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Charge trapping correction and energy performance of the Majorana Demonstrator
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory issued the following abstract of a journal article:
P-type point contact (PPC) high-purity germanium detectors are an important technology in astroparticle and nuclear physics due to their superb energy resolution, low noise, and pulse shape discrimination capabilities. Analysis of data from the Majorana Demonstrator, a neutrinoless double-ss decay experiment deploying PPC detectors enriched in 76Ge, has led to several novel improvements in the analysis of PPC signals.
In this work we discuss
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 (TNSres) -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory issued the following abstract of a journal article:
P-type point contact (PPC) high-purity germanium detectors are an important technology in astroparticle and nuclear physics due to their superb energy resolution, low noise, and pulse shape discrimination capabilities. Analysis of data from the Majorana Demonstrator, a neutrinoless double-ss decay experiment deploying PPC detectors enriched in 76Ge, has led to several novel improvements in the analysis of PPC signals.
In this work we discusscharge trapping in PPC detectors and its effect on energy resolution. Small dislocations or impurities in the crystal lattice result in trapping of charge carriers from an ionization event of interest, attenuating the signal, and degrading the measured energy.
We present a modified digital pole-zero correction to the signal energy estimation that counters the effects of charge trapping and improves the energy resolution of the Majorana Demonstrator by approximately 30% to around 2.4 keV full width at half-maximum at 2039 keV, the 76Ge Q value. An alternative approach achieving similar resolution enhancement is also presented.
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Original text here: https://www.pnnl.gov/publications/charge-trapping-correction-and-energy-performance-majorana-demonstrator
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory: Lighting the Way - Laser Researchers to Gather at Annual Meeting in Austin
WASHINGTON, May 3 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory issued the following news on May 2, 2024:
High-powered lasers could unlock the potential of fusion power as a clean, safe and virtually limitless energy source and are already integral to many other processes in the medical, industrial and manufacturing industries.
A burgeoning community of laser scientists, including several from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), will gather to discuss high-power laser science and technology at the 2024 LaserNetUS Meeting from
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 3 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory issued the following news on May 2, 2024:
High-powered lasers could unlock the potential of fusion power as a clean, safe and virtually limitless energy source and are already integral to many other processes in the medical, industrial and manufacturing industries.
A burgeoning community of laser scientists, including several from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), will gather to discuss high-power laser science and technology at the 2024 LaserNetUS Meeting fromJuly 16 to 18, 2024, in Austin, Texas.
LaserNetUS, which the DOE funds, is a consortium of high-power laser facilities at universities and national laboratories across North America that are advancing the frontiers of laser-science research. Member users travel around the country and into Canada to conduct scientific experiments at leading accelerators, beam laboratories and light sources.
"Our 1,400 members are united by a dedication to advancing high-power laser science and technology," said Sophia Malko, staff research physicist in high energy density plasmas and inertial fusion energy and communications chair of the annual meeting. "Having dedicated beam time allows users to experience firsthand what you can do with high-powered lasers, opening up new career paths and opportunities."
Contributing to the 'bold decadal vision' for commercial fusion energy
While PPPL's primary focus is on magnetic fusion confinement, which uses magnetic fields to control the heated plasma to produce fusion, several PPPL researchers study inertial confinement fusion, a technique that uses powerful lasers to achieve fusion. This approach attracted widespread attention in December 2022 when the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory achieved ignition by producing more fusion energy than the energy delivered to the fusion target. Since then, the DOE has launched several funding programs to advance the field of high energy density plasmas and inertial fusion energy (IFE).
PPPL aims to contribute to the growing interest in IFE, and participation in LaserNetUS is part of this objective, said Jon Menard, deputy director for research at PPPL. "The PPPL scientists involved in LaserNetUS are truly invested in advancing this field of study as part of the mission and vision of the Fusion Energy Sciences program at the DOE," Menard said. "We see all of this as part of contributing to the bold decadal vision to advance commercial fusion energy."
