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Award Examples
Communications and Information Award Program
Award Cat: NCO 3C0 C&I
Winner: Yes - Squadron/Group/Wing
AFI 36-2845
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Key Points to Writing
- WRITE!!! The more you do it, the better you get.
- Ask for HELP, the only person looking out
for #1 is you.
- Use a spell checker. F7 works well in MS Word.
- Use various writing resources like Merriam-Webster Online.
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The following Example has been taken out of a FORMFLOW so the formatting
might be off. I did not changed mission information,
only names to protect myself and the
people I have received the information from.
I will attempt to give a
little insight to the entire process if I know it.
If you have anything you would like to submit, please do so. Also, if
you have found this information useful, please let me know. Everyone of these
items has taken considerable amount of time to put together. Please use
the ads on this site to help support the site. All money gathered pays for
hosting fees and domain fees. (HONESTLY, when I see money come in it also
prompts me to work harder on the site.)
Copied from Form Flow used in MS Word with these settings
SET FOR:
Laser Jet 4M
Pg Stats: .6 LT .6 RT .5 T .5 B
What I have found for C&I packages (again limited experience) is it should tell the reading audience what was going on and give a brief synopsis in the first bullet. I think of it along the lines of a duty title with impact.
- Keyed Sq Operation ENDURING FREEDOM success; lead SysAd for three Deployable Transit-cased
Systems (DTS)--circuits/servers/18 workstations for U-2/Predator/Global Hawk imagery exploitation
-- U-2/Distributed Ground Station-? (DGS-?) crew member for 23 combat sorties, over 200 hours
--- Tops in unit! Maintained 100% mission ready rate despite system mods being introduced daily
-- Bedded down 3d DTS suite in under 24 hrs--half allotted time! Identified/fixed space shortfalls,
created floor plan blueprint and developed precise manning schedules--averted mission downtime
Granted the first bullet is huge! Do to the complexity of the information it was expanded to a triple bullet. This will get points nicked off the total score. But in this case it was needed to better explain impact later in the award. As a writer you need to keep this in mind. Sometimes you need to
sacrifice a little to make it easier for the judges to have a better understanding.
- Supervised the relocation of 42 mission systems; created improved workflow between intel analysts of multiple
platforms; move done and systems mission capable in 3 hours vs. usual 1 1/2 days; unrivaled
- Technician skills second-to-none; absolute "go-to-guy" concerning DTS suites--no stones left unturned
-- Handcrafted diagram on U-2 data feed into DTS; identified circuit drawbacks and possible solutions
-- Worked side-by-side with Mission Intelligence Segment (MIS) contractor on transfer of critical intel to analysts within MIS from National (satellite) DTS suite; provided MIS analysts clear/precise data
-- Configured system graphical user interface; afforded analysts access to additional exploitation tools
-- During weekend check, noticed primary system server on DTS in error state; immediately identified problem to memory fault; corrected file system problem in minutes--result, no mission downtime
-- Created script to backup analyst target decks and exploit imagery; cut restoral time by 60 percent
-- Modified analyst exploitation program; enabled imagery analysts access to vital files within minutes
- Single-handedly responsible for operation of Dissemination Element (DE) system within DTS facilities
-- Mission-essential DE system provides interface from {NAF} and DGS-? to National imagery sites
-- Added seven {NAF} exploitation systems to DE; provided access to vital National imagery intel data
-- Conducted dissemination testing from MIS system to U-2 Front-End Processor; 18 more high-end workstations available for U-2 intel exploitation/dissemination ... fast transfer times lauded by HHQ
-- Engineered innovative procedures for creating user accounts on DE; enabled system administrators
to save valuable minutes creating accounts, maximized critical system security compliance/integrity
-- Reconfigured DE archive files; reduced user login time from 3 minutes to approximately 10 seconds
-- Drafted blueprint standard operating procedure guides for DE; guide expedited training of personnel
In the third and forth bullet you have witnessed clumping. I initially did not
trust the large number of sub-bullets in the package. I chalk that up to "canned" Air Force education, e.g. ALS and NCOA. But each of the sub-bullet added substantial impact to the main. Plus trying to keep them separated could have possibly lead to confusion and/or wordiness.
- Displayed incomparable leadership of six-person system administration shop enveloping two AFSCs
-- Consolidated training requirements for both AFSCs; created detailed 797 task list--set the standard
-- Directly responsible for intense training of newly assigned personnel; beat training requirements
-- Restructured manning schedule to meet intense 24/7 workload; avoided work overload and burnout
- Versatile; key member of {WING}Exercise Evaluation Team (EET) that prepped {Base} for 2001 ORI
-- Inspected deployment bags; evaluated {SQ} RS cargo; identified weaknesses/recommended fixes to unit/wing battlestaffs ... actions key to unit/wing "Excellent" ORI ratings across the board; success!
- Represented DGS-? at DTS Program Management Review; seniors lauded for valuable participation
-- Raised informative issues concerning current procedures and proposed changes--set tone for future
- Directed/supported system admin functions during installation of BIRDSNEST system hardware and
software; state-of-the-art system provides advanced language training for unit cryptographic linguists
-- Assisted with installation of security patches for BIRDSNEST system software; met security needs
- Security conscious--changed over 26 system passwords; thwarted potential for security compromise
- Adjusted screenlock configuration on workstations in DTS suites; avoided loss of important intel data
- Strictly applied Communications Security (COMSEC) procedures to safeguarding critical information
-- Directly contributed to the unit's "Excellent" rating during last base COMSEC inspection--vigilant!
- Significantly assisted Defense Intelligence Agency with accreditation testing of new DTS equipment
-- Successfully executed myriad of step-by-step taskings/procedures included in site accreditation
test manuals ... identified problems, implemented corrections ... system granted authority to operate
- Dazzled the boss ... gave superb DTS/DE briefing to {NAF}/CC--CC knows what we bring to the fight
- Always ensures analysts have tools they need for accurate targeting so flyers can put bombs on target
Although not needed this package has a closing sentence. It acted as a good conclusion, even using the Chief of Staff's buzz words, "Bombs on Target".
General Notes:
In this Time is a huge factor in the majority of the bullets. It depends on your location and mission. What was portrayed in this was cost savings in Time. After 9/11, time was a huge buzz word in the military. Knowing the buzz of the moment can lead to very strong packages. Like all Air Force writing, know your audience.
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