Briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
ALL SERVICES
198 activated in Guard, reserves
A total of 198 Guard and reserve personnel from Hawai'i remain on active duty, according to the Defense Department.
Ninety-four are Navy reservists from 12 units including Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14; Naval Support Activity Bahrain Security Detachment A; Navy Embarked Assistance Team Unit 208; Security Group Fort Gordon; Strike Fighter Squadron 203 out of Kane'ohe Bay; U.S. Commander Europe, Detachment 0208; Commander Pacific Fleet, Detachment 120; Commander Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, Detachment 120; Commander Submarine Squadron 7 Detachment; Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Pearl Harbor 220; Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 51; and Logistics Task Force Headquarters Pacific 120.
One Hawai'i Army National Guard soldier from Headquarters Command, Detachment 2 (Forward) is on active duty, as are 48 members of the Hawai'i Air Guard's 154th Wing.
Fifty-five Army reservists also are serving on active duty from the 1101st Garrison Support Unit, Detachment 20; 9th Regional Support Command, Detachment 21; 368th Military Intelligence Co.; and U.S. Pacific Command, Army Reserve Element, Detachment 21.
MARINES
Toys sought for holiday drive
The Marine Corps Reserve's "Toys for Tots" collection will continue until Dec. 20 at the Uptown Pearlridge Center Court.
Collection boxes also are positioned in local businesses. Toy distribution normally occurs on Dec. 23 and 24.
Since 1947, Marine reservists have collected and distributed toys across the country for needy children.
Because of changing military requirements, the reserve force organized the Toys for Tots Foundation in 1991 to carry on some of its work. The foundation is committed to raising money and support for the program.
Toys for Tots campaigns are conducted annually in nearly 400 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
The Navy Federal Credit Union in Building 150 at Pearl Harbor also is serving as a collection site for toys. This year marks the sixth consecutive year the credit union has been involved with the program.
Last year, Toys for Tots distributed more than 65,000 toys to 33,000 children throughout the Islands.
For more information, call Gunnery Sgt. Richard Stampp at 257-1077, ext. 233.
NAVY
Housing survey sent to families
The Navy recently mailed surveys to family housing residents to gauge what they like and don't like about the military housing.
"The participation of residents is critical to the success of the program and will help Navy officials to identify resident concerns and determine areas that need improvement," said Capt. Norman Ho, assistant chief of staff for housing.
The surveys were mailed in mid-October and should be returned by Dec. 9.
Ho said housing officials are dedicated to improving customer service and the quality of life for military members and their families.
"Customer service is our top priority," he said.
AIR FORCE
Jobs cited for shift, cuts
The Air Force has identified up to 17,000 uniformed positions that could be outsourced or eliminated — allowing the service to focus on warfighting demands.
But the first phase of the plan, shifting about 6,300 uniformed positions, would require an additional $2.5 billion through fiscal 2009, said Gen. Robert Foglesong, Air Force vice chief of staff.
The fiscal 2003 Defense Planning Guidance, issued annually by the civilian leadership of the Pentagon to steer budgeting efforts, directed the services to explore manpower needs and creative ways to fill those requirements.
Positions the Air Force said could be handled by the commercial market include civil engineering, transportation and supply specialties.
