Starting now TRICARE beneficiaries who want to learn more about their health care plan and how it works can get short, relevant tips once a month with the launch of TRICARE TV.

            TRICARE TV is an important addition to TRICARE's social media program.  The videos are short and easy to follow, ranging in length from two-to-four minutes. The first episode called "What Is TRICARE?" gives beneficiaries an overview of TRICARE health care plans and some of the special programs offered. 

            TRICARE is already active on social media sites such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, and TRICARE TV joins another electronic option - the weekly award-winning Beneficiary Bulletin podcast.  Together, they all provide beneficiaries timely updates on TRICARE benefits in a variety of convenient formats.

            To view TRICARE TV, beneficiaries can visit TRICARE's YouTube channel atwww.youtube.com/TRICAREHealth or www.tricare.mil/mediacenter.  Subscribe to get e-alerts when a new episode is posted by going to www.tricare.mil/subscriptions or through the e-mail link at the TRICARE media center.    

Mention the term "air strike" these days and a lot of people think you're talking about playing "Call of Duty," a popular combat-style video game. In the game, players call in virtual air strikes on their opponents as a reward for earning a certain number of kills.

But for Staff Sgt. Kenneth Walker, there's nothing pretend about it. Calling in air strikes is what he does for a living.

He's a tactical air control party member with the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron, an Air National Guard unit out of Camp Murray, Wash. TACPs are specialists that advise ground forces on aircraft employment and capabilities and direct combat aircraft onto enemy targets. They typically work in teams of two and deploy with Army combat units.

"Basically, we're the liaison between ground forces and aircraft," Sergeant Walker said. "We communicate with the infantry guys and the guys in the air to get bombs on target where they're needed."

This might sound routine, but it's not. Being a TACP means being a highly trained, highly skilled Airman who is adaptive, quick on his feet and great at multi-tasking. Just to become a TACP and earn the coveted black beret, Airmen must pass an initial skills course, a combat survival course, a basic parachutist course and an advanced special tactics course. In all, this is 32 weeks of rigorous, down-and-dirty training.

"It's definitely a lot," Sergeant Walker said. "But it's all stuff we need to know when we're out there doing this for real."

When TACPs aren't deployed and doing their job for real, they participate in exercises to practice their skills and stay certified in required tasks. The latest was the National Guard Bureau's Joint Quarterly Training Exercise at Fort Stewart, Ga. Here, TACPs from the 116th ASOS practiced working with Army infantry units and calling in close-air support aircraft, ranging from A-10 Thunderbolt IIs to F-18 Hornets and HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters.

"It's great to work with real aircraft and see live rounds hitting targets," said Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Santiago, a TACP with the 116th ASOS. "Simulations are fine, but the real thing is always better."

But the exercise doesn't just give the TACPs some valuable hands-on training; it also lets them check a very important box.

"We have requirements to control aircraft every 90 days and direct the release of ordnance every 180 days to stay current on our certifications," Sergeant Santiago said.

"Participating in exercises like this lets us meet those requirements."

And meeting these requirements is often difficult. Being a Guard unit, Airmen assigned to the 116th ASOS must balance the demands of their day-to-day civillian jobs with those of the military.

"We have to meet the same requirements as our active duty counterparts, but we're doing it part time," Sergeant Walker said. "So we only get half the time to do what the active-duty guys are doing, and that is challenging at times."

There are deployments, too. TACPs are in high demand in Afghanistan, and 116th ASOS schedulers are routinely sending tactical air controllers over there.

"We've got some guys slated to go here soon, so we'll make sure they get priority when it comes to staying certified," Sergeant Santiago said. "And the training will pay off over there, too."

These men know what they're talking about. In one six month period in 2009, Sergeant Walker's three-man team called in more than 300,000 pounds of bombs in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan.

"It was about a battle every day," he said. "Sometimes two or three a day."

Sergeant Walker attributed the team's success to the rigorous, in-depth training it received prior to leaving: slogging through mud, spending nights in the rain and getting bombs and bullets on target.

"When things start happening for real, you just react and do your job," he said. "But then you sit back and think, 'Man, I'm glad I went through the suck in training so I was prepared here.'"

To be a TACP means to be versatile, too. They are Air Force elements, but spend the majority of their time working with the Army and other services.

"So not only are we highly trained specialists, but we have the joint aspect to our mission that is also pretty unique," Sergeant Santiago said. "But it's a good relationship ... we help them and they help us."

