Completed Issues
(FY 07)
These issues were submitted by the community through
Community FIRST/AFAP, and are deemed completed by the responsible organizations or directorates on
ARMY
& AIR FORCE EXCHANGE SERVICES (AAFES)
CIVILIAN
PERSONNEL ADVISORY CENTER (CPAC)
DEFENSE MILITARY
PAYROLL OFFICE (DMPO)
DIRECTORATE OF
EMERGENCY SERVICE (DES)
DIRECTORATE OF HUMAN
RESOURCES (DHR)
DIRECTORATE OF
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (DOIM)
DIRECTORATE OF LOGISTICS AND ENGINEERING
(DLE)
DIRECTORATE OF MORALE, WELFARE,
& RECREATION (MWR)
DIRECTORATE OF PLANS, TRAINING,
MOBILIZATION
DIRECTORATE OF RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
- GARRISON (DRM)
INSTALLATION HOUSING OFFICE
(IHO)
INSTALLATION SAFETY OFFICE (ISO)
MONCRIEF ARMY COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
(MACH)
Back to the Fort Jackson Customer Management Homepage
Issue 1: I was recently at the Gate 2 Shoppette on Graduation Day. I was shocked while waiting in line to hear family members being verbally rude and obnoxious to the clerk because they could not buy cigarettes or alcohol.
Recommendation: Signs should
be put at the cashier stations stating, “You must be and ID card holder to
purchase items.” In addition, I suggest
that this information be included in the informational packets that are sent to
family members that are attending graduations.
Response: AAFES
regulations require that cashiers ask customers for their authorized military
ID cards. All customers are required to
show their ID before a purchase is made.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07)
Issue 2: The main Post Exchange is too
small. Soldiers in Training take
over the PX for 2 days of the week.
Recommendation: Make the PX
bigger.
Response: The
current PX is approximately five years old. Normally Master Planning is done
every 10 – 15 years. This will
definitely be an issue of consideration at the next assigned Master Planning.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07)
Issue 3: The PX hours during Block Leave go down to a scaled down
version when the basic trainees are here.
I realize that a ton of money comes from the graduating families, but
let us not forget the primary reason for support here at Fort Jackson is the
permanent party Soldiers and their families.
Recommendation: Ensure that
the hours are extensive enough to cover normal duty hours and provide
opportunities for all to enjoy the PX privileges during the Christmas/Holiday
Season.
Response:
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07)
Issue 4: Broken gas pumps at AAFES gas stations.
Recommendation: Repair the
broken gas pumps.
Response: A project is submitted to replace all gas
pumps. Additional information regarding
the project status will be made available as received.
Status: Completed (2nd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 5: Better prices, better sales throughout the year.
Recommendation: Lower prices
and have more sales for the military community.
Response: AAFES
policy to provide the best price and service to our customers. Don’t forget to take advantage of our price
challenge program where we match competitors’ prices. We are implementing quarterly sales events to
bring better savings to the community.
Check out your community website at www.aafes.com
for a complete listing of all schedule events.
Also, stop by your PX and sign up for AAFES “buddy list” program to
receive advance information regarding all the excitement happening around your
Exchange.
Status: Completed (2nd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 6: Air Pumps Not Working
Both air pumps on
Recommendation:
Fix the
air pumps.
Response: All pumps are currently working except Gate 1 Shoppette. A work order is submitted for this repair.
Status: Complete (4th
Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: ID Card support for deploying Soldiers and Family Members of Army National Guard (ARNG)
There is a lack of mobile facilities and sites in
Recommendation:
Response: There should
not be any problem with family members going to any National Guard Armory,
Status: Completed (AFAP/2nd Qtr FY07)
Issue 1: New DOD Employee Orientation
Newly arrived and DOD personnel have no reception and integration training. Employees are not informed of basic information that is necessary to understand basic policy and procedures. The morale and efficiency of employee job performance can be negatively impacted by this lack of knowledge.
Recommendation:
1.
CPAC needs to contact the directors and commanders to identify their
current
Training coordinators.
2.
Publicize in the Fort Jackson Leader all upcoming employees training.
3.
Model “Army 101” to “
Response: The
CPAC conducts New Employee Orientation sessions quarterly. The CPAC’s module covers employee’s benefits,
entitlements, performance appraisal system, job descriptions,
training/developmental opportunities, labor/employee relations. Representatives from various offices on the
installation cover their respective topics such as safety, EEO, ethics, labor
relations, Exceptional Family Member Program.
The information regarding the New Employee Orientation is provided to
the liaisons in the organizations for distribution. The CPAC will begin publishing the
information in the “Leader”. Directors
& commanders know who their training coordinators are because they
designate them.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian
Employee Focus Group)
Issue 2: The grade levels of GS employees on
Recommendation: Grading system should be standardized throughout all installations.
Response: (Previously submitted – 1st Qtr FY 06)
It is not unusual for positions among
installations that appear to be similar to have the same title but different
grades. It would be very difficult to
standardize grades among installations because a number of factors influence
the grades of positions. First, the
Federal law, Title 5,
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian
Employee Focus Group)
Issue 3: Management accountability to their employees.
Management should provide pertinent information required for
employees to perform duties; ensure the workplace atmosphere is not hostile or
threatening; ensure fair and equal promotion recommendations and make training
is made available to all employees.
Recommendation: Managers should be trained and attend refresher training in employee relations.
Response: (Previously
submitted – 4th Qtr FY 04)
There are three
courses available for first time civilian supervisors. The Supervisory Development Course (SDC) is
an on-line course which is mandatory for all military and civilian
supervisors. Leadership Education and
Development (LEAD) course is also mandatory and conducted on
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian
Employee Focus Group)
Issue 4: Mentorship Program
There is no active mentorship program for ALL DOD employees. Without a mentor, employees are hindered in their advancement. This may negatively affect a civilian employee’s career progression.
Recommendation:
1.
Make a mentor available to all employees within their organization.
2.
Provide and promote a training location, equipment and time.
Response: The Department
of Army has a Mentoring Program established that is covered under DA Pamphlet
690-46. IMCOM also has a Mentoring
Program. The CPAC will draft a proposed
program for commander’s decision and coordination with management as
appropriate.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian
Employee Focus Group)
Issue 5: Installation mandatory training.
All of these trainings are canned presentations whether on line or in person. They are not tailored to the audience to which they are presented and consequently are not as effective as they should or could be. These trainings are also being done to the detriment of the mission. They are both time consuming and costly in dollars in productivity as well as creating additional stress in the workplace.
Recommendation:
1. Carefully consider the need for
and impact of mandatory training and tailor the training to the audience it
will be presented to.
2. Train the Trainer – Each
individual unit/organization identify a trainer that can attend the initial
training and then tailor the presentation for their unit/organizations specific
audience.
3. Supply an alternative to on-line
training given that there are many installation personnel who do not have
access to a computer as part of their normal duties.
Response: The
training that is mandated by the Department of Army many
times comes with the prescribed training
material to be used and the method of delivery such as classroom or
on-line. If the training is conducted in
a classroom, the instructor and the employees have a shared
responsibility. The instructor is
expected to deliver the training in a customer-friendly language; and employees
are expected to participate in the training by asking questions to ensure they
gain an understanding of the material. While
the training may be mandatory, it is expected to be accomplished around the
mission, not in lieu of the mission.
Arrangements are made to accommodate
employees who do not have access to computers.
In some cases train-the-trainer concept may be appropriate. Those responsible for the training may bring
it to the appropriate leaders to implement this concept.
Status: Completed (2nd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 6: Raise for Civilian Employees.
Recommendation: Civilian
Employees should get a 3% raise.
Response: Pay raises for Federal employees are
proposed by Congress and approved by the President.
Status: Completed (2nd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 7: Customer Service Accountability
Customer service is a post-wide problem. Customer service training is ineffective when
managers and employees are not being held accountable. This problem affects the entire
Recommendation:
1.
Management must meet set standards as well as implement and enforce said
standard.
2.
Corrective training administered to those with a number of negative
complaints.
3.
Implement a “boss” telephone line.
Response: Customer
service accountability appears to be at the command level.
Response Update (Mar 2007): Customer service accountability is a leadership/supervisor issue
within the directorates/organizations providing the service. Individual leadership/supervisors of
directorate/organizations should take corrective steps when necessary. In reference to implementing a “boss” line –
this requirement is not necessary as ICE is a direct link from customer to
management.
Update: Modified response: Move this issue to the completed list.
Update: Presented issue to WB Action Council and voted
complete. (Jan 07)
Status: Complete (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian
Employee Focus Group)
Issue 8: NSPS Training
NSPS training on writing of objectives was not sufficient for employees or supervisors nor was the training on the use of the automated system adequate. The failure to adequately train the workforce on the new system will ultimately have a negative impact on employees.
Recommendation:
Provide good “sample” objectives
for all types of jobs not just clerical positions. Provide mentoring for supervisors in the
writing of objectives. Have someone who
has been successful provide support to those having difficulty.
Response: Working to schedule more training.
Update: The CPAC provides ongoing training on development of SMART Objectives and also provides personal assistance, upon request, to customers. The training is published in the CPAC Training Calendar. The CPAC team requests feedback from customers on ways of improving the training and also requests participants to complete an evaluation of the training. We use the evaluations to improve the training material and the delivery of the training.
Status: Complete (4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Fluctuating Commissary Prices.
At certain times of the month (around paydays) the
commissary prices increase on store items.
For example, one week paper towels are $1.36, 2nd week they
are $1.74. Another item without coupon
is $1.50, next week with a coupon $2.00.
This affects the entire
Recommendation:
1. Keep pricing at a reasonable
level without fluctuation (except for sales)
2. Allow price matching at the
commissary.
Response: We conduct bi-weekly price changes at the
commissary, the prices change
on the 1st and 15th of each month. During the first
of the month prices change on from 3 to 4 thousand items in the store. We carry
16,500 line items. The sales on items change also during those time periods.
