FORT WAINWRIGHT ARMY FAMILY ACTION PLAN FY 2013
ISSUE UPDATE BOOK
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Update. 1. PURPOSE: To review AFAP issues; monitor the progress of these issues; provide approving authority, guidance and direction until the issues are resolved, forwarded to the next higher level or declared unattainable. 2. The information below is an overview on the status of Ft Wainwright AFAP issues. As a result of the Issue review board on 24 February 2012. 3. Since the conclusion of the conference, issues have been briefed and updated; however, many remain in an active status. The issues that follow are with recommendations for the Commanders’ review and decision. 4. FY12 AFAP Issues: FWA-13- 01 Status: Closed Date Entered: FY13, November 2012 Updated as of: 5 February 2013 Issue: TDY Travel for Routine and Special Appointments Scope: Most Soldiers traveling to medical appointments have to pay for their tickets. MEDDAC is funded to support this travel, yet sends the soldier to find their own funds to travel to the appointment and reimburses the SM on the return. This causes hardship on the solider, due to loans from AER or local banks. Conference Recommendation: Remain local, MEDDAC needs to educate local command and community on travel procedures for medical appointments and provide a document to all travelers explaining the process. Additionally, MEDDAC should be talking with out of state agencies to reschedule appointments, especially when those appointments are scheduled within a short window which does not give the traveler time to make proper arrangements for travel. Subject Matter Expert: Subject Matter Expert (SME): Harris, Hamilton, CPT, hamiton.harris@us.army.mil, 361-5200 Staff Discussion: IAW AR 40-400 2-6a, all active duty service members (ADSMs) are entitled to TDY allowances IAW the JFTR when traveling to specialty care over 100 miles from their permanent duty station (PDS). However, the ADSM’s unit of assignment is the bill-payer for outpatient specialty care as defined in AR 40-400, 2-6d. Because ADSMs (except MEDDAC-AK) are in a different Defense Travel System (DTS) hierarchy, the Patient Administration Division (PAD) provides the SM a request for orders 2
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates (RFO) which is to be taken to the SM’s first line leader or DTS administrator and processed in the same manner as any TDY thru the unit’s hierarchy and G8. In the Bassett Community Hospital PAD SOP, it states that non-urgent appointments are to be made at least 10 work days in advance to allow units the time to process the DTS authorization and generate travel orders for the SM. It is government policy that all TDY expenses (except government-procured commercial travel) must be paid by the traveler, who is reimbursed upon submission of a voucher. This fact alone does cause a financial strain on the traveler who is not prepared for travel. However, the government already has a system to alleviate this problem, called the Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC). DoD Financial Management Regulation (FMR) Volume 9 Chapter 3 states that the GTCC “will be used by all DoD personnel to pay for all costs related to official Government travel”. This GTCC is an interest-free credit card for which the post-travel balance is paid by DFAS upon submission of a valid travel voucher by the traveler. The end state here is that travelers would not have to pay upfront for personal expenses in order to pay for a TDY, if the GTCC is on hand. Each unit should be assigned an Agency Program Coordinator (APC) who assists SMs submit applications for GTCC. The onus falls on the SM’s unit to ensure that all ADSMs possess a GTCC. If the SM does not have a GTCC and cannot afford the expenses, he or she would have to request a loan or pay advance through finance channels or assistance from Army Emergency Relief. Staff Recommendation: Close Issue with recommendation to educate community and publish Bassett TDY procedures. Command Recommendation: Close Issue and follow up with Basset on the education attempts with community. FWA-13- 02 Status: Active Date entered: FY13, November 2012 Updated as of: 05 Feb 2013 Issue: TDY Status for Soldiers Enrolled in IDES (Integrated Disability Evaluation System) OCONUS Scope: Some Soldiers with complex situations are often sent CONUS in a TDY status to complete their IDES processing. The Soldiers can be PCS'd instead of sending them TDY to save Army funding as TDY's sometime last longer than anticipated. Conference Recommendation: Close issue: Based on medical complexity conditions SM can be enrolled in WTU and assigned a case manger / nurse. All SM are not eligible for IDES due to resources. Some service members with minor medical injuries that are being Med Boarded are not eligible to receive a case manager/ nurse assigned to them. Subject Matter Expert: Subject Matter Expert (SME): Harris, Hamilton, CPT, hamiton.harris@us.army.mil, 361-5200
Staff Discussion: Soldiers entering the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) process from an 3
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
OCONUS location are PCS'd to a CONUS location generally within 90 days of being referred to the IDES. The VA plays an integral role in the processing of IDES cases and without VA medical facilities outside of U.S. the SM is required by the DoD to PCS state-side to be evaluated by the VA. There are two exceptions to this rule. These exceptions allow the Soldier to return CONUS in a TDY status to complete the VA examination process then return OCONUS. The first exception is for those SMs that are undergoing an adverse administrative action. The second exception is for those SMs that intend to reside OCONUS after they are processed for discharge. Staff Recommendation: Close issue
Command Recommendation: Monitor issue until completion. Remain in active status. -13- 03 Status: Active Date Entered: FY13, November 2012 Updated as of: 05 Feb 2013 Issue: Indoor Archery Range Scope: There is a location on post being used as an archery range, but when it’s cold, there could be some cover and lighting so that archers could use the area all year round, instead of it only being a summer range. Conference Recommendation: Construct wall and a cover for the already in place structure. Subject Matter Expert: Mike Meeks, Director, Directorate of Public Works, 361-7287 or email michael.t.meeks4.civ@mail.mil. Staff Discussion: There is no structure that is currently in place. The area is an open area without any facility attached what-so-ever. Thus any work done in this area will be considered new work for work classification purposes and the statue limits new work to $750K. a) What is asked for is a structure that is covered with lighting. It is assumed that heating is also required, so we must calculate a mechanical system into the facility. The facility would require a hardened backstop and shatterproof coverings for light fixtures. b) Assume a building that is 60 yards by 30 yards = 16,200 sf. At a high estimate rate of $200 sf the costs would be $3.2M. A very low and unrealistic rate without heat would be $50 sf which would equal $810K. Neither of these costs is below the $750K, which means this would be a MILCON project. c) Building a facility in this location would also require a waiver regarding the explosive arch created by the lower ASP.
