FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general rescinded General Order No. 1 and replaced it with General Order No. 2 May 21.
Maj. Gen. David J. Francis announced the change via a short video on Facebook along with Command Sgt. Maj. Brian N. Hauke, Aviation Branch command sergeant major, and then distributed the order to units throughout the post via official channels.
In the video, the two discussed the reasoning behind the change and explained some of the fundamental rules in GO2.
“The case rate in the local area and Fort Rucker has increased over the last week, and, therefore, we remain at Health Protection Condition Charlie and its associated protection measures,” Francis said. “We continue to evaluate these conditions daily and our decisions are based on directives from the secretary of Defense and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This situation continues to be very fluid, and we are continually making adjustments to our control measures as conditions and directives dictate.”
The general said he made the move to GO2 to provide clarity and account for DOD directives.
Hauke then added that Fort Rucker’s success in the COVID-19 fight “relied on the disciplined execution of directives.
“Today, Major General Francis and I would like to lay out the fundamental rules in General Order 2 that will allow us to continue to protect our people and our mission,” the command sergeant major added. “No. 1, any individual who feels sick, or who believes that they are symptomatic or who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 will immediately self-quarantine at their residence and contact their supervisor.”
“No. 2, military personnel will not travel outside a 50-mile, straight-line radius from Fort Rucker without an exception to policy,” Francis said.
“No. 3, current restricted access to the Fort Rucker installation will remain in effect,” Hauke said.
“No. 4, we all know how critical it is to maintain contact with family, so we have set the conditions to allow visitors outside of 50 miles to visit Fort Rucker,” the general said. “However, any visitors displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19, or who believe they have come into contact with someone with COVID-19, will be reported to the chain of command immediately.”
“No. 5, social distancing requirements, you must maintain separation of six feet distance from all other personnel who are not immediate members of the same household at all times, both indoors and outdoors,” Hauke said, adding that people also need to limit gatherings to no more than 10, and wear face coverings when appropriate and required.
Francis added that GO2 also updates off-limits locations, activities and travel, and asked everyone to read the order.
To read the order, visit https://home.army.mil/rucker/index.php/go2.
“Again, we want to reiterate how proud we are of the Fort Rucker community in dealing with this pandemic,” Francis said. “Each of us has a fundamental responsibility to do the right thing.
“Finally, as we approach Memorial Day, we should all reflect on those who have gone before us and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and our way of life,” he added.
“Our country would not be what it is today without their sacrifice,” Hauke said. “I would also ask that we keep our Gold Star families in our thoughts this weekend as we recognize their tremendous sacrifice.”
Francis concluded by thanking the entire Fort Rucker community “for your continued support and diligence in this COVID fight,” he said. “We will not be under these restrictions indefinitely, but we can get through this sooner if we all do our part. Above the Best.”
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