Therefore, if an item is on sale the price will change back to the regular
price on the 1st or 15th of the month. The prices are
changed from our HQ the prices are not controlled at the commissary level.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Surviving
Spouses Focus Group)
Issue 1: Single Soldiers not living in the barracks should receive DLA when they PCS.
A PCSing single soldier with no family members is not authorized any DLA. If they do not live in the barracks, they will still have to purchase or rent a home upon moving to the next duty station, whether they have a family or not.
Recommendation: Allow single soldiers who were currently living on the
economy to receive DLA funds to help them get started at their next duty
location.
Response: Approval
of this request is driven by Department of Army Per Diem Travel and
Transportation Allowance Committee DTD
Member without Dependents Elects Not to Occupy Inadequate Government
Quarters.
A soldier above the grade of E-5 is authorized DLA if the member:
d.
Elects not to occupy such quarters or facility
The key to this question is grade.
Soldier must be above the grade of E-5 to qualify for Dislocation
Allowance on PCS.
Status: Completed (2nd
Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Assigned Parking
There is currently no assigned parking at Hagen Dental Clinic. Parking would be easier for employees/patients if parking spaces were marked.
Recommendation:
Assign parking in the parking area
for:
a.
10 minute parking
b.
NCO
c.
Clinic Chief
d.
Patient Parking
Response: The
DENTAC Commander can authorize this change in parking.
Update:
The commander has authorized designated
parking for the leadership at
There is not a need for 10 minute parking
spaces.
Status: Complete
(4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Walking Path Security
The walkway path from
Recommendation:
1.
Have an MP or staff member stationed in the wooded area.
2.
Fence the walkway.
3.
Bus students to and from school.
Response: DES
has tasked Bike Patrol personnel and the DARE officer to check these areas
during times of the day when children are going to and from school. Police
patrol personnel have also been instructed to make checks of the area on foot
throughout the day to make sure it is safe. Additional measure should be taken
by family members and school staff personnel to look out for strange vehicles
or adults in the area who act suspiciously. Staff and family members should
notify law enforcement personnel of any suspicious activity in these or any
other area of housing.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Family
Member Focus Group)
Issue 2: Signage on Family/Graduation Days
On Family and Graduation Days traffic coming into Gate 2 (
Recommendation:
Place lane signs out (approximately
3 ft in height) on the road during these two days? The lane signs would designate which lane was
for visitors.
Response: All
lanes are open to visitors on graduation and family day. This change was made
during the summer to alleviate any confusion for families who visit the
installation on Thursday and Friday. Additionally DES gate personnel have
coordinated with DPTM and the graduating units to hand out quick and easy to
understand maps in all lanes and at all gates on graduation and family day.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07)
Issue 3: Detour Signage Beyond Gate 2 Traffic
Light
Gate 2 and the traffic light is an issue during Family Day
and Graduation. The turn is blocked and
cars now go beyond the intersection and make a U-turn in front of the
Recommendation: Put a “No U Turn”
sign by the
Response: We
will place cones and have patrol personnel monitor the area, when available,
along
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Family
Member Focus Group)
.
Issue 4: Wording on Signs
One of the signs telling incoming visitors which lane to use
as they enter post is grammatically incorrect.
Recommendation: Replace the signs. Rather than saying “vehicles with decal’s”, remove the apostrophes. The decals do not possess anything – nor is it correct to say “decal is,” so “decal’s” is wrong usage.
Response: We have placed work orders for these
replacement signs as well as many others on the installation and will replace
them as they are completed by DLE.
Update: As of January 07 these signs have been repaired and or replaced.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian
Employee Focus Group)
Issue 5: Safety in the Housing Areas on Family Days & Graduation
Family members are concerned with the safety of the housing
areas during Family Days & Graduation.
Visitors are seen driving around the family housing areas every
week. As the Post is opened to outside
visitors on those two days the concern centers around our children being
outside from both a traffic aspect as well as the possibility of abduction.
Recommendation:
1.
Develop signs restricting visitors from driving in and around the
housing areas unless actually visiting residents.
2.
Incorporate information briefs discouraging visiting family members from
driving in the housing areas.
Response: Family
members are routed away from housing areas when they visit post for Family Day
and Graduation. DES has also tasked Bike Patrol personnel and the DARE officer
make extra patrols of these areas. Uniform Police patrol personnel have also
been instructed to make checks of the area on foot throughout the day to make
sure it is safe.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Family
Member Focus Group)
Issue 6: Driving Directions
on Family Day
Visiting Family members of graduating Soldiers find it
confusing to locate the
Recommendation:
Create detailed instructions to the
Post adequate signage for Family
Day parking.
Provide shuttle service (golf
carts) from parking lot to building.
Response: The DES traffic section sets out directional markers a day prior in the cantonment area from the appropriate gates to help Family Members to travel to family day and graduation. In addition MWR provides maps of the installation to help families travel on the post. The DES will re-evaluate the signs currently in use and make adjustments as necessary.
Status: Complete (Retiree Focus Group/4th Qtr
FY 07)
Issue 7: Hours of Operation at Gate 1
Gate one is not open 24 hours a day. Having set operational hours at Gate 1 is an
inconvenience to soldiers that may need to enter
Recommendation:
Keep Gate 1 open 24 hours a day.
Response: Past studies have shown that the traffic flow at gate one is not sufficient to justify the added cost and manpower to maintain this gate 24 hours.
Status: Complete (4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 8: Traffic Congestion at the Gates
There is excessive traffic congestion at the Gates with
people trying to gain access to
Recommendation:
Put more gate guards on the gates
during peak hours, to alleviate traffic congestion.
Response: Upgrades to the gates are ongoing. New traffic control devices have been installed to help speed entry into the installation. Additional guards have been authorized and the hiring process will begin in the near future.
Status: Complete
(4th Qtr FY 07)
Here is a similar issue that was previously submitted:
Issue: A turn light is needed at Strom/Magruder (Gate 2), for the PX
traffic.
Recommendation: Put a turn light on that intersection.
Have Brigades or Battalions to provide temporary passes on Wednesday or
Thursday mornings. Allow soldiers again to assist with signing in Family day or
Graduation traffic on Thursdays and Fridays at Gate 2 & 4.
Response: DES
had several issues surrounding Gate 2.
Concerns included traffic backing up in left turn lane; high traffic
volume during morning graduation; and the length of time to gain access to the
installation. The DES Director stated
there are plans in the works to remove the intersection and lights as a long
term fix; and closing the left turn lane during graduation as a short term
fix. The recommendation to increase
personnel to check ID cards would not alleviate congestion as that is not the
“chock point”. The intersection and
signal light is the “choke point” area.
There is an MP controlling the signal light during morning traffic.
Issue 9:
Late Performance Evaluations for DA Police.
Performance evaluations are not on time. Supervisors and Officers are or have left without having written or received Annual Evaluations. This affects the morale and mission of the Department of the Army Police Force as they have few performance evaluations in their files.
Recommendation:
Response:
DES is currently working.
Update:
All evaluations have been
completed.
Status:
Complete (4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 10: Installation Security and Safety
Every time you drive up to the gates, you wonder who decided
to build such shabby security buildings and barriers. Unfortunately these types of structures are a
big eye sore and offer no viable security to the installation. Personnel at the gates are a mix of
professionals and non professionals.
Some are very perceptive and some disinterested in their duties. Whatever the case, it seems to me that more
money needs to be invested in the front gates.
Recommendation:
Use end of year funds to enhance the
readiness and security of FT Jackson, the largest and premier installation of
the US Army.
Response: Funds for security upgrades have been
requested. Upgrades include security
cameras and improvements to the existing buildings. Beautification projects have recently been
completed at gate one and gate two.
Update: The old security trailer at gate two has been replaced with a new one. Currently a new building is being constructed at gate two and is projected to be completed in early 08.
Status: Complete
(4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Medical Records Review at Retirement
Soldiers who are retiring do not know what is needed in their medical records during records review with the VA Representative, while in ACAP. Despite the fact that the part time VA Representative does take your medical records and attempt to quickly explain the system, this does not give the retiree enough prior planning for this review. This review process has the greatest impact on a retirees overall medical compensation entitlement percentage.
Recommendation: Give a thorough
class to all retirees as soon as they receive their orders or early during ACAP.
This will allow the retiree an opportunity to gather all appropriate documents
and most of all give them a better understanding of the medical records review
process prior to turning in their medical records.
Response: Effective
The
In
addition, the DHR Retirement Services Office hosts a semi-annual (March &
September) Pre-retirement Orientation that is open to Soldiers with approved
retirements. The next orientation is
scheduled for 0800-1200,
Status: Complete
(Retiree Focus Group/4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Fort Jackson Phone
Numbers in BellSouth Phone Book
In the 2007 BellSouth Phone Book, there are no
Recommendation:
Include frequently used phone
numbers in the BellSouth 2008 phone book.
Response:
Due to a delivery
error by the contracted vendor for this service, the BellSouth Yellow Pages,
Status: Complete (Retiree Focus Group/4th Qtr
FY 07)
Issue 1: Establish a shuttle
bus to eating establishments on base.
This would reduce traffic and pollution on the installation and increase use of on post MWR facilities.
Recommendation: Provide a
shuttle to the food court at the PX, to the golf course, to the Officers Club,
and to the NCO Club from 1100-1400.
Response: The
current shuttle route is within walking distance to all the locations on the
list except the Golf Course. Since shuttle service can’t be provided for
unofficial use – like going to lunch – we can’t add the Golf course. The
PX, Officer’s Club and NCO club are close to authorized stops. We will post authorized stops in the
Status: Completed (1st
Qtr FY 07)
Issue 2: Clothing Initial Issue Point (CIIP) intermittent employees need to be reclassified as permanent employees.
Due to the fact that employees are classified as
intermittent, they work only as needed.
They are told on any given day that they are not needed for the next two
weeks or for any time period. This is
done despite the fact that there are other locations that need staffing. If made permanent, employees would have the
opportunity to acquire more hours and receive benefits.
Recommendation: Reclassify CIIP intermittent as permanent employees.
