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KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --

The Innovation Center at Kirtland Air Force Base focuses on finding creative solutions for everyday problems, and exploring new ways to improve existing practices.

Currently, the Innovation Center is focusing its efforts on issues affecting training, such as asset availability and the challenge of bridging the gap between classroom instruction and real life scenarios. To test possible solutions, the center has begun exploring the use of 3D printers and virtual reality (VR).

3D printers allow instructors to create models for demonstration purposes in place of a real asset. The center at Kirtland has recently used the printers to create a cut-away model of a jet engine to show students how the engine functions. Models like this are cheap and easy to create, eliminating the need to have a real piece of equipment for teaching purposes. This saves the Air Force the man hours required to free up a piece of equipment while also eliminating the potential of damaging the equipment when handled by inexperienced students.

“We have a couple different types of 3D printers, and they’re open for anybody to learn and use,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Leeson, 58th Maintenance Group program security manager. “The software in itself is challenging to learn, but I find that learning it will make you a bit more computer literate.”

In conjunction with 3D printers the Innovation Center has started offering training using virtual reality to help students bridge the gap between classroom instruction and a real scenario. While in VR students can work through an exercise while listening to step by step instructions from the instructor.

“Not everyone learns well while reading,” said Leeson. “Being able to translate what’s written into something students can visually see in VR has been a great help every single time.”

VR allows instructors to simulate, and even create their own scenarios for students to complete. Instructors can also place students in any given situation and create custom problems to challenge the student to adapt and overcome in the moment.

“VR lets you test procedures in all sorts of unusual or stressful scenarios,” said Staff Sgt. Drake Higgins, 58th Maintenance Group design and instruction chief. “In less than five minutes, I can have you in a simulation doing a pre-flight inspection on a C-130 or place you in a convoy where the truck in front of you hits an improvised explosive device.”

VR and 3D printers together have offered Kirtland the ability to conduct immersive training, regardless of circumstance, with the only limitations being the creativity and resources available to instructors. With the technology already showing great promise, and improvements being made everyday, Leeson and his team are looking forward to the future.

“This is all still getting off the ground,” said Leeson. “But, the more people talk about the program, the more resources we get, and the more people we get in here to nerd out on an issue, the better we’ll be.”

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --

Kirtland’s wing and group commanders and their honorary commanders convened at Kirtland Aug. 30, 2023 for the inaugural honorary commander event since Col. Michael Power, 377th Air Base Wing commander assumed command on June 20.

The United States Air Force has a vital role in establishing and maintaining personal connections with local civic leaders. This is done to enhance public awareness of the Air Force's mission, policies, and programs, as well as to foster a deeper understanding of the Department of Defense. The overarching objective is to collaborate with members of the local community while acquainting them with the Kirtland AFB mission.

Power expressed his gratitude for the gathering, emphasizing its impact and significance in strengthening ties with the local community. He stated, "This program and today's event are all about bringing us together with local leaders to bolster a sense of community, improving those relationships and continuing to build robust partnerships.”

Throughout the event, honorary commanders gained insight into the 377th’s mission through presentations from wing leadership, the wing legal team, and the protocol office. The gathering also gave wing leadership the opportunity to “re-blue” the honorary commanders who had not had the opportunity to come out to the installation in quite some time. Oneika Banks, 377th Public Affairs and the event's emcee, shed light on its significance: "The term, 're-bluing,' is part of our Air Force culture. Blue is not only in our uniforms, shields, and Air Force emblem; it's the color of the skies we navigate. When [someone] joins the Air Force, they learn what it means to be an Airman, how they contribute to the mission, and they focus on developing their technical skills and experience. Over time, challenges may dull our focus.”

Banks goes on to say, “Surprisingly, 're-bluing' is also a term in gunsmithing, describing the process of enhancing the appearance and functionality of firearms. Similarly, as Airmen and honorary Airmen, we hope to sharpen and refocus our relationships, building a solid foundation for our community and nation."

The honorary commanders currently participating in the program were carefully chosen to fortify the bond between the base and the community. This bond is strengthened through the exchange of ideas, greater comprehension of Kirtland’s mission, and advocacy for mutually advantageous initiatives. Each honorary commander is paired with a wing or group commander, offering opportunities to familiarize themselves with the specific unit's mission and Kirtland Air Force Base as a whole.

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --

Kirtland Air Force Base has taken a proactive step to increase its security measures by introducing a revision to its firearm policy. The updated policy, which became effective in June of 2023, aims to create a safer environment for all personnel and visitors to Kirtland while maintaining the base's operational efficiency.

Concealed and Open Carry Restrictions

Under the revised policy, a significant change has been made concerning concealed and open carry of firearms on the base premises. With the exception of authorized members who carry weapons for official duties, individuals, including LEOSA credential holders (active, retired, and separated Law Enforcement Officers), are no longer permitted conceal or open carry their weapons on Kirtland. This measure reinforces the base's commitment to preventing potential security risks and safeguarding the well-being of its community.

Mandatory Firearm Registration

To enhance accountability and oversight of firearms within Kirtland Family Housing, Maxwell Housing, and Fam Camp, everyone residing in these areas are required to register their firearms. This registration must be completed within 10 business days of either moving into the quarters or purchasing a firearm. The Security Forces Armory, which is open 24/7, is designated as the registration point and is located in the basement of building 20221.

