Briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
NAVY
Bowfin crew holds reunion
The crew of the World War II submarine the USS Bowfin held its annual reunion, which meets every fifth year in Honolulu, this week.
About 20 members have traveled to Honolulu. Reunion activities conclude tomorrow.
The USS Bowfin, whose nickname is the "Pearl Harbor Avenger," was launched on Dec. 7, 1942, in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor. The submarine's crew was recognized for bravery during nine successful war patrols.
While in Hawai'i, the Bowfin crew held a lunch at the Royal Hawaiian, toured Fort DeRussy and visited their old vessel. A closing dinner will be held on the l?nai at Bowfin Park tomorrow.
ARMY
Medics to get more training
The Army will begin a six-year process to increase training for medics and combine military occupational specialties for those in the medical field this fall.
Most affected will be Army combat medics and licensed practical nurses. They will be reclassified as healthcare specialists. Junior enlisted soldiers will require certification by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.
Many soldiers already are qualified, the Army said. Senior soldiers in supervisory roles will be grandfathered in under the new rules.
The changes are an outgrowth of Army experience during Desert Storm, according to the Army. Medics had been getting the bulk of their training after arriving at their first units, but under combat conditions, they were expected to function immediately.
Army civilian survey online
An online survey is being used to give more Army civilians the chance to share their opinions of the transforming Army.
The Army Civilian Attitude Survey, online through the end of September, is being offered electronically for the first time. Also for the first time, results will be provided to installation commanders along with the Army Secretary and other senior leaders.
The annual survey is used to track and evaluate the morale and welfare of the civilian work force. The survey is voluntary.
Previous mailed surveys, sent to a 15,000-person sample nationwide, cost approximately $200,000, the Army reported. The online survey, at a cost of $40,000, is hoped to garner responses from each of the Army's 225,000 civilian personnel.
Names will not be attached to the responses, which are used for strategic planning.
AIR FORCE
Junior ROTC cadet awarded
Ryan Busher has been recognized with a Congressional Award for his participation in public service and physical fitness activities with advising from the Hickam Youth Center.
Busher participated in the Hawai'i Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and a crime-solving expedition organized by the Honolulu Police Department.
He also completed 35 hours of volunteer public service. He received a bronze award, which reflects nine months of service.
