ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. (Oct. 1, 2013) -- Due to a lapse in government funding, most portions of the government funded by appropriated funds have been closed starting today until an appropriation or continuing resolution is passed by Congress.
Only operations and activities essential to safety, protection of human life, and protection of our national security, are exempted from shutting down. Therefore, many services that U.S. Army Garrison Rock Island Arsenal provides, including some quality of life programs, are affected due to the government closure. Here is a list of Garrison services that are impacted by the shutdown:
IT:
• Normal operations
Directorate of Emergency Services (DES):
• Delays in issuing Arsenal ID Card/Electronic Keys at Bldg. 225.
• Delays in criminal investigation support.
Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (DFMWR) & Army Community Service (ACS):
• ACS will be closed with the exception of Army Emergency Relief and FAP/Victim Advocacy Program. All other ACS services would be stopped for duration of furlough.
Directorate of Human Resources (DHR):
• CAC/Military ID Office: Will be staffed at a reduced level, increase in wait time, shortened hours of operation
• MPD: Minimal staffing (one person) to cover emergency military requirements
• Drug Testing: Continues with staffing of one - concentration on military requirements; pending civilian requirements will be re-scheduled
• ASAP Counselor: Will be covered by one employee
• EAP Counselor: Will be covered by one employee
• No change to ACES, regular staff, three contractors, Education Services Officer
• Mail: Will not be affected by the shutdown and will continue
Resource Management Office (RMO):
• Limited payroll customer service support
• No manpower or support agreement assistance
Safety Office:
The Safety Office will be minimally staffed and there will be a reduction to provide Safety and Occupational Health services to the Garrison and Rock Island Arsenal.
Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security (DPTMS):
• RIA Museum will close to the public. No tours.
• Visual Information -- There will be no Baylor Conference Room support (includes scheduling, room preparation/opening/closing).
• Information Management Office - No support to internal Garrison customers.
Directorate of Public Works (DPW):
• DPW will be minimally staffed. Calls will be answered at the work order desk, but will only respond to L/H/S requirements. COR oversight of funded scheduled and unscheduled DPW work will be minimal. Excepted staff will focus only on L/H/S and legal requirements and all other DPW operations will cease.
Plans, Analysis, and Integration Office (PAIO)
• PAIO will have one person present or on call during normal operating hours to prioritize and work on essential issues. All projects not in direct support of mission essential personnel will be delayed until normal operations resume.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office:
• EEO will be minimally staffed; complaints will be processed, but processing will be delayed.
Public Affairs Office (PAO):
• Garrison Public Affairs will be closed, Army Sustainment Command Public Affairs will be manned by active duty military and will be taking calls at (309) 782-5421; email at usarmy.RIA.asc.list.pa@mail.mil.
Other Support agencies:
• AAFES (Exchange/PX) -- All AAFES operations will have normal operating hours.
• DeCA (commissary) -- Regular work day Oct. 1, but closed for duration of furlough if the government shutdown takes place.
• United Services Organization (USO) -- Normal operating hours.
• Health clinic -- Normal operating hours (with delays) and possible cancellations.
• Legal Office -- No legal assistance with the exception of emergencies (309) 782-8010/8646.
• RIA Education Office -- Any tests funded by Army dollars via the Education Center will not be conducted until further notice. Tuition Assistance for classes starting on or after Oct. 1 will be suspended until further notice. Effective Oct. 1, all Soldiers' accounts in GoArmyEd will be placed on hold and they will not be able to process any new TA requests. Soldiers should be aware of the potential debt they may incur with their school should they attend classes that are rejected as a result of this budgetary crisis and are encouraged to monitor GoArmyEd for updates. When this issue is resolved, the holds will be removed and Soldiers will once again be able to request TA through GoArmyEd. However, Soldiers will not be able to request TA for classes with a start date during the suspension period. In the interim, Soldiers can use GI Bill benefits, if applicable -- either the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) or the Post 9/11 GI Bill, or use another funding source.
As soon as circumstances permit, the Garrison will re-establish regular operating hours.
Related Links:
DoD Special - Government Shutdown: What You Need to Know
DFAS - Shutdown Impacts on Pay
President Obama Message to Troops and DoD Personnel on Shutdown
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