to shop online at military exchanges.

The policy change will extend limited online military exchange shopping privileges to all honorably discharged veterans of the military, DoD officials said in a news release.

The shopping benefit will be effective this Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

While shopping privileges exclude the purchase of uniforms, alcohol and tobacco products, it includes the Exchange Services

dynamic online retail environment known so well to service members and their families, the release said.The change follows careful analysis, coordination and strong public support, officials said in the release.

We are excited to provide these benefits to honorably discharged veterans to recognize their service and welcome them home to their military family, said Peter Levine, performing the duties for the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.

In addition, this initiative represents a low-risk, low-cost opportunity to help fund morale, welfare and recreation programs in support of service members and their families quality of life. And its just the right thing to do, Levine added.

The online benefit will also strengthen the exchanges online businesses to better serve current patrons. Inclusion of honorably discharged veterans would conservatively double the exchanges online presence, according to DoD offi cials,

thereby improving the experience for all patrons through improved vendor terms, more competitive merchandise assortments and improved effi ciencies.

As a nation, we are grateful for the contributions of our service members, Levine said.

Offering this lifetime online benefit is one small, tangible way the nation can say, Thank you to those who served with honor.

(DoD News, Defense Media Activity)

WELCOME TO THE DEPOT NEW DIVISION CHIEFS Scott McCue is chief of

the Resource Management Directorates Personnel Management Division. He plans work to be accomplished by division employees, sets priorities and prepares schedules. As a supervisor, McCue revises schedules to meet changes in McCue workload after considering peak loads, availability of manpower and processing time requirements.

Prior to his current position, McCue worked in the Assistant Chief of Staff Directorate, Resource Management, Eighth Army, Republic of Korea. He began his depot career in July.

McCue retired as a master sergeant in the Army. The senior personnel sergeant served on active duty for 21 years at installations in Illinois, Germany, Ohio and Korea. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters (OLC), Army Commendation Medal with three OLCs, Army Achievement Medal with three OLCs and the Korean Service Medal. The Army veteran was named Recruiting Command Soldier of the Year in 1979 and Fort Sheridan, Illinois, Soldier of the Year in 1980.

He graduated from Thorp High School, Thorp, Wisconsin, in 1973 and is currently enrolled at the University of Maryland.

McCue is a member of the Association of

NETT WARRIOR from Page 4 design, which helped PM SWAR avoid the acquisition of $31.5 million in obsolete material. Another issue affecting warfighter readiness was a design flaw in the Squad Power Manager 622 identified by the depots Nett Warrior engineering team. In conjunction with the OEM, Tobyhanna was able to assist in a software upgrade to avoid any disruption to mission readiness. Both of these efforts, as well as those previously noted, were all significant mission accomplishments for the Nett Warrior Program, resulting in huge savings while ensuring system readiness.

Since taking command of the Ground Soldier Systems team, I have quickly come to understand how vital Tobyhanna Army Depot, and our dedicated team at the depot, is to our continued mission success, said Lt. Col. Derek Bird, product manager Ground Soldier Systems. From the beginning of

the United States Army and the Knights of Columbus. He is also a life member of the Noncommissioned Officer Association and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

McCue enjoys hunting, fishing and sports.

Black Leighvon Black is chief of the Continuous Process Improvement Directorates Process Engineering Division.

As chief he supervises employees who plan, develop, review and evaluate current approaches, work flow, performance, space and systems related to industrial operations, office activities, processes, equipment and service functions.

Prior to his current position, Black was an electronics engineer in the Defense Contract Management Agency. He began his depot career in May 2017.

Black served in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard for six years as a civil engineer. During his career he was selected to support the 2013 presidential inauguration, lead a team to increase drainage for a dirt landing strip in a remote area, and participate in military air shows around the country.

Black is a 2002 graduate of Mount Saint Michael Academy in Bronx, New York. He received a Masters Degree in Engineering in 2011 from Widener University, Chester, Pennsylvania.

our work together during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and continuing through today, the team at Tobyhanna has always embodied professionalism, flexibility and the utmost commitment to our nations warfighters. Not only are the products we have built by the depot superior to what we could find anywhere else, the support we receive in testing, assembling and delivering thousands of kits for unit fieldings is beyond compare.

Col. Robert Barker, PM SWAR program manager, echoed Birds comments and is confi dent in Tobyhannas ability to carry the Nett Warrior mission far into the future.

PM SWAR is proud to have Tobyhanna as part of the Nett Warrior team and the 100,000th cable produced is a significant milestone, he said. Together we have fielded over 10,000 complete Nett Warrior Systems, which ensures our Soldiers have continued dominance on the battlefi eld.

