Program needs volunteer ‘terrorists’ Published May 13, 2003 KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFPN) -- Officials from the Air Force Research Laboratory here need “bad guys” to act as terrorists and threaten the U.S. space system.The lab’s Space Countermeasures Hands On Program builds special teams -- usually four junior officers or civilian grade equivalents -- to look for potential vulnerabilities in the country’s space defenses.Team members can come from any service, and the four-month temporary duty is paid for by the lab’s space vehicles directorate.“We look primarily for very bright and energetic lieutenants, generally with technical education, although we will consider ‘non-techies’ too because they give the team a balance,” said John Holbrook, the program’s operations manager. “Usually, three to four missions are run per year, so there’s a recurrent need for volunteers.”“To apply, you need a secret clearance, permission from your boss to be gone for four months and an ability to think creatively” said Maj. Susan Fisher, program manager.Officials specifically want junior and inexperienced, said officials.“Our missions teams work hard, and we place a heavy responsibility on their young shoulders. But, they also have fun and leave Kirtland knowing the brief time they were here has made a significant impact to national defense” says Col. Tim Williams, chief of the lab’s integrated experiments division.For more information about the program, call Holbrook at DSN 246-2875 or (505) 846-2875.