JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
From Feb. 1 -2, Joint Base Andrews was evaluated on its supportive joint-basing capabilities and was awarded a grade of 96 percent - placing Andrews at number one compared to every other Air Force-led joint base.
In order to rack and stack these newly-formed joint installations, joint bases have to meet certain joint base regulations known as Joint Base-Common Output Level Standards, or JB-COLS. JB-COLS were established by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) after the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure commission (BRAC) helped combine 26 geographically-close military installations into 12 joint-service installations. JB-COLS help ensure that these new joint bases are meeting joint-basing and supportive services standards.
Additionally, these newly-dubbed joint bases are assigned one military department to be the lead (or host) service at each location. Andrews is an Air Force-hosted, or Air Force-led, joint base.
"The great thing about JB-COLS is that they clearly demonstrate what our capabilities are, and how we are accomplishing our missions as a joint base," said Eric Sharman, 11th Wing Public Affairs media operations chief and Andrews' public affairs JB-COLS reporting agent.
Another responsibility of a joint base's host service is to be the steward of installation's real property and the sole service provider for installation's support services. Other military departments (Navy, Marines, etc.) on the joint base will continue to maintain and conduct their mission.
A few examples of the installation support services that Andrews provides include: Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), airfield operations, housing and food services, grounds maintenance and public affairs.
Emily Moore, 11th Wing Plans and Programming program analyst and JB-COLS reporting agent, provided input on the more than 240 JB-COLS for which Andrews was graded.
"There are actually a lot more than 240 JB-COLS, but some are not applicable to this base," said Moore. "For instance, port services are all 'N/A' because we don't have a port on Andrews!"
Even with a high mark of 96 percent, which made Andrews number one in Air Force-led joint bases, the installation fell short of being ranked number one joint base for all of the Department of Defense (DOD).
"This year we missed that mark by one percent," said Moore. "I'd like to see us achieve this distinction next year. However, what's most important is that Andrews continues to provide the best support we can for the Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers and Marines and their families who are stationed here."
JB-COLS polls are taken quarterly and are reported annually. In order for Andrews to improve its ranking next year, Moore highlights factors which may help this base achieve a desired high DOD ranking.
"I'd say first - we should continue doing what we are doing," said Moore. "Some joint bases only meet 75 percent of their JB-COLS, so we stand out as a very successful joint base. The OSD has acknowledged that joint basing is a young and evolving program, and is one that will continue to be refined by the input provided by experts here at our installation. That said, communication is key, share your great ideas please!"
For more information about JB-COLS or the joint-basing ranking system, contact Emily Moore at Emily.moore@afncr.af.mil.