LTG Ferriter & CSM Rice Holiday Message

Theme: Team, Service, Safety, Future

 It’s been immortalized in carols as “the most wonderful time of the year,” and it is for the Army’s home.  It’s a wonderful time to be part of U.S. Army Installation Management Command.  We have an incredible workforce and mission.  Ours is a diverse team made up of Soldiers, civilians and family members.  The IMCOM team hails from every corner of the globe, with differing cultures and beliefs – all united in the service of others.  It’s just the right mix to support troops, provide programs and offer world class customer service to the best trained Army in the world.  Whether anticipating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukah or time among family and friends during this holiday season know that you are a valued member of the team.  Command Sergeant Major Rice and I can never thank you enough for the life of service and sacrifice you’ve chosen and for the opportunity to share that with you here at IMCOM, the Army’s home.

 

We hope that this holiday season provides opportunities for reflection, recreation and renewed commitment to improvement.  Team, we’ve accomplished a lot in the last ten years –developing our workforce, being good stewards of financial and environmental resources, improving the quality of life in Army communities worldwide.  IMCOM is a world class operation because of you.

 

Our mission is complex – a job that is 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  While some can rest briefly, others may not.  Remember your teammates who will be manning facilities, serving chow to deployed troops or helping newly arrived families find lodging.  This is the essence of what we do every day – provide a quality of life commensurate with their quality of service.

 

Now more than ever is the time to remember your family and extended Army family as well — battle buddies, co-workers and the person next to you now.  As you travel or attend celebrations, be mindful of your actions and surroundings, keeping safety and responsibility to your teammates and families in mind.

 

We wish you and your families a happy holiday season, prosperous New Year and look forward to starting 2013 with each member of this team, ready, resilient and committed to the next step in enhancing the lives of our Soldiers. Army strong!

 

LTG Mike Ferriter and CSM Earl Rice

Transition

Joint Base San Antonio—The U.S. Army Installation Management Command is committed to assisting Soldiers and families transition smoothly into civilian employment and America’s communities. In response to the President’s and U.S. Army’s emphasis on a career-ready military, IMCOM is highlighting job fairs, expanding our transition services, and keenly focused on identifying employment opportunities within the command as well as business and industry.
“Our Soldiers deserve the best we can offer them, including the best opportunities for the future,” said Lt. Gen. Mike Ferriter, commanding general, U.S. Army Installation Management Command. “We’re making sure Soldiers can’t slip through the cracks. We will do everything we can to help prepare them for civilian life as thoroughly as we equip them for battle,” he said. “We owe that to our veterans in exchange for their life of service and sacrifice to this Nation.”
All transitioning Soldiers, from those retiring to first term enlistees, have a wealth of opportunity at their fingertips thanks in large part to the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act, which Congress approved in October 2011. The VOW Act is the driving force behind the completely revamped transition program, according to Kenric Echols, chief of Military Personnel, IMCOM G1.
“Changes went into effect on November 21,” Echols said, “but we’re already getting lots of phone calls and inquiries about the new transition program. The intent is to better prepare transitioning Soldiers and their families and get them in touch with potential employers-hopefully resulting in job offers.”
That’s good news for Soldiers, the Army and the nation, according to Ferriter.
What does the new program look like? Soldiers transitioning this fiscal year will receive mandatory pre-separation counseling that includes in depth discussion of veterans benefits, financial planning, civilian employment readiness training, and a heavy emphasis on individualized transition plans over a longer time period. Transitioning Soldiers can also expect more individual attention and counseling on resume writing and practice interviews. And depending on a Soldier’s preference, the program will include a detailed workshop focusing on one of three areas – education, technical skills or small business ownership. Spouses are highly encouraged to participate in the five day transition program as well, according to Echols.
“We highly encourage spouses to attend the entire session alongside their Soldier,” Echols said. “They can attend all sessions or some and we have resources to help them in their search for employment as well.” IMCOM has already found that engaged and educated spouses are a key enabler to a successful transition from military service.
Job fairs are a critical part of the process. Echols emphasized that they provide a meeting place for military members and employers to connect, provide valuable networking opportunities, and give Soldiers better insight into the pay available within the private and public sectors. Garrisons around the globe are now required to host a minimum of two employment events, such as community job fairs, each fiscal year. Many garrisons are exceeding that goal by partnering with other agencies such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce which has a proven track record for connecting business to our talented Soldiers. “We are also expanding the use of job fairs, allowing Soldiers to engage potential employers remotely, even from overseas,” he said. Soldiers can sign up for a virtual career fair program at https://www.acap.army.mil/. A listing and details on all the IMCOM job fairs is available at http://www.imcom.army.mil/Organization/G1Personnel/ACAP/JobFairMap.aspx.
Federal employment is another great avenue available to Soldiers. It’s estimated that as much as 60% of the Federal civilian workforce will be retiring in the next decade. This opens a wide variety of Federal jobs, and few people will be more qualified to fill those positions than today’s Soldiers. Those who have served in combat, have been decorated for valor, or have combat related injuries or disabilities, may find entry into Federal service easier due to veterans’ preferences and streamlined hiring practices.
The Army relies heavily on Army civilians every day. Army civilians write contracts, deliver goods, manage networks, and provide support functions that would otherwise present distractions to training and wartime operations. Civilians man the training ranges, run the finance offices, and in some cases cook the meals and manage the personnel actions. From the sound of reveille to when a soldier turns out the lights in the barracks at the end of the day, soldiers are supported by their civilian counterparts.
“There’s not much difference in how you feel about your job and how you conduct business in and out of uniform,” said Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Willie Wilson, who today runs the Army’s World Class Athlete Program for the Installation Management Command. “And in most Army civilian positions, you’re still taking care of Soldiers and their families. I’m glad that’s still part of my job description.”
The skills sets and training Soldiers receive during active duty, whether they serve for four years or twenty, directly translate to the Army civilian workforce. Making the switch from uniformed to civilian service is easier than ever before and IMCOM’s Transition Services Programs are working to ensure Soldiers and their families are educated on how to cross-walk the Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) to requirements of civilian positions. We are keenly focused on providing Soldiers and families relevant training, programs and services for seamless transition.
“I’m certain that in the coming decades our Soldiers will give this country as much as they have in the past 10 years of war,” Ferriter said. “While it’s important to do all we can to support them no matter what path they choose after separating or retiring, we’re also positioning the Army of 2020 to retain their knowledge, skills, enthusiasm, patriotism and willingness to serve.”
# # #
Related links:

