Kunsan Air Base - Action Line

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Over boots in wet weather

QUESTION: During the rainy season it is a bit difficult to stay dry. We have our rain gear which is very helpful. I would like to make a suggestion to 8FW 90-501, Kunsan Community Standards, since the Air Force does not provide galoshes for the rainy season. I would like to throw the idea of wearing our MOPP 4 over boots while in rain gear. Please let me know if this is something we can implement.

FROM THE WOLF: Thank you for your inquiry regarding the viability of wearing CWDE over boots during rainy weather for Air Force members assigned to the Republic of Korea. According to AFI36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel dated 2 August 2006, Table 2.2, line 4, while in the Battle Dress Uniform, footgear is limited to the following (except in the case of a waiver):

Combat Boots (black/jungle boot) with or without safety toe, plain rounded toe or rounded capped toe with or without perforated seam. Zipper or elastic inserts optional, smooth or scotch-grained leather or man-made material, and may have a high gloss or patent finish, optional.

Air Force members wearing the Airman Battle Uniform will wear suede cowhide boots in matching green-gray color. Tan combat boots are authorized with the ABU until the "foliage green" boots become available. The phase out date for the tan boot and the mandatory wear date for the green boot have not yet been set.

I recommend submitting your suggestion through the Virtual Uniform Board via the Air Force's Innovative Development through Employee Awareness Program.
Our wing IDEA/PECI Program Manager would be happy to assist you with your submission. By using this medium, you can conveniently submit your idea for a uniform change, update, or recommendation. Once submitted, your idea will be routed through the same channels as other IDEA suggestions. This process will route the proposal through the host base Military Personnel Element and base-level agencies, e.g., hospital, safety, and in this instance LRS (use of CWDE over boots) for comments as needed. The installation commander signs proposals recommended for approval with rationale and forwards to the submitter's MAJCOM A1. MAJCOMs conduct their own uniform boards to evaluatee ach proposal. If the proposal has AF-wide applicability the commander, vice commander, or chief of staff signs proposals recommended for approval and sends them to HQ AFPC. HQ AFPC will conduct a quality review and consolidate proposals to the Air Force Uniform Board. The AFUB evaluates each proposal and makes recommendations to the Chief of Staff, USAF. If the MAJCOM disapproves the proposal, it gets returned with the reasons for disapproval through command channels. Using this process, HQ PACAF can validate the applicability for Air Force units in Korea.

Col. Bryan "Wolf" Bearden

9/8/2008

Air conditioning down?
QUESTION: Can something to be done quickly to rectify the air conditioning issue in building 755? Not being able to open windows due to black out procedures and having no air circulation will cause issues with not only the military personnel in MOPP2/4 but also the civilians working their normal schedules. The civil engineer squadron has been working this concern for almost a month without resolution.

FROM THE WOLF: Thank you for bringing to my attention the state of the air conditioning in building 755. According to the latest information from 8th CES, on July 11 the actual temperatures in building 755 ranged from 68-75 degrees on the second and third floors, with the temperatures on the 1st floor ranging from 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the current Wolf Pack Energy Policy, 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the appropriate thermostat setting for office space, so the HVAC for most of your facility is functioning within standards at this time.

CES is aware that the HVAC system in building 755 is in poor condition. In the past three weeks alone, the squadron has responded to and repaired three separate HVAC system problems in the building with a turn-around time of 48 hours or less. Additional long and short term comprehensive fixes for the building 755 HVAC system are in the works pending receipt of funds --approximately $115K for two projects--, and a complete replacement of the system is planned within the next two to three years.

As far as the exercise MOPP conditions, please see SPINS and the SSDs issued concerning modified MOPP wear in the extreme heat conditions. As I've stated, we must be ready to operate in any kind of weather in MOPP gear, but safety during the exercise comes first. Any concerns regarding the heat and the wear of MOPP gear, please bring to your direct supervisor. I'll personally address these concerns during the exercise. We appreciate your patience, please understand that we’re doing all we can, both for now and for the future, to keep the pack cool.

Col. Bryan "Wolf" Bearden

7/24/2008

DEROS policy
QUESTION: I was wondering what the policy is on PCSing within your DEROS (Date Estimated Return from Over Seas) month. If I arrived on station May 5, 2008, could I automatically be extended to PCS at the end of the month in May 2009? I understand that some work centers will wait until a replacement is on station and another reasons could be for a major inspection. If I am in a position where neither of the two mentioned affects me why would I be held beyond my original DEROS window. Is that standard Policy here at Kunsan Air Base?

FROM THE WOLF: The current wing policy regarding departure dates is addressed in the Kunsan Community Standards and is in line with Air Force Instruction 36-2110. The important part of DEROS to remember is "Estimated." The policy states that PCS departure from Kunsan AB is based on the member's DEROS month and may be any date within the DEROS month. Commanders manage PCS departure dates, considering manning levels and operational requirements prior to approving an Airman's DEROS/PCS departure date. Additionally, AFI 36-2110 states that commanders may retain a member at the overseas duty location up to the last day of the DEROS month for operational reasons. Thanks for your question.

Col J. Bryan "Wolf" Bearden

7/15/2008

Saluting the Korean National Anthem
QUESTION: Is it mandatory to salute during the Korean national anthem?
I've noticed some people stand at attention while others salute.

FROM THE WOLF: We are guests in the Republic of Korea. As such, our conduct on- and off-duty is extremely important to ROK-U.S. relations. All Airmen and dependents are expected to behave in a manner that reflects positively on the United States Air Force and our Nation. U.S. servicemembers will execute appropriate customs and courtesies to all ROK armed forces personnel. Specifically, as noted in our Community Standards, members in uniform will render salutes for both National Anthems. Members out of uniform will come to attention. Any member operatng a moving vehicle should come to a stop for the duration of retreat and the playing of the anthems.

Col J. Bryan "Wolf" Bearden

7/7/2008

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