11 Sep 15 - Brown Bag Q&A POC

The GC Brown Bag Luncheon POC is Carol-Ann Fisher; Plans, Analysis & Integration Office; 767-5047 or email: carol.a.fisher1.civ@mail.mil

3 Jun 15 - Routing Slips for Garrison HQs

Question: ISO: Routing slips for documents brought to Garrison HQs?  When we drop off and pick up documents to/from HQs we have to log it in and sign for it, but they don’t.

Answer: GCSM:  Bring your routing slip with you for USAG staff to sign when dropping off documents.  This will keep everyone held accountable for the whereabouts of your documents.

GC: I agree.  You can also put it out on SharePoint.  SharePoint is the way to go to track your documents.

3 Jun 15 - Motorcycle Safety Course

Comment: The Safety Office is in a better position now than in years past.  There is great progress being made with the motorcycle course. 

Question:  GC: Have you re-visited the bldg issue from 2 years ago?  The estimate back then was over $1M.  Are you going to re-submit the project? 

Answer: ISO stated that they will be moving into bldg. 627 once it has been renovated.

 

3 Jun 15 - Processing Civilian Awards

Question:  Other staff members are processing awards and leaving me out of the loop.  I have been doing this for 13 years and don’t understand why people are bypassing me and going straight to the Garrison HQs?  This is causing friction between us and I don’t like it.

Answer:  GCSM:  I will ask this?  How often do you get together with your folks to train?  With all of that knowledge that you have, it would be great if you could share it with others in your directorate so that information sharing is communicated more freely and to expand the knowledge of others.

GC: We will inform the Company and Battalion of the proper protocols regarding processing military vs civilian awards. 

3 Jun 15 - Processing Awards

Question:  Processing Awards:  An award was processed for a chaplain back in March and in May it came back with corrections and requesting changes be made to the write up and that it was too lengthy.  It is not fair that we should have to re-write the award based on what the Installation Chaplain initially wrote. 

Answer:  GCSM:  I believe that there is more involved with this particular situation.  When I see late awards at Staff Call it upsets me.  When I spoke to the company about this problem, you probably received some of their frustration.  So some of that was my fault. 

GC: You could ask CPAC to conduct training for your HR folks.  You could also create a flowchart to show your folks the awards process between military vs civilian. 

2 Jun 15 - Fitness Classes at Newman Gym

Question:  How do you determine what classes are taught at Newman Gym?  I would like a boxing class.

Answer:  Great idea!  FMWR can offer fitness classes depending upon being able to get a contractor to teach it and the desire of the patrons to attend.  We can certainly look into a boxing class.

2 Jun 15 - Awards

Question:  GCSM:  What is the highest award that you have received as a civilian? 

Answer:  Group:  GC coin, 59 minutes, cash award.

GC: Unlike the military awards system, the civilian awards system is a stair-step process.  You must receive the lower awards before ever receiving a higher civilian award.  I disagree with the process and we need to do a better job at getting our directors to award civilian awards to their employees, so that by the time they retire, they will get a well-deserved higher civilian service award for their time in service.

 

2 Jun 15 - RDO's

Question:  Why can’t MWR employees get RDO’s anymore?

Answer:  RDO’s ended on 31 Dec 14.  What is in place now is the flexible work schedule where APF employees can earn a total of 24 credit hours while working within the core hours of 0900-1500, and then employees can use those credit hours for time off.

With that said however, FMWR programs and services are front door operations that require staffing at customer expected levels throughout the day and week. FMWR cannot offer RDO’s.  Hours of work are consistent with AR 215-3 and Article 26 of the FS/HAAF NAF & AFGE Local 1922 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

24 Apr 15 - Media Content on TV Screens

Question:  Who controls the media content on the TV screens in areas on the installation?

Answer:  MWR controls it.  It is managed through a NAF contract.

24 Apr 15 - S6 Authorizations

Question:  Do you think we will get anymore authorizations in S6?

Answer:  We may end up receiving another which would increase your authorizations to two, but is still unknown for certain.

24 Apr 15 - Garrison Visitor Parking Area

Question: Why are there 4 handicapped parking spots across from the garrison visitor parking area?  1-2 would be enough and they should be closer to building 624.

