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TOP HAND program returns

Story ID 03-052
March 10, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Air Force Space Command News Service
By Capt. Charles Galbreath
17th Test Squadron

SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - TOP HAND has returned to Air Force Space Command.

After a seven-year absence, the command has reinstated the TOP HAND Selection Board, a program to select the best missile and space operators for key positions in operational testing.

Gen. Lance Lord, commander of Air Force Space Command, feels it's time once again to recognize the best operators and give them the opportunity to use their skills in the testing field.

"I can't think of a better way to ensure the preeminence of our future space and missile forces than putting our best people in the test business," said Lord.

The first new TOP HAND Selection Board convenes April 23 at Headquarters, Air Force Space Command. The board is looking for space and missile operators with four to eight years of active commissioned service, at least one space/missile operations tour, instructor/evaluator experience and who can report by the September 2004. A group commander or equivalent must submit nominations by April 1, 2003. Subsequent selection boards will convene annually.

The board allows the command to select the best space and missile operators and improve their skills, said AFSPC officials. It provides select officers the opportunity to gain in-depth system expertise, detailed insight into command-wide operations and a chance to develop the vital skills necessary for future AFSPC and Air Force leaders.

"TOP HAND will create a cadre of professionals with greater depth and breadth of experience in the space and missile career fields as envisioned by the Space Commission," said Brig. Gen. Doug Fraser, Space Warfare Center commander.

The TOP HAND program began in 1972 under the Strategic Air Command. These boards selected missileers for the ICBM testing conducted at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. "TOP HANDers" quickly gained the reputation as the home of the best missileers. TOP HAND missileers were often selected for highly competitive air and joint staff positions. In 1995, space operators joined the TOP HAND selections process to fill positions in the 17th Test Squadron located in the newly formed Space Warfare Center at Schriever AFB. In 1996, the TOP HAND board dissolved to reflect the command's new emphasis on merging space and missile career paths.

Now, AFSPC officials said, it's time to recognize the importance of operators with deep knowledge of a system and to develop those operators within TOP HAND squadrons -- the 576th Flight Test Squadron and the 17th Test Squadron.

The 576th has a mission to conduct a full range of operational tests to support the nation's ICBM systems. Every year the squadron pulls missiles from the operational inventory and launches them to the Reagan Ballistic Missile Test Site at the Kwajalein Atoll. Known as "Glory Trips," these launches serve as the most visible test activities within AFSPC. However, the 576th also conducts Simulated Electronic Launches for the Minuteman ICBM system as well as tests to extend the operational lifespan of on-alert ICBMs.

"The tremendous success of ICBM testing over the last 30-plus years is directly attributable to the exceptionally talented people we have placed in the 'hot seat,'" Lord said.

A relative newcomer to the testing world, the 17th Test Squadron is responsible for evaluating the operational effectiveness, suitability and proposed tactics of AFSPC space systems located around the world. In addition to the main squadron at Schriever AFB, the 17th has three detachments: the first for passive space surveillance; the second dedicated to the Integrated Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment mission within Cheyenne Mountain; and a third split between the launch ranges at Vandenberg and Patrick AFBs. The 17th also oversees testing at operating locations at Peterson and Buckley AFBs.

"Given the increasing importance of space to terrestrial combat operations and the emergence of counterspace operations as a key mission area, the TOP HAND program is evolving to include our 'space testers,'" Lord said.

The revitalized program will give the best the chance to prove it, he continued.

"TOP HAND provides an outstanding opportunity for our best space and missile officers," he said. "What they do is critical to the reliability and readiness of our space and ICBM forces."