In addition to Malko, several researchers at PPPL are members of the LaserNetUS community, including Lan Gao, research physicist; Will Fox, research physicist; Frances Kraus, X-ray spectroscopist and staff research physicist; along with several postdoctoral researchers and doctoral students. Together, they work on two to three major experiments per year. "PPPL now has a lot of beam time through the consortium," Malko said.
Opening research and career pathways
LaserNetUS is a maturing organization that grew from the need to accelerate laser science in the U.S. by opening facilities up to new users, Kraus said. "I couldn't have done my Ph.D. work without access to the Laboratory for Advanced Lasers and Extreme Photonics laser facility at Colorado State University, which became newly possible when LaserNetUS started awarding experiments in 2019," said Kraus.
Now, LaserNetUS not only connects scientists with state-of-the-art lasers for their experiments, but it also builds an interdisciplinary community around laser engineering, plasma diagnostics and advanced data analysis. LaserNetUS' annual meeting is the perfect entry into the community. The annual meeting has grown each year, funding students to present their work and creating a unique space for scientists to build connections across fields.
This year, the meeting is offering partial travel support for students and postdoctoral researchers interested in attending and presenting. Applications are due by May 6, and both seasoned users and newcomers are welcome.
The meeting will feature a robust technical program and an extensive poster session, facilitating interactive exchanges among attendees in an informal environment. The event will enable discussions on ongoing research projects while fostering new collaborations. Attendees can participate in several social outings in the heart of Austin, including a reception and networking events.
A focus on public-private partnerships
Similar to last year, the meeting will also feature special sessions reinforcing public-private partnerships. High-power laser technology has found diverse applications in what's known as "hard tech," spanning from the semiconductor industry to medical imaging and therapies.
"By fostering strong connections between the public and private sectors, we can create a healthy ecosystem that promotes talent development and knowledge sharing," said Chandra Breanne Curry, LaserNetUS coordinator. "This collaborative approach will allow us to push the boundaries of high-power laser science and IFE and explore even more cross-cutting and multidisciplinary applications."
For Malko, there has never been a better time to join the LaserNetUS community. "Laser science offers far more than what people typically associate with it. There is great potential for use in fusion and so many applications from the medical field to manufacturing. Simply put: High-powered lasers are just very cool."
Learn more about LaserNetUS(https://lasernetus.org/) and the upcoming annual meeting (https://events.bizzabo.com/LaserNetUS2024/home)
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PPPL is mastering the art of using plasma -- the fourth state of matter -- to solve some of the world's toughest science and technology challenges. Nestled on Princeton University's Forrestal Campus in Plainsboro, New Jersey, our research ignites innovation in a range of applications including fusion energy, nanoscale fabrication, quantum materials and devices, and sustainability science. The University manages the Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, which is the nation's single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences. Feel the heat at https://energy.gov/science (Link opens in new window) and https://www.pppl.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.pppl.gov/news/2024/lighting-way-laser-researchers-gather-annual-meeting-austin
National Energy Technology Laboratory: Students From Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia Compete at 2024 National Science Bowl
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, May 3 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory issued the following news on May 2, 2024:
Winners of NETL's regional Science Bowl competitions for students in western Pennsylvania and West Virginia tested their knowledge in math, science, engineering and technology (STEM) topics at the 2024 National Science Bowl held April 25-29 in Washington, D.C.
North Allegheny Senior High School (Wexford, Pennsylvania) compiled a 5-3 record to finish in fourth place in its divisional round-robin competition but did not advance beyond double-elimination
... Show Full Article
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania, May 3 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory issued the following news on May 2, 2024:
Winners of NETL's regional Science Bowl competitions for students in western Pennsylvania and West Virginia tested their knowledge in math, science, engineering and technology (STEM) topics at the 2024 National Science Bowl held April 25-29 in Washington, D.C.