Response: Because of the workload CIIP intermittent
employees are not classified as permanent employees. They are classified
as intermittent because of the fluctuating workload in the CIIP. For
instance, during Block Leave there will be nothing for them to do for two
weeks. They signed a document indicating that they are aware of the work
requirement when they took the job. However, CIIP does have 10 permanent
positions that are currently filled. We will distribute flyers and all
information to all intermittent employees on the proper procedure through CPAC
to apply for permanent government positions. Also we have a class scheduled in
January in the CPAC classroom.
Status: Completed (1st
Qtr FY 07) (Civilian Employee Focus Group)
Issue 3: Recycling Awareness
There is a need for persistent awareness and promotion of the benefits of recycling. “It is a matter of saving our land and being gracious to our Planet Earth.” Although not mandatory in the Housing areas, recycling needs to be practiced by all residents.
Recommendation:
1.
Increase awareness
among residents with education classes on recycling.
2.
Increase awareness
among children at school
3.
Make Recycling
Mandatory on the installation.
Response: The CG has endorsed
a post-wide participation of housing occupants with the
1. Increase
awareness among residents with educational classes on recycling: Educating the community is one of our most
important platforms. Our market plan
addresses all segments that are part of this installation. We are open for any suggestions in educating our
community. We don’t want to be the
problem; we want to be part of the solution to reduce the solid waste that is
generated on
2. Increase awareness among children at
schools: Each year, all 3
schools participate in a slogan contest, to pick a recycling slogan for the up
and coming year. The slogan for FY07 is
“Don’t Be Mean Keep It Green”. All
schools can and do bring their students up to the
3. Make recycling mandatory on the installation. At the present time, recycling is mandatory for all active duty, civilian and components that reside on the installation. The Commanding General has embraced the sustainability program which means that everyone must participate in universal recycling. Housing occupants will be part of universal recycling in the near future, and it will be made easier, by using curbside
Pickup. Until we have executed curbside pickup, we would like for the house occupants to continue to bring their recyclables up to the recycle center for distribution.
They also generate 1.4 million dollars yearly with an operation cost of $242,000.00.
Status: Completed (1st
Qtr FY 07) (Family Member Focus Group)
Issue 4: Traffic Light at
The traffic light at
Recommendation: Adjust the signal
light mechanism to activate by traffic flow rather than time.
Response: We
recently changed the traffic light system from set on timers to the loop
weighted system. This will signal the green light when the cars arrived to the
weighted scale cross-section.
Status: Completed (1st
Qtr FY 07) (Family Member Focus Group)
Issue 5: Water point at Darby Field
There is not potable water on-site. This affects all of those utilizing this site since there are no proper means of hydration available. Heat injures could occur due to dehydration.
Recommendation:
Response:
Additional water fountains can be
added to building 3402. We will do a cost estimate and submit to the proper
channels for priority and funding.
Update: We have
installed two additional water fountains to building 3402 at Darby Field.
Status: Complete (AFAP/2nd Qtr FY07)
Issue 6: Smoking area table and chairs at
The bench and table at the Strom Thurmond Building Smoking Area are wobbling and shift when they are sat upon. This could pose a safety hazard for employees.
Recommendation: Replace all of the tables and chairs in the Smoking Area.
Response: DLE has completed stabilization repair of the connecting stone tables and benches at the Strom Thurmond Smoking area as requested on work order #CG-000157.
Status:
Complete (3rd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 7: Tree Maintenance on Post
Many trees on post are being choked of water and nutrients
by competing grass. The ground near
these trees is not aesthetically pleasing.
Too much effort is being used to trim and rake these areas. The use of newspaper and mulch will
help. Newspaper will biodegrade within
1-2 years yet prevents the weeds and grass from growing. Mulch keeps the moisture in and around the
trees and acts as a nice looking boarder around the trees/shrubs or
flowers. It will increase the health and
vigor of the trees.
Recommendation:
Response: The
use of mulch and newspaper around the base of trees is a good idea for high
value trees that are in the containment area. The effect of using mulch and
newspaper in other areas will depend on the area and type of tree. Mulch is
available at the mulch site off Golden Arrow Road from 0800-1500 and Newspaper
is available at the Fort Jackson recycle Center Bldg# 5671 phone# 751-4208
there hours are from 0700-1500 hours. If there are any questions farther
specific about certain trees and locations using this method please contact
Status: Complete
(3rd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 8:
Street Lights in Housing
Street lights are constantly going out and identification of the actual light pole is difficult. As hours of darkness are now earlier, this becomes a safety issue for residence.
Recommendation:
1. Number the street lights in a location
visible from the ground level for residents to identify.
2. Create a hotline so that those living in
housing can call in a light by giving the number on the pole. This would make finding the correct light
easier.
Response: A contract has been awarded to the Core of Engineers. They should start
the implementation during the next 6 months.
Update: Has already been awarded and the Corp of Engineers are currently installing
new street light and poles.
Status: Complete (1st Qtr FY 07)
Issue 9: Crosswalk in front of the Provost Marshal’s Office (PMO)
The rate of speed is too high for this location designated with a crosswalk. Some drivers are unaware that a crosswalk exists.
Recommendation:
Response: The contract to paint all crosswalks and parking lots on the installation is currently at DOC
Update: DLE recently repainted the crosswalk at the DES building along with the
intersection of Jackson and
Status: Complete
(3rd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 10: The Intersection Crosswalks Need to be Re-painted.
I can barely see any of the lines and it is unsafe to walk across during high traffic.
Recommendation: Repaint the
lines so that cars and pedestrians can safely cross.
Response: (Previously
submitted - 3rd Qtr FY 06)
The DLE had indeed
initiated contracts to address both asphalt repair and tree removal. Painting of crosswalks is part of these
contracts. Both contracts got off the
ground and then both stalled for lack of contractor performance. Each of those contracts is now up and
running and about to finish the original delivery order. Unfortunately current
budget restraints may delay the issuance of any more delivery orders for a
period of time. Emergency asphalt repairs have been tasked to the DLE in-house
workforce for execution and will continue to do so until the contract is again
funded
Update: Due to budget constraints a contract funded challenges DLE is not able to keep up consistently with the repair of all road conditions. However, some things we are addressing are emergency and safety issues by filling large pot holes with gravel and putty and assuring safety devices are in place to avoid road hazards.
Update: Will
be executed during 2nd Quarter 07 the contract to paint crosswalks
as well as intersections and parking lots will be awarded and implemented using
SRM funding.
Update: This
contract is currently at DOC waiting to be awarded.
Update: The
contract should be awarded in the next two weeks, according to DOC. (As of
Update: Recently
talked to DOC on 31 AUG 07 who stated the contract was recently awarded.
Status: Complete (1st Qtr FY 07)
Issue 11: Identification of Streetlights
There is no way to identify light poles on
Recommendation:
Place ID numbers on each street lamp and light on
Response: Currently the street light pole is identified by street location and closest building to the light pole. Red Engineer tape is also available from DLE at 751-4263 building 2604 to mark defective lights.
Status: Complete (4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 12: DLE Maintenance Responsiveness
DLE Maintenance is not responsive enough. Issues are constantly going unfixed due to lack of staffing by DLE. Their hands are tied with a laundry list of useless “feel good” environmental and safety policies. Let them fix our broken stuff.
Recommendation: Increase the
number of staff members, and fund them appropriately.
Response:
The
DLE has recently filled 15 of the 20 MEO vacancies. The filling of the
vacancies and should improve the response time.
Status: Complete (4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 13: Recycling Program
The program is not well publicized in the housing areas. Residents in housing would comply if only they knew the needed information. (i.e. Pick up, where to take it to, and what can be recycled.)
Recommendation:
Publicize the recycling program more. Use the Strom Thurmond Board, Community Bulletin Boards, as well as a routine message in The Leader.
Response: Response
From the Activity: Educating the community is one of our most
important platforms. Our market plan addresses all segments that are part of
this installation. During the past two years we have implemented the market
plan as shown below. We continue to improve our plan so that we can target all
aspects of this most important program.
We are open for any suggestions in educating our community. These are
some of the ways we have publicized and educated the community in FY06 & 07.
FY06
a. Earth Day Jamboree and
Easter Egg Hunt (Article in the Post Leader b.
Grinding the Green (Article in the Post Leader & Mayors Meeting)
c. Telephone Book Exchange
(Just for Units & Activities)
d. We had 4 additional
articles in the Post Leader for FY06)
e. Curbside Pilot Program (Mayors
Meeting, Information Exchange Council & the Post Leader)
f. Newcomers Briefing
g. Information Exchange
Council
h. Mayors Meeting
FY07
a. Brief the CG/GC 23
July 07
b. Brief family housing personnel 16 Jan 07
c. Brief Mayors on Program 19 Jan& 16 May
07
d. Brief IEC members 14 Feb
07
e. Articles in the Leader 24 May & 19 Jul 07
f. Recycling slogan contest 14 May 07
g. Letter from the GC past out 24 May 07
h. Door hangers in housing area 6 Jul 07
i. Passing out info and recycle containers 28 Jun 07
j. Mayors newsletter 5 Jul
07
Conclusion: We champion
any comments and suggestions that can improve our ability to provide the
necessary information to the
Status: Complete (4th
Qtr FY 07)
Issue 14: DLE Work Orders
The Combat Indoctrination Committee submits numerous work orders to DLE for work needed. These work orders are completed 55% of the time. We have learned that some work orders are declined or cancelled without feedback from DLE. We list points of contact on every work order submitted, so that we can be contacted of cancellation and reason.
Recommendation:
Use the contact number if there are
any questions or problems that can be fixed prior to cancellation of work
orders.
Response: All work orders that cancelled or declined
have information written on the work order. If a work order is canceled due to
work being performed by PM team it will indicate same. There are a number of
work orders that are unfunded and waiting approval. DLE has recently changed
the reporting comment to have “UFR” indicated on the report that is provided to
the customs each Thursday. If additional information is requested for a
specific project Mrs. Alexander (5926) can provide status. POC’s on work orders
are regularly NOT available or the POC has changed.
Status: Complete
(4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 15: Main PX Handicap Parking
The spaces for handicapped parking at the Main PX are always full, and hard to get from the lot to the store, for handicapped patrons.