Staff Recommendation: Estimated cost of using an existing archery range downtown at $10 a visit. At 50 visits a week, or $500/week, or $2000/month, or$24K/year, costs to the customer. Utilities for this building will cost $560K/year. The costs do not support constructing an archery range. Instead individuals should pay to use the ranges downtown. 4
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
Command Recommendation: Monitor issue until completion, Remain in active status, Command is working with DPW to develop a low cost plan to implement the request. FWA-13-04 Status: Active Date Entered: FY13, November 2012 Updated as of: 05 Feb 2013 Issue: Civilian Leave & Compensatory Time Scope: Higher Headquarters are concerned with the increasing cost of Overtime and Comp Time payouts. Army Civilian Employees are currently allowed to donate annual leave or use or lose leave to a leave bank but are not allowed to consolidate annual leave and sick leave nor are they allowed to donate sick leave. Not being able to consolidate the SICK and ANNUAL leave does not give the employee better options without the worry of having to use leave sooner than they want. Conference Recommendation: Recommendation is that Sick and Annual Leave should be consolidated. Maximum accrual should be eliminated or at a minimum increased to 480 hours. Allow employees to donate sick leave instead of annual leave and receive a tax deduction for their donation. Employees are required to take annual leave if they have a Comp Time balance. Subject Matter Expert: Robert L. Verschueren Jr, Director, Alaska CPAC, 353-7206 or email robert.l.veschueren.civ@mail.mil. Staff Discussion: An employee may use annual leave for any purpose, including vacations, rest and relaxation, and personal business or emergencies. An employee has a right to take annual leave, subject to the right of the supervisor to schedule the time at which annual leave may be taken. An employee will receive a lump-sum payment for accumulated and accrued annual leave when he or she separates from Federal service or enters on active duty in the Armed Forces and elects to receive a lump-sum payment. The limitation on accrual of annual leave for individual’s stations in the United States is 240 hours. “Use or lose” annual leave is the amount of annual leave that is in excess of the employee's applicable annual leave ceiling. Any accrued annual leave in excess of the ceiling will be forfeited if not used by the final day of the leave year. Accrual of annual leave is at different rates depending on length of creditable service. Sick Leave - Sick leave is a paid absence from duty. An employee is entitled to use sick leave forpersonal medical needs, care of a family member, care of a family member with a serious health condition, adoption-related purposes and bereavement . There is no limitation on the amount of sick leave that can be accumulated. Accrual of sick leave is always at the rate of 4 hours per pay period for employees on a 40 hour work week regardless of length of service. Compensatory Time - Compensatory time off is time off with pay in lieu of overtime pay for irregular or occasional overtime work, or When permitted under agency flexible work schedule programs, time off with pay in lieu of overtime pay for regularly scheduled or irregular or occasional overtime work. Compensatory time off may be approved in lieu of overtime pay for irregular or occasional overtime work for both FLSA exempt and nonexempt employees who are covered by the definition of "employee" at 5 5
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
U.S.C. 5541(2). Compensatory time off can also be approved for a "prevailing rate employee," as defined at 5 U.S.C. 5342(2), but there is no authority to require that any prevailing rate (wage) employee be compensated for irregular or occasional overtime work by granting compensatory time off. Compensatory time off may be approved (not required) in lieu of regularly scheduled overtime work only for employees, including wage employees, who are ordered to work overtime hours under flexible work schedules. See 5 U.S.C. 6123(a)(1). Agencies may require that an FLSA exempt employee (as defined at 5 U.S.C. 5541(2)) receive compensatory time off in lieu of overtime pay for irregular or occasional overtime work, but only for an FLSA exempt employee whose rate of basic pay is above the rate for GS-10, step 10. No mandatory compensatory time off is permitted for wage employees or in lieu of FLSA overtime pay. SME Recommendation: Each entitlement mentioned above are used and approved for distinctly different purposes, are accrued at different rates and have different accrual limits. Each of these entitlements is established in law (5 U.S.C) and would require congressional action to change. Based on the initial intent to save agency money and allow an employee to have more options for using/scheduling leave. Staff Recommendation: Close Issue; SME does not see a cost savings. And believes this action would result in a significant increase in cost to the agency, limit management’s ability to manage the employee schedules and decrease efficiency. Command Recommendation: Close Issue.