Answer:  We will look at a possible re-striping project and putting the parking spaces closer to the door.

21 Apr 15 - GC DPW Brown Bag Closing Comments

GC Closing Comment: Feel free to send me an email with any concerns.

21 Apr 15 - Ft Stewart Football Golf Project

Question:  Are there any plans to construct a Football Golf Project at Ft Stewart?

Answer:  We are evaluating the program right now at Hunter AAF.  If it is successful, we can implement at Ft Stewart.  Overall, the cost to implement is very inexpensive (approx. $5K).

21 Apr 15 - Civilian Game Wardens

Question:  Are the Civilian Game Wardens being replaced with Soldiers?

Answer:  There is no current no plan to replace Department of the Army Conservation Law Enforcement Officers with Soldiers.

21 Apr 15 - Unit ISR Inspections

Question:  Units are not completing their ISR inspections in a timely manner.  What can be done about that?

Answer:  I will re-emphasize the timelines for completion to the units.

21 Apr 15 - NCO Academy Instructors

Question:  Are there any civilian instructors at the NCO Academy?  If not, can we assist if needed?

Answer:  Currently the instructors are only active duty Soldiers, but we can let them know we do have experienced civilians that can assist with instruction if needed.

21 Apr 15 - IMCOM Training Courses

Question:  Can IMCOM reduce the 90 day requirement in obtaining funding approval on attending training courses?

Answer:  IMCOM is currently in the process of redeveloping the workforce development program, but it takes a lot of time.  We can look at some exceptions to policy with regards to those unique training courses offered.

21 Apr 15 - Employee Cross Training

Question:  Cross training opportunities: There is so much competitiveness (ICTAP, VEOA, etc).  Despite having degrees, some fields and series are extremely difficult to move up/out from within for professional development (ie: Supply Tech).  What can we do?

Answer:  I would recommend not limiting yourself to only Ft Stewart as the reality is there are only so many positions on the TDA.  Continue to strive in making yourself marketable and more competitive.  Cross training is very important to me, but you have to also be mobile or open to relocation in order to move up sometimes.  This should be discussed with your supervisor during counseling periods.  I encourage all employees to look at other opportunities for advancement/career development and cross training certainly helps in making you marketable.  This can be discussed and approved between Directors and can even be split up over time (ie: 2 hrs/day).  It’s all about taking care of employees and is something outlined within my Annual Training Guidance.

21 Apr 15 - Service Contract Contingency Clins

Question:  Service Contracts (ie: Cost Plus): Is there any way to add a clause to service contracts to add additional funding instead of going through an entire “re-signing” process?  In other words, can we as IMCOM for De-obligated funds that were not used to cover incidentals? (Example was: set original contract lower but have funds available in needed in a “general fund of some kind” if needed).

Answer: The answer is yes.  We can and sometimes add a "contingency clin" to a service contract without any funding on it initially.  If funding is needed urgently we can quickly add funding to the clin that has already been established without re-negotiating the entire contract.  Or, if there is money on a clin that is not needed at the end of a contract we can de-obligate those dollars and ideally use them for another purpose.  DPW is currently looking at all their contracts to see where this needs to be done.

21 Apr 15 - Pedestrian Crossing Adjacent DPW

Question:  The pedestrian crossing in front of DPW (Bldg 1137) is not being followed or adhered to by motorist and many have almost been struck while crossing the roadway. How can this be resolved?

Answer:  We can increase patrols in that area and we may need to do a campaign.  We are going to see more traffic circles since statistics have shown they reduce accidents overall. We have increase patrols presents during peak times mentioned to enforce traffic regulations.   

21 Apr 15 - HWY144 Right of Way Easement Projects

Question:  What is the status on the HWY 144 Right of Way Easement Projects?

Answer:  It is still a valid project ($41M) and is a 50/50 state/federally funded project (Traffic circle adjacent to Loves Gas Station and 14 miles onto post).  This issue is funding and there currently is no MCA funding available.  Funding challenges also impact our surrounding communities such as TSPLOST not passing, which had an impact.