http://www.imcom.army.mil/

https://www.acap.army.mil/

https://h2h.jobs/

http://www.army.mil/info/organization/unitsandcommands/commandstructure/imcom/

US Army Garrison Fort A.P. Hill Environmental Handbook

The Environmental Handbook provides an outline of personnel responsibilities, policies and procedures, and guidance for managing environmental resources at Fort A.P. Hill in Bowling Green, Virginia.

A series of Fact Sheets provide easy-to-use reference on over seventy environmental topics, from Aerosol Cans to Weapons Cleaning.

The Directorate of Public Works Environmental and Natural Resources Division manages the environmental program at Fort A.P. Hill. The Environmental and Natural Resources Division has implemented an Environmental Management System that provides the framework to manage all environmental programs and aspects associated with installation operations. As part of the Environmental Management System, Fort A.P. Hill has adopted an Environmental Policy, signed by the Garrison Commander. This Policy is Fort A.P. Hill’s statement of overall direction and principles of action regarding its environmental responsibility.

The Environmental Handbook supports the Environmental Management System and Commander’s policy providing guidance and Environmental controls for Installation personnel, soldiers, tenants and contractor personnel.

Fort AP Hill Environmental Handbook

“1st Fort AP Hill Volunteer Platoon” conducts Training.

Steve Edgar, Range Safety Officer (right) instructs a member of the 1st Platoon Volunteers on how to zero her M-16 during the Boots on the Ground Day at Fort A.P. Hill, Va.

Would you volunteer to wake up at dawn on a Saturday to participate in a pilot program called, “Boots on the Ground Day?”

That’s what 16 Fort A.P. Hill employees and Jeff Black from the Caroline Community Council did Nov. 17 when they volunteered to spend a day on The Hill discovering how Soldiers train for combat. The 16 who participated were dubbed the 1st Fort AP Hill Volunteer Platoon.

Boots on the Ground Day was the brainchild of Deputy Garrison Commander, Robert T. Wright and garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Keith R. Whitcomb. Many employees have worked on the Hill for more than a decade and have never been to the training areas or close enough to Warriors to understand what training occurs here.

The Fort A.P. Hill Command Group felt the Warrior experience would help garrison employees better understand and serve the 92,000 military men and women who rotate through the post each year.

The event began on Friday, Nov. 16, with a mission brief, equipment issue and Preliminary Marksmanship Training at one of the post’s Engagement Skills Trainers. Range Control and Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security staff and Whitcomb conducted dry-fire weapons training in preparation for Saturday’s events.

One of the civilians who participated, Anne Ulrey, quickly realized the importance of training.

