New Fort McPherson Regulation 210-5 has more bite

By Col. Deborah B. GraysJanuary 28, 2010

New Fort McPherson Regulation 210-5 has more bite
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Commander's Corner

Garrison Commander

Fort McPherson & Fort Gillem

When was the last time you reviewed Fort McPherson Regulation 210-5 (Installation Regulation, Policy, and Procedures)'

If you haven't looked recently, look again - things have changed. An updated version of the regulation was published Oct. 30 to encompass changes in the policies and climate at Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem since the previous version (which was published July 23, 2006).

The regulation acts as a bible for the individuals who work at, live on or are serviced by Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem.

It is a key tool in keeping you informed as to how to stay safe and address emergencies. It also provides information on the standards and timelines for military housing, provides guidance on who can use various Fort McPherson, Fort Gillem and Lake Allatoona facilities and more.

The regulation can be found on the Fort McPherson's Internet Web site at www.mcpher-son.army.mil/fortmcphersonregulation210-5.pdf, or for those who have access to Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem's Portal, a link to the regulation is on the left side of the home page under "Find it Fast."

One of the major focuses of the new regulation is its policy toward firearms. The Sentinel published an article explaining the guidance in its Jan. 15 issue - to review it online, go to www.mcpher-son.army.mil/PAO/CI/Archive/2010/Sentinel011510.pdf and see page seven.

Both the article and the regulation explain how to register weapons kept on post, how to store the weapons and ammunition and what the policy is for individuals to bring firearms on the installations.

Another major focus of the regulation is the requirement to use hands-free devices to talk on the phone while driving. The regulation states: "Vehicle operators on Fort McPherson/Gillem will not use cell phones, including text messaging, unless the vehicle is safely parked or they are using a hands-free device. The wearing of any other portable headphones, earphones, or other listening devices (except for hands-free cellular phones) while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited."

This policy applies to not only the operators of privately owned vehicles, but also to those operating government-owned vehicles, whether they are traveling on the installation or off. According to the publication, vehicle operators who use cell phones while driving will be issued a citation. After a second citation, the driver's onpost driving privileges will be suspended for 30 days.

While firearms registration and the use of cell phones while driving have been hot topics lately, the regulation also covers long-standing issues, such as the policies regarding running or walking on the post and parking.

The regulation says runners, joggers and walkers must use sidewalks, when available, and must run or walk facing oncoming traffic when sidewalks aren't available. Also, in accordance with AR 385-10 (The Army Safety Program) and Fort McPherson Regulation 210-5, the use of headphones or earphones while walking, jogging, skating or bicycling on the installation roads and streets is prohibited.

Unauthorized parking is still an issue on Fort McPherson, particularly at the Commissary and Mini-Mall. The regulation explains that at both Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem, parking in these facilities' lots is reserved for the stores' customers and employees, with the exception of the northern and western most perimeter rows of the Fort McPherson Commissary parking lot and the Lemon Lot area near the Fort Gillem Post Exchange.

Customer parking at the commissaries and post exchanges is limited to two hours. Individuals who violate parking regulations that also amount to traffic offenses (such as those who park in a handicapped space, loading zone or fire lane) may receive a citation to appear in U.S. District Court.

Individuals who violate lesser offenses, such as parking in a reserved space, may be issued a traffic violation citation by the police or the building manager, with a copy sent through the chain of command to the offending person's supervisor for corrective action. Repeated violations can result in installation driving privileges being suspended or revoked. A major change from previous versions of the regulation is that provisions punitive to individuals who are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice are indicated in bold print.

Violations of those same provisions by Civilian employees may be the basis for disciplinary action. I ask each of you to familiarize yourself with this very important publication, and to refer back to it in the future. It is vital that you not only know the policy it sets, but can help guide those who you come in contact with - employees, co-workers, guests, Family members, etc. - to ensure compliance with the directives the regulation sets forth.