North Allegheny Senior High School (Wexford, Pennsylvania) compiled a 5-3 record to finish in fourth place in its divisional round-robin competition but did not advance beyond double-eliminationplay and finished among the top 32 high school teams in the country.
Morgantown High School (Morgantown, West Virginia) also finished in fourth place in its divisional round-robin competition, with a 4-2-1 record, before falling in the double-elimination round and finishing among the top 32 high school teams in the country.
In the middle school contest, Marshall Middle School (Wexford, Pennsylvania) and Suncrest Middle School (Morgantown, West Virginia) took fourth place in their round-robin divisions. However, both schools were eliminated in the double-elimination round and finished among the top 32 middle school teams in the country.
"The winners of our regional Science Bowls gave it their best efforts and did an excellent job representing Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia on the national stage," said Adam Lott, lead coordinator for NETL's regional Science Bowl contests.
The winners of the 2024 National Science Bowl were Lexington High School in Lexington, Massachusetts, and BASIS Independent Bellevue in Bellevue, Washington.
Lexington defeated North Hollywood High School from North Hollywood, California, by correctly answering the Earth and space science multiple choice question, "which of the following statements about sunspots is true: W: Total sunspot area typically reaches a similar maximum during each solar cycle. X: Sunspots in a given hemisphere switch polarity in successive 11-year solar cycles. Y: Sunspots are more abundant in the northern hemisphere. Z: Sunspots have elevated convection rates." Lexington secured their win by answering "X: Sunspots in a given hemisphere switch polarity in successive 11-year solar cycles."
In the middle school competition, BASIS Independent Bellevue defeated Hopkins Junior High School from Fremont, California.
The national competition brought together middle and high school students from across the country to compete in a fast-paced, question-and-answer format where they solved technical problems and answered questions on a range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, Earth and space science, energy, mathematics and physics.
For three decades, NETL has coordinated the Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Regional Science Bowls as part of its STEM Education and Outreach program to inspire the next generation of scientists, researchers and engineers to explore careers in energy and other fields.
"Participation in Science Bowl serves as a catalyst to launch rewarding STEM-related careers," Lott said. "At NETL, we are proud to support an exciting experience that challenges students to excel in the classroom and prepares them to make tomorrow's groundbreaking discoveries," Lott said.
NETL will host the 2025 West Virginia Regional Science Bowl at West Virginia University in Morgantown on Friday, Jan. 31, for middle schools and Saturday, Feb. 1, for high schools. The 2025 Western Pennsylvania Regional Science Bowl will be held Saturday, Feb. 22, for high schools and Saturday, March 1, for middle schools.
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NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that drives innovation and delivers solutions for an environmentally sustainable and prosperous energy future. By leveraging its world-class talent and research facilities, NETL is ensuring affordable, abundant, and reliable energy that drives a robust economy and national security, while developing technologies to manage carbon across the full life cycle, enabling environmental sustainability for all Americans.
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Original text here: https://netl.doe.gov/node/13667
Joint Program Office Uses the MQ-9 Aircraft to Save Four Souls Off the Coast of Texas
WASHINGTON, May 3 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard issued the following news:
By Jason Allred, MyCG Web Editor
Military units are intended for collaboration. The concept is also true for various branches of federal services. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) are two partners who mutually benefit from collaboration. Specifically, at the Joint Program Office in San Angelo, Texas, where USCG and CBP MQ-9 pilots, sensor operators, and radar operators support various functions within the maritime and land border domains.
On Friday, Nov. 17,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 3 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard issued the following news:
By Jason Allred, MyCG Web Editor
Military units are intended for collaboration. The concept is also true for various branches of federal services. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) are two partners who mutually benefit from collaboration. Specifically, at the Joint Program Office in San Angelo, Texas, where USCG and CBP MQ-9 pilots, sensor operators, and radar operators support various functions within the maritime and land border domains.