Ulrey said that the time in the EST “…made me much more comfortable with the real thing when we got on-site.”

At 6:45 a.m. on Saturday Nov. 17 the 1st Platoon boarded a bus for the ride to Wilcox Training Camp Dining Facility and a hearty Army breakfast provided by Soldiers from the 29th Infantry Division (Virginia Army National Guard).

Following breakfast, the platoon moved to the M-16 Range to perform an Army Standard zero exercise with their weapons. After the zero the platoon moved to Range 35 to fire an M-16 weapons qualification while wearing helmets and protective vests.

Army spouse and MWR employee Sabine Arndt learned how challenging it is to fire a rifle accurately while wearing equipment.

“Just wearing the vest and the helmet and trying to shoot straight is incredibly difficult and that is only part of the equipment they have to wear when they are training or in a war,” Arndt said.

The members of the 1st Fort AP Hill Volunteer Platoon was up to the challenge though and successfully engaged pop-up targets as far away as 300 meters.

The next stop was the Combined Arms Combat Training Facility, a world-class, fully-instrumented training site. Soldiers from Headquarters Company, 98th Civil Affairs Battalion, Fort Bragg, N.C. greeted the volunteers and briefed them on the importance of Key Leader Engagements.

The Civil Affairs Soldiers also briefed the Volunteer Platoon on their global mission and provided a Key Leader Engagement focused on the Southern Command Area of Operations which encompasses Central America, South America and much of the Caribbean. The briefings reinforced the fact that A.P. Hill hosts the full spectrum of training for U.S. military forces.

While on the way to the their next training location, the 9mm Pistol Range, 1st Platoon was issued MREs and had 15 minutes to wolf down delicious entrees like Chicken Fajitas and several bottles of water. The platoon arrived at Range 1 and began their next training event supported by 29th ID Soldiers.

The Virginia Guardsman taught weapon’s safety and proper firing techniques and then led a dry-fire exercise, a practice fire and qualification fire. The friendly banter between the Department of the Army Civilians and the Guard helped build a quick, yet solid relationship that resulted in a safe and fun qualification for all.

Arndt’s thoughts on the firing range reflected those of her platoon mates.

“We really appreciated the training and the help that range control and the Soldiers from HHB, 29th ID gave us, it is so much fun to shoot a pistol,” she said.

Upon completion of the range, Whitcomb presented Fort A.P. Hill coins to the 29th ID Soldiers and the platoon moved to its next target, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal School.

Led by the EOD School Manager, Matthew Osborne and noncommissioned officer in charge, Sgt. 1st Class Jesse Krone, the school cadre briefed the team on EOD equipment and missions. After the briefing, the platoon moved to one of FT A.P. Hill’s demolition ranges and watched as the EOD specialists gave a demonstration that ended the day with huge bang.

Their day done, the 1st Fort AP Hill Volunteer Platoon rode the bus to main post to turn in their equipment, get some hot coffee and an out-briefing from the garrison command team at Romenick Hall. The command team presented each volunteer with a Certificate of Training Completion.

Those who took the challenge and participated were rewarded with far more than a certificate.

Madelaine Perrotte-Clontz praised for the Soldiers who supported the event.

“From the Warriors that fed us breakfast–which was way better than I thought it would be–to our own individual safeties at the pistol range, they were approachable, friendly yet stayed rather serious to reflect the seriousness of what we were doing,” Perrotte-Clontz said. “It was nice to have Warriors assist us because it was a reminder of why we were out there in the first place–to get a glimpse of what they train to do here at AP Hill.”

Jeff Black from the Caroline Community Council was amazed at the diversity of training that happens in the county’s back yard.

”I have a much better understanding of the activities at Fort A.P. Hill and its vital role in national security; the area is blessed to have such an installation within Caroline County,” he said.

As the day ended it became clear to all who participated that Fort A.P. Hill’s success is due to the garrison’s positive relationship with training units combined with the “Can-Do” spirit of its employees as well as their commitment to superior customer service and focus on the warrior.

Perrotte-Clontz summed up it best.

“My key moment was when one of the Warriors in the feed line looked at me and said ’Hey, didn’t you do my ID card?’ As much of an impression as they leave on me, I was surprised that I might actually leave an impression on them as well,” she said. “I will be aware of it from this point forward. Saturday helped me see that the customer service that we provide is remembered by the Warriors. So I need to strive to make every one of their experiences in my office one to remember.”