Recommendation:
Make the parking spaces located to
the south of the
Response: Currently the AAFES PX manager stated it is standard practice during family and graduation day for patrons to use the garden shop entrance and she doesn’t currently have a problem with the usage. DLE is available to provide support and assistance but it is ultimately the decision of the AAFES PX Manager to make this decision.
Update: DLE recently installed 2 no parking signs
and 2 handicap drop-off signs at the Main PX to improve some of the parking lot
congestion and restraints of the Main PX
Status: Complete (4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 16: Bldg 12000 Maintenance
Building 12000, F Company has a leaky roof. The roof leaks onto the Air Conditioning unit and needs to be repaired.
Recommendation:
Rebuild the whole piping on the
building.
Response: The
holes in the hot water piping in the building have been identified as the
source of the leak. The DLE has placed a
work order requesting the design of the project. This project has been
placed on the PPL to compete for funding on the FY 08 list.
Update: The contractor is currently replacing the roof and should be finished before 24 Dec 2007.
Status: Complete
(4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 17:
There are large pot holes in the parking lot of the Lee Road Shoppette. This creates hazardous driving conditions within the parking lot.
Recommendation:
Fill in the holes and level the
surfaces at the Lee Road Shopette.
Response: A contract for road repair has been submitted to DOC and should be awarded by 1 Oct 07.
Update: DLE maintenance recently made a service call
to the
Status: Complete
(4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 18:
The roads on
Recommendation:
Correct pot holes and curbs.
Response: A contract for road repair has been
submitted to DOC. and should be awarded by 1 Oct 07.
Update:
The contract was
awarded on 28 Sep 2007 and has been funded at $50K. Pot holes will be fixed
during the second qtr.
Status: Complete
(4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 19: Gate 4/Boyden Arbor Army Reserve Center Parking
There are insufficient numbers of parking spaces during
battle assembly. This causes unsafe
parking on
Recommendation:
Response: Gravel was placed behind the parking lot to provide a better parking surface approximately five years ago. Grass and dirt has since covered this surface. We will do cost analysis from proper contracting areas and submit to the Garrison Commander for approval.
Update: DLE is
in the process of obtaining crush and run (gravel) behind the
Update: The crush and run is now available and DLE will schedule the expansion to occur during block leave in December.
Status: Complete (AFAP/2nd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Pricing at the
Current pricing at the
Recommendation: Reduce
pricing for those 62 and older.
Response: Andy’s
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Surviving
Spouses Focus Group)
Issue 2: Meeting place for Gold Star Wives
Previously the Gold Star Wives were allowed to meet at the
Bowling Alley without issue. Currently
it is a hit and miss situation as the room was configured to accommodate video
games. This impacts the Gold Star Wives
in determining where they will meet, arranging transportation and the
time. They have met off post but this
has been an inconvenience as they would do there shopping while on
Recommendation: Establish a
meeting place on
Response: The Gold Wives can continue to meet at
Century Lanes Bowling Facility as long as the conference room remains available
for use.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Surviving
Spouses Focus Group)
Issue 3: Childcare on post does not accommodate Active Duty Soldiers. When most Soldiers have to be to formation by 0530 and day care doesn’t open until 0515, it is hard to make it on time. Your child is sent home for illness they don’t have i.e. running noses. What can you do about a runny nose? The price is so high; it is cheaper to put my son in private school than to enroll him on post.
Recommendation: Look at the
hours and the cost of childcare. It
needs to be a little more lenient in sending kids home that have colds, and
they have to stay out for 24 hours.
Response: (Previously submitted 4th Qtr FY 04))
The Child & Youth Services Program at
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07)
Issue 4: Youth Sports
There is an extreme lack of participation in youth sports. There are so few kids that the same two teams played each other every week.
Recommendation:
Increase the age limit for Sports
and Cheerleading from 15 to 18.
Response: Participation
in Youth Sports is at a historically low level due primarily to the low housing
occupancy rate. Youth Sports staff is
inviting off post youth organizations to participate with
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian
Employee Focus Group)
Issue 5: Sport program (Intramurals)
Currently there is a very active Men’s Intramural Sports
Program on
Recommendation:
Implement and publicize an
Intramural Sports Program for Women.
Response:
MWR Sports
has offered women’s sports in the past, but were discontinued because of lack
of interest.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian
Employee Focus Group)
Issue 6: Organization Days
Almost every unit on the installation has an Organization Day. Some of the units hold their Organization Day activities away from the installation.
Recommendation:
1. Combine some units to have the
same Organization Day.
2. Utilize facilities on
Response: The
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian
Employee Focus Group)
Issue 7: There are only 3 days per month that a child enrolled in YS
can use for Open Recreation.
Recommendation:
Allow children enrolled in YS,
which have paid a fee for enrollment, to use the center after 1500 without
limitation.
Response: The
CYS Fee policy does not allow use of the
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian
Employee Focus Group)
Issue 8: Post Newcomer
Tours
Newcomers to
Recommendation: Provide a Newcomer
Tour as part of the Newcomer Brief.
Response: Tours of the post were offered for a number
of years in conjunction with the Post Newcomer's Orientation. On average,
attendance/participation was very low.
The current Newcomer's Orientation offers information and maps and the
area with which the Soldiers and families need to be familiar with is fairly
small. If individuals desire to visit
specific facilities, we will assist them in setting up a tour of those
facilities at a later date.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Family
Member Focus Group)
Issue 9: Weekend Childcare
at Gymnasiums.
There is not childcare available on Post for those who work out at gyms on the weekends.
Recommendation: Provide child care
use for those that go to the gym on the weekend. This could be at the CDC or possibly at the
Response: Providing
child care for individuals using the gymnasium can be supported by an opening
of the CDC for individuals using any gym on post or for patrons of the
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Family
Member Focus Group)
Issue 10:
There needs to be a facility for Teen dependants (age 13 to 19) that is opened for after-school until curfew hours during the week and weekend to help Teens to stay out of trouble.
Recommendation: Provide a center
geared specifically for Teens under the guidance of a Staff Member. There should be user fees and ID
provided. It should also provide games,
homework center, TV/Movie area, basketball and a skateboard park. Recommend you could model
Response: The current teen population on
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Family
Member Focus Group)
Issue 11: Hunting/Fishing
Permits
In order to hunt on
Recommendation: Eliminate the cost
of the installation permit. Still
require the installation permit, at no cost, so the installation is aware of
those hunting and fishing.
Response: By regulation, the
fees, collected from permits, go to the DLE wildlife section minus a small
portion that is returned to MWR for the sale of the license, and printing of
materials; specifically, permits and the regulation booklets we provide every
hunter. The fees that go to DLE are utilized to help in many wildlife projects
across the installation including the development of food plots and planting of
fields, trapping of beaver, stocking grass carp in an effort to ensure the
balance between plant and fish in our training area lakes and ponds, to
building waterfowl habitat and to many other projects most of our hunters are
not aware of.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Family
Member Focus Group)
Issue 12: Weston
Fees are charged for usage of
Recommendation:
1.
Ensure a trained and qualified lifeguard is on hand during hours of
operation.
2.
If short lifeguards publicize information for hiring action through
family member channels.
Response: Fees are generally only collected at the gate at
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Family
Member Focus Group)
Issue 13: Bathroom facilities needed at Semmes Lake Recreation area (also at Solomon Center Playground).
Recommendation: Place porta-potties at above locations. With new picnic sheds and high traffic on Thursday/Friday, there needs to be sanitary facilities.
Response:
Utility
work is already underway to install two new full service restrooms at Patriot's
Park Solomon and Patriot's Park Semmes. Projects are slated to be completed by
the end of January.
Update: Projects have been completed.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian
Employee Focus Group)
Issue 14: Marking of Palmetto Trail
Recommendation: Improve the marking of the trail. The trailhead at Gate 1 is identified, but it is not clear where the trail runs from there past the golf course.
Response:
The
Palmetto Trail falls under the control of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation.
They are aware of the issue and have plans to update the kiosks associated with
the trail on
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian
Employee Focus Group)
Issue 15: No availability in the Guest House when you are PCS’ing. Recommendation: Better sponsorship program for incoming soldier to get the
guest house reservation.
Response:
Advise PCS families during in/out
processing briefings to make reservations in advance by calling toll free
1-800-GO-ARMY1/1-800-276-6984 or (803) 782-9802 to guarantee lodging
availability
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07)
Issue 16: Child-Friendly Gyms
There are no child friendly gyms on post. There are a lot of busy parents of young
children at
Recommendation: Renovate a gym on post so that each room has a gated section
with a play area and playpens for young children. This would allow parents to watch their own
child as they work out.
Response:
On-site child care is governed by AR
608-10, Child Development Services.
While the requirements for providing on-site child care are not as
stringent as those required for operating a child development center, they do
not allow setting up a child care space in a facility without adult
supervision. The requirements for
on-site child care include facility/space approval by the Safety Office, Fire
Department, and Health Consultant and oversight by the installation Child &
Youth Services Program.
Status: Completed (2nd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 17: Daycare on
Soldiers and Family Members on
Recommendation: Build a
daycare center that can accommodate a greater number of children.
Response:
The
Status: Completed (2nd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 18: Hours of Daycare on
Soldiers on
Recommendation: Build a
daycare center that can accommodate children for a longer period of time.
Response:
The Scales Avenue CDC and the School
Age Services Program both operate from 0515 to 1830, daily, Monday through
Friday. We understand that these
operating hours may not meet the needs of all Soldiers. However, the demand for extended hours has
never been sufficient to warrant opening a large facility (minimum of 10
regular users on a regular basis per AR 608-10). We currently have three Family Child Care
providers who are willing to provide extended hours and overnight care, have
recently completed the training requirements to do so, and we anticipate that
they will be certified to do so by the second week of May 2007. In addition, we operate child development
homes on the installation that provide care from 0400 - 2100, Monday through
Friday, and 0500 - 1800 on Saturday. We
are working on preparing a third set of quarters for use as a child development
home and will open for extended hours if sufficient demand exists. We anticipate that the home will be ready for
use by 1 Jun 07. Soldiers with
unresolved child care issues should contact Patricia Haynes, Child & Youth
Services, 751-4869, for assistance in finding care to meet their needs.