21 Apr 15 - HWY 119/144 Auto Accidents

Question:  HWY 119/144 Auto Accidents (specifically at Trail# 43 – Red Cloud Hotel) and FS Road 144 and 149.  What are the required precautions of military vehicles crossing the highways and use of Road Guards?

Answer:  Convoy speeds are posted and all track vehicle require road guards whereas wheeled vehicles do not require road guards.  Many commanders have made efforts to reinforce the old rules of 100 meters between vehicles in convoys.  However, if any person observes an unsafe act while travelling on the roads and highways, please report it to the MPs. Fort Stewart Regulation 385-14 also outlines the policy for tank trail crossing of units that are operating in the training areas.  Range Control along with the Military Police have and will continue to enforce this policy.  Signs are also posted to alert drivers of tank crossing ahead. 

1 Apr 15 - GC Funding Update

GC Update: So for the rest of the year looking at our spending perspective, IMCOM is $840M short.  LTG Halverson has pulled 4^th quarter UFM funds from MWR to cover costs, but are still short.  We are currently 63% obligated.  We may lose a couple of contracts in 3^rd and 4^th quarter.  Directors need to have a backup plan.  I don’t see a large pot of extra money at the end of the year.

1 Apr 15 - Unruly Soldier Outprocessing

Question:  When an unruly Soldier is out-processing and the MPs are called to escort him out, should they be escorted by them when they return a second/third time?

Answer:  They should be escorted by an NCO from their unit.  They need to go through their chain of command.  I can guarantee you that they will escort the Soldier.  MPs do not escort Soldiers to out-processing appointments.

1 Apr 15 - Casualty Assistance Office

Question:  Casualty Assistance Office:  Assisting surviving spouse of a Retiree.  We are told that we can only assist Active Duty families.  Before we sent the Soldier to Florida to assist the surviving spouse, we asked SOS and they said that the Soldier could not travel and they would not pay for it.

Answer:  We need to look at each situation on a case-by-case basis.  We are preaching Soldier for Life, so we can’t just be promoting it on a slide.  We need to do what’s right and take care of their families too.  We need to get with ACS and SOS and discuss a way ahead on how to improve this situation.  I will approve it.

ACS/SOS Response: We service Retirees and invite them to all our events. The problem is we don't have information on issues really pertinent to them like VA and RSO when it comes to Widows Pension or SBP.  We help them by referring them to those agencies and ones such as AER or local agencies if they need food, shelter or clothing. The issue of whether or nor not we go to their homes is on a case by case basis but Active Duty SOS is not like SOS Reserve or SOS NG in which their main job/focus is to  visit families in their homes. We have always been told that we have money to travel but not specifically to homes for visits but to set up within local events to get the SOS message out there and we plan to do that whenever possible with plans to visit Valdosta in the near future.  SOS Financial Counselor has been assisting all Survivors, retirees and active duty when requested and can set up an appointment at a predetermined location. We will service and answer questions for anyone who needs it and never ever turn ANYONE AWAY.  Sir, we not only answer the questions we call the agencies to get the exact information so Survivors do not get the run around or get confused.  But if the case is still active and benefits have not been received within the Casualty arena Ms. Linda Johnson the Benefit Coordinator is the best person to handle those issues. No problems have been brought to our attention or Casualty that I am aware of. We work well to handle all Survivor issues.

1 Apr 15 - GC Priorities

Question:  We are submitting our priorities up the chain, but what are your priorities?  So that we can submit them down to our staff.

Answer:  Unless something drastically changes, my main priority is workforce development and people.  We have broken the trust of our civilians.  I am doing what I can to help.  How is the Army Career Tracker (ACT) program working in your area?

DHR:  Pretty good.  We have had several people already attend CES Intermediate and Advanced Courses and we are focusing on quarterly training.  We have recently made a motto for DHR:  People first – mission always.

1 Apr 15 - IMCOM HQ Staff

Question:  There is a lot of frustration with the IMCOM HQs staff.  Is there any opportunity for them to receive training as to how Garrisons run?

