RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
An Air Education and Training Command inspection team recently found Randolph's communications security program error-free, a distinction attained by just one other AETC base.
Keith Place, AETC COMSEC manager, called the communications security posture of the 902nd Mission Support Group and 11 user agencies at Randolph "outstanding."
Mr. Place joined Tech. Sgt. Keith Jefferson, 118th Communications Flight COMSEC manager, in conducting the Information Assurance Assessment and Assistance Program inspection March 29-April 2. The team scrutinized the COMSEC account of the 902nd MSG and the subaccounts of 11 other units responsible for the security of cryptographic material, using a checklist that covered numerous areas, including cryptographic access, emergency action plans and safeguarding of materials.
He singled out Glenn Weber, 902nd Communications Squadron COMSEC manager, and Joe Harris, 902nd CS information assurance manager, for providing "solid and consistent COMSEC guidance for the 11 user agencies they support within the 902nd MSG, AETC and Randolph tenants."
"They have developed COMSEC training programs that encompass COMSEC responsible officers and continue to update these training programs to comply with changes to the Air Force Instructions pertaining to these positions," Mr. Place said in his memo relating the results of the inspection.
He said the error-free rate "demonstrates a solid commitment made by both the COMSEC account personnel and those of their user agencies in the proper protection, storing, inventorying and destruction of National Security Agency material."
Gene Boedigheimer, 902nd CS director, attributed the success of this year's inspection to "all the people with accounts that go through COMSEC."
"All those agencies and tenants are responsible," he said. "They worked with Glenn to get the accounts up to speed."
Mr. Boedigheimer also lauded Mr. Weber for his contributions.
"We're lucky to have Glenn," he said. "AETC has also relied on him to bring other bases up to speed. Randolph is in good hands - really, in the best hands."
Mr. Weber, who formerly served as COMSEC custodian at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., while on active duty and as COMSEC manager at Brooks City-Base, gives credit to the COMSEC responsible officers for all the user agencies, from Headquarters AETC to Air Force Services Agency.
"They've gotten their programs in tiptop shape," he said. "It's an additional duty for these folks, but they're expected to maintain it with a level of detail."
Mr. Weber said Randolph received a satisfactory rating for the fiscal 2010 IAAP, one of only two ratings that are possible. Its error-free account and subaccounts earned special commendation.
"This has only happened one other time within the command and the other account had few subaccounts," he said. "This accomplishment speaks volumes for the folks here at Randolph who are doing what is needed to make it happen."
Mr. Boedigheimer called the outstanding rating "fantastic."
"The inspection team had a week here," he said. "The first day they told us they had no findings today. The same thing happened the second day, and it just kept going."