Status: Completed (2nd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 19: Pets in Guest Housing
Recommendation:
Response: Army lodging policy does not
authorize Certificates of Non-availability because of pet issues. Once Palmetto
Lodge renovation is completed (on or about 1 Jun 07), there will be four pet
rooms available for guests with pet accommodation needs.
Update: Anticipated completion date has been pushed back to late August 2007.
Status: Complete (2nd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 20: Do-It Yourself
The post could use a Do-It yourself framing and matting
center. Although there is a framing and
matting location in the
Recommendation:
Open a Do-It Yourself Center in the
Response: Beginning September 07 the Frame Shop will offer matting and framing classes the second Saturday every month. Classes will be from 1000-1200 and will offer beginning instruction and safety certification on equipment usage. Registration is required. Class fee $30.00. After patrons complete the class they will be able to use the Frame Shop to work on their projects.
Status: Complete (4th
Qtr FY 07)
Issue 21: Professional Reading Titles at Post Library
There are no professional reading titles at the Post Library. Having titles from the CSA professional reading list would be beneficial for the library, and may bring in additional users if these titles were available.
Recommendation:
Fund the purchase of professional
reading titles at the Post Library. Use
the CSA professional reading list as a baseline.
Response: The
Status: Complete
(4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 22: Drill Sergeant Family Member Counseling
Drill Sergeants and their Family Members are not receiving the counseling necessary to maintain a healthy family unit. This has created a breakdown in family communication and added stress for the DS and family member. This may lead to a higher divorce rate, increased family violence, infidelity, child neglect, and spousal neglect (emotional, mental and physical).
Recommendation:
Response: Per IAC: Forwarded to ACS and MEDDAC for action.
Update: ACS Family Advocacy is open to and
will pursue the idea of starting a Drill Sergeant Family Members support
group. POC: Annette McLeod, 6348 ACS does not provide counseling for Drill
Sergeant Family Members (adults or children) however we recommend they be
referred to the hospital's Social Work services division as they have licensed
social workers who are able to provide counseling or that these Families be
given the Military One Source 1-800 number & web site. Military One Source has the capability to
contract with local licensed psychologists, therapists, & other
professionals & they will pay for up to 6 individual counseling sessions
per family member. All active duty
Soldiers & dependents are eligible for this FREE service.
ACS
Family Advocacy is responsible for the New Parent Support Program (NPSP) &
this program does offer different activities for children up to the age of 5
& their parents. These activities are open to all of the FJ community to
include Drill Sergeant Family Members.
POC is Annette McLeod, FAP Manager
(751-6348)
ACS also has a support group for
Soldiers who have Exceptional Family Members (EFM) & this group meets once
a month. Drill Sergeant spouses who have
EFM needs or children with EFM needs are welcome to join. POC for this group is Cheryl Jackson at
751-5256
Status: Complete
(Drill SGT Spouse Focus Group 4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 23: Entertainment for Teens
There is currently no live entertainment available for
Teenagers on
Recommendation:
Recommend the Installation provide
entertainment options such as listed below:
•
Pretty Ricky, B5, Green
Day,
•
NCO Club, Officers
Club, CAC are all possible locations to hold events to include outdoor
•
Skate and bowling night
•
Open microphone (mic)
night for creative speaking, poetry and creative dance
•
Three on three sporting
event, request sponsorship
Response: While bringing some form of live
entertainment to
Status: Complete (Teen Focus Group) (4th
Qtr FY07)
Issue 24: Marketing Youth Service Programs
Currently Youth Service Programs are not marketed adequately. Not many Teens know of any programs or events that are taking place on the base, and therefore are unable to utilize the programs.
Recommendation:
The following recommendations are
provided:
•
Hand out information
door to door in
•
Use the housing office
to determine teenage populated areas
•
Youth Services
personnel or Teen POC should attend pre-mayor meetings monthly
•
Request funding to
advertise in local newspapers for off-post population
•
More advertising in
middle and high schools
•
Determine the best
route to provide mailing to off-post teens
•
Have Youth Services or
Teen POC brief the Installation Command Sergeants Majors as a group.
•
Obtain Radio
advertising
•
Develop a distribution
list for off-post Teens
Response: A representative from the Middle School & Teen program will attend monthly pre-Mayor meetings and make arrangements to brief the Installation Command Sergeants Majors group to address items of interest for youth. Marketing of programs will be increased through monthly Leader articles/ads, flyers distributed though housing, the MWR webpage, and the Information Exchange Council meetings. The School Liaison Officer will distribute materials through the Student 2 Student program at the local high schools as well as take information to local middle schools. SLO and MS/Teen Director will identify a student volunteer from each school to post items of interest for military youth on school bulletin boards. Other initiatives such as radio advertisement, newspaper advertisement and mass mailings are currently cost prohibitive but will be considered if funding can be obtained.
Status: Complete (Teen Focus Group) (4th
Qtr FY07)
Issue 25: More Space for High School Recreation
Currently, the high school shares space in one building with
SAS, teen and middle school programs.
This space is extremely crowded and does not offer the high school age
children the opportunities that could be afforded to them if they had their own
space. In accordance with AR 215-1,
Recommendation:
The following recommendations are
provided:
•
Provide separate
recreation space for high school students
•
Expand current
facilities
•
Shuttle busses to take
teens to separate facility
•
Construct a new
facility
•
Follow up with the
request for “Hood Street Elementary”
Response: In 2000, CYS submitted a DD1391 for a Major
Construction project for a 16,000 square foot addition to the
Status: Complete (Teen Focus Group) (4th
Qtr FY07)
Issue 26: Repair/Replace Equipment for Teen
The equipment at the
Recommendation:
Repair/Replace the following equipment
for Teen use:
•
Skates in storage room
at youth center
•
Basketballs
•
Laser Tag House (PMCS
of equipment)
•
Basketball goals and
courts (outdoor)
•
Replace furniture at
the youth center
•
Replace TVs
•
Dedicated sound system
(dance) for Teen room
Response: Middle
School &Teen staff inventoried equipment and developed a list of teen
requested items for procurement and items needing replacement. The following equipment has been repaired or
replaced since the teen focus group and is currently available for use by the
teen program: skates, basketballs,
additional video game consoles and games, stereo system for the teen room, home
theater system, DDR (Dance Dance Revolution) combination system (game &
dance pads) and a new television (32" LCD HDTV for game competitions and
movie night). The teen room carpet will be replaced during December 2007. Additional equipment being repaired for
future use includes the Juke Box and a speaker from the DJ Equipment.
Some work has been completed on the outdoor basketball goals and court
with more pending. The Middle
School/Teen Director is coordinating with MWR Services Division to determine
the condition of the Lazer Tag equipment and if it is economically feasible to
repair. Funding is not currently
available to replace the teen center furniture but it has been identified as an
unfunded requirement and will be replaced should additional funding become
available.
Status: Complete (Teen Focus Group) (4th
Qtr FY07)
Issue 27: Child and Youth Service Registration Fees
Customers pay an annual rate for CYS regardless of actual time used. Visiting family members are required to pay the same registration fee as someone who is stationed here permanently. Customers are hesitant to enroll because it is not cost effective for short term use.
Recommendation:
Prorate or establish separate fees for short-term usage.
Response: As part of the Army Family Covenant, the CYS Registration Fee has been waived for all eligible patrons effective 29 November 2007.
Status: Complete (AFAP/2nd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Operations support during non-duty working hours.
Some employees work during “not-duty” hours (other than
0800-1700). During that time, should
assistance be required with computers, vehicles, etc…there is no one to
contact.
Recommendation: Alert all employees (especially those that work during “non-duty” hours) where to go or who to contact for assistance.
Response: Soldiers, DoD civilians or Contractors
experiencing computer issues after regular duty hours can contact the
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian
Employee Focus Group)
Issue 2: Ride Sharing
Recommendation: Create a
ride share bulletin board (possibly DOIM) where soldiers and civilians can post
information concerning their desire to find others with which to share rides to
save money and reduce air pollution on the installation.
Response: Great Idea! Will share this idea with DOIM and PAO for possible posting of this information either on a Web site or in THE LEADER newspaper.
UPDATE: Historically,
given the traffic flow and patterns in the metro area, ride sharing and the use
of public transportation has not been embraced.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07)
Issue 3: Building numbers and Road signage.
All buildings need visible building numbers and all roads
need correct signage. Recommendation:
1) Ensure that all building numbers
are correct and visible.
2) Remove “Forrest” street signs
from post – named for a man who started KKK.
Response:
1) The proper
process to replace any sign on the installation with either numbers or letters
is to submit a DA 4283 to building 2601 Sign Shop (DLE) to request a replacement
or new sign. The POC is Mr. Troy phone # 751-7268.
DLE welcomes the support of all agencies in the
identification of faded signs or worn numbers on their buildings.
2) The FJ Museum is
conducting detailed research to confirm the specific reason for the naming of “
Updated Response -
The GIS data layers and all maps to be
printed from here forward will have "
Status:
Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian Employee Focus Group)
Issue 4: Post Historian
Recommendation: Hire a Post
Historian.
Response: We
will not hire a Post Historian due to lack of funds and not enough workload to
warrant this position.
Update: Per the GC the museum curator is now designated as the Post Historian.
Status: Complete
(3rd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 5: Information for Mobilized Soldiers
Lack of housing and lodging information. Mobilized Soldiers are not being informed of housing/lodging options. Affects the Soldier, and mission by not having a place to stay.
Recommendation:
Response: The
only Soldiers we house on Post are E5’s and below (Single Soldier Complex),
with the exception of E5’s who we do not have a suite available for in
SSC. If there is not a suite available
in the SSC, the E5 is housed in Jack’s Inn, where they pay for quarters with
per diem like the E6’s and above who live off post. We do not move these E5’s, once they are
situated in Jack’s
Status: Complete
(Soldier’s Focus Group 4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Government Credit Cards
Mobilized soldiers are required to front rent money and submit a travel voucher 30 days later, then wait 20 – 30 days to get paid. This process takes 60 days to get paid for a mobilized soldier. He has to come out of pocket up to $4000 with only a $2000 return. This process puts the soldier delinquent 60 days. Bank of America will not allow a waiver for this delinquency.
