Unit FAQs

1.      (G4) Why is the process for coding out weapons, issuing them PSDs, and obtaining replacement weapons such a lengthy process?

a.      The process from code out to a PSD to be received is typically three to four calendar weeks assuming all stakeholders submit their requirements in a timely manner without error.

b.      PSD requests go from the unit level through the chain to ASC for approval. Once a weapon is turned into SSA to receive a replacement, it requires FUVA  approval from the Department of the Army to allow the shipping and receiving of all weapons from the SSA to Anniston Army Depot and vice versa. While this board is conducted bi-weekly, the pattern has shown this requires TRADOC G4 involvement prior to receiving an approved fund request.

c.      An example would be the recent M4 shipments. Both were pending approval by the FUVA board for approximately 90 days while DA prioritized funding for various tasks. Gaining approval for both shipments required touchpoints at echelon.

2.      (G4) Why does TMP and non-tactical vehicle services take so long?

a.      Once a GSA vehicle is turned into the dealer, they conduct an inspection and submit the cost breakdown of all repairs needed to GSA, followed by waiting for GSA to approve the work.

b.      Once approved by GSA, the dealer then orders the parts, (this could take weeks to arrive), once received, the dealer will then get the vehicle in the shop for repair based on their line of waiting.

3.      (G4) Can we get access to TMDE facilities on other post?

a.      Fort Eisenhower TMDE no longer conducts monthly visits to Fort Jackson. It was stopped during COVID and never resumed. Following the pandemic, TMDE transitioned to a new process for regional support requiring other installations to ship or deliver equipment requiring calibration to Fort Eisenhower.

b.      Using the TMDE facility on any other than our assigned post is not possible due to our DODDACs and UIC equipment being aligned to Fort Eisenhower.

c.      The turnaround time varies depending on whether TMDE at Fort Eisenhower can perform the service in-house or must ship equipment to a different location for a higher level of repair.

4.      (G4) Can we do 12-week dispatches on vehicles? Why or why not?

a.      12-week dispatches are not authorized per AR 58-1, AR 600-55, and GSA Fleet manual which does not authorized dispatches over 30 days for record keeping purposes, mileage updates and regular maintenance/inspections of the vehicles.

b.      G4 is required to inspect all GSA vehicles under ATC BOAC and send up a mileage update every 30 days and would be unable to meet that requirement if the vehicles are dispatched beyond the 30-day requirement. The same applies to LRC Transportation BOAC.

5.      (G4) Why does it seem like there is a disconnect between the guidance we receive from PBO and guidance we receive from the G4/S4 channels, especially as it pertains to change of command inventories?

a.      This concern has been discussed with the CIPO, Mr. Jackson, regarding the documentation requirement for Change of Command inventories. The PBO has initial responsibility for the items until signed over to the Primary Hand Receipt Holder (Company CDRs). 

b.      Per AR 710-4 paragraph 12-1, the APO (Accounting Property Officer) is responsible to ensure the outgoing and incoming commander understands the process and requirements when conducting a chain of command, additionally as part of the chain of command packet, once completed the PBO must receive a copy of all shortages annex initial by the outgoing and incoming commander. This is a regulatory requirement for Company CDRs to execute as the Primary Hand Receipt Holder.

•  If the PBO does not request the shortage annex as part of the Change of Command Package, Company CDRs should complete and maintain the shortage annexes to protect themselves from financial liability.

c.      Per AR 710-4 paragraph 12-8 it is the Company CDRs responsibility to document all component shortages, record any discrepancies during the inventory, and issue the property to the individuals assuming responsibility for the items.

d.      These actions impact the Company CDR (as the Primary Hand Receipt Holder) resulting in FLIPLs where there were changes in the initial amount of loss, in comparison to when the CDR took command.

e.      Additionally, it impacts the ATC due to 95% of all components are unit funded, and a lack of accountability causes a waste of government funds. Property  

f.        G4 team is committed to aligning these practices with Army standards in accordance with AR 710-4 by addressing this topic during the 1SG and Commander course to ensure consistent understanding and compliance.

1.      (USAG) Why are Perez and Vanguard gyms not open 24/7?

a.      Coleman is our 24/7 facility that is currently down for renovation.  The standard is to have one 24/7 Physical Fitness Center on every Army installation.  Perez and Vanguard extended their hours of operation during the renovation to help with the peak usage times of the day.

2.      (USAG) Why is it not possible to get IHG reservations without orders?

a.      It’s possible very frequently.  The installation has periods where our inventory is open online/in-house to BCT families, PCS, retirees, etc.  With the Institutional Training ATARRS training load, we are very frequently booked full or overbooked in the future.  When the Army training schoolhouses refine their rooming lists or when we have group no-shows, we open the rooms inventory at the hotels to the business segments mentioned above.  If IHG is showing no availability and there is an urgent need, please contact our Reservations Coordinator, Front Office Manager, or Operations Manager.

3.      (USAG) What is the barracks improvement plan for many of our aging facilities?

a.      We continue to seek FIP projects to support at least a company barracks “reset” each FIP cycle. We have been successful in getting relatively small projects ($2M) through the FIP for 2-13^th barracks.