On Friday, Nov. 17,2023, the Joint Program Office received a call from Sector Corpus Christi to help support a SAR mission to find an overdue vessel with four souls aboard. Sector Corpus Christi called in support from the Joint Program Office in San Angelo following an uneventful search of the area by Coast Guard helicopters, aircraft and vessels. Lt. Cmdr. Luke Grant, an MQ-9 Pilot attached to the Joint Program Office, explained how the call to support the SAR case came in. "We've been working with Sector Corpus Christi on how they could use us and activate us in case they need us. It just happened that later that week they had a report of an overdue vessel. We already had a plane that was getting ready to launch, so we changed their mission set to go to that area and search for the overdue boaters."
Historically, the Coast Guard has supported similar missions with helicopter and aircraft crews as well as various maritime assets to locate missing vessels. However, with recent capability advancements the Coast Guard is leveraging new ways to support legacy missions. With flight times of up to 24 hours, CBP's MQ-9 offers a wide array of advantages over traditional manned assets. Lt. Cmdr. Grant says the platform has worked well in his experience. "It's pretty good at finding the type of targets that we're typically looking for in the Coast Guard. We've had good luck with finding go fast vessels."
An additional advantage was Sector Corpus Christi's ability to view the video feed from the MQ-9 during the SAR case. "They were pretty excited about being able to see what we were seeing and that definitely helps us reduce the number of communications with sector because they see exactly what's happening."
The impact the Joint Programs Office can make is literally the difference between a family member making it home or not. Petty Officer 1st Class David Garman, an avionics electrical technician (AET), explained his perspective after supporting this case. "I'm trained to operate this radar and assist in getting the vessel the assistance it required. It wasn't until later when driving home at the end of the workday where I was like, I helped save lives today, I assisted in what I joined the Coast Guard to do 15 years ago. So, while it's not the same as physically pulling them from a bad situation at night in a helicopter hovering 35-feet above the water, I was still elated and proud of the job the crew and I did to get them home safe."
Lt. Cmdr. Grant was also pleased he was able to help bring a citizen to safety. "I know how important it is to people to get their family members back home, so there's definitely a lot of job satisfaction when we can do a case like this and bring people back home."
The mission and responsibility at the Joint Program Office at San Angelo is growing and the team couldn't be more excited to share the possibility to recruit other aviators to their small community. Garman had a glowing review when asked about his current assignment. "This mission, skillset, and future opportunities available as an MQ-9 operator are well worth the time. Our mission is different than what most fellow AET's experience in their time at normal Coast Guard air stations."
For more information on the rescue or to watch the feed from the MQ-9 read here (https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3593370/video-available-coast-guard-assists-4-overdue-boaters-offshore-matagorda-texas/).
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Original text here: https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/3762278/joint-program-office-uses-the-mq-9-aircraft-to-save-four-souls-off-the-coast-of/
EPA: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $50 Million for Massachusetts Lead Pipe Replacement to Advance Safe Drinking Water as Part of Investing in America Agenda
BOSTON, Massachusetts, May 3 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release on May 2, 2024:
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EPA announces latest round of funding toward President Biden's commitment to replace every lead pipe in the nation, protecting public health and helping to deliver safe drinking water
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Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $50,095,000 from President Biden's Investing in America agenda to help Massachusetts identify and replace lead service lines, preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, including
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, May 3 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release on May 2, 2024:
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EPA announces latest round of funding toward President Biden's commitment to replace every lead pipe in the nation, protecting public health and helping to deliver safe drinking water
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Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $50,095,000 from President Biden's Investing in America agenda to help Massachusetts identify and replace lead service lines, preventing exposure to lead in drinking water. Lead can cause a range of serious health impacts, includingirreversible harm to brain development in children. To protect children and families, President Biden has committed to replacing every lead pipe in the country. Today's announcement, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and available through EPA's successful Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), takes another major step to advance this work and the Administration's commitment to environmental justice. This funding builds on the Administration's Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan (https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/12/16/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-lead-pipe-and-paint-action-plan/) and EPA's Get the Lead Out Initiative (https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure/get-lead-out-initiative).