Recommendation:
Response: When Soldiers are mobilized to
DLE has made arrangements
with Apartment and Corporate Relocation Services/800-538-0624 (ACRS) and
Relocation Corporate Concepts (RCC) which are two agencies that provide lodging
to our Soldiers. If our Soldiers are
using these companies, there should not be any reason that they are running
into 60 days delinquencies as these companies have agreed to work with us and
they currently still do work with us.
There should be no reason why a soldier would run 60 days behind, the
most is 30 days and that is only contingent if they did not receive an advance
when they arrived.
Status: Complete
(4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1:
The
Recommendation:
Response: Current funding prohibits re-opening
Wildcat Gate. However,
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Surviving
Spouses Focus Group)
Issue 2: Veteran Surviving Spouse Group (response requested from Dorn VA Representative).
There is no Surviving Spouse Group for Disabled Veterans. There are a large number of spouses in need of a support group throughout the community. Without a support group it is very difficult to bring up issues pertaining to them and get answers form a single point of contact.
Recommendation:
1. Establish a Disabled Veterans
Surviving Spouse Group through
2. Publicize the group meetings and
outcomes.
Response: (received from Dorn VA Representative)
For Blue Star Mothers: the web address is www.bluestarmotherssc.com.
To contact them, you may email them at info@bluestarmotherssc.com
or write them at PO Box 2364/Lexington, SC 29071. I did not find a
phone number on the website, but there’s a lot of information out there, and
they seem to be pretty active in the
Status: Completed (1st
Qtr FY 07) (Surviving Spouses Focus Group)
Issue 3: Mistreatment of pets in the Housing areas
Residents have noted that some pets are being mistreated in the housing area playgrounds and common areas by children. This falls under cruelty to animals and should not be tolerated on a military installation.
Recommendation:
1.
Have the Garrison get the word out through the media that sponsors and
family members can be held liable for this offense.
2.
Develop a reporting system that does not identify those reporting an incident.
Response: Anonymous
reports of animal abuse may be made to the Provost Marshal. However those acts
of abuse that are witnessed and have no visible signs or symptoms require a
witness. Report any and all signs of animal abuse to the Provost Marshal’s
Office. Law Enforcement personnel will respond and report any maltreatment of
animals to the Garrison Chain of Command for action.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Family
Member Focus Group)
Issue 4:
Recommendation:
Response: Current funding prohibits re-opening
Wildcat Gate. However,
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07)
Issue 5: Flow of information/communication from top management to the lowest employee grade. All employees should have access to the same information.
Recommendation:
1.
Develop a distribution list that reaches all employees through email.
2.
Develop Web page containing Civilian Employee information and updates.
3. Conduct Town Halls specifically for Civilian Employees.
Response: Effective
communication is arguably the greatest challenge facing any organization as large and diverse as our
Garrison. Ensuring that “all employees
have access to the same information” is neither executable nor desirable. This amount of information sharing would
prove unmanageable/unproductive. We
would spend so much time sifting through “information” that no one would be
able to accomplish the mission at hand.
It is a full-time struggle to keep abreast of changing policies,
technologies, and happenings relative to one’s individual scope of work. When we do try to disseminate information to
all levels, a nightmare typically ensues.
The JAG recently had to offer an incredible 25 different training
sessions in order to reach 92% of the
Recommendation #1 –
Develop a distribution list that reaches all employees through email. Not all employees have access to email, but
those who do should be receiving general updates through C-S distribution. If an employee is not on the C-S distribution
list, he or she should fall under someone who does. Information specific in nature (operational
and/or functional) that does not come via C-S distribution should be addressed
by the employee’s chain of responsibility.
It is crucial that supervisors collect, consider, and disseminate
pertinent information to all levels. If
an individual feels that his/her supervisor is not providing essential
information, then the individual should question the supervisor about it. If the response is not satisfactory, then the
individual should raise the concern to the next level of responsibility. The Garrison Commander strongly supports an
informed workforce. Questions or
comments concerning C-S distribution should be forwarded to Tammy Cunningham at
751-2520.
Recommendation #2 –
Develop a Web page containing Civilian Employee information and updates.
Recommendation #3 –
Conduct Town Halls specifically for Civilian Employees. Up until very recently Fort
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian
Employee Focus Group)
Issue 6: Grass cutting for CYS on
Recommendation:
1.
Have the Garrison assign a unit to police the area as well as cut the
grass.
2.
Hire a contract team to cut the grass.
Response: The CYS will be cut by the Post
grass cutting contract per the Garrison CSM.
Status: Complete (1st
Qtr FY 07) (Family Member Focus Group)
Issue 7: Shuttle Bus from
Parking limitations at
Recommendation:
Provide a shuttle bus from
Response: AR
58-1 Para 5-2 limits shuttle bus service to Active duty, DOD employees and DOD
contractors for official business on the installation or between installations
only. Retirees are not authorized official government transportation unless on
invitational travel orders. AR 58-1 prohibits shuttle bus service solely for
the usage of the passengers list below:
(a) Off duty military personnel or DOD
employees
(b) Reserve and National Guard members
(c) Dependants of active duty personnel
(d) Retirees
Update: Issue
submitted to Commanding General, not recommended for forwarding. CG’s disposition requested that we resolve
parking issue with
Update: DLE
spoke with the Chief of Engineering at the VA Hospital. They don't believe they have a parking
problem. The have built a 90 spot
parking lot, they also furnish valet parking from the front door of the
hospital. The parking lot is not being
fully used because people don't want anyone to drive their cars. They have also built a new gravel parking lot
in back of the hospital and have shuttles (golf carts) that transport people to
and from the hospital. The shuttles have
communication with the hospital and will pick up from any location.
Status: Completed (AFAP/2nd Qtr FY07)
Issue 8: Combine Enlisted Spouses Association (ESA) and Officer and Civilian Spouses Club (OCSC).
OCSC and ESA need to combine. The clubs are not functioning like they should and perpetuating the separation of ranks is archaic. Spouses do not wear rank and shouldn’t be excluded from a club based on who we are married to.
Recommendation: Establish a Military and Civilian Spouse Club.
Response: We have received formal requests signed by the ESA and OCSC leader. We are responding to that request informing them that their desires do not conflict with any other private organizations. If they choose to combine and as long as membership supports, we support
Update: Garrison Commander directed that the club representatives be contacted for their decision.
Update: Action is currently in the process of being
implemented. (Sept 6, 07)
Status: Complete (2nd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 9: Drill Sergeant Family Members Uninformed
Upon entering Drill Sergeant duty, Family Members are unaware of the lifestyle changes/hardships that affect the entire family. Such as the long work hours and loss of personal and family time. Family team dynamics (bonding with children, interpersonal spouse relationships, and diminished family experience growth) is being lost as Family members are unaware of what to expect.
Recommendation:
Implement integration briefings for
newly assigned Family Members at Battalion level on at least a monthly
basis. Provide incoming Drill Sergeant
Families with the Drill information SGT video that is currently being used by
AFTB.
Response: Forwarded to the
Update: The
Update: The DCO will discuss this issue with the BCT
Chains of Command.
Status: Complete
(Drill SGT Spouse Focus Group 4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 10: Family Readiness Groups (FRG’s) in BCT Battalions for the
Cadre
Currently there are few FRG’s available within the BCT Battalions for Cadre Family Member support. Family Members are uninformed of training schedules, services available on the installation, and unit resources.
Recommendation:
Response: Forwarded to the
Update: The
Update: The DCO will discuss this issue with the BCT Chains of Command.
Status: Complete
(Drill SGT Spouse Focus Group 4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 11: Movies on
There currently is no movie theater on
Recommendation:
Response: Restoration of the Movie Theater has been placed on the Priority List for FY08 funding.
Update: Funding has been approved to restore the Movie Theater, and re-open the facility.
Status: Complete
(4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Insect infestation of the single soldier quarters. It’s sometimes hard to walk around or go into a room, especially at night, without the roaches trying to walk in with you. Buying of boric acid and foggers are getting very expensive. Sometimes it is hard to move or pick up dirty laundry without seeing one. Cleaning the room extra hard does not help.
Recommendation: More
frequent and efficient exterminating procedures/techniques.
Response: Previously submitted (1st Qtr FY
06). Insect
problems in any facility can be reported to the work order section at
751-7684. The problems will be addressed
and if necessary, a contract will treat the affected area or areas.
Update: We have
started to process of pest control extermination for the entire soldier complex
starting with buildings 2442 and 2446 until completion of all buildings is
done. Due to contracting restraints the actual service order had to be listed
and done room number by room number and not the entire building for pest
control.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07)
Issue 2: Housing is not grouped by rank structure.
On other installations housing is broken down by rank
structure. This keeps those that are junior
enlisted separated form the senior enlisted.
Recommendation:
Using other installations as a
guide and structure housing by rank.
Response: Housing is grouped by rank and bedroom
quantity. The only designated areas are
the Brigade Commanders (0-6's), and the CSM's.
Due to the layout of the housing areas, we are unable to assign specific
areas to separate ranks.
Status: Completed (1st
Qtr FY 07)
Issue 3:
There is no community center for
Recommendation: Provide a community center in the housing area.
Response: Community centers will be put into the
Residential Community Initiative (RCI) when the installation is privatized in
FY08.
Status: Completed (1st
Qtr FY 07) (Family Member Focus Group)
Issue 4: Family Member Housing On-Post for Unaccompanied 1st Term
Soldiers
Family members of first term soldiers that are immediately deployed or sent on unaccompanied tours are not authorized on-post housing. This leaves spouses of first term soldiers without the option of on-post housing and military community support. This impacts first term soldiers and their families via morale, finances and troop retention.
Recommendation: Authorize the first term soldier deployed or assigned on
unaccompanied tours on-post housing.
