Members,                                                                     8-6-07

The meeting at the DOE summit in Las Vegas ended up being a good meeting. DOE policy representatives Steve Wanzer, Al Nettlingham, and John Cronin attended the meeting. Each site gave an overview on where they were on meeting their DBT. Most sites were meeting the 04 or 05 to some degree. Some sites actually made comments that the protective force structure was not adequately constructed to address retirement issues for the Spo's.  This was very refreshing to hear. I made the comment to DOE that I had not paid the contractors to make those comments. There was some lengthy discussion on changing the Elite Force terminology to something more reflective of Response Force. Everyone agreed Elite Force was used out of context of what we are actually doing at the sites.

A discussion on opening up the 1046 to change the running standard was a hot topic. Most sites feel that the current running standard is not equivalent to what a Spo will actually perform in battle. The Cooper institute was suggested as possible subject matter experts to assist in what fitness standard should be considered to meet the current protective force structure. The Cooper Institute encourages agencies to consider the unique requirements for fitness relative to job related functions and performance. It then provides guidance for determining fitness test standards and programs. This will take some time because the rule making process will have to be initiated

The action item of placement of the ageing guard force came up several times. One site that will not have category in the future will disarm its effected Spo's but not change their pay to allow them additional time in the system. I applauded that recommendation as a real attempt to assist the Spo in career progression. I made the comment to everyone present that only two paths could be taken on career progression. Allow the Spo to stay in the system until he reaches reasonable general industry retirement ages or implement federalization or equal retirement paths.

Sincerely,

Mike Stumbo

NCSP President