FWA-13-05 Status: Active Date Entered: FY13, November 2012 Updated as of: 05 Feb 2013 Issue: Enlisted Skills Testing Scope: Many Soldiers would like the Army Promotion system to be based off of knowledge of MOS compared to the new system that is in place. There are no measures in place for testing Soldiers job proficiency. Enlisted Soldiers feel that the new system tends to cheat those who are on the fast track in their field of specialty, and allows soldiers who do not have a satisfactory proficiency in their MOS to be promoted ahead of their fellow Soldiers. Conference Recommendation: Delegates were provided information on a Skills Qualifications Test (SQT) that was provided in the past and felt it would be beneficial however implementation would be a high cost initiative. Also the Training management System could be used to qualify Soldiers for promotions. Subject Matter Expert: Robert D. Marcinkowski, USARAK G3 Schools and Training, robert.d.marcinkowski2.civ@mail.mil, 353-7808 . Staff Discussion: There is no MOS specific proficiency testing for Soldiers. The leadership decides if the soldier is proficient in his or her MOS when selections are made for a promotion board. The last time Army NCO’s were tested for MOS skills proficiency was in 1992. 6
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
Staff Recommendation: Close Issue, at this time this would be a great initiative to implement, however, defense budget constraints have been implemented which restricts this request form being implemented.. Command Recommendation: Close issue, Cost is not with the Army vision of implementation of a new initiative at this time.
FWA-13-06 Status: Active Date Entered: FY13, November 2012 Updated as of : 05 Feb 2013 Issue: Soldiers should not have to forfeit their entire BAH to live on Post Scope: Army Soldiers forfeit their BAH in order to live in base housing. Soldiers should not have to forfeit their entire BAH for on post housing. Housing cost and utilities are including in the BAH, but most families do not use large amounts of utilities nor require the amount of space they are given on base. Most soldiers decide to live off post to save money due to the forfeiture of BAH for on post housing. Conference Recommendation: Close issue: Delegate voted and agree that the BAH should be used for hosing and not an additional source of income. Subject Matter Expert: Connie Kiser, Housing Management Specialist, RCI. Connie.j.kiser2.civ@mai.mil, 361-4518. Staff Discussion: Family Housing at Fort Wainwright is privatized and in accordance with Congressional approval, DA RCI policy and RCI Project legal documents, the rent amount for housing must be paid at the full BAH with dependent rate for the senior ranking member of the household. The Army and U.S. Government are committed to this legal agreement for the period of 50 years with a 25 year extension option. At Fort Wainwright, occupancy of privatized housing continues to maintain between 96% and 99% occupancy with over 500 families on the waiting list to move on post. The BAH/rent collections process is predetermined by the privatized housing law and project legal documents. There is no method to affect a positive cash flow to the Soldier/resident under the legal governance (Army Regulation) of BAH to include the JFTR, AR 420-1, Congressional approval and RCI Project Legal Documents Staff recommendation: Close issue due to housing project legal agreement for 50/75 year privatization of Army Family Housing and Congressional approval to provide full BAH as rent rate to the privatized housing project. Command Recommendation: Close Issue FWA-13-07 Status: Active 7
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
Date Entered: FY13, November 2012 Updated as of: 05 Feb 2013 Issue: Cost Savings at the Base Gym Scope: The military budget is facing large cuts over the next several years. Dependent and retiree usage of base physical fitness activities incurs a fairly large expense. Cleaning contracts and other cost keeps the gym closed during late hours and hinders those who want to work out late after the normal closing hours Conference Recommendation: 1. Charge non-active military members a monthly fee if they choose to use the base gym/pool. Based on their sponsors rank (or their personal status) ex: E-1 through E-3 15$/dependent/mo, E-4 and E-5 20$/dependent/mo E-6 through 0-3 30$/mo, 0-4 and above 40$/dependent/mo (and retirees and DOD civilians) 2. Allow those who wish to use the facility after hours to pay a membership fee. 3. Eliminate issuing towels and the cost it incurs to save funding. Subject Matter Expert: Mitzie Jewitt, Family, Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR), 353-7391 or email mitzie.c.jewitt.naf@mail.mil Staff Discussion: Post Gym is a category A mission essential and is funded with appropriated funds, and the facility would not be able to charge a membership fee to expand the afterhours use. Looking at usage times and making recommendations for options to serve the physical fitness needs of the FWA community is reviewed several times through the fiscal year. Staff Recommendation: Look for alternate solutions on post to offer more space for physical activity, review the usage reports to determine peak and non peak time at the current gyms. Command Recommendation: Close Issue
FWA-13-07 Status: Active Date Entered: FY11, March 2011 Updated as of: 12 October 2011 Issue: Lack of Indoor Sports Facility. Scope: The extreme weather in Alaska limits the opportunity for outside activity and recreation. The Fort Wainwright community does not have an indoor field facility/sports center accessible to all ages 8
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
throughout the year. An indoor facility would provide a venue for Soldiers and Families to encourage living an active healthy lifestyle and improve our quality of life. Conference Recommendation: Construct a new facility large enough to accommodate various sporting events and activities for all ages. Subject Matter Expert: Mike Meeks, Director, Directorate of Public Works, 361-7287 or email michael.t.meeks4.civ@mail.mil. Staff Discussion: There are currently two projects being developed for the MILCON program. The Melaven Gym Replacement, currently listed in FY17, has already been through the process. This facility will also replace the existing swimming pool and will be open to the dependents. The Field House project is still being developed. The concept is to have a 200 meter or greater running track with a multipurpose infield. Staff Recommendation: Pursue the existing projects to solidify funding and placement in the MILCON program. Update: Command wants to get more information on details of the project. Command Recommendation: Issue 11-17 remains active. FWA-13- 01 Status: Closed Date Entered: FY13,
