FORT HOOD, Texas - In a concerted effort to build on the Army’s People First strategy, Fort Hood’s Directorate of Public Works has incorporated the newest tool for the submission of demand maintenance orders, or work requests into its support arsenal.
According to Robert Millenbach, chief, work management branch, Fort Hood Directorate of Public Works, the Army Maintenance Activity app was first introduced last December as part of the Installation Management Command’s pilot program for Soldiers to make it easier for them to submit maintenance requests for their barracks issues.
However, largely due to its successful implementation, IMCOM has since expanded the app’s use to include all its installation facilities and infrastructure; and has opened its availability to everyone who resides or works on the installation, including Soldiers who do not reside in the barracks, their families and federal employees.
Intended to make it easier to submit requests, the web-based application can be accessed via an individual’s computer or from a smartphone.
Still, Millenbach reminds individuals that even though he encourages the use of the ArMA app, they still can walk in at the DPW work reception desk in Building 4612 on Fort Hood, or call (254)287-2113 to submit work order requests. To submit requests via email, visit: usarmy.hood.id-readiness.mbx.dpw-demand-maintenance-order-desk@army.mil.
“The advantage of using the app is that you can see what you’ve submitted right on your phone or computer, and you get notified when the work order is completed,” he said. “It doesn’t give you real time updates, but it helps you understand where the requests sit.”
Upon receiving the work order, the request is rated based on guidelines as defined in IMCOM regulations regarding life, health and safety.
“There’s priority one, two and three,” he said. “For priority one, we do not want you to use the ArMA app.
“Something bad is going on and we want to deal with it immediately,” he said. “We have 24 hours to address and correct that issue. Call the work reception desk instead.
“ArMA is more for your routine two and three priorities,” he added. “Priority two is what we call an urgent request and it must be addressed within seven days; and a priority three, or routine request, must be addressed within 30 days.”
Millenbach explained that the priority guidelines are just that, they help DPW manage their work based on the urgency of the issue.
“It’s not like the technicians wait. They go right out there and address these issues as fast as we possibly can,” he said.
ArMA is just a reporting and communication tool between the customer and the DPW.
“Whenever I meet up with unit leadership, I always talk up ArMA because we want to encourage maximum usage of the system,” he said. “We’re not there yet, we just went live for all facilities in March, so people are still getting used to it.”
Another advantage to using the system is that once registered, the individual’s information is retained and follows them to wherever they’re assigned.
“It’s the same system across IMCOM. This is IMCOM-wide. All IMCOM installations have already started the program or will be soon,” he said.
Millenbach added that once an individual PCSs, or moves onto another assignment, all he or she would have to do is update his or her information to reflect that new location. This helps to speed up the work order process and helps maintain that communication with the customer. It also allows for individuals to submit a request and receive updates even though they’re away from their residence or work location.
To register on the ArMA app, visit the website at https://dpw.armymaintenance.com/arma.
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