Fort AP Hill Commander Message for Thanksgiving

The success we’ve seen in the past year has certainly given us many reasons to be thankful. Your hard work and dedication has ensured our mission success and I am forever thankful to the Great People at AP Hill who have truly embraced the concept of the AP Hill Family as an extension of their own. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication in serving our Soldiers, Civilians and Families. Mr. Wright, CSM Whitcomb and I wish the best to you and your Families for a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

In the United States, the modern Thanksgiving holiday tradition is commonly, but not universally, traced to a poorly documented 1621 celebration at Plymouth in present-day Massachusetts. The 1621 Plymouth feast and thanksgiving was prompted by a good harvest. In later years, religious thanksgiving services were declared by civil leaders such as Governor Bradford who planned a thanksgiving celebration and fast in 1623. The practice of holding an annual harvest festival like this did not become a regular affair in New England until the late 1660s.

Pilgrims and Puritans who began emigrating from England in the 1620s and 1630s carried the tradition of Days of Fasting and Days of Thanksgiving with them to New England. Several days of Thanksgiving were held in early New England history that have been identified as the “First Thanksgiving”, including Pilgrim holidays in Plymouth in 1621 and 1623, and a Puritan holiday in Boston in 1631. Thanksgiving proclamations were made mostly by church leaders in New England up until 1682, and then by both state and church leaders until after the American Revolution. During the revolutionary period, political influences affected the issuance of Thanksgiving proclamations. Various proclamations were made by royal governors, John Hancock, General George Washington, and the Continental Congress, each giving thanks to God for events favorable to their causes. As President of the United States, George Washington proclaimed the first nation-wide thanksgiving celebration in America marking November 26, 1789, “as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favours of Almighty God”.

Beyond history, Thanksgiving is a day for reflection and giving thanks for all we have been blessed with. During this time, I encourage everyone to take a well-deserved break and spend time with family and friends. As you take this break, I do ask all of us to keep safety a priority in all activities you have planned. Stay safe and watch out for others by applying the same risk management standard during your holiday activities as you do when you are on-duty. I am certain that many of us will be traveling during the Thanksgiving Day weekend. If you hit the road, even for a short trip, take into account increased traffic, seasonal weather conditions and other risk factors. A lot of risk factors—such as speeding and driving under the influence—are in our control, so we need to be smart and make the right decisions.

We must also be aware that the holiday season traditionally sees an increase in the number of suicides. As we do every day, we need to look out for each other, for our teammates, Family members and friends, and if we recognize potential warnings signs, reach out and help.

Take care of each other and have a safe and great Thanksgiving. To support your planning efforts and facilitate your safe movement to observe this holiday period, I authorize early departure, up to 59-minutes, on Wednesday, 21 November 2012 for the Fort AP Hill Staff and Workforce. Director Heads will execute all necessary administrative actions to support this IAW higher policy and regulations as well as ensuring all mission requirements are satisfied prior to release. Directors report status for execution to DGC NLT 1200 on 21 NOV 2012.

Thank you again for your selfless service to our great Nation. Enjoy this holiday, but remember to always play it safe.

“Bring Hill Up!!!”

v/r
Peter E. Dargle
LTC, AR
USAG Fort A.P. Hill Commander

IMCOM Looks to Expedite Hiring at Garrisons

By IMCOM Public Affairs

Garrison commanders are recruiting for about 2,000 job openings, and while the competitive process can be time-consuming, exceptions to the process allow for noncompetitive selection of current IMCOM employees,
transitioning soldiers, disabled veterans, and certain others.

At the same time, the Army still faces a new fiscal environment that could require more civilian workforce reductions in the future, so the headquarters will continue to closely oversee the filling of critical vacancies to ensure the command stays within sustainable end strength numbers.

IMCOM started FY12 facing a mandatory reduction of more than 4,000 civilian positions including the headquarters, the regions and the garrisons. In the interest of retaining a highly experienced and specialized workforce, the command approached the necessary reduction with a commitment to meet the end strength target through attrition and judicious filling of critical vacancies.

This proactive approach to human resources management has succeeded to the extent that IMCOM has exceeded its reduction target through voluntary separations, retirement, and cross-leveling through reassignment. The new personnel outlook is good news for protecting the workforce, but the garrisons are now anxious to fill these nearly 2,000 openings to sustain their operations.

“It’s great to see that we could continue to meet our mission requirements while still taking care of our civilian workforce,” said IMCOM commander Lt. Gen. Michael Ferriter.

The federal hiring system is a competitive process, designed to evaluate applicants fairly, but not necessarily quickly, especially in recruiting from outside the government. But federal regulations allow for noncompetitive consideration of the very populations IMCOM seeks to help—including current employees, transitioning soldiers and disabled veterans.