Working collaboratively, EPA and the State Revolving Funds are advancing the President's Justice40 Initiative to ensure that 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution. Lead exposure disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families. The total funding announced through this program to date is expected to replace up to 1.7 million lead pipes nationwide, securing clean drinking water for countless families.
"The science is clear, there is no safe level of lead exposure, and the primary source of harmful exposure in drinking water is through lead pipes," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "President Biden understands it is critical to identify and remove lead pipes as quickly as possible, and he has secured significant resources for states and territories to accelerate the permanent removal of dangerous lead pipes once and for all."
"Our goal is simple, yet essential: to assure that everyone has clean, safe drinking water. That's why identifying and replacing lead service lines is crucial; it can protect our communities, especially the most vulnerable, from lead exposure," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "New England has some of the oldest housing stock in the country, and no one--no matter where they live--should have to worry about lead in their drinking water and what comes out of the tap. This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides the much-needed resources to help deliver on that promise--to replace every lead pipe and ensure clean, safe drinking water for all."
"Our Commonwealth has a high lead service line burden due to the age of our housing stock, and we know lead exposure is an environmental justice issue, as it disproportionately affects Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities," said Senator Edward J. Markey. "Massachusetts is receiving $50 million in federal investment thanks to the landmark Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but we know much more is needed to identify and replace all remaining lead pipes across the Commonwealth to ensure public health safety. We will keep fighting to secure Massachusetts' fair share from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund allocations."
"Every family deserves access to clean drinking water, yet dangerous lead pipes can still be found in homes across America -- including right here in Massachusetts' Fifth District," said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark. "The health and safety of our communities should transcend partisan politics. Under President Biden's leadership, we're putting that principle into action. I'm proud to have helped secure this lifesaving investment in our Commonwealth's drinking water, and I will continue fighting until every kitchen faucet runs clean and clear."
"Next time you turn on the tap, remember that President Biden and House Democrats passed a bipartisan bill delivering billions of dollars in infrastructure funding to our communities to make sure that the water that comes out of the faucet is some of the safest, cleanest drinking water on Earth," said Congressman McGovern. "Thank you to EPA Administrator Michael Regan for using this funding to replace lead pipes in Massachusetts with better, safer alternatives that deliver cleaner, lead-free drinking water to every household."
"No community should have to face the serious health risks of lead exposure. I am thrilled to see Massachusetts will be receiving over $50 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund as part of the national effort to remove all lead pipes in the U.S. This move isn't just an infrastructure upgrade, it is an investment in providing safer and more equitable water access across the Commonwealth and for future generations of Americans," said Congressman Seth Moulton.
"Every family deserves access to safe, lead-free drinking water, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping make that a reality for Massachusetts families," said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. "This federal investment will help complete long overdue lead pipe replacements across the Commonwealth, putting the health and wellbeing of families first."
President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests a historic $15 billion to identify and replace lead service lines. The law mandates that 49% of funds provided through the DWSRF General Supplemental Funding and DWSRF Lead Service Line Replacement Funding must be provided as grants and forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities, a crucial investment for communities that have been underinvested in for too long. EPA projects a national total of 9 million lead services lines across the country, based on data collected from the updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment. The funding announced today will be provided specifically for lead service line identification and replacement and will help every state and territory fund projects to remove lead pipes and reduce exposure to lead from drinking water.
The Lead Service Line-specific formula used to allot these funds allows states to receive financial assistance commensurate with their need as soon as possible, furthering public health protection nationwide. The formula and allotments are based on need -- meaning that states with more projected lead service lines receive proportionally more funding.
Alongside the funding announced today, EPA is also releasing a new memorandum that clarifies how states can use this and other funding to most effectively reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. Additionally, EPA has developed new outreach documents to help water systems educate their customers on drinking water issues, health impacts of lead exposure, service line ownership, and how customers can support the identification of potential lead service lines in their homes.