Answer:  Yes LTG Halverson recognizes the situation and is trying to fix IMCOM first before sending folks down to the Garrison level.  He has already pulled some folks from the Region and Garrison level to work at IMCOM HQs.  They are promoting the Talent Management and Developmental Assignment Program (DAP) trying to get folks to go work at IMCOM HQs, and there is also talk about splitting ACSIM away from IMCOM in August.  We all recognize the situation, but it is out of my control.

1 Apr 15 - 4th of July Celebration

Question:  Will there be a 4^th of July celebration this year?

Answer:  Yes it will probably be the same as what we had last year:  Twilight Tattoo and fireworks, but no band due to the cost.  FMWR has looked into bringing a pay-as-you-go concert to FS/HAAF but they cannot make the budget work to be able to afford that either.

1 Apr 15 - Museum Move

Question:  Where has the museum moved to?

Answer:  The museum is now in Bldg 507, which is by the Main Post Chapel.  It will open in conjunction with the 75^th Anniversary of Fort Stewart in November during Marne Week.  Right now they are in the process of building displays.  Mr. Meeks is the Museum Director and will let you stop by to take a look.

1 Apr 15 - Veterans Parkway Widening

Question:  Why are we widening Veterans Parkway on post as a GA road?

Answer:  It will ease the large flow of traffic coming on and going off post which benefits the city as well.  The city and State are also paying part of the bill, so we end up only paying about 20% of the bill.

1 Apr 15 - Vehicle Registration Status

Question:  What is the status on vehicle registration on post?

Answer:  The stickers are gone.  We are no longer using them.  We are going to the Visitor Control Center (VCC) and the Automated Installation Entry (AIE).  AIE2+ should be in effect by August.  The system will be able to read your CAC card or driver’s license and tell if there are any discrepancies against you.  It runs your information through GCIC.  It takes a few seconds and can be done right there at the gate, alleviating the need to go into the visitor center for a pass.  This system will eventually be Army wide by FY18.

1 Apr 15 - Soldier Event Participation

Question:  We need more Soldier participation at our events. 

Answer:  You need to request Soldier participation for attending your events through a FRAGO.  Specifically state how many Soldiers you will need and the units will send representation to your event.  There are conflicts sometimes due to training, but units should have folks able to support you.  You can also send out reminders (published FRAGO) to folks about your event so that they don’t forget.  If they do not show up, let the Garrison CSM know and he will look into it for you. 

1 Apr 15 - HAAF Education Center Move

Question:  Is the HAAF Education Center moving to Perimeter Road?

Answer: It is our intent to move it, but it will be going into the former bingo hall, Bldg 128 on William Barksdale Circle.  This will put it closer to the barracks and next to Tominac Fitness Center.  The current plan is to design to renovate the bldg. assuming funds are available in FY16.  If funded and contracted in FY16, the contract completion will probably not be until FY17.

20 Mar 15 - Book Club

Question:  Idea to start a book club.  Great way to keep people motivated.  Or have an APP where folks can discuss ideas with their peers/mentors.

Answer: That is a good idea.  A key part would be to set aside time to do it.  We need to get the younger staff to believe in it and participate.  Similar to talent management.  GS 13-14’s already have 20-30 years of service.  We need to hit the early career staff, that’s who needs to be in talent management. 

20 Mar 15 - GS 13-14 Developmental Programs

Question:  Developmental Programs for GS 13-14 require a secret clearance.  For those folks who do not have a secret clearance (not a part of your job description), they cannot take advantage of the courses.

Answer: I would first recommend that you complete the CES Advanced Course as it is becoming a pre-requisite to many advanced courses.  If you would like to then apply to the Command and General Staff Officer Course (CGSOC) or the Executive Leader Development Program (ELDP) and do not have a secret clearance, I recommend that you first speak to your directorate regarding your professional development plans.  Your directorate can submit a memorandum through me to the DPTMS Security Division requesting for you to obtain a secret clearance with the intent of being accepted to one of the programs listed above or other executive-level courses.  The DPTMS Security Division will start the secret clearance process.  The timeframe for a secret clearance to be fully completed through all of the different channels is different for each person.

20 Mar 15 - Women's Mentoring Program

Question:  Thank you Sir for your support with the Women’s Mentorship Program.  It was a great experience and good for the installation.