November 2012
Final Action: 5 Feb 2013 Issue: Out of Pocket Postage Fees for Deployed Soldiers. Scope: When returning from deployment, Soldiers are forced to pay out of pocket to have some of their items returned by the US Postal Service. When they leave for deployment, Soldiers could take 2 duffel bags with them. Upon return, they are only allowed 1 duffel bag. Soldiers accumulate movies, games and other items to sustain them while they are deployed for a year. Also, military issue items that become unserviceable while they are deployed have to be maintained by the Soldier until they return to CONUS. This creates a financial hardship for Soldiers and takes time away from the Mission. Conference Recommendation: 1. Implement a weight allowance for Soldiers deploying and returning from deployment. 2. Provide reimbursement for postage to Soldiers who are forced to return their belongings by the US Postal Service up to previous stated weight allowance. Subject Matter Expert: David R. VanMeter, Division of Logistics, 353-1115 or email david.r.vanmeter.civ@mail.mil. Staff Discussion: This issue was voted on by the delegates to be the third most important of their seven issues. However, after information provided by the SME and discussion with the command, the issue was found to be mostly invalid and could be corrected by the local command. In accordance with 9
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
the Personnel Policy Guidance (PPG) Chapter 8 paragraph 8-8 b, there is no entitlement for the shipment of personal property when serving in a designated Hostile fire/Imminent danger pay area. Currently Soldiers are authorized the movement of personal items required to fulfill their duties on board the aircraft that they travel to and from the deployment area. Additional items are normally moved via containers assigned to each unit moving to and from the deployment area. Local command dictates the number of containers needed for redeployment. Personal items, such as televisions and game consoles purchased in the deployed area, are the service members’ personal responsibility and postage is to be paid by that member. Staff Recommendation: Inform Soldiers of the importance of notifying their command of the need for additional space to move military items from deployment site. All personal items purchased in theatre are will remain the responsibility of the individual to mail to their home. Update: The Command reviewed the issue and recommended that Soldiers notify their command prior to redeployment to request additional space in the units’ redeployment containers. Command closed issue. Note: Issue closed as unattainable.
FWA-13- 02 Status: Closed Date Entered: FY13, November Final Action: 12 October 2011 Issue: Voucher Program Option for all Military Children in Grades K-12. Scope: Military children are not receiving the same quality of education from one state to another; as a result of the Service Member’s multiple Permanent Change of Stations (PCSs). Military children have unique education challenges due to transferring from one state or school district to another. These challenges include: changes in varied academic levels of curriculum, the number and types of credits required to graduate and constant deployments. Military students are forced to mold to the new curriculum standards whether they are ahead or behind the new school’s curriculum. If the local school system does not meet the needs of the students, Military Families are required to pay out of pocket for private schools or home school their children. The Federal program Public Law 81-874 (PL81-874) provides funds to public school districts with children whose Families live or work on Federal property, such as military bases. Offering vouchers for education will allow the parents of military children the opportunity to select the school curriculum that provides consistency in academic standards, reduces stress due to change and helps them obtain their educational goals. Conference Recommendation: Require Public Law PL81-874 money to be reallocated to fund a national voucher program for military children grades K-12 to allow parents to use funds for public, private, or home school. Subject Matter Expert: Rizza Asuncion, Child Youth and School Services (CYSS) Coordinator, 3539505 or email maria.r.asuncion.naf@mail.mil. 10
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
Staff Discussion: The specific purpose of the funding is to help relieve burdens on the school districts that have joined the program to provide equal opportunity in education for military children. The burdens reflect the tax exempt nature of Federal property. Public schools are normally funded by a portion of property taxes received by the city. Schools also receive money from the Department of Education through a program called Impact Aid. To receive funds, schools must apply and qualify. One of the criteria to qualify is that they must meet the minimum of having 300 students. The other part of Impact Aid deals with the military. Military Families living on post do not pay property taxes. To compensate the school district, Impact Aid gives money for compensation. There must be a minimum population of 20% military children in the school district. This can be for the amount of $6-7K per child. Reallocating the funds in voucher form for the parent use would assist with home school materials or assist with cost of public and private school. Staff Recommendation: Issue Submitted to USARPAC 10 April 2001 for consideration for approval. The issue requires Congressional and Department of Education’s approval. Update: Upon completion of the USARPAC Conference, the issue was deemed unattainable due to current Government funding restraints and various state requirements. The issue was not voted as a top issue to go on forward to HQ Department of the Army, but returned to the garrison for further action. USARPAC Recommendation: Close Issue 11-02 as unattainable.