Response: When a Soldier completes Basic Training and
AIT, the Soldier becomes permanent party and is assigned to an
installation. This is done prior to
deployment or a PCS move on an unaccompanied tour. If the Soldier is assigned to
Status: Completed (1st
Qtr FY 07) (Family Member Focus Group)
Issue 5: Family Housing continues to be grossly substandard. The condition of these housing units is
appalling. I would submit that any
dignitary or senior official representing the Department of Defense and the
Unites States Army would find it equally appalling. The Soldiers living area in AIT are in dire
need of renovations also. In light of
the fact that
Recommendation: Request be
made that
Response:
(Previously submitted – FY
04, FY 05, & FY 06).
Our quarters were built between 1965 and
1988, and they are small but still meet the Army standards. We have been allocated money for FY 05 to
improve our quarters; i.e., turn 2-bedroom apartments in to 4-bedroom
apartments, add rooms to make 5-bedroom apartments, family rooms, garages, etc. We will also be improving parking with this
project. It will take a couple of years
to complete.
Update: This addresses Family Housing as well as IET barracks, which are
controlled by the units.
As to Family Housing, we have a $20M project
underway to improve the residences in Pierce Terrace Areas 1, 2, and 3. We have done other improvements in Pierce
Terrace Areas 4, 5, 6 and 7, as well as
Update: Garrison
Commander stated that RCI has awarded the contract to GMH and Centax Military
Communities at the end of May.
Status: Complete (1st Qtr FY 07)
Issue 6: Climate control in Single Soldier Barracks
Soldiers residing in the Single Soldier Barracks are unable to control the temperature in their assigned residence. The unpredictable weather change is causing an unhealthy and uncomfortable living environment. The morale and performance of the Soldiers are suffering.
Recommendation:
Response:
The temperature setting for the
Single Soldiers Barracks are to set IAW AR 11-27 par 3-5 which states during
heating season temperatures are to be maintained in the range of 65 to 70 degrees and cooling season temperatures in
the range of 76 to 80 Degrees. All rooms have self-regulating controls which
allows the soldiers the option of changing the temperature 5 degrees up of 5
degrees down. Controls that are inoperable or rooms that are not of the regulated
temperature should be called in on a service order at 751-7684 and reported to
the SSC manager at 4-5446.
Status: Completed (AFAP/2nd Qtr FY07)
Issue 7: Access to Storage for Single Soldiers
Access to storage under the Single Soldier day room is unavailable during “off-duty” hours. Sometimes soldiers may need to retrieve items from their own lockers during hours that are not conducive to duty hours.
Recommendation:
Have storage room keyed to fit all
single soldiers’ room keys like the laundry room.
Response: This
response needs to be coordinated with CSM.
This is the result of not having CQ’s in the evening and weekend hours.
Update: CSM: Housing will coordinate with DLE to come out and adjust the storage
room door lock to work with the Soldier's room key
Update: CSM:
Every room key will open both the laundry room and the storage room..
Status: Complete
(4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Four-way stop at
The corner of
Recommendation: Make the
corner of
Response: DES
has primary jurisdiction over roadways and traffic control devices.
Update: Per Safety there is a work order in for
this.
Update: DLE has recently moved the stop sign at
Status: Complete (2nd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) gives priority to Soldiers attending training leaving permanent party Soldiers waiting, for hours, to be seen.
Recommendation: Send
Soldiers attending training strictly to the TMC or setting up more doctors in
the UCC.
Response: We
have recently hired 3 additional MDs and will be hiring 2 more PA’s.
We have also brought
in more nursing and medical support personnel.
The Soldiers attending
training do not get priority in the UCC. Each patient is Triaged and treated in accordance with
their triage category. What this means is that if a person comes to the UCC
with cold symptoms they will be bumped by anyone who presents with a complaint that is more
severe. (Example: low back pain for 2 weeks vs. broken bone)
The UCC medics are
authorized to treat all SIT (before they are seen by the Triage Nurse) and
release them back to duty following a very strict Army policy called the ADTMC
(Algorithm Directed Troop Medical Care). Because they are treated rapidly it
may appear that they are being treated before other AD personnel or other
beneficiaries.
Our average wait to be
seen by a provider is 2 hours. The National average is 4-8 hours.
The TMC closes at 1600
everyday and is not open on Sundays. The UCC has recently opened a Fast Track
Clinic during our busiest time of 1700-2100.
Patients who require
minimal care will be side tracked into this clinic after they are screened by
the Triage Nurse.
The additional staff
and new clinic have alleviated some of the wait.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07)
Issue 2: Moncrief Choice Lottery
The community is unable to determine status of lottery selections. Since TRICARE establishment no other information has been published on selection status. Persons not initially selected are making medical decisions causing an inconvenience while trying to determine selection status.
Recommendation: Publish an update
for persons on the wait list and notify persons selected.
Response: TRICARE Plus is a Department of Defense
program designed to provide Military Treatment Facility (MTF) primary care
access, to the extent of space availability for those not enrolled in TRICARE
Prime. TRICARE Plus replaced MTF space
available primary care.
Status: Completed (1st
Qtr FY 07) (Surviving Spouses Focus Group)
Issue 3: Emergency Room Care
An Emergency Room will provide care for all medical emergencies as opposed to just scratches and bruises that Urgent Care provides.
Recommendation:
MACH should provide an Emergency
Room versus an Urgent Care Clinic.
Response: The UCC
was converted from an ER in 1997. That decision was made at a level much higher
than ours. We do not have ER trained staff or the supporting services in the
hospital to maintain an ER. The numbers of actual ER patients that are seen in
the UCC are minimal but when they do come they require a great deal of care.
This increases the wait time for the true Urgent Care patients as it ties up
the MD and the staff. In order to provide safe quality ER care the staff must
be ER trained. The cost of maintaining that level of staffing as well as all
the other supporting elements is far out weighed by having 4 very qualified ERs
in the area and not enough true emergency patients to warrant an ER on Ft
Jackson.
True emergencies are
any medical condition that could lead to loss of life, limb or eyesight. When a
patient thinks they are having chest pain or any other illness that could lead
to loss of life, limb or eyesight they should go to the nearest ER and be seen
and then notify their PCM with in the time specified by TRICARE.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian
Employee Focus Group)
Issue 4: Referral Prescriptions
Due to lack of appointments patients are referred to outside providers. Some prescriptions that are honored by in-house providers are not being honored from outside-providers. This creates and unnecessary out-of-pocket expense for people unable to obtain in-house appointments.
Recommendation: If you are sent off-post for care your prescription should
be treated equal as an in-house prescription.
Response: AR 40-3 States “Prescriptions, written by licensed civilian practitioners not assigned
to a uniform service Medical Treatment Facility (MTF), for personnel eligible
for care in the MHS will be honored at Army MTFs if the prescribed medication
is on the MTF’s formulary and meets local dispensing polices.”
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Family
Member Focus Group)
Issue 5: Flu Shots for Childcare Providers
Children are at a greater risk of exposure to communicable
diseases. Childcare providers are at a
greater risk of contracting and passing on disease. Childcare is a center of gravity for the
installation.
Recommendation: Flu shots should be offered to CYS employees and FCC providers no later than 1 December.
Response:
Flu shots were offered to CYS
employees and FCC providers in early November.
Also, medics from the 120th Immunization Physical Exam Section went to
Status:
Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Civilian Employee Focus Group)
Issue 6: Triage in Urgent Care Clinic
Not all patients are triaged immediately upon arrival to the UCC, therefore some patients wait long periods of time without being seen. Some patients’ conditions could be more serious that expected.
Recommendation:
Response:
An initial assessment is provided to all
patients who present to the
UCC. Patients who need immediate treatment
are provided immediate triage
and treatment. Patients who have non-urgent
needs are triaged after
patients with urgent medical problems. Non-urgent patients are
generally triaged within ten minutes.
The front desk clerks inform patients that
they have the option to
receive treatment downtown from a TRICARE
provider during high volume
and long wait periods. This information is
also provided through TRICARE
literature.
Status: Completed (AFAP/2nd Qtr FY07)
Issue 7: TRICARE Penalizes
Dual Insurance Holders
When TRICARE is a person’s secondary insurance carrier it only pays 80% of the remaining balance after the primary insurance carrier is paid. Those with dual coverage ultimately save TRICARE money. This causes financial burden on the individual and could ultimately cost TRICARE more money if the primary insurance carrier is dropped.
Recommendation:
Require TRICARE to change policy to
pay 100% of the remaining balance after primary insurance carrier has paid
their part of the bill.
Response:
When you have double coverage, the primary insurer pays
its benefits in full as the first payer. After the primary insurer pays,
TRICARE will pay what is left up to the TRICARE allowable charge, which is the
maximum amount TRICARE will authorize for medical and other services furnished
in an inpatient or outpatient setting. There is no change in benefit limits
when TRICARE is the secondary payer. Payments, from the primary payer and
TRICARE as secondary payer, will not collectively exceed the TRICARE allowable
charge. If you have OHI, you must follow any rules and guidelines set forth by
your OHI plan, but you are not required to obtain referrals or prior
authorizations from TRICARE for
TRICARE-covered services, except for:
·
Adjunctive dental care
• The Program for Persons with
Disabilities
• Stem cell and organ
transplants
• Nonemergency inpatient
behavioral health care services*
Be sure to submit all claims to TRICARE because deductibles may
be applied to your annual
catastrophic cap. Your provider may submit secondary claims
for you.
Status: Complete (Retiree Focus Group/4th Qtr
FY 07)
Issue 8: Policy Clarification on the Use of Primary Care Providers at
Scope: Currently some Retirees and their Family Members (under 65) have been accepted to MACH for provider care versus having to use outside civilian doctors. There is no policy guidance available to the general Retiree population which outlines the eligibility of Retirees and their Family Members to use primary care providers at MACH. This creates a perception of favoritism and affects our community relations with the large Retiree population.
Recommendation:
Publish or make available written policy
guidance which governs the Retiree’s eligibility and use of MACH health care
providers. Also include any eligibility
or use requirements by age for Retirees or Family members.