Another good relationship is the one they have with each other. Being a special tactics unit, TACPs are a close-knit, "get-each-other's-back" kind of team. This is due, in large part, to the nature of the business.

"You spend a lot of time together and learn to rely on each other," Sergeant Santiago said. "And the stresses of the job really bring you together so we're almost like some kind of crazy, dysfunctional family."

Still, the TACPs wouldn't have it any other way.

"It's one of the draws to [being a TACP] and one of the reasons I am one," Sergeant Walker said. "You develop some strong relationships and great friendships here that you miss when you leave."

So, while the average TACP might not be very good at playing video games like "Call of Duty," he is good at keeping real Soldiers safe by calling in very real, and very deadly, precision air strikes.

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.  -- In 2010, an additional 30,000 U.S. forces poured into Afghanistan as part of a "surge" to further stabilize the area. As a result, statistics show, that level of forces may also be the leading reason why airdrop levels in 2011 are averaging around 6.25 million pounds dropped a month.

Through the first four months of 2011, statistics tracked by the Air Forces Central's Combined Air Operations Center in Southwest Asia show there were more than 25 million pounds of cargo airdropped for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. That figure nearly matches all the airdrop totals from 2006 to 2008 in the same region.

The current annual record for airdrops is 60.4 million pounds dropped from 2010. Records aside, mobility Airmen are focused on meeting the needs of the warfighters on the ground.

"We're flying round-the-clock missions, mostly air-land and to and from lots of little austere Army air fields throughout the country," said Capt. Andrew Thomas, 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron C-130 Hercules pilot at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in a January 2011 AFCENT news report by combat correspondent Tech. Sgt. Stacia Zachary. "We're also doing airdrops here (at a rate) of about one to two drops per day."

The C-130 Hercules isn't the only Air Mobility Command-style airframe supporting deployed airdrop operations. The C-17 Globemaster III is also a part of the effort. In deployed locations, C-130s and C-17s are a part of expeditionary airlift squadrons at numerous bases throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Both airframes use a variety of ways to deliver the airdrop cargo. For example, since March 2010, C-130s perform "low-cost, low altitude," or LCLA, airdrops where they airdrop bundles weighing 80 to 500 pounds with pre-packed expendable parachutes in groups of up to four bundles per pass. The drops, reports show, are termed "low-cost" to reflect the relative expense of the expendable parachutes. "Low-altitude" describes to the relative height from which bundles are released from the aircraft.

There's also the Joint Precision Airdrop System, or JPADS, that guides airdrop bundles to their drop zones using the Global Positioning System technology, and the Improved Container Delivery System, or ICDS, that allows for improved precision by factoring in the altitude, wind speed, wind direction, terrain and other circumstances that might affect the drop.

Also, for example, a C-17 Globemaster III can carry up to 40 CDS bundles for a combat airdrop mission. Each of those bundles are often built by U.S. Army parachute riggers who jointly work with the Air Force airlift community to get them delivered to ground troops in remote regions of Afghanistan.

If statistics continue at the current average of 6.25 million pounds per month, 2011 will be a new record year with more than 75 million pounds airdropped.    

Roaring engines from C-17 Globemaster III aircraft were drowned out by thunderous roars of laughter from the hundreds of servicemembers and their families who came out to enjoy the comedic stylings of funny man Jay Leno at Hangar 4 on McChord Field Saturday.

"Jay Leno is an awesome supporter of the Reserve (Air Force) and the military overall," said Lt. Col. Bryan Winter, commander, Western Recruiting Squadron. "The event itself is a ‘Get One Event,' meaning we are promoting awareness of the Air Force Reserve."

Though everyone came out to enjoy Leno's polished, stand-up routine, his take on the follies of life served more than one purpose. It helped create awareness of the importance retention and recruiting play in day-to-day world of military life.

Some servicemembers felt privileged to have someone of the internationally famous Leno's stature take time to give credit to those serving in the military.

"It makes me feel amazing," said Chief Master Sgt. Glen Barnes, chief of advertising for Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service. "When we do get the chance to work with them (celebrities), you don't even think about the time you put in because you already know the amount of time that the artist is freely giving up in order to show their support for the military."

McChord Field will not be Leno's only stop, nor will Leno be the only entertainer the Air Force Reserve Recruiting Command brings to military members.