FWA-11- 03 Status: Closed Date Entered: FY11, March 2011 Final Action: 12 October 2011 Issue: Elderly Parent Dependents of Service Members Losing Social Security (SS) Benefits. Scope: Once an elderly parent of a Service Member (SM) becomes a military dependent, he/she can lose their SS benefits. For example, if a SM must relocate his/her parent to take care of them (OCONUS or CONUS), the SM must enroll the parent in DEERS as a dependent and/or command sponsor he/she, if they are located OCONUS. The elderly parent must also become a dependent if he/she resides with the SM on post or to receive medical care through TRICARE. The elderly parent loses his/her SS benefits and/or other entitlements once he/she becomes a dependent of the SM. The SS benefits are needed to assist with the care of the elderly parent dependent. The lack of the SS benefits can cause financial stress on the SM and his/her Family. Conference Recommendation: Modify the SS regulations to allow elderly parent dependents of SM to receive benefits. Subject Matter Expert: Gary Kluka, Administrative Law Attorney, 353-6554 or email gary.m.kluka.civ@mail.mil. Staff Discussion: The statement is incorrect. The parent of a SM does not lose their SS benefits when they become the SM’s dependent. The change in the parent’s circumstances when they move in with the 11
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
Family may change the way in which Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is figured. This is based on the total income of the household and will be affected by the parent moving in with their SM Child. Staff Recommendation: Current regulations recognize the Soldier’s Elderly Parent Dependents rights. State Issue, Unattainable, outside AFAP purview. Subject Matter Expert Recommendation: Close Issue 11-03 as unattainable. FWA-11- 04 Status: Closed Date Entered: FY11, March 2011 Final Action: 12 October 2011 Issue: Military Installation Shredding Services. Scope: Currently, military installations provide recycling services and garbage pickups. However, there are no shredding services provided on military installations. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 9 million Americans become identity theft victims each year due to lack of shredding important documents with names, social security numbers, credit cards, hard drives, and other personal information. Most military households encompass paper shredders, but according to www.shredit.com it’s about 17% cheaper to outsource your paper shredding than to do it yourself in house. It also takes an employee 5 hours to shred 50 pound of paper, but with state-of-the-art shredder, the same task can be accomplished in minutes. Allowing shredding services on military installations can prevent a lot of identity theft, but at the same save time and money to organizations utilizing personal shredders. Conference Recommendation: Provide all military installations with shredding services. Subject Matter Expert: Felicia Jackson, Director of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, 353-6612 or email Felicia.l.jackson.civ@mail.mil or Stacy Seppi, Chief of Security Division, 353-6714, email stacy.l.seppi.civ@mail.mil. Staff Discussion: Almost every agency on the installation has access to some type of shredder. Per DoD 5200.1r Information Security Program AP3.2.4.3; record copies of FOUO documents shall be disposed of in accordance with the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. 33 (reference (p)) and Component records management directives. Non-record FOUO documents may be destroyed by shredding or tearing into pieces and discarding the pieces in regular trash containers or in paper recycling bins. Classified material (Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret) must be shredded using a shredder listed on the NSA approved products list, which most agencies S2s’ or Security offices have available. Once shredded with an approved shredder, these items can also go in the trash or a recycle bin. Available on the installation is the capability to burn in bulk all necessary items free of charge by taking paper products over to Bldg 3595 (Power Plant). Some agencies use their government credit card to pay for shredding services. If a contractor is hired to shred classified materials their company must be a "cleared" contractor with a DD Form 254 DoD Contract Security Classification Specification as part of the contracting process and their employees must have appropriate security clearances. Here at FWA a secret security clearance would be the minimum level of security clearance required. Staff Recommendation: It is believed at this time that all agencies have shredding capabilities of some sort available to them. It is also believed that the majority of the agencies would not require use of a 12
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
shredding contract. If for some reason the capabilities within the agency does not meet the agencey’s requirements, they have the capability of taking items to Bldg 3595 to burn free of charge. Agencies also have the capability of using their impact credit card to hire private companies. Subject Matter Expert Recommendation: Close Issue 11-04 Unattainable.
FWA-11- 05 Status: Closed Date Entered: FY11, March 2011 Final Action: 12 October 2011 Issue: Fee to use FMWR Facilities on Fort Wainwright. Scope: All ID card carrying Soldiers and their Families have to pay for use of programs offered at FMWR facilities, such as the gym and ski lodge. Other facilities in the lower 48 offer the same programs at no cost to the attendees. FMWR policies should be the same no matter where you are located. Conference Recommendation: Change the practice of charging ID card carriers to use programs offered in the gyms and ski lodge. Subject Matter Expert: Mary J. Lohrenz, Director, Family, Morale Welfare and Recreation (FMWR), 353-7611 or email mary.j.lohrenz.naf@mail.mil. Staff Discussion: The Birch Hill Ski Lodge and program is a Category C funded program that is operated solely on the fees paid by the customers. There is no Appropriated Funds (APF) support for the operation. As information was passed from other installations with Ski programs It was found that none have FREE programs, all charge fees. As soon as there are Fitness staff members that become certified to teach classes to our customers, classes will become free services (i.e. recently had 3 staff members receive their SPIN Bike certification, classes are no longer charged for). When outside instructors are contracted, they require payment for their services. Staff recommendation: The Birch Hill Lodge will continue to be a charge as you use program. As the fitness staff receives certification, programs will be free. Training opportunities in Alaska are difficult to obtain and this may take a lot of time. Command Recommendation: Close Issue 11-05 with recommendations to train hired staff to conduct free classes, and to offer both free and paid classes.