Response: The
ability to accept TRICARE Prime enrolled Retirees and their Family Members at
MACH is based on our Primary Care Manager enrollment availability. At the present time we are unable to
accommodate Retirees or their Family Members due to limited PCM availability. In order to assure Access to Care Standards
for appointments can be met each provider has a maximum number of patients that
can be enrolled to him or her. Priority
for PCM assignment is:
1. Active Duty
2. Active Duty Family Members who are enrolled
in TRICARE Prime
3. Retiree/Retiree Family Members/Survivors
enrolled in TRICARE Prime
The
Status: Complete
(Retiree Focus Group/4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 9: Making Appointments at Moncrief is Next to Impossible
It is obvious that
Recommendation: If the
volume of patients is too high, allow service members to choose a PCM outside
of Moncrief. Also place and enforce a
positive customer care program.
Response:
Additionally,
we have worked hard over the past year to improve appointment availability;
however during the summer months capacity is decreased by deployments, summer
surge for the Initial Entry Soldiers and PCSs, under normal circumstances our
capacity meets our demand for appointments. Moncrief has been proactive in
ensuring we anticipated the need for more summer appointments and has for the
most part been able to provide appointments as needed. An after
hours clinical has been implemented to handle the overflow of patients needing
appointments with an additional provider in the early evening to work in
conjunction with the
1. Active Duty
2. Active Duty Family Members enrolled in
TRICARE Prime
3. Retiree/Retiree Family Members enrolled in
TRICARE Prime
Status: Complete (4th
Qtr FY 07)
This issue has been submitted each year, please send an updated response. Below you will find the previous response, also in the response it states to submit ICE Cards on this subject if the problem persists – This particular person has done so with no results.
Long wait time for appointments at
MACH. I injured my ankle at BN
OPT on 23 Apr 04. I was not able to be
seen at Ortho until 23 Jun 04 when I was diagnosed with a fracture. I was told the wait was due to a shortage of
Ortho doctors and that the MACH Commander was not approving any referrals to
civilian doctors. I was placed in a cast
until September and I am still recovering from the injury. My concern is that long delays like this have
the potential to greatly affect health and overall readiness of our
Recommendation: Refer
Soldiers/Family Members to civilian healthcare providers.
Response: The number of doctors we have is determined by, the Army Office of the Surgeon General, based on our enrolled TRICARE Prime/Plus beneficiaries, and our mission. We do have TRICARE Access to Care (ATC) standards and we monitor continuously to determine how well we meet these standards. Moncrief is meeting TRICARE ATC standards for above 96% of primary and specialty care appointments. We can increase appointments by providing more support staff to providers, and requesting backfill and initiating hiring actions for any provider lost due to deployments, PCS, or ETS. Demand can be reduced by, using the Health Care Information Line, the “Taking Care of Yourself” book, or the Self Care Pharmacy. If you are dissatisfied with the appointment supply and the time it takes to get an appointment please submit the details to the clinic’s Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) site.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 05).
Issue 10: Prescription pickup for Family Members of Uniformed Military Personnel
If you go to the
pharmacy at Moncrief in uniform to pick up a prescription for a family member
you do not get priority. I do understand
that people are waiting, however if your supervisor gave you time off to take
them to an appointment it is important to get back to work as soon as possible.
Recommendation:
To give
priority to all Soldiers in uniform.
Response: Policy
has not changed since 2nd QTR FY 06
Status: Completed (4th Qtr FY 07)
This issue was
previously addressed; please review the previous response below for accuracy.
Prescription pickup for Family
Members of Uniformed Military Personnel
Uniformed Military Personnel are not allowed to pick up prescriptions for family members in the Uniformed Service Member window. The Military Member is therefore away from their duty station for a longer period of time.
Recommendation:
Allow Uniformed Military Personnel
the ability to pick up family member prescriptions in the Uniformed Service
Member line.
Response:
The intent of the B
category priority window for Active Duty service members (currently averaging
15 minute wait times) has been to minimize the time away from mission
requirements.
Fifty percent of our
prescription volume is family members and if we allow the processing of family
members prescriptions along with the Active Duty service member prescriptions,
it would totally defeat the purpose of having a priority category for Active
Duty in uniform.
If the prescription is a refill, it can be
phoned in at 751-2250 or placed online at www.moncrief.amedd.army.mil and
picked up at the PX Pharmacy much more quickly.
As discuss in the
A: Discharge patients, patients in “distress”
(acutely sick or in obvious severe pain), children under the age of 12, and
patients with a communicable disease (e.g. chicken pox).
B: Active Duty in uniform (prescriptions for
themselves), hospital and DENTAC staff (With ID badges).
C: Composite Health Care System entered
prescriptions.
D: “Paper” prescriptions
E: Refills
Finally, the spirit of
the SOP is to prioritize prescription dispensing in a manner that maximizes
patient safety and efficiency.
Status: Completed (AFAP/2nd Qtr FY 06)
Issue 11: Priority
at
Waiting time is too long for care.
Trainee load overwhelms services and affects mission, permanent party
and family member job performance.
Recommendation:
Response:
1.
Designate
TMC for Trainees and UCC for Permanent Party and Family Members only. The TMC is currently not a 24/7 operation and soldiers are sent to the UCC
after hours and on Sunday’s for care. Hours for the TMC have been extended
to meet the need this past year.
2.
Designate a PA for permanent party and Family Members. An After Hours Clinic has been implemented
to handle the overflow of patients needing appointments with an additional
provider in the early evening to work in conjunction with the Urgent Care
Center. This clinic is designed for Family Members and AD permanent party.
Priority for care in the UCC is TRIAGE based; all other care is based on Health
Affairs Priority of Care Policy for Military Treatment Facilities:
a. Active Duty
b. Active Duty Family Members
enrolled in TRICARE Prime
c. Retiree/Retiree Family Members enrolled in TRICARE Prime
3. Educate
the community on TRICARE/Medical Options
a. The TRICARE Service
Center, located on the Ground Floor of MACH that is open 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday
(except Federal Holidays) to provide information on TRICARE.
b.
Beneficiaries may contact 1-800-444-5445 for information.
c.
Information is available on www.humana-military.com or www.tricare.osd.mil
d.
MACH has a Health Benefits Office, located on the Ground Floor of our facility
or by phone at (803) 751-2778.
e.
The Managed Care Division staff is available to give briefings to any group,
(803) 751-2338 or (803) 751-2778.
Status: Complete
(Soldier’s Focus Group 4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 12: Soldiers
Retirement/ETS Physical
The Retirement/ETS physical process seems to be flawed. There is no actual “physical”…only the items surfaced by the Soldier for possible VA Compensation are looked into. VA collects the physical paperwork then informs you that they (VA) will contact you for an appointment. However, there could be other things that the Soldier may not be aware.
Recommendation:
Response: This is a medical issue and should be directed to the medical facility
on the installation. Any issue
pertaining to the type or procedures during the physical evaluation should be
directed to the local Physical Exam Station, Building 1895,
Update:
DoD and VA are considering
developing a “single exit physical” for a seamless transition out of the Army.
Update: Presently MACH has a system in place to do a “single exit physical”.
Status:
Complete (3rd Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Dissemination of the Leader
There is no subscription service to The Leader; this leaves Retirees that live away from the base out of “the loop”. Retirees want to be an active part of the Fort Jackson Community, but when the newspaper is unavailable because some live a distance away it leaves Retirees “in the dark”.
Recommendation: Allow for a subscription service to The Leader, so that it
will be delivered to homes rather than just public outlets, or on base housing.
Response:
A subscription service
to The Leader already exists through the publisher, Camden Media Company, at a
cost of $25.00 a year. The cost pays for
third class postage. Please mail your
check and address to:
Camden Media Company
ATTN: Leader
Circulation
The Public Affairs
Office will publish this information in the newspaper each month so others will
be aware of the subscription service.
Thanks for bringing
the need to inform our readers to our attention.
Status: Completed
(Retiree Focus Group/4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 1: Legal Prosecution for Criminal Activity Overseas
In overseas assignments there is no vehicle for criminal
prosecution for offences committed overseas by family members and civilian
workers. Family members and civilian employees are committing crimes that are
going undocumented and un-prosecuted.
This puts the military community at risk of being victimized.
Recommendation: Have family members and civilian employees prosecuted
overseas via the American Justice System.
Response:
The Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA) is the
vehicle to prosecute civilians who commit crimes overseas while accompanying
the Armed Forces. It was passed by Congress
in 2000 to address what many saw as a “loophole” for civilians to escape
prosecution. It applies only to
felonies, or crimes that are punishable by 1 year or more in prison. It should also be noted that not all
Americans who commit crimes overseas can be prosecuted under MEJA. Only those who are “employed by or
accompanying the Armed Forces outside of the
Civilians
can also be subject to the UCMJ when serving with or accompanying an armed
force during a “time of war.” The John
Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 provides
language which clarifies this to mean a declared war or contingency operation.
Status: Completed (1st Qtr FY 07) (Family
Member Focus Group)
Issue 2: Citizenship
If a Soldier’s “significant
other” is not a
Response: Information on citizenship for a prospective
spouse is as follows.
a. From the situation described we can give you
a basic understanding of the requirements and process an individual would have
to go through to get their fiancée in the
b. After the marriage, the
non-citizen spouse would then apply for permanent resident status if the
non-citizen spouse wants to live and work within the
3. Contacts:
The Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Legal Assistance Division always
welcomes legal questions and inquiries from Service members, Retirees and their
eligible family members. To set up an
appointment please call 751-4287 or visit the office on Wednesday between 1330
and 1600 for walk-in appointments on a first come, first served basis. The
Status: Completed
(4th Qtr FY 07)
Issue 3:
Issues with Children
Military Police are limited in their ability to
enforce issues with Children on
Recommendation:
Have JAG give a class
to the entire detachment on a regular basis.
Response: A representative from the OSJA can prepare and teach a class regarding
the policies and regulations that apply to children on the installation. The class can then be taught to the MPs on an
as needed or regularly scheduled basis.
Status:
Complete (4th Qtr FY 07)
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