"Jay Leno is part of Tour for the Troops, and certain artists like Kid Rock, Carlos Mencia, Usher, Ludacris and other artists will be coming around to thank the Guard, Reserve and active-duty servicemembers for doing what they do," Barnes said. "Air Force Reserve Recruiting brings these artists to different places and makes it (performances) happen."

"These shows give servicemembers the chance to enjoy a small aspect of what being a Reservist is all about," Barnes said. "The opportunity to become a Reservist will broaden their horizons. If someone is thinking about becoming (one), the first thing I tell them is talk to a Reservist. No one knows what it is like to have that job better than someone who actually is a Reservist.

Events like these help keep qualified people in the service, Barnes said.

"The message I always give is that the grass might look greener when your getting ready to separate, but you have to explore all your options," Barnes said.

"I tell folks that all the time. The Air Force reserve may not be that perfect fit for you, but if you don't open those doors you will never know," he said.

The 8th Airlift Squadron at McChord Field of Joint Base Lewis-McChord has moved people and cargo across the world in giant C-17 Globemaster IIIs for more than 10 years now. Their pilots have flown to austere locations like Antarctica and ensured air and supply dominance in Iraq and Afghanistan.

And the person they have to thank for helping ensure the C-17 became the Air Mobility Command's aerial powerhouse? That would be the man whose face appears on the walls of the squadron's newly updated auditorium.

The 8th AS dedicated its briefing room to the proclaimed "father of the C-17 and modern-day airlift mission," retired Gen. Duane H. Cassidy. Before serving as the first commander of Transportation Command, Cassidy commanded the 8th AS from 1972 to 1974. The unit invited the retired four-star general back to unveil the result of the two-year auditorium renovation named after him and show off a detailed pictorial history memorial exhibit of Cassidy's career and accomplishments.

"Most of the airplanes I flew are up on pedestals now, which means either I'm very old or the airplanes are very good," Cassidy said. "I'm honored to add my name on it."

One quote on the mural, prominently displayed at eye level, best portrays how respected Cassidy was by the Airmen in the 8th AS.

"Whenever he spoke, people listened, and not just because he was the commander; they listened because he had something to say."

The renovated auditorium named in Cassidy's honor features dual projection screens and seating for about 100 people.

Commander Lt. Col. Stephen Ritter opened the dedication ceremony in his typical Southern-style analogy. Our lives are like an individual string on the back of a tapestry, he said. People don't realize all the other strings that cross around that one string.

"The impact you've had has impacted so many lives," Ritter told Cassidy. "I can't tell you how much I have looked forward to this day."

Cassidy's career spanned 30 years and included his serving as the commander-in-chief of the U.S. Transportation Command and Military Airlift Command. Cassidy said his favorite assignment was as the squadron commander of the 8th AS at McChord, he said.

"This is my best assignment, and clearly it will be the best for you," he told the filled-up room of 8th AS Airmen. "We just had fun every day, even when times were tough."

After retiring, Cassidy has spent the past 15 years working for the private sector in transportation industries - rail, trucking and air. Corporate executives have asked him how private-sector leadership stands up to military leadership.

"You just can't compare them," Cassidy told the assembled crowd. "The private sector has good management, but is weak in leadership. Management is necessary, leadership is essential."

The 8th AS came to McChord Field in 1947 as the 8th Troop Carrier Squadron. The unit received C-141 Starlifter aircraft and flew regular missions in Vietnam starting in 1966. The unit was pivotal in moving troops, families and equipment out of Vietnam at the end of the war. It then took on its current mission of providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid throughout the world. This was a major part of Cassidy's mission as commander.

"No one gets the opportunity to serve our country and the countries of the world as you do," Cassidy said to current 8th AS Airmen.

NEW AL MUTHANA AIR BASE, Iraq - As the war on terror rages and assassinations grab headlines, airmen serving with the Iraq Training and Advisory Mission-Air and 447th Air Expeditionary Group are focusing their efforts on building the foundation of the Iraqi air force. Equipment transfer and technical training are important, but a small group of non-commissioned officers are also teaching enlisted professional development as part of U.S. Air Force efforts to rebuild the Iraqi air force as a strong, regional air power partner.

Master Sgt. Brian Carter, ITAM-Air medical advisor, is the lynchpin for the current class and said a committee of about 15 people planned the course, which covered Iraqi air force core values, professionalism and training. 