FWA-11-10 Status: Closed Date Entered: FY11, March 2011 13
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
Final Action: 12 October 2011 Issue: Soldiers Who Lost Civilian Driving Privileges. Scope: A Soldier can be issued a military license even though he or she does not have a civilian driver's license. A Soldier who has lost their civilian driving privileges can still drive a military vehicle. Every member of the military should have a civilian driver's license to be qualified to drive military equipment. Conference Recommendation: 1. Require all service members to have a civilian driver's license before they can obtain a military drivers license. 2. Reprimand Soldiers who lose their civilian driving privileges if it affects their military mission. Subject Matter Expert: Gary Kluka, Administrative Law Attorney, 353-6554, or email gary.m.kluka.civ@mail.mil. Staff Discussion: Military members’ driving privileges are controlled by AR 190-5. Paragraph 2-1 requires a person lawfully be licensed to operate motor vehicles in appropriate classifications and not be under suspension or revocation in any State or host country to receive Military driving privileges. Paragraph 2-11 states that, with regard to Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) license, Commanders will recognize the interests of the States in matters of POV administration and driver licensing. Upon receipt of written or other official law enforcement communication relative to the suspension/revocation of driving privileges, the receiving installation will terminate driving privileges as if violations occurred within its own jurisdiction. Further military driving privileges may also be revoked. When notified by State or host nation authorities of a suspension or revocation, the person’s OF 346 (U.S. Government Motor Vehicle Operator’s Identification Card) may also be suspended. This recognizes that the Commander must balance the needs of the community and the needs of the mission. Staff Recommendation: Current regulations already recognize the Commander’s responsibility to balance the needs of the community and the needs of the mission. Subject Matter Expert Recommendation: Close Issue 11-10, Garrison Command will publish updated Policy Letter to emphasize the full ramification of a SM who losses their driving privileges off the installation and how it will affect their ability to complete mission requirements. FWA-11-18 Status: Closed Date Entered: FY11, March 2011 Final Action: 12 October 2011 FWA-11-18 Issue: Educating Single Soldiers on the benefits and resources the Family Readiness Groups (FRG) offers the Families. Scope: When the Soldier arrives at his or her duty station, they often do not have a proper understanding of the benefits and the resources that the FRG can offer the Families, living on post and those living 14
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
geographically separated from the Military installations. Many times the Soldier does not encourage their Family Member (FM) to get involved with the FRG because of a lack of education and a misconception as to what the FRG is. Single soldiers have no resources to inform their geographically separated Families. Recommendations: At Advanced Individual Training (AIT) and Reserve Officers’ Training Course (ROTC), during the education classes, a FRG representative can explain how the FRG operates and the benefits and resources that the FRG can offer the Family Member of the Soldier, both those living on the Military Installation and those living geographically separated from the Military Installation. At Basic Training and AIT a representative talks to the Soldiers about the FRG that is on the Installation at the training post, however, once they arrive at their installation, there is no follow-up for Single Soldiers. Update: During FY11 conference, a SME was not available to provide delegates with information. Command recommends communication with unit commanders to have FRSAs contact Single Soldier Families geographically dispersed to provide information. Command Recommendation: Close issue 11-18 with recommendations.
FWA-11-19 Status: Closed Date Entered: FY11, March 2011 Final Action: 12 October 2011 Issue: Transportation for student to Nordale School. Scope: After the redistricting that will be taking place next year, some of our military Families will be without transportation for their school age children to and from school. The military Families that live in Birchwood Homes will be going to Nordale and will not have transportation from SAS to school, because they are out of district. These military Families don’t have the option to take off from work to transport their children to and from school. Conference Recommendation: Require school district to provide transportation for children attending Nordale. Subject Matter Expert: Rizza Asuncion, Child Youth and School Services (CYSS) Coordinator, 3539505 or email maria.r.asuncion.naf@mail.mil. Staff Discussion: With the redistrict plan there will be a hardship on the Families to get their children to and from school at Nordale. The Garrison and FMWR are not funded to transport these children. Staff Recommendation: Fairbanks North Star Borough School district provides transportation for these children, to decrease the hardship on the Families. Update: Issue being worked by district zoning committee. Command Recommendation: Close issue 11-19. 15
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
FWA-11-20 Status: Closed Date Entered: FY11, March 2011 Final Action: 12 October 2011 Issue: Electronic Last Will and Testament Storage. Scope: Soldiers store their Last Will and Testament in various locations and most are unsecure. Prior to deployments, Soldiers who create a Will at Legal Assistance or at a DCS are provided with the original document. When a Soldier deploys, oftentimes in the case of a fatality, the Soldier’s Will cannot be found or is damaged to the point that it lacks legality, resulting in disputes of the Soldier’s wishes and property after death. Conference Recommendation: Create an electronic database to securely store a Service Member's Last Will and Testament. Subject Matter Expert: Gary Kluka, Administrative Law Attorney, 353-6554 or email gary.m.kluka.civ@mail.mil. Staff Discussion: This is not a problem unique to USARAK. It should be addressed at the DA or DoD level. Technology currently exists that would allow for Wills to be executed at Legal Assistance Offices around the world then stored in a central electronic storage