The Biden-Harris Administration's ambitious initiative to remove lead pipes has already delivered significant results for families across the nation. Today's latest funding will ensure more families benefit from these unprecedented resources, and support projects like these:
* Boston Water and Sewer Commission received $4,698,888 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $1,879,555 in additional subsidy, to eliminate lead water services in both the public way and private property.
* The Fall River Water Department has received $4,150,000 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $2,400,778 in additional subsidy, to replace 107 partial lead service lines in public-right-of-way and the public right-of-way of 533 of existing full lead service lines.
* The Methuen Water Department received $870,000 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to develop an inventory of water service lines to identify any lead service lines that would need replacement.
To view more stories about how the unpreceded investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are transforming communities across the country, visit EPA's Investing in America's Water Infrastructure Story Map (https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure/local-infrastructure-investment-stories). To read more about some additional projects that are underway, see EPA's recently released Quarterly Report on Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funded Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF projects and explore the State Revolving Funds Public Portal (https://sdwis.epa.gov/ords/sfdw_pub/r/sfdw/owsrf_public/home).
Today's allotments are based on EPA's updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment (DWINSA) including an assessment of newly submitted information. To date, this is the best available data collected and assessed on service line materials in the United States. Later this summer, EPA will release an addendum to the 7th DWINSA Report to Congress which will include the updated lead service line projections. EPA anticipates initiating data collection, which will include information on lead service lines, for the 8th DWINSA in 2025.
For more information, including state-by-state allotment of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA's lead Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, please visit EPA's Drinking Water website (https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/engaging-community-lead-service-lines).
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-over-50-million-massachusetts-lead-pipe
Commandant Underscores Priorities, Praises Marines During State of the Corps Speech
WASHINGTON, May 3 -- The U.S. Department of Defense issued the following news:
By Matthew Olay, DOD News
The Marine Corps' most senior officer stated his key priorities and praised his fighting force during a state of the Marine Corps speech closing out a three-day defense industry exposition today in Washington.
During his speech, Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith spoke about maintaining a balance between being ready to respond to crises in the present while at the same time investing in future capabilities; being able to partner with the Navy in meeting the amphibious ship
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 3 -- The U.S. Department of Defense issued the following news:
By Matthew Olay, DOD News
The Marine Corps' most senior officer stated his key priorities and praised his fighting force during a state of the Marine Corps speech closing out a three-day defense industry exposition today in Washington.
During his speech, Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith spoke about maintaining a balance between being ready to respond to crises in the present while at the same time investing in future capabilities; being able to partner with the Navy in meeting the amphibious shipbuilding requirements necessary to keep the Marine Corps mobile across the globe; and recruiting, training and retaining new Marines -- a topic Smith spoke about passionately and at length.
"I'm constantly humbled by the quality and dedication of the young Americans who continue to measure themselves against our high standards [and] who compete for the title of Marine: Earned, never given," Smith said.
"It's not a guarantee that they're going to measure up, but those who make the cut earn something few can: the privilege of becoming a Marine, and the privilege of wearing our cloth."
The most important 'm' in 'Modern Day Marine' is the last one. ... It's all about you. ... It's all about Marines."
- Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith
While speaking about the Corps' personnel, Smith praised the newest generation of Marines, saying that not only are they as tough and dedicated as the Marines who came before them, but that they're intelligent, as well.
"They're all smarter than me, I guarantee you," Smith jested to the crowd. "As I walk around this floor and I talk to young Marines, I need a translator; because they are moving at light speed, and I'm moving at 55 miles per hour. They are, in fact, a cut above."
Smith also spoke about the necessity to invest in the well-being of the fighting force.
"After 37 years in the Marine Corps, I've learned that heroic acts come in many forms, and sometimes the simple act of caring about your Marines is heroic," said Smith, adding that "quality of life" doesn't mean giving Marines everything they ask for, "but it does mean giving them everything that they need."