"We had 51 students for each night," said Carter, who is deployed from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. "The students were divided into three small groups based on rank... warrant officers, NCOs and airmen."

According to Carter, the enlisted corps of the Iraqi air force is similar to the U.S. Air Force, but there are differences. For example, the Iraqi air force has many highly-experienced enlisted airmen and new airmen with about a year or so on active duty. However, there are very few serving in mid-level enlisted positions.

"The senior NCOs, or warrant officers they call them, have been in many years. Some had even served in the Iraqi army and served under Saddam's regime [during] Desert Shield and Desert Storm," said Carter, who is originally from Wilson, N.C. "They face many challenges, such as training issues and lack of resources. However, they are not as empowered by their officers to solve these problems on their own as our senior NCOs would be."

Master Sgt. Daryl G. Baldosser, 447th Expeditionary Communication Squadron Cyber Transport Systems section chief, volunteered his time as an instructor for the professional development course. Baldosser, deployed from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., said he was impressed with the experience and knowledge the Iraqi senior NCOs exhibited.

"The first group we addressed was the senior NCOs. We asked the question, ‘What part of your training program needs the most help?' The Iraqi senior NCOs were very passionate with their responses," said Baldosser, a native of Republic, Ohio. "They cited issues like ‘lack of training on the newer, digital aircraft platforms' and obstacles like officers not being responsive to their training requests or needs. We tried to get them to focus on the items within their span of control."

Tech. Sgt. Rebecca McKeever, 447th Expeditionary Medical Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge, also volunteered to teach. McKeever, originally from Winchester, Va., taught during the second night of the course and focused on the four Iraqi air force core values, which are: learn English, integrity, loyalty to country and military discipline.

"I volunteered to teach the class so I could find out how the enlisted members of the Iraqi air force compare to our enlisted members. I also wanted to meet the airmen we are here to help develop and grow into an independent force," said McKeever, who is deployed from Buckley AFB, Colo.

Master Sgt. Christina Riegel, 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Traffic Management superintendent, who is deployed from Ramstein AB, Germany, said she was amazed at how much the enlisted corps of the U.S. Air Force and Iraq Air Force have in common.

"We are the same! Both would like to make improvements to their processes and sometimes we encounter the same challenges in making those improvements," said Riegel, a Greeley, Colo. Native.

As with any good training, the communication was a two-way process. The Iraqi NCOs who participated in the training said they enjoyed the opportunity and felt the small-group discussion method of instruction was highly effective. Several also mentioned they felt the long term benefit of the training would build a strong foundation for the Iraqi air force.

A secondary goal for this training was to give the Iraqis a chance to interact with Americans and practice their English language skills.

"A lot of the aviation training and operations require English, and understanding the language is crucial to building their capabilities as an air force," said Carter.

McKeever said everyone here should seize opportunities to work with the Iraqi air force.

"They have an energy and willingness to learn that is refreshing to see. They seem to enjoy talking to the U.S. airmen and working on their English skills the most," McKeever said. It was a great experience and memory that I will enjoy reminiscing about for years to come!"

Emmy Award-winning host of The Tonight Show, Jay Leno will perform May 7 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord's McChord Field, as part of the Air Force Reserve's Tour for the Troops. 

Reserve Generation from the Band of the Air Force Reserve will open the show starting at 7 p.m., performing a variety of popular music. The show is free and open to only military ID holders and their guests.

A T-shirt give-away event will take place at the Exchange on JBLM Lewis Main from 11:30 a.m., to 12:30 p.m.  (EDITOR'S NOTE): PX FOLKS SAID TO ARRIVE AT LEAST BY 11 A.M.  1000 SHIRTS TOTAL TO GIVE OUT.

Tour for the Troops is a concert series sponsored by the Air Force Reserve that visits military bases around the world. This is the second Tour for the Troops for Jay Leno, who performed last year at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Mr. Leno joins a list of entertainers including Kid Rock, John Legend and Ludacris who have appeared in on the tour as a way of showing their support for our military men and women. 

Before replacing Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show in 1992, Mr. Leno began his career doing stand-up comedy. Mr. Leno's love for stand-up has not diminished and he regularly performs to sold-out venues around the country.

Keep updated with the latest information regarding Jay Leno's Tour for the Troops 2011 performance atwww.AFReserve.com/JayLeno