Page 3 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, June 29 2018

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AFWERX’s innovation strengthens perimeter security
by Airman Bailee A. Darbasie
Nellis AFB, Nev.
Approximately 75 military members, small businesses, entrepreneurs and aca- demia innovators presented technology designs to address Air Force perimeter security issues, at the inaugural AFW- ERX Fusion Xperience June 20 and 21 at the Enclave in downtown Las Vegas.
The Fusion Xperience included live demos, keynote speakers and subject matter experts providing panel discus- sions on site security, innovation, culture change and other Air Force related focus areas.
Over the course of the event, military security forces experts assessed the ideas based on possible AFWERX develop- ment support and future contracts. The goal of AFWERX is to source solutions for challenges encountered within the Air Force.
“The AFWERX process allows for a lot of ideas to come in,” said Tommy Wilson, installation anti-terrorism offi- cer. “It gives us a wide variety of solutions in a short amount of time.”
Innovators focused three site security problem areas: static site security, tempo- rary site security and mobile site security. Focus areas include carrying out the security mission for large airfields, crash sites and convoy movements.
Perimeter security is a major priority,
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the loadmaster side,” said Hauf. “Air- men are going to learn a lot, but also get in front of people and brief in order to cultivate that leadership and advance the community.”
The 14 week course is rigorous. “It is designed to force loadmasters out of their day to day duties on the airplane, and have them interact in ways they never have with other crewmembers not only on their respective airframe, but from other airframes as well,” said Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Hartsell, 29th WPS superintendent. “It challenges them mentally with academics, mission planning, research projects and other academic areas. It also challenges their individual leadership as they control or run a planning cell with four or five other individuals.”
In the future, the AIC will expand the opportunities to the loadmaster com- munity across all major commands with six members per class, including Airmen from Ramstein Air Base. Germany, Little Rock AFB, Ark., Dyess AFB, Texas, and also Reserve and Guard units who have already shown interest in the course.
Air Force photograph by Airman Bailee A. Darbasie
Todd Stecker, exhibitor for PTC, presents his innovative perimeter security ideas to Airman 1st Class Michael Hickson, client system technician assigned to the 353 Special Operations Support Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan, at the AFWERX Fusion Experience event in Las Vegas June 20, 2018. Personnel across the Air Force were invited to the event to learn more about instilling a culture of innovation within the military and beyond through a series of presentations, panels and workshops dedicated to perimeter security.
brought to the AFWERX Vegas Innova- tion Hub, where teams will build and present prototypes for the final judging event at the end of July.
Air Force photograph by Airman Bailee A. Darbasie
A sign warns drivers to stop for active barriers at a gate on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., June 20, 2018. Active vehicle barriers are imperative for base security. Improving perimeter security was the main focus for the AFWERX Fusion Experience.
which can take an immense amount of time and money to maintain. Nellis se- curity forces officials hope to gain new exposure to technologies that are out in the commercial sector that are cheaper and more efficient through AFWERX Vegas.
“Warfare is always an evolution,” Capt. Thomas Matechik, 99th Security Forces Squadron operations officer. “As the enemy adapts, we need to adapt and stay proactive.”
Despite not having current security
issues, Matechik said looking at options available from the private sector to help provide ideas for staying ahead of poten- tial threats.
“Having AFWERX just down the road allows us to have a direct line to those who are innovating, and we can still carry on our mission at our home station,” said Matechik. “Ultimately it allows good communication and practi- cal applications that will be beneficial to the Air Force.”
The top 10 ideas from the event will be
Master Sgt. William Freshley, 29th Weapons Squadron loadmaster, sits on a C-130J Super Hercules cargo aircraft prior to a U.S. Air Force Weapons School Advanced Integration (WSINT) mission on Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, June 10, 2018. The first iteration of the Loadmaster Advanced Instructor Course (AIC) for the C-130J Super Hercules participated in WSINT from May 21 to June 13.
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Air Force photograph by Senior Airman Kevin Tanenbaum