Changing a Tradition:

Air Force Space Command is trying an experiment that would change the long-held standard two-man missile combat crew working 24-hour shifts to three-man crews working 72 hours. Each three-person crew would have two commanders and one deputy commander, operating the launch control capsule in two-person teams. The three missile officers would alternate between the LCC and the missile alert facility over the 72-hour period. The initiative is the brainchild of 20th Air Force commander, Maj. Gen. Thomas Deppe. Officials believe the new work rotation would provide a more predictable schedule and a reduction in driving times, which would save fuel. Another positive benefit, they say, is that missile officers would spend more time with enlisted crews they command at the MAF. The test period is to run for three months. (Read more here.)