Air Force Awards Contract for Improved Female Body Armor

By Daryl Mayer, AFLCMC Public Affairs,  Published 17 June 2020

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio (AFLCMC) – The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Female Fitment Program Office has awarded a contract to begin production and development for body armor designed to better protect female Airmen during combat and contingency operations.

Finding uniform items and gear optimized for female Airmen is an Air Force Chief of Staff initiative.  The Female Fitment Program Office was created in response to identify problems and find solutions quickly.  The office partnered with the Air Force Security Forces Center in San Antonio, Texas to find a “sufficient armored plate carrier system that addresses appropriate form, fit and function while providing adequate protection for female Airmen.”

“This is a perfect example of Air Force Materiel Command getting feedback from the field and delivering the Air Force We Need to the warfighter,” said Gen. Arnold W. Bunch Jr., AFMC commander.  “I’m proud of the team pulling together to do what is right for our Airmen.  They deserve gear that offers the protection they need while allowing them to complete their mission.”

AFLCMC’s Human Systems Division is the lead organization to assess, evaluate and acquire new body armor for Security Forces Defenders and other female Airmen whose jobs require them to operate in dangerous environments.  The new body armor will be specifically fitted to the female body preventing exposure to risks.

“Our female Airmen had gaps due to poor fitment issues said Maj. Saily Rodriguez, Female Fitment Program Manager.  “The new gear fits properly which improves protection and offers better comfort for gear that has to be worn in difficult environments and conditions.”

The program office conducted an evaluation that included laboratory and field assessments.  The contract was awarded to TSSi of Harrisonburg, Virginia for the Aspetto “Mach V” system that was deemed the best solution in terms of price, effectiveness and fitment.

“The feedback during our field assessment was overwhelmingly positive.  This is something our Airmen want because it offers a great benefit to their health and safety,” Rodriguez said.    

The first product deliveries are expected in Fall 2020.

Next Security Forces Career Field Manager Named

It is with great pleasure and honor that I announce the selection of CMSgt Brian Lewis, Air Force Global Strike Command Security Forces Manager, as the next Security Forces Career Field Manager.  Chief Lewis has distinguished himself at various levels and in numerous challenging environments.  His expertise and leadership is the right next step to focus on providing support to over 38K Total Force Defenders!

He will be a tremendous addition to our A4S team as we continue to make our Defenders…more lethal and more ready!

Please reach out and congratulate this leader and the family!

Stay Safe Defenders.
VR – Brig Gen Collins
ROY W. COLLINS, Brig Gen, USAF
Director of Security Forces

We Stand Guard Together!

Defenders, the civil unrest in the media over the loss of George Floyd has left Americans concerned and outraged.  We can all see the wrong in what took place.   The pain America feels for him and his family is real.

As a society we have come so far…which makes it just that much more painful to watch what is unfolding in the news and social media.  The reality of this situation makes us think about our role in respecting each other and doing what is right.

It is very unfortunate that it took a catastrophic event like this to bring America together…and it will take all of us in our own responsible way to make a course correction.

As a respected and professional Law Enforcement Career Field, it is inherent that we continue to treat each other and those we Protect, Defend and Serve with the Dignity and Respect that everyone deserves, regardless of the situation.  

Our Defender standard is Dignity and Respect for those we Protect & Serve, because we all (38K Total Force Defenders) serve and fight for what is right and just for a country that we love. 

We are always stronger together….and we must continue to BREATHE for those who cannot…and speak with one voice.  

Today Defenders…we are “Standing Guard”…I stand with 38K Professional Defenders and those who came before us.  I am extremely honored to serve with an elite group of Defenders who wear the badge proudly. 

Your Security Forces leadership condemns racism in any form and stand in SOLIDARITY with those affected

Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe and continue to be the very best Defenders we can for our Air Force and our Country! 

Top Cop - BG Collins 

Mrs. Scheppers

Chief Hartz

Police Week 2020: Ramstein Honors Fallen Law Enforcement

By TSgt Jocelyn A. Ford, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, 8 May 2020

A U.S. Air Force 86th Security Forces Squadron patrol car is parked prior to participating in a caravan of Kaiserslautern Military Community first responders at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, 7 May 2020. (U.S. Air Force photo by A1C Taylor D. Slater)

 RAMSTEIN AIR BASE --

Though coronavirus disease 2019 is hindering activities that once drew huge crowds, COVID-19 will not stop a nation from honoring and remembering law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty.

On Oct. 1, 1962, former President John F. Kennedy signed a bill into law designating May 15 as a day to honor peace officers. Twenty years later, an annual memorial service began in Washington D.C., at Senate Park, and the week encompassing Peace Officers Memorial Day has since been referred to as Police Week.

“Police Week is a humbling week,” said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Bonham, 86th Security Forces Squadron flight sergeant. “We remember our Defenders and why we do the job.”

The Monday of Police Week has historically started with a prayer breakfast and a small commencement ceremony, followed by a week full of events. Traditionally there are law enforcement-centric competitions that bring the different law enforcement agencies together in both a humbling and exciting way.

“It’s really exciting and a humbling event to be a part of,” Bonham said. “It’s awesome because it gets all the law enforcement agencies in the area together to celebrate National Police Week and remember everything that’s going on with law enforcement.”

Due to restrictions on social gatherings, ceremonies and events are scheduled to be aired or held virtually this year. The 569th, 435th and 86th SFS’s together created the Ramstein Police Week Virtual 5k Facebook group to honor the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the line of duty. Anyone who wants to participate in the virtual run can join the group.

Though the final guard mount will not be a public event, each unit still performing guard mount will take the time to honor those U.S. Air Force law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty since 9/11.

Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Jacobson, 21, Sept. 28, 2005, Camp Bucca, Iraq

Staff Sgt. Brian McElroy, 28, Jan. 22, 2006, Taji, Iraq

Tech. Sgt. Jason L. Norton, 32, Jan. 22, 2006, Taji, Iraq

Airman 1st Class Leebernard E. Chavis, 21, Oct. 14, 2006, Baghdad, Iraq

Staff Sgt. John T. Self, 29, May 14, 2007, Baghdad, Iraq

Airman 1st Class Jason D. Nathan, 22, June 23, 2007, Iraq

Staff Sgt. Travis L. Griffin, 28, April 3, 2008, Baghdad, Iraq

1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton, 24, Sept. 8, 2009, Baghdad, Iraq

Senior Airman Nicholas Alden, 25, March 2, 2011, Frankfurt, Germany

Staff Sgt. Todd “TJ” Lobraico, 22, Sept. 5, 2013, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan

Airman 1st Class Kcey E. Ruiz, 21, Oct. 2, 2015, Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan

Senior Airman Nathan C. Sartain, 29, Oct. 2, 2015, Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan

Tech. Sgt. Joseph G. Lemm, 45, Dec. 21, 2015, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan

 Staff Sgt. Louis M. Bonacasa, 31, Dec. 21, 2015, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan