Commander's Message
Garrison Commander
Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem
As we continue moving toward closure, one of the many things we will have to do along the way is turn in the materials, buildings, and other resources that we use throughout the installations.
While this may seem like a daunting task, by working together smartly and efficiently, we can accomplish this mission successfully.
Now although this is an important mission, there are some pitfalls that I want to ensure we navigate successfully. It's vital that we avoid making critical mistakes, especially when it comes to the proper handling and securing of items before turn in. This can include anything from supplies like computer systems and telephones being stacked haphazardly in a closet, or smaller, harder to keep track of items like computer mouses and keyboards being left out in the open for anyone to take.
We're all responsible for property accountability. While directors, supervisors and hand receipt holders may be legally responsible for ensuing property accountability, it's up to each of us as civil servants to protect government assets.
This means not only handling property with care, but also speaking out if you know or suspect someone of stealing property. I fully expect and encourage everyone working on Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem to contribute toward the group effort of preparing these installations for closure.
Another pitfall I want to work together to avoid is log jam, meaning I don't want us to end up struggling to process a large number of items during the final weeks of operation. While there is undoubtedly a significant amount of items to be processed, we can do it in a way that sets us up to succeed.
With that in mind, I have tasked garrison directors to turn in 10 percent of their accountable property every month, which will help eliminate stockpiles and ensure property is being scrutinized. I firmly believe that turning in property now, will help reduce a log jam of equipment turn-in closer to closure.
I monitor the turn-ins during the monthly U.S. Army Garrison closure planning in-process review (IPR) each month, and while I'm happy with the progress most of our organizations have made, I urge directors to continue to look for ways to work better with less, and to continue turning in items as they're available.
For those of you worried about losing all of your equipment too soon, know that I and the U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) leadership will not leave anyone without the resources and equipment needed. While we must turn in the necessary equipment, we will work to do so in a way that has minimal impact for the hard-working servicemembers and Civilian employees of Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem.
As always, I will keep everyone informed (through the Sentinel, USAG website, town hall meetings and other official channels) of the current state of operations, and the goals we are working to achieve. Together, we will complete this mission. Sustain, Support, Defend!
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