Fort Bliss Monitor

Troop Talk

The increased use of cell phones while driving on Fort Bliss has become a safety issue. Therefore, effective immediately, all persons operating a motor vehicle on Fort Bliss, Biggs Army Airfield, McGregor Range, William Beaumont Army Medical Center and all military housing areas will not use handheld devices (cameras, radios, games, cell phones, etc.). The vehicle must be safely parked or the driver must use a hands-free device (i.e. a Bluetooth). The wearing of any other portable headphones, earphones, or other listening devices (except for hand-free cellular phones) while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited. Use of those devices impairs driving and masks or prevents recognition of emergency signals, alarms, announcements, the approach of vehicles and human speech.

Drivers of either privately-owned or government-owned vehicles will not allow their attention to be distracted by handling other items while operating a vehicle. Such driving distractions include but are not limited to using an electric shaver, applying makeup, eating or drinking, operating radios, CD players, global positioning equipment, etc. These activities should only be done when the vehicle is safely parked.

Soldiers violating this policy may be subject to administrative, non-judicial, or punitive action under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (Failure to Obey an Order or Regulation), Article 111 of the UCMJ (Reckless Operation of Vehicle) or both. Civilians who violate this policy may be subject to prosecution under Texas Transportation Code § 545.401 (Reckless Driving), New Mexico Statute § 66-8-113 (Reckless Driving), or may be barred from the installation under 18 U.S.C. §1382.

The Provost Marshal Office, through its patrols and Access Control Personnel, may issue warning to drivers during the next 30 days under a grace period in which it will attempt to educate and inform the personnel and family members who are serviced by Team Bliss. Beginning March 1, drivers may be cited for violating this installation policy. As an exception to this policy, emergency responders (i.e. military or civilian police, firefighters, EMS, etc.) and safety/maintenance personnel (i.e. Public Works maintenance personnel, range safety, etc.) may use cell phones or hand-held radios in the performance of their official duties.
These are answers to some of the questions I received from spouses earlier this week.

Is GMH doing any renovations to homes as families move out? Yes, as family quarters are vacated major renovations are completed at that time. However, minor renovation can be made while the homes are occupied.
Will there be any opportunities for senior spouses to talk to GMH about current housing renovations and suggested renovations? GMH welcomes the opportunity to meet with groups such as the NCO Wives’ Club, OCSA and any other organization at anytime to discuss issues or concerns and they are invited to attend our townhall meetings held on a regular basis. GMH would also accomodate anyone wishing to visit homes under construction.

When will the sprinkler system be completed at my quarters? The pipes have been laid for quite some time but the project has never been completed. The project was scheduled in phases with the initial preliminary irrigation work consisting of laying plastic sleeves under the sidewalks started last fall, followed with the second phase continuing in the spring and summer as irrigation pipes must be placed along the same site before the ground cover can be placed over the open areas.

The behavior of some Soldiers at the Shoppette, PX, and the gym is appalling. I frequently witness Soldiers playing loud music with profane lyrics from their cars in addition to hearing profane language from the Soldiers themselves. I don’t feel comfortable taking my children or allowing my children to go to these public areas. Is there something that can be done to ensure that this type of behavior does not continue? The Garrison commander has directed the Military Police to monitor this situation and take action as necessary. This type of behavior is degrading to all Soldiers, family members and visitors and will not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of every Soldier, NCO and officer to take immediate corrective action when they witness any Soldier behaving in any manner that is not in keeping with the highest standards expected of the military.

Brig. Gen. Robert P. Lennox
Fort Bliss Commanding General



www.bliss.army.mil	Published for the Fort Bliss/El Paso, Texas Community	February 2 , 2006

	Troop Talk The increased use of cell phones while driving on Fort Bliss has become a safety issue. Therefore, effective immediately, all persons operating a motor vehicle on Fort Bliss, Biggs Army Airfield, McGregor Range, William Beaumont Army Medical Center and all military housing areas will not use handheld devices (cameras, radios, games, cell phones, etc.). The vehicle must be safely parked or the driver must use a hands-free device (i.e. a Bluetooth). The wearing of any other portable headphones, earphones, or other listening devices (except for hand-free cellular phones) while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited. Use of those devices impairs driving and masks or prevents recognition of emergency signals, alarms, announcements, the approach of vehicles and human speech. Drivers of either privately-owned or government-owned vehicles will not allow their attention to be distracted by handling other items while operating a vehicle. Such driving distractions include but are not limited to using an electric shaver, applying makeup, eating or drinking, operating radios, CD players, global positioning equipment, etc. These activities should only be done when the vehicle is safely parked. Soldiers violating this policy may be subject to administrative, non-judicial, or punitive action under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (Failure to Obey an Order or Regulation), Article 111 of the UCMJ (Reckless Operation of Vehicle) or both. Civilians who violate this policy may be subject to prosecution under Texas Transportation Code § 545.401 (Reckless Driving), New Mexico Statute § 66-8-113 (Reckless Driving), or may be barred from the installation under 18 U.S.C. §1382. The Provost Marshal Office, through its patrols and Access Control Personnel, may issue warning to drivers during the next 30 days under a grace period in which it will attempt to educate and inform the personnel and family members who are serviced by Team Bliss. Beginning March 1, drivers may be cited for violating this installation policy. As an exception to this policy, emergency responders (i.e. military or civilian police, firefighters, EMS, etc.) and safety/maintenance personnel (i.e. Public Works maintenance personnel, range safety, etc.) may use cell phones or hand-held radios in the performance of their official duties. These are answers to some of the questions I received from spouses earlier this week. Is GMH doing any renovations to homes as families move out? Yes, as family quarters are vacated major renovations are completed at that time. However, minor renovation can be made while the homes are occupied. Will there be any opportunities for senior spouses to talk to GMH about current housing renovations and suggested renovations? GMH welcomes the opportunity to meet with groups such as the NCO Wives’ Club, OCSA and any other organization at anytime to discuss issues or concerns and they are invited to attend our townhall meetings held on a regular basis. GMH would also accomodate anyone wishing to visit homes under construction. When will the sprinkler system be completed at my quarters? The pipes have been laid for quite some time but the project has never been completed. The project was scheduled in phases with the initial preliminary irrigation work consisting of laying plastic sleeves under the sidewalks started last fall, followed with the second phase continuing in the spring and summer as irrigation pipes must be placed along the same site before the ground cover can be placed over the open areas. The behavior of some Soldiers at the Shoppette, PX, and the gym is appalling. I frequently witness Soldiers playing loud music with profane lyrics from their cars in addition to hearing profane language from the Soldiers themselves. I don’t feel comfortable taking my children or allowing my children to go to these public areas. Is there something that can be done to ensure that this type of behavior does not continue? The Garrison commander has directed the Military Police to monitor this situation and take action as necessary. This type of behavior is degrading to all Soldiers, family members and visitors and will not be tolerated. It is the responsibility of every Soldier, NCO and officer to take immediate corrective action when they witness any Soldier behaving in any manner that is not in keeping with the highest standards expected of the military. Brig. Gen. Robert P. Lennox Fort Bliss Commanding General