Enhanced Transportation Guidelines

Another crucial aspect of the Kirtland Privately Owned Firearms policy pertains to the transportation of firearms on the base. Individuals transporting firearms must adhere to stricter protocols, including ensuring that the weapon is unloaded, and that ammunition is stored separately from the firearm. The firearm must be securely enclosed in a locked case and kept out of the reach of both drivers and passengers. These measures are aimed at minimizing potential risks during transportation and maintaining safety standards.

Loaded Firearm Exception

In situations where personnel are traveling directly to or from an off-base location to their place of work or for official business, the revised policy permits carrying a loaded firearm in a private vehicle. However, upon reaching the first on-base destination, the firearm must be concealed from public view, securely stored, and the vehicle must be locked. This exception strikes a balance between personal security and the base's safety standards.

The ongoing reviews of the POF policy represents Kirtland's commitment to creating a secure environment for everyone on the installation. The base aims to reinforce its security posture and prioritize the well-being of its personnel and visitors. All individuals affiliated with Kirtland are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the POF policy.

For any inquiries about the POF policy, kindly refer to the website of the 377th Security Forces Group. Alternatively, you can reach out to them via email at [email protected] or by phone at 505-846-5511.

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --

The foundation of every Air Force mission rests upon the diverse perspectives and innovative contributions of individuals from various backgrounds.

Three unique individuals, Tech. Sgt. Yves Reulet, 377th Wing Staff Agency unit training manager, Senior Airman Carlos Torres, 58th Maintenance Group lead instructor, and Staff Sgt. Drake Higgins, 58th MXG unit training manager, were instrumental in streamlining the training of the Tactical Combat Casualty Care training module, making it quicker to learn and easier to understand.

The team's transformative journey began with looking at the requirements of the TCCC training and finding ways to simplify without cutting corners. This ambitious endeavor enabled the team to cut time off the course from six to eight hours down to a succinct four hours without losing any of the training requirements of the course.

The remarkable endeavors of the trio fostered collaboration across multiple mission support partners making this mission a Total Force Integration.

“Reulet was the man who made it possible for us to connect with these different entities on and off base,” stated Higgins. “We collaborated with the 377th Medical Group, the 150th Medical Group from the Air National Guard, and other unit training managers from 32 other Air Force units and two Army units.”

This effort led to the widespread revamping of the TCCC module to be transformed into a course that represents the Air Force and Department of Defense’s training standards accurately.

Their ingenuity was ignited by analyzing the DOD’s Information module, which outlined the required teaching topics. According to Reulet, they leveraged the TFI by using what the 150 MDG initially had put together.

“We didn’t just cut out a few PowerPoint slides and call it even,” Torres emphasizes. “There was researching, deciphering between AFI’s and guidelines. Taking information gathered by other units and discerning what was good and not good. Going over DOD mandates and previous Self Aid Buddy Care taught to the older generation of Airman and modernizing it to be relevant in today’s teachings.”

The team credited Torres as the driving force behind the enhancement of the course curriculum. Torres sought to teach the class in multiple different ways in order to provide refinement and valuable feedback to the team.

He taught the class with limited materials to better see what the minimum requirement is to teach a class effectively and how many students one instructor can teach at a given time without breaking the required minimum assessment ratios. Additionally, Torres was able to identify what course materials or guidelines were redundant, allowing the redesigning of the course to be more concise.

The results Torres brought back to the team empowered Higgins and Reulet to refocus the course’s curriculum to alleviate manning shortages and could potentially help units better allocate appropriate funding for their training budgets.

“We wanted to make this course better than when we first received it,” Reulet pinpoints. “Our goal is to make it easier for other units, not just our own, to teach their Airman TCCC and ensure they are always mission ready.”

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --

Kirtland Air Force Base’s Military Housing Office is managing a Rental Partnership Program to expand quality, community housing choices in an effort to alleviate the challenges for active duty to find affordable housing. RPP is allowing Airmen and their families to find competitive rate housing that is in line with their Basic Allowance for Housing levels.

Currently, privatized housing on Kirtland has a consistent occupancy rate of greater than 97% and most units have a waitlist of anywhere from one to eight months. This causes housing challenges for some Airmen leaving the dormitories as well as families moving to Kirtland AFB.

Margaret Burge, Kirtland’s military housing program manager, described the situation as a positive situation for both the Airmen and landlord.

“The benefit behind RPP is that we get to work with both the Airmen and the property. Prior to that, there was no connection,” said Burge. “[Previously], if they had an issue with the landlord, they would come to us and we could only advise them just a little bit and send them to the base legal office, now with [RPP] we are able to work with both parties to try to come to some kind of resolution without getting lawyers involved”.

Burge’s predecessor initially set the RPP into motion, however after the Covid-19 pandemic, all of the contracts and legal work had to be redone and updated. Finally, after more than two years, RPP is operational and ready for use.

This specifically helps Kirtland’s Airmen, as Burge detailed.

“With the RPP program, the companies that are working with us will give us a discount”, said Burge. “They take into account the [Airmen’s] BAH, which has resulted in 21 different complexes within Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Los Lunas where we can put anyone right now and they can stay right at or just above their BAH.”

Finally, Burge stated that Col. Jason Vattioni, 377th Air Base Wing commander, Col. Megan Cornett, 377th Mission Support Group commander, Andrew Verdi, 377th Mission Support Group deputy director and the Kirtland Partnership Committee were instrumental in getting the program up and running.

“[I want to thank Kirtland’s leadership for] supporting us and providing contacts in the local community. Without our commanders’ help, we wouldn’t have the program up and running,” said Burge.

Despite the many challenges of finding quality homes, by utilizing RPP, Kirtland AFB takes a major step forward in improving the lives of Airmen and their families by providing more affordable and quality options for housing.