Answer: It was my pleasure.  I hope that we can continue it.  I believe that EEO will be offering it again sometime in May.

A mentoring program should go down to the lowest level.  That will change the attitude of the garrison surveys.  It is an invaluable program and also important to provide feedback.

20 Mar 15 - ACS AFAP Accreditation

Comment from ACS: ACS AFAP passed their accreditation and did an outstanding job.  We have some “best practices” in the program that we should share with other installations.

20 Mar 15 - ISR Status Reporting

Comment from GC:  ISR Status Report is currently showing us at GREEN level due to BMM and some measures that are not addressed correctly.  We will be pulling out BMM from our status reporting.

20 Mar 15 - FY16 TDA

Comment from GC:  IMCOM Cdr has stated that they are trying to work through the funding shortfall of $960M.  There is not a lot of pressure to get to the FY16 TDA numbers.  We will continue to work through it with natural attrition.

19 Mar 15 - Priority Placement Program (PPP)

Question:  Priority Placement Program (PPP)

Answer:  DGC: It is a DoD program.  CPAC considers you by worldwide, region, and installation.  Once you are in the PPP Program you have one shot at accepting a position.  When you are offered a position and you don’t take it, you are on your own.

NAF personnel are not currently a part of the PPP.  Most of the MWR personnel are NAF employees.  IMCOM is looking at the Human Capital Plan and the NAF policy is being addressed in there. 

19 Mar 15 - Access Passes for Non-Affililiated Personnel

Question:  Access passes that are being given to non-affiliated folks who have golf, skeet, bowling memberships, etc. are receiving passes that say “MWR GYM”.  They are now using the gym and are not authorized to use the gym.

Answer: Thank you for bringing this to our attention.  FMWR will advise all managers immediately that gate access cards do not entitle people to Fitness Center usage.  Managers will reinforce that gym customers must have a valid identification card (Common Access Card, Retiree Card, Dependent Card, or Gold Star Card) authorizing gate access in accordance to AR 215-1.  We appreciate you bringing this to our attention.

19 Mar 15 - Gate Access in April

Question:  Could you please elaborate on the gate access process in April?

Answer: From 1-30 April the Directorate of Emergency Services will close the Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield Visitor Control Centers between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.  This measure is being taken to help the Garrison's ability to determine future planning efforts of our Access Control and Visitor Control Measures.  All visitors who have a valid pass or Common Access Card / Military ID to access post unescorted will be able to access post as normal.

Visitors who do not have a valid pass or Common Access Card / Military ID will not be granted unescorted access to the installation and will be required to have a valid Common Access Card / Military ID holder physically meet them at Gate 1 (FS) or the Montgomery Gate (HAAF) for access.  The valid ID Holder will be the visitor's "Sponsor" while on the installation.

Once the sponsor meets their guest at the gate they will be allowed to follow their sponsor in their vehicle to their final destination.  Visitors will be logged onto post once the sponsor arrives at the gate.  The Sponsor will be responsible and held accountable to maintain positive control of those they escort on and off the installation.  Sponsors are also responsible for the personal conduct of their visitors. 

Only valid Sponsors 18 and older will be allow to sponsor Guests/Visitors during this time period.  Up to five visitors will be allowed per sponsor.

Sponsors who fail to obey this directive could lose the privilege of sponsoring future guests or visitors. 

Your cooperation and patience is requested during this time period.  For questions or concerns relating to this Test Phase please contact Art Weston, Chief of Physical Security at (912) 767-1183

2 Mar 15 - DPW Oversight on Licensed Projects

Question:  DPW oversight on licensed projects.  They are not informing us when contractors come out to do work.  They are tearing up our site and there is no DPW oversight with them. 

Answer:  Due to the lack of manpower, DPW does not have the personnel to escort contractors to each job.  The contractor has a “Quality Assurance Plan” written into their contracts which state how they will be complete the jobs.  The DPW personnel will conduct spot checks and will check on critical phases of the jobs, but they do not escort contractors to each job site.

 

2 Mar 15 - NEC Obligations

Question: When the DOIM transitioned to the NEC, how did that change their obligation to us?

Answer:  There is an MOU signed that states that items they provided to the installation before would not change.  We are also looking at re-establishing IMOs or requesting them as over-hires.