To that end, Smith spoke at length about the need for infrastructure modernization in the Marine Corps. Specifically, he referenced the Corps' Barracks 2030 initiative, a project to improve quality of life for Marines by making meaningful near-term and long-term investments.
It's our most consequential investment in barracks to date, and it is sorely needed," Smith said. "The heart of the initiative is improving the barracks that need it, tearing down old ones that are beyond repair, finding efficiencies within individual ... units, and building new ones where we need them," he explained.
Spotlight: Taking Care of Our People (https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Taking-Care-of-Our-People/)
On the topic of striking a balance between being ready to respond and investing in the future, Smith said doing so would be "difficult."
"Over the next three years, we must effectively synchronize personnel, readiness and investments to achieve that balance," said Smith, "and it might be the biggest challenge I face [in] my time as the commandant."
To meet such a challenge, Smith said partnering with the Navy in the pursuit of innovation to ensure Marine Corps mobility is key.
"The secretary of the Navy and the [chief of naval operations] have advocated for amphibious ships, and I expect everyone here to show how relevant they are today and into the future through experimentation and innovation," said Smith. "Integration with the Navy -- doctrinally, operationally [and] tactically -- is mandatory for how we fight."
"There's a technical element to this; there's a planning strategy element to this; but -- most importantly -- there's a human element ... and I need it to happen at your level, Marines."
Smith rounded out his speech by thanking all the Marines for attending the expo and encouraging them to provide their feedback on what they think of all the new military technology on display.
"The most important 'm' in 'Modern Day Marine' is the last one," Smith told crowd. "It's all about you. ... It's all about Marines."
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Original text here: https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3763916/commandant-underscores-priorities-praises-marines-during-state-of-the-corps-spe/
14N Development Team and Functional Advisory Council Visit Goodfellow AFB
GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas, May 3 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news:
By Airman 1st Class Madison Collier and Aiman James Salellas, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
The U.S. Air Force 14N Development Team and Functional Advisory Council discussed the structure of the intelligence officers career field as part of a three-day event held at the Consolidated Learning Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas on April 25.
"The 14N Development Team provides oversight of officer development and talent management to deliberately develop the intelligence surveillance
... Show Full Article
GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas, May 3 -- The U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command issued the following news:
By Airman 1st Class Madison Collier and Aiman James Salellas, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
The U.S. Air Force 14N Development Team and Functional Advisory Council discussed the structure of the intelligence officers career field as part of a three-day event held at the Consolidated Learning Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas on April 25.
"The 14N Development Team provides oversight of officer development and talent management to deliberately develop the intelligence surveillancereconnaissance workforce and maximize the talent Airmen bring to the fight," said Maj. Angela Davis, deputy 14N career field manager. "The Spring DT was tasked to develop the candidate lists for 14N Squadron Command and O-4 Leadership opportunities and recommend developmental education placement for Majors and Lieutenant Colonels."
The FAC constantly adapts to talent management policies and procedures within the ISR field. FAC members reviewed the 14N Talent Management Framework, 14N Special Programs, ISR Training, Air Force Personnel Center Assignment Policy, and the O-4 Leadership Process.
The Intelligence DT and FAC came to Goodfellow to create a strategic plan for assigning intelligence officers to duties and initiate a blueprint for future intelligence training developments.
The 14N DT got a first-hand look at training facilities and processes. A prominent topic of discussion was the Joint All Domain Exercise Forward Operations Readiness Generation Exercise training site. JADE FORGE allows for students to train in a realistic simulated deployment scenario and represents another step towards preparing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in the era of Great Power Competition.
"We want to take these Airmen in and show how they fit into the warfighting puzzle," said Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Wing commander. "We want to infuse the fighting edge into all of our courses to begin the building block approach so that when units exercise specific scenarios it won't be the first time they will experience it."
The 14N DT took a deep dive into training operations, JADE FORGE's progress since conception, and how the initiative fits into maintaining operational superiority when training intel warfighters.
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Original text here: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3762414/14n-development-team-and-functional-advisory-council-visit-goodfellow-afb/
