Aerial 
porters with the 451st Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, have updated their processes and procedures in recent months, fine-tuning how they move and store cargo at their aerial port. Squadron leadership came up with a simple mission directive last November: move cargo, “no matter if it walks, rolls, or is palletized,” according to a March 5 base release. “We began to focus our efforts on processes that directly impact this mission,” said SMSgt. Daniel Spain, the unit’s superintendent. Squadron members made improvements, including consolidating multiple cargo storage yards into two yards closer to loading ramps and improving relationships with planners in flying squadrons to allow aircraft to park closer to the cargo yards, thereby cutting down on transport. Planners also coordinated cargo forecasts to get a better feel for when demand would spike or drop. As a result, already in December, these aerial porters increased outbound rolling cargo by more than 300 percent, states the release. “I believe we’re currently running at optimum conditions because we are aligning the cargo with the airflow,” said MSgt. Andre Bellamy, the squadron’s special handling noncommissioned officer in charge. (Kandahar report by SrA. Scott Saldukas)
New Air Force, Pentagon, and White House initiatives aim to chip away at an issue that has long frustrated leaders and families across the military: spouse employment. For years now, the percentage of unemployed military spouses has held steady at around 20 percent, experts say.
