Arsenal's DOIM has diverse support mission

By Ms. Rachel Newton (AMC)September 17, 2013

Pine Bluff Arsenal's Directorate of Information Management supports many aspects of the installation's mission. So many in fact, the average Arsenal worker probably doesn't realize all the things the directorate actually does.

"We cover lots of different areas," said Rusty Johnson, DOIM director. "We do all the automation, PCs, servers, programming, and information assurance. Our telecommunications group does phones, radios, and networking. We support all the Blackberry devices. The reproduction area includes the mail room, reproduction, and records management, and we also support all photography and web services on post. I am sure I am forgetting something."

DOIM also does several special projects on the installation including setting up global positioning systems in security and fire vehicles, as well as installing a system at the Natural Resources game check station for accountability of hunters and fisherman. "We have also set it up where the fire department can take a camera and shoot real-time video back to the operations center in case of an emergency," said Johnson. "It is pretty neat stuff."

The directorate has also had a contract with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for approximately 15 years. "UAPB hires individuals and the contract provides support to the directorate in various information technology areas," said Johnson.

Currently about 34 individuals make up the directorate. "We have good folks working for DOIM," said Johnson.

Other duties that the directorate does are the recordings of all trainings. "Hugh Morgan, our post photographer/videographer, does the recordings and reproduction of those onto CD. He also handles changes on signage at Plainview Gate, as well as taking any military photos," said Paula Stain, administrative support division chief. "Our reproduction guys in the mail room handle the housing of all the forms and record keeping. Anyone can request these forms through them."

DOIM also issues computer equipment and supplies to the installation. "What this allows us to do is keep up with how much the Arsenal spends on automation," said Johnson. "We keep up with all the paperwork and make sure it goes where it needs to go."

Mandy Kight, customer support division chief with DOIM, said that the amount of information technology that moves around post is quite a high volume. "Things are moving constantly. We move computers here and printers there," she said.

Johnson said this movement allows for cost savings from the Arsenal's perspective because when one item is no longer needed it can be moved to an area that needs it. "This is how we avoid someone having to buy something new," he said. "If we allowed everyone to buy things randomly it would actually cost quite a bit of money. Our process helps in disposal too. If we didn't do this we would have computer equipment stacked up all over post. One of the most important reasons for keeping up with all the equipment is the potential of network vulnerability. "

Having a varied background that focuses on information technology, computer science or math is the backgrounds of most of the individuals that work in DOIM. "In the programming area, we have a lot of folks with math and computer science backgrounds," said Kight. "I think one of the biggest things is to just be able to think logically, solve problems, good work ethics and take responsibility. It is good to have people who will step forward on various projects."