1.      (USAG) Why does it take so long for vacant housing to be available to inbound Soldiers and families?

a.      On average, Balfour Beatty turns homes in about 20 days or less. However, there are homes sitting vacant they need abatement or additional work that affects availability.

2.      (USAG) Why is there not enough housing for Drill Sergeants?

a.      Drill Sergeants fall within the Junior NCO and Senior NCO rank bands. The total housing inventory is 850 units. 740 or 87% of the inventory is within the Junior NCO and Senior NCO rank bands. All Drill Sergeants are priority 1 for Housing assignments.

3.      (USAG) What accountability mechanisms are in place for BBC as the housing management company?

a.      Balfour Beatty submits incentive fee requests that provide some accountability related to performance metrics. The installation has a subjective category that is not specifically tied to established metrics. Balfour Beatty has a lease vice a contract. A centrally funded US Army Corps of Engineers assessment mechanism called “Ground Lease Compliance Inspection” evaluates aspects of Balfour Beatty performance related to the lease documents. The Army Housing Office does hold Balfour Beatty accountable for Between Occupancy Maintenance  requirements through an inspection process conducted by Army Housing Office civilian inspectors. The CEL survey, Satisfacts, and key texting can be used by occupants to provide feedback.  

4.      (USAG) Is it possible to get more slots for children at CYS?

a.      CYS is limited spaces due to building capacity and ratios that CYS caregivers need to provide based on children ages (eg: 1 to 4 for 6-month-old). There is a new CDC building that is slated to start construction in FY26.

5.      (USAG) Why can’t Gate 5 have better hours?

a.      Resourcing, specifically people and money. The Army has a system by which they validate access control points, and Fort Jackson is only provided resourcing to operate Gate 2 and Gate 4. All other access control points must be internally resourced, and DES lacks both the personnel and funding to extend the hours.

6.      (USAG) Is it possible to extend the time the water park is open?

a.      Water Park availability is limited by lifeguard staffing availability. If this is related to time of day, we base our hours off historically the busiest times.  If this is related to duration of the summer that we are open, we are subject to school schedules - many of our staff are high school and/or college aged.

1.      (G3) Why did we implement the new lightning policy? It limits training. 

a.      The new policy is designed to balance risk-to-force and risk-to-mission. It provides decision space for BN CDRs inside of the 15-mile warning and CO CDRs inside of the 30-mile warning.

2.      (G3) Can we move pick-up dates so the same battalion is not stuck with pre-VBL pick-ups or TF VICTORY?

a.      The fill plan is built over 12 months in advance. The command can make marginal adjustments but will prioritize synchronization and stability in the out years.

3.      (G3) Can we move holdovers to some other location while we await separation?

a.      Holdovers with signed chapter packets at DHR can be moved to E/120, pending availability.

4.      (G3) What is the AFT implementation plan?

a.      Passing the AFT general standards is not a BCT graduation requirement until 1 January 2026. However, BDE CDRs have the discretion to use AFT performance when assessing Trainees’ ability to safely conduct FM4 during the FORGE.

5.      (G3) Why are we doing so many pilots (e.g. NIC)?

a.      BCT transformation is a priority of the Center for Initial Military Training (CIMT). We are aligning with those efforts to improve BCT aligned with senior leader guidance.

Manning

1.      (G1) Why does it seem like we are never fully manned with DS here at Fort Jackson?

a.      There are several factors such as assignment deferments/deletions, and DS non-availability (medical/legal/PME) which paint a false picture to appear as if units are never fully manned with enough Drill Sergeants.

2.      (G1) Can DS receive MSMs for PCS?

a.      Yes, the award write-up needs to justify the level of award being recommended. A recommendation for MSM needs to reflect contributions made at the ATC-FJ level and beyond. For example, DS John Que played a vital role in the strategic transition for the Battalion as they converted from BCT to FSPC in order to meet the Department of Defense recruiting goal. He led over 500 BCT Trainees and aided over 4,500 Future Soldiers with MOS selection.  

1.      (G1) Why does it seem like we are never fully manned with DS here at Fort Jackson?

a.      There are several factors such as assignment deferments/deletions, and DS non-availability (medical/legal/PME) which paint a false picture to appear as if units are never fully manned with enough Drill Sergeants.

2.      (G1) Can DS receive MSMs for PCS?

a.      Yes, the award write-up needs to justify the level of award being recommended. A recommendation for MSM needs to reflect contributions made at the ATC-FJ level and beyond. For example, DS John Que played a vital role in the strategic transition for the Battalion as they converted from BCT to FSPC in order to meet the Department of Defense recruiting goal. He led over 500 BCT Trainees and aided over 4,500 Future Soldiers with MOS selection.  

1.      (MAHC) Is there a plan to open an urgent care on post?

a.      No, but here are the options for urgent care. https://moncrief.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Urgent-and-Emergency-Care

2.      (MAHC) Why does it take so long to book an appointment for service members and their families?

a.      The following link describes how to book an appointment. https://moncrief.tricare.mil/Health-Services/Primary-Care/Integrated-Health-Medical-Home

3.      (MAHC) What services does Moncrief provide?

a.      MAHC is Outpatient only. Services provided-   https://moncrief.tricare.mil/.  All services are listed on our website in respective drop-down boxes on the home page as well as specialty ones under “Specialty Care.”