Officials at the Global Positioning System Operations Center at Schriever AFB, Colo., are getting ready to launch a new tool that will give troops in Afghanistan real-time GPS coordinates with a simple click of the mouse. The new capability uses a Google Earth software application to provide GPS data and terrain information all on one screen—compared to the five or six secure sites that users today have to access to get the same information, said Chaz Bowman, GPSOC program manager. “The particular capability provides our team with a real time visual of the terrain and the GPS accuracy a unit is experiencing when they call for GPS-related assistance,” said Lt. Col. Mike Manor, director of operations for Schriever’s 2nd Space Operations Squadron that controls the GPS constellation. Officials have yet to name the new application. (Schriever report by Scott Prater)
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.