Commentaries

Protocol Tip of the Week
August 4, 2010 — There are less than sixty days until the official standup of Joint Base Charleston. With so little time, it is essential for all Joint Base personnel to know and understand our naval military ranks. In the years to come, Charleston military bases will be linked with Air Force, Navy and Army personnel, to be called Joint Base Charleston. For this... MORE

Navy officer rank structure (Courtesy graphic)

Faith, family, Air Force
August 3, 2010 — In the fall of 1998, I was in a room at the Pentagon with 49 other captains. We'd heard from several senior leaders during the past several weeks and were waiting on another colonel to brief us. Previous topics from other leaders were typically on the mission of the organization from which they came or their philosophy on leadership. Today's would... MORE

Lt. Col. Richard Sanders, 437th Civil Engineer Squadron commander

Dependent medical care
August 3, 2010 — Lesson learned - Airman pays $600 out of pocket for spouse's dental services because he was not aware that dental coverage was separate from TRICARE.We sometimes take for granted that as uniformed members we have the luxury of having one building to service all of our medical and dental needs without ever seeing a bill. What some of us may not... MORE

Commander's comments
July 27, 2010 — Becoming part of something larger is one of the key reasons many of us join the military, and it often gives us the strength to carry on when times are challenging. Because of this, Joint Base Charleston is looking for ways to continue this concept and grow as we look to connect our military members, spouses, dependants, retirees and community.One... MORE

Col. Martha Meeker, Joint Base Charleston commander

Diamond Tips
July 26, 2010 — Eyeglasses, sunglasses: wear them properlyI know it's hot outside and the sun is so bright that we need to wear sunglasses. So when you do, remember there are few regulations about sunglasses. Air Force Instruction 36-2903, Table 2.6, Item 7, points out some of the rules: Sunglasses and eyeglasses can have conservative ornamentation on frames and... MORE

Why integrity first?
July 26, 2010 — "In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don't have the first, the other two will kill you." -- Warren Buffet, Chief Executive Officer, Berkshire HathawayA number of years ago while interviewing for a flying assignment I was asked a simple question, "Which Air Force core value do... MORE

Lt. Col. Randy Huiss, 14th Airlift Squadron commander.

New PCS system offers smoother moves to America's warriors
July 26, 2010 — Team Charleston, did you know the Department of Defense spends nearly $3 billion annually to transport and store household goods for you and your family?It's a considerable cost, but surprisingly, I have experienced poor service, excessive loss or damage to my property and high claims costs from transportation service providers throughout my career... MORE

Joint Base Protocol Tip of the Week
July 20, 2010 — Many wonder what protocol is and how it is relevant to us as military members. Protocol can be defined as "the set of rules, customs and regulations, prescribing good manners in official life and in ceremonies involving governments, nations and their representatives." (Sand, 2002)Examples include: when to salute, how to give an introduction and... MORE

It is important to know the other service's rank, especially those Joint Base Charleston will be working with. Identifying rank can be difficult as they vary in shape, color and design, but it is necessary to properly identify and communicate with those the base will be working with in the future.

Command Chief's Corner
July 20, 2010 — It seems like some things here in Charleston never change. The summers are still hot, Airmen are working hard to accomplish the mission, friends leave and new Airmen and their families arrive. Lt. Col. Susan Ferrera, the director of staff for the 628th Air Base Wing, and Lt. Col. Barb Shestko, the Judge Advocate for 628th Air Base Wing, have moved... MORE

Diamond Tips
July 20, 2010 — Motor Vehicle Operator RequirementsIt's been a long day at work and you just want to get to the house. Kick your feet up, grab some chow and "veg" out on the couch. You are driving home, stuck in traffic and there is absolutely nothing on the radio. You grab the ole' iPod, put on your ear phone and start jamming. You probably play the best... MORE