area. A DA or DoD level database would be the best method to do this. It could be a standalone system or possibly built off the existing AKO structure. A more significant issue is getting State Law recognition of electronically stored Wills. Probating Wills is a State law issue. While some States may voluntarily recognize electronically stored Wills, some may not or may require changes in the law to do so. To ensure electronically stored Wills would be recognized by all States will require Congressional action. A Uniform Will Storage Act could be proposed at the national level. To ensure that various states will follow the Federal Law, acceptance of the Act could be linked to Federal payments for the National Guard, similarly to the current linkage between the 21 years of age drinking limit and Federal highway funds. Since this Act would clearly benefit Soldiers and Military Families, broad support for it at both the Federal and State level should be easy to obtain. Once the secure electronic storage area is created, upon execution of a Will, the Soldier can sign a statement of intent directing that the Will be placed in this system. Upon the service member’s death, the document will be provided to a person of the SM,s designation and the Army Casualty Assistance Officer assigned to assist the Family. Staff Recommendation: That HQDA seeks legislative support for a Congressional Act that directs the creation of a DoD electronic Will storage database. Update: Upon completion of the USARPAC conference, delegates felt the issue was important; however it was not amongst the issues to be submitted to HQDA. Issue is not cost effective, nor does it fit within the scope of the DA budget. Issue was returned to the Garrison for further action. USARPAC Conference Recommendation: Close issue 11-20 as unattainable. 16
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
FWA-11-22 Status: Closed Date Entered: FY11, March 2011 Final Action: 12 October 2011 Issue: Transfer of Curriculum for Military Children. Scope: Military dependent children have unique educational challenges due to multiple transfers to different school districts in different states. Military children who PCS with their parents are often faced with different standards from their last station. While some states have excellent educational standards, other states are greatly lacking in the educational department. When a child moves into a different district, the curriculum taken at the previous schools are not always accepted. This requires military children to mold to new curriculum standards whether they are ahead or behind the new schools curriculum. Many military Families are likely not to PCS with their sponsor due to the significant academic challenges their children may face at the new location, causing long Family separations and other hardships. Conference Recommendations: 1. Require schools to accept curriculum transferred from other schools for military children. 2. Require students to take an academic evaluation prior to transferring to a new school. 3. Require schools to implement a program to prepare children transferring to schools with higher curriculum standards. Subject Matter Expert: Lynda Goodwin, School Liaison Officer, Child Youth and School Services, 361-9897 or email lynda.k.goodwin.naf@mail.mil Staff Discussion: Moving presents hardships for all Families, but especially Military Families. Many times they find that the school that they move to is not at the level of the one they left. They also have trouble getting classes to transfer. The Interstate Compact Act has announced their attempts to address this issue, but not all states have adopted the Act. The states that have adopted the Act, don’t implement it in the same manner in all the schools of the state. For this reason, some Army Families choose not to move their dependents to avoid these problems, which cause extra hardships on the Families. National standards for curriculum are different; it would take the Department of Education to address this issue and make changes nationally. Staff recommendation: Request the issue to go forward to higher command for review and resolution. Update: Issue was submitted into USARPAC conference and voted outside of AFAP purview, because all states do not receive the same funding nor do they follow the same academic requirements. State laws are outside AFAP jurisdiction. Issue Closed. USARPAC Conference Recommendation: Close issue 11-22 as unattainable
FWA-11-11 Status: Completed 17
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
Date Entered: FY11, March 2011 Final Action: 12 October 2011 Issue: Air Conditioners for Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Families. Scope: Service Members and their beneficiaries experience undue financial strain due to out of pocket expenses for essential medical equipment. Medical facilities are not providing EFMP beneficiaries with air conditioners to alleviate symptoms due to chronic medical conditions. Illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, asthma, and dermatitis are greatly improved when treated in a controlled environment. Lack of necessary equipment to provide that environment lowers the quality of life, complicates medical conditions, and causes additional stress to the military Family. Conference Recommendation: Provide funding for EFMP participants to receive air conditioning units. Subject Matter Expert: D’Letter H. Shumate, Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Manager, 353-4243 or email dletter.h.shumate.civ@mail.mil. Staff Discussion: Not all military housing have air conditioning, because summer temperatures do not typically exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit. These short periods of high temperatures can cause discomfort for EFMP patients with certain medical conditions. Air conditioners and air purifiers are not considered durable medical equipment by TRICARE. TRICARE cannot be used to purchase air conditioners. Staff Recommendation: Recommend all installations implement purchasing air conditioners for EFMP Families. Issue was submitted to USARPAC for implementation of this activity by all Army Garrison’s. Issue will need Department of Defense approval. Update: Issue was deemed unattainable at USARPAC due to current funding restraints and returned to submitting garrison for further action. Command Recommendation: Close Issue 11-11, Completed. Fort Wainwright has 10 Air Conditioning units for EFMP Families that require and qualify to have a unit issued to them.