“As we look at ways to expedite the approval process, there are steps the garrisons can take to speed the process, including streamlining the recruiting process, working in advance with the CPAC on determining the level of competition, getting job assessments ready, considering noncompetitive selections of the current IMCOM workforce, and hiring veterans and family members,” said IMCOM Director of Human Resources (G1) Karen M. Perkins.

Most hiring actions still must go to the HQ IMCOM Human Resources Management Board (HRMB) for initial screening and a recommendation to the commanding general. When the commander approves a hiring request, he specifies whether a vacancy must be filled by a current IMCOM employee or whether it can be recruited outside the command and even outside the federal workforce.

The first step remains the IMCOM Enterprise Placement Program (IEPP), which may provide a reassignment opportunity for a potentially vulnerable IMCOM employee who is willing to relocate. While the IEPP process is working, managers can begin their recruitment process to be ready to select if IEPP does not provide an eligible candidate.

If managers want to consider using one of the special hiring authorities laid out under Title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, there are many ways to hire transitioning soldiers, disabled veterans and persons with disabilities noncompetitively.

“These are excellent ways to select qualified people noncompetitively, and they help disabled veterans and transitioning soldiers, which we want to do anyway,” said Lois Keith, chief of Civilian Personnel in the IMCOM G1.

One such authority is the Veterans’ Recruitment Authority (VRA), which allows for noncompetitive appointment to positions in grades up to GS-11 of disabled veterans or veterans who served on active duty during a war, a recognized campaign or expedition, or certain other military operations. The VRA also extends to recently separated veterans.

Another opportunity is to appoint a veteran retired from active duty with a disability rating of 30 percent or more. These appointments are 60-day temporary or term to start with, but may be converted to career or career-conditional at any time. There are no grade limits with a 30 percent disability appointment, as long as the applicant meets all qualification standards.

Another talent resource is Army spouses, who normally won’t qualify for noncompetitive appointment, but often come with wide experience and varied skill sets that might not be readily available in the local talent pool. And former government employees eligible for reinstatement can be selected noncompetitively in any grade up to their former highest grade, as long as they meet qualifications.

The installation Civilian Personnel Action Center (CPAC) is the local resource for all civilian hiring, but especially when trying to expedite hiring through the use of noncompetitive appointments, so every action should be in consultation with them.

With the need for balance between expedited hiring and sustainable end strengths, garrison commanders need access to more than one option when filling a critical vacancy. The headquarters will likely stay very involved in the hiring process for the foreseeable future in the interest of sheltering the workforce from future adverse actions due to civilian reductions.

Options do exist, however, and using the hiring authorities provided can help garrisons fill their critical vacancies while also providing opportunity for some very deserving candidates.

Happy Birthday & Veterans Day Safety Message

For our history enthusiasts, today marks the 187^th Birthday of our namesake, Lt Gen Ambrose Powell Hill, Jr. (A.P. Hill). 

Born on November 9, 1825 in Culpepper, VA, AP Hill was a career U.S. Army officer in the Mexican–American War and Seminole Wars and a Confederate general in the American Civil War. He gained early fame as the commander of the “Light Division” in the Seven Days Battles and became one of Stonewall Jackson’s ablest subordinates, distinguishing himself in the 1862 battles of Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. Following Jackson’s death in May 1863 at the Battle of Chancellorsville, Hill was promoted to Lieutenant General and commanded the Third Corps of Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, which he led in the Gettysburg Campaign and the fall campaigns of 1863.

 That said, many of you will take the opportunity this weekend to enjoy the Veteran’s Day Holiday which may include travel outside the local area to visit Friends and Family or simply enjoy a well deserved vacation.  Travelling or not, I want to take this opportunity to remind you to enjoy your time off SAFELY.  If travelling, ensure you take appropriate measures to prepare your travel plans in advance (rest, nutrition, route awareness, weather awareness, vehicle maintenance) and drive safely to/from your destination of choice…obey the laws of the road (proper speed & seatbelt use in particular).  Operate your vehicle with all the professionalism that you display every day as part of the AP Hill Team. If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation and DO NOT DRIVE!!!  Take this opportunity to enjoy the increased time with Friends & Family while treating everyone with dignity & respect…the Golden Rule applies. 

 Everyone is a valuable member of this Team and I look forward to having everyone back to AP Hill on Tuesday.  Be safe this weekend and thank you for all you do to ensure our mission success!    

Peter E. Dargle
LTC, AR
USAG Fort A.P. Hill Commander

  

 Veterans Thanksgiving Day safety message 7 Nov 2012