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Name Title Organization

Joshua Arnold Heavy mobile equip mech inspector D/IS Tina Drazba Secretary D/PM Nysha Flowers Secretary D/PE Jillian Goodman Program support assistant D/C4ISR Clinton Herr Firefighter D/IS David Mclain Machine tool operator D/SIS Pablo Canales-Nieves Physical security specialist D/IS Amanda Pollack Secretary D/PE Jason Prescott Supply technician D/PM Joseph Puchalski Lead IT specialist D/IS Amy Sley Logistics management specialist D/PM Denise Suriano Tools and parts attendant D/PM Christopher Vecchi Police officer D/IS Brandy Weiss Management assistant D/RM

STUDENT TRAINEE Wade Gilpin Laborer D/IS Patrick Serino Engineering D/PE

RETIREES Name Retirement date Organization Patricia Babkowski July 31 D/C4ISR Kathleen Mooney July 31 D/C4ISR George Schlett July 31 D/SIS

WINDOWS from Page 3 Windows 10 features a return to familiar navigation and control features,

such as the classic start menu. Desktop icons, menus and the taskbar are similarly familiar. Electronics Engineer Mark Sgobba uses Windows 10 at home and said it reminds him of Windows 7. Windows 10 users will notice a few differences, he explained, but they are easy to navigate.

Sgobba works in the Production Engineering Directorates Test Engineering Branch.

The new software is more responsive, windows open faster and there are fewer bugs, Sgobba said. I also like the simplistic design that has options to turn off features you dont like.

Faux explained that one of the biggest differences with Windows 10 is the security behind it. Its inevitable there will be some growing pains, but there are several IT specialists in the Installation Services Directorates Information Management Division working to streamline the transition, he added.

The new software will enable quicker patching, counter certain common cyber intrusion techniques, and improve accountability and transparency throughout the departments networks, and allow cyber defenders to better detect malicious activity, according to Army IT experts.

By establishing a DoD-wide common operating system baseline, they said it will promote faster and easier implementation of technology upgrades, and let DoD leverage common applications and enterprise solutions. That, in turn, ultimately will lower information technology-related costs.

Windows 10 is a personal computer operating system developed and released by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. It was officially unveiled in September 2014.

AUGUST 22, 2017 TOBYHANNA REPORTER 7

Information technology specialists in the Production Engineering Directorates Cyber Security Services Division use a computer-based simulated environment to prove the feasibility of automating the functional testing of the Tactical Ground Reporting system. Inset, from left, Maj. Gen. Randy Taylor, CECOM commander, recognizes Patrick Noel, Brian Medwetz and John Kostiak for their role in establishing an organic capability to tackle Software Sustainment workload. (Photos by Jim Lentz)

IT specialists cut hours from test procedure with the click of a mouse by Jacqueline Boucher Editor

Out-of-the-box thinking helped three Tobyhanna visionaries realize a goal of minimizing human errors by reducing human participation in a process.

It was an innovative idea made real by Information technology (IT) specialists Brian Medwetz, Patrick Noel and John Kostiak. Using a computer-based, simulated environment they were able to develop the capability, then prove the feasibility of automating the functional testing of the Tactical Ground Reporting (TIGR) system.

Automating the process also cut costs by reducing the number of hours personnel spend manually performing the test. A demonstration confirmed the functional test duration for the TIGR system was reduced from eight hours to 30 minutes. The test is conducted about four times a month, which adds up to 30 hours saved. Medwetz, Noel and Kostiak work in the Production Engineering Directorates Cyber Security Services Branch.

Maintaining information assurance vulnerability alert (IAVA) compliance is always a challenge, said Donna Askew, chief, Production Engineering Directorates Cyber Security Services Division. While performing IAVA work, Tobyhanna continues to look for opportunities to improve processes. The efficiencies gained will improve Army readiness allowing for shorter timelines to mitigate Cyber vulnerabilities in the fi eld.

During a recent visit to the depot, Maj. Gen. Randy Taylor recognized the team for efficiencies gained in the use of automated testing and virtualization. Taylor is the commanding general, U.S. Army Communications - Electronics Command (CECOM), senior commander, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

Tobyhanna is taking steps to automate functional tests to the maximum extent possible on additional programs supported at the depot. Askew said. Methods and techniques used here have been shared with our partners at CECOMs Software Engineering Center, which led to establishing an organic capability to tackle software sustainment workload.

Kostiak created the virtual space that gave Medwetz and Noel the freedom to bring their idea to fruition. His solution enhances capability for rollback or restore, and minimizes rework if the software baseline requires modification.

John set up the environment that allowed us to virtualize all the test systems and create automated tests that can almost run independently, Noel said. The computerized test is doing the exact same thing a person does during the manual test.

On average, it took two employees four hours each to enter keystrokes and verify the test was conducted according to the manual. The manual consists of more than 40 pages of step-by-step instruction that directs an employee to perform simple tasks.

The automated process will never miss steps or mistype something or click and drag the wrong items onto the page, Medwetz said. It may take 30 minutes to run, but it only takes a mouse click to start, then the employee could focus on something else. Hopefully, in the future there will be a web interface where the quality assurance specialist can log in from their computer to monitor and sign off on the test.

