Troop Talk
Maj. Gen. Robert P. Lennox, Fort Bliss Commanding General
The following questions were asked by 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Soldiers following a Saber Award ceremony at the unit's motor pool.
What does it take to make a civilian establishment off limits?
The director of emergency services is charged with heading the Armed Force Disciplinary Control Board as authorized by the installation commander. The board consists of a chaplain, staff judge advocate, inspector general and other representatives. They are charged with ensuring establishments do not "adversely affect the health, safety, morale, welfare or discipline of servicemembers, regardless of status."
Incidents or situations that cause concerns for establishments may include, but are not limited to, the following: disorder and lack of discipline, prostitution, sexually-transmitted diseases, liquor violations, racial and other discriminatory practices, alcohol and drug abuse, drug paraphernalia, criminal or illegal activities involving cults or hate groups, illicit gambling, areas susceptible to terrorist activity, unfair commercial or consumer practices, or other undesirable conditions deemed unsafe or that may adversely affect the health and well-being of military personnel or their families.
What are the MPs doing to crack down on DWIs?
The DES is focusing various efforts to deter and prevent drivers from driving drunk. The DES provides traffic safety and drunk-driving prevention classes for units during their Safety Day stand downs. The crime prevention section provides driver awareness training for Soldiers, family members and civilians.
The DES conducts random safety checkpoints. These checkpoints are geared toward ensuring drivers have valid and proper documentation, are free of outstanding traffic warrants, follow all the rules and regulations of the road, and are not driving under the influence of alcohol.
The DES also conducts specialized enforcement geared toward the identifying and apprehending drunk drivers and ensuring they are off the streets and in jail.
The following question was asked during a town hall meeting with Gen. Richard Cody, Army vice chief of staff, and his wife Vicki.
What is being done to secure housing areas that are not surrounded by walls?
The DES has implemented specialized enforcement in the housing areas. There has also been an increase in patrol presence, both vehicular and on foot, and also an increase in undercover police officers in the housing areas.
This specialized enforcement is geared toward preventing unauthorized entry into housing areas. The crime prevention section has solicited the implementation of neighborhood watch programs. The crime prevention section has also implemented a Crimeline. The Crimeline is a method for individuals with information of criminal or suspicious activity to anonymously call in tips to law enforcement.