2 Mar 15 - Texting on Blackberry's

Question: Is the policy letter on no texting on blackberry’s still in effect?

Answer:  There is no charge for texting on a blackberry.  However text messages have been blocked on cell phones because there is a cost associated after 20 text messages.

2 Mar 15 - LOHMA KD Range Contract

Question: LOHMA (Location Hit & Miss) device at the Known Distance Range – need $50k to complete.

Answer:  The cost for location of Miss and Hit (LOMAH) for Red Cloud - Echo Known distance Range is $95,452.09.  will be purchased based on availability of funds.

2 Mar 15 - Checks & Balances

Question:  The automated systems are time consuming. GCC GFEBS, etc. with all the extra checks and balances involved now.

Answer:  I agree with you.  Everyone recognizes it.  We have a bad process and IMCOM controls the purse strings.  It is painful in every area.  We have to start weighing this stuff out and start saying what we are going to stop doing.

2 Mar 15 - Re-balance

Question:  As far as the rebalance is concerned, is there a timeframe assigned to it?

Answer:  Not really.  As we need to downsize, we will provide VERA/VSIP, normal attrition, re-assignments, and the last resort is a RIF to get down the numbers.

2 Mar 15 - IOC Issues

Question:  IOC Issues.  There are a lot of local requirements to deal with.  Do we want to view it as IMCOM’s perspective or Region’s perspective as far as the MDEP reduction?

Answer:  We need to lay down what we provide to justify the positions.  Region is asking if we need to have a 24-hour operation?  If so, why?  We have to justify how we have no more people to cut and if we do, we will have to stop services or request over-hires. 

We will be going back to ISR-Services and taking BMM out of the equation to print a more realistic picture.

2 Mar 15 - TMP Vehicles

Question: Vehicles needed by multiple people and DPTMS only has one.  Truck should be for CMC and DPTMS should have the sedan.

Answer:  Please count and justify your miles showing validated usage.  As long as you get between 300-400 miles per month I will support you.

 

26 Jan 15 - Promotions

Q6:  Is there still a freeze on GS increase? Example: GS 9 to GS 11 – what requirements need to be met in order to submit a request for such an increase in a particular job?

A6:  There is no freeze.  Regarding PD increases, your supervisor must complete Annex G showing increases in job duties and submit to IMCOM for approval.

 

26 Jan 15 - Access Control

Q5:  We seem to be putting a lot of energy/emphasis on access control…thoughts?

A5:  Yes we are.  Basically the shooting at Canada’s parliament bldg and other threats around the world, combined with our security requirements, make it necessary for us to focus on securing the installation. 

26 Jan 15 - Private Owned Weapons Range

Q4:  Is it possible to have a range open one day a week for family/POW use?   Similar to Aiken Range on Fort Jackson.

A4:  DFMWR has a POW (Private Owned Weapons) range available on weekends and holidays from 0700-1500 for folks to use.  It is located behind the Pass and Permit and Game Warden Offices on Highway 144 East.  Patrons will need to register inside the Pass and Permit Office before firing their weapons.

26 Jan 15 - TDA

Q3:  Why aren’t employees paid according to the TDA?  If an employee retires or quits, the new employee will be hired at the higher grade.  Why?

A3:  This goes back to what your grade is on the TDA.   About 10% of the civilian workforce doesn’t match what their grade is on the TDA.  Annex G to the Civilian Hiring OPORD explains how to request an increase.  Your supervisor will need to complete the request.  

26 Jan 15 - Civilians in DES

Q2:  What is the status on keeping civilians at DES?  Will they be phased out?  If so, will jobs be provided for them?

A2:  Good question.  The current TDA has approx 153 cuts across the Garrison and several of those belong to DES.  Yes we could put Soldiers in these positions but there would not be any continuity since they rotate out often.  We are currently working on requesting over-hires.  There is no attempt on our part to phase out the DES Civilians.  DPW Master Planning is also in the same situation.

26 Jan 15 - Active Shooter

Q1:  Are we really prepared in the event of an active shooter?

A1:  Yes absolutely.  We will see shortly when we have another exercise.