This just the beginning, added Medwez, the team is looking forward to automating more testing procedures.

With this technology, the team can create and destroy virtual machines on a whim, according to Noel. He noted that its possible to stand up an entire weapon system, load patches, functionally test it and then tear it all down and start over again.

Within the virtual environment it is so much easier to stand up machines and make changes than it is to work on pieces of equipment or components, Kostiak said. Plus, we have access to every variation of the project stored in the cloud if we want to revert to an earlier stage.

Kostiak, Noel and Medwetz have applied a combined 21 years of depot experience to achieve their goal of introducing automation to software sustainment initiatives to improve warfi ghter readiness.

Leadership provided the environment for us to succeed, Noel said. Their support helped us turn this concept into a reality. The plan is to continue automating processes to save customers money and streamline time consuming processes.

Antiterrorism awareness calls for increased vigilance by Kelliann Davit Antiterrorism Offi cer

August marks the Armys eighth annual observance of Antiterrorism Awareness Month, which is aimed at promoting tips, tools and strategies for recognizing possible indicators of terrorism.

Personnel must remain vigilant, report suspicious activity to appropriate authorities, and become familiar with active response procedures. Its important to promote understanding and education on preventing insider threats and on measures to counter radicalization and violent extremism. Also, personnel need to continue confronting the persistent threat of terrorist attacks against our Nation and our Army.

Every member of Team Tobyhanna plays an equally important role in this

mission. Effective antiterrorism measures integrate a multitude of security programs law enforcement, physical security and operational security to ensure the continued protection of installations, standalone facilities and expeditionary forces. Antiterrorism principles should be a basis of self-protection and preservation.

In support of an active antiterrorism awareness campaign, the Armys Office of the Provost Marshal General works continuously with subordinate commands, installations, standalone facilities and operational units.

Learn to recognize and report suspicious activity via the iWATCH Army and iSALUTE websites. Its important everyone understand threats associated with violent extremism and educates the community on the ownership and use of unmanned aerial

systems as well as risks from adversarial use. Be observant. Learn the patterns of

activity around where you live, work, drink, worship and even shop. Look for people who seem to be loitering and observing. These steps can also help foil larger attacks. A spectacular attack needs intelligence gathering and if you make that diffi cult, an adversary may back off.

Be very wary of social media. Watch what you display, photos of your post or your buddies could be valuable information to an attacker and never discuss planned training exercises or deployments on an insecure network. It sounds obvious, but security teams have found some horrific stuff on Facebook.

Dont be afraid to contact security personnel with your suspicions. Most of the leads they follow come to nothing, but its

worth pursuing them for the few that pay off. Given the choice, terrorists will always attack a organization with poor personal and collective security. That applies just as much to the suicidal ones were dealing with as to more traditional ones

A Jihadi may be willing to throw his life away, but he wont want to do it for little gain. If he thinks hell be intercepted and stopped before achieving his mission, hell look for another target.

As the first line of defense against terrorism, its everyones responsibility to take an active part in keeping other safe by reporting suspicious activity. Personnel should manage their social media identity and use security filters to limit exposure of personal information.

Security is everyones responsibility. See something, Say Something!

8 TOBYHANNA REPORTER AUGUST 22, 2017

The Golden Knights parachute team prepares to jump over Tobyhanna Army Depot on Aug. 16 . They are the United States Army s offi cial aerial parachute demonstration team.

Above: Depot volunteers help thousands of people tour the Tobyhanna Army Depot display, featuring a number of military vehicles and aircraft, during the Northeastern Pennsylvania Air Show at the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Airport on Aug. 12 and 13. Below: The Golden Knights parachute team performed for hundreds of depot employees, landing on Legends Field behind the administation building. While here the team toured depot facilities and visited with personnel.

Above and right, visitors to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Air Show at the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Airport on Aug. 12 and 13 make the most of the interactive displays provided by Tobyhanna Army Depot.

Photo by Kristyn Smith

Photo by Justin Eimers

Photo by Jim Lentz

Photo by Justin Eimers

Photo by Kristyn Smith

Depot, Army show military might at local events

Photo by Jim Lentz

Depot commander Col. Nathan Swartz, far right, and depot Sgt. Maj. Paul Watson, left, welcome about 800 retirees from Northeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New York and Western New Jersey to Tobyhannas annual Retiree Appreciation Day. Attendees participated in a variety of seminars focusing on relevant topics and representatives from 37 vendors were on hand to provide information and answer questions.

Photo by Jim Lentz

Dozens of children help the Golden Knights pack parachutes after the Soldiers landed on Legends Field. The children participate in programs offered by the Installation Services Directorates Family Services Branch.

Photo by Jim Lentz

Two retired military members take time to familiarize themselves with the activities scheduled during the annual Retiree Appreciation Day.

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