FWA-11-14 Status: Completed Date Entered: FY11, March 2011 Final Action: 12 October 2011 Title: Statement of Non-Availability When Traveling with Pets. Scope: When making a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move with pets, Military Families are not able to acquire a statement of non-availability when a "pet room" is not available in lodging upon arrival. This puts the Military Families in a position to find accommodations off-post or a boarding kennel. Both options are very expensive and cause a financial hardship that many Families cannot afford. 18
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
Conference Recommendation: Provide a statement of non-availability to Military Families when a "pet room" is not available in lodging. Subject Matter Expert: Steve Coulson, Lodging Manager, Family, Morale Welfare and Recreation(FMWR), 353-3893 or email steve.h.coulson.naf@mail.mil Staff Discussion: A Certificate of Non-Availability (CNA) is routinely offered when pet friendly rooms are not available in Lodging and that policy is in keeping with the Army Lodging Standards for Service and Operations, Front Desk Standing Operating Procedures. Issuing a CNA does not relieve the requirement for the Soldier to find accommodations off-post or a boarding kennel. A list of local area hotels that are pet friendly and a list of local boarding kennels is maintained at the Front Desk and is routinely provided along with the CNA. Staff Recommendation: Continue to provide CNA in accordance with Army Lodging Standards for Service and Operations. Update: Since the closure of the FMWR operated lodge, the newly contract operated lodging will continue to provide CNA for guests. Command Recommendation: Close Issue 11-14 as completed. FWA-11-16 Status: Completed Date Entered: FY11, March 2011 Final Action: 12 October 2011 Issue: Officer/Non-Commissioned Officers Club. Scope: Fort Wainwright does not have a facility for leaders to socialize and network. A venue for leaders to engage in face to face socialization with peers would benefit cohesiveness among the ranks. Conference Recommendation: Establish dual purpose facility for Officers and NCOs to hold Officer Call, Right Arm Night, NCOPD, OPD, and unit/leader functions. Subject Matter Expert: Mike Meeks, Director, Directorate of Public Works, 361-7287 or email michael.t.meeks4.civ@mail.mil. Staff Discussion: Category Code: 74048, no listing for this cat code on FTW. The basement of building 1045 was renovated approximately three years ago into Murphy’s Bar. This renovation was done to meet the requested scope. Staff Recommendation: Promote the use of Murphy’s Bar. Command Recommendation: Close Issue 11-16 as completed. The need is met by the availability of several facilities on the installation, Nugget Lanes Bar, The Zone, and Birch Hill Ski Lodge. 19
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
FWA-11-21 Status: Completed Date Entered: FY11, March 2011 Final Action: 12 October 2011 Issue: Military Teen Support Group. Scope: Fort Wainwright does not currently have a year round youth support group just for teens. Teens are often uncomfortable talking to counselors, teachers, or parents for fear of being judged about what is shared. Teens would feel more comfortable talking to their peers when dealing with every day challenges related to the military lifestyle. Activities like group discussions, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, swimming, and other indoor/outdoor activities would help to decrease stress due to the changing Family dynamics during the deployment cycle, growing up, and life in general. Conference Recommendation: Establish a support group facilitated by teens with oversight by an adult advisor to provide opportunities for teens to grow through leadership by planning and coordinating events; to include indoor and outdoor social interactive activities, promote social well being and resiliency for teens. Subject Matter Expert: Rizza Asuncion, Child Youth and School Services (CYSS) Coordinator, 353-9505, or email maria.r.asuncion.naf@mail.mil. Staff Discussion: Torch is a Boys and Girls (BGCA) affiliated club for a small group of members (typically 8 to 15 young people), aged 11-13, who agree upon, develop and implement their own programs and activities. Developing character and leadership skills is the primary focus of this group. Keystone Clubs are BGCA chartered small-group character and leadership clubs for teens ages 14-18. The program engages teens providing an opportunity to connect with others while meeting many of their developmental needs. The primary thrust of Keystone is to help teens develop an understanding and appreciation of ethical standards as they cultivate leadership skills. Teens run their own meetings, elect officers, and plan and implement their own activities. Leadership activities may include: team building, teen-run workshops on ethical leadership, public speaking, debate training and more. Teens learn the importance of honesty, integrity, trustworthiness and related ethical traits as they plan and organize an array of fundraising events and member-run businesses. These traits are emphasized as teens create a group structure that recognizes and acknowledges good character and sound business practices. Members plan and implement projects that include community carnivals, concession stands, desktop publishing businesses, and more. Keystone Club members serve as positive peer leaders who develop adaptive ways to combat negative peer pressure. Members learn to get along with others as they construct a broad range of Club and community-based projects for their peers. Keystone members are able to not only influence their peers, but are also positioned to significantly influence their community. Being an active participant in Keystone builds self-confidence and self-image, encourages good character development, increases civic awareness and improves social skills. In addition to these clubs; the Fort Wainwright Youth Center offers two program opportunities that address the developmental needs of developing young women and men. For girls, the Fort Wainwright Youth Center utilizes the SMART Girls curriculum. The SMART Girls program is a small-group program (8-12 years old and 13-17 years old) that utilizes a combination of informational and experiential learning activities to help female Club members develop healthy attitudes and lifestyles. Participants explore their own and societal attitudes 20
IMFW-MWA SUBJECT: Fort Wainwright Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) Issue Status Updates
and values as they practice life skills for nutritional eating, physical fitness, accessing the health care system, resolving conflict and building healthy mentoring relationships. SMART Girls is a part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s SMART (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training) Moves Family, an array of programs for equipping Club members with the crucial health and life skills needed to become healthy, successful adults. The program design features interactive, experiential methods, and approaches; which include the use of anecdotes, role-plays, field trips, guest speakers, and mentors. The Passport to Manhood is a curriculum for adolescent boys that address several key areas of development while stressing and promoting positive values and behaviors. Passport to Manhood promotes and teaches responsibility for male Club members ages 11-14. At a critical and transitional time in their adolescence, boys are encouraged to adopt the character virtues that will give them a positive head start in their journey to manhood. In addition to Club staff, peer leaders (older Club members), volunteers, and parents can all become involved in the implementation of the program. Each Club member who participates in the program is issued his own “Passport” to underscore the notion that he is on a personal journey of maturation and personal growth. Staff Recommendation: Support group established within CYSS to be facilitated by teens with oversight of an adult advisor. This program provides opportunities for teens to grow through leadership by planning and coordinating events to include indoor and outdoor social interactive activities, promote social well being and resiliency for teens is fulfilled at the Fort Wainwright Youth center through club and program activities. Subject Matter Expert Recommendation: Close Issue 11-21 as completed. 6. Upon the Commanders’ review and decision, all updates will be published prior to FY14 Conference. All remaining active issues will be revisited during the second quarter issue review board of FY14.
7. POC for this information is Charles Lyons, Employment Readiness , (907)353-1977.
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