Troop Talk
The following answers are in response to various questions I have received from Fort Bliss Soldiers in the past few weeks.
Why doesn’t Fort Bliss have an installation shuttle?
Fort Bliss has an operating post shuttle service designed to provide transportation for Soldiers, family members and government civilians. The service’s two vehicles operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., and one vehicle Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Until recently, the vehicles being used were buses but are now 15-passenger vans prominently marked “Post Shuttle.” To receive a copy of the route and time schedule, call 569-8453. This information will also be republished in upcoming issues of The Monitor.
Bldg. 2484 only has one LAN drop for the mechanics who use it to look up parts and for research. Why can’t DOIM authorize more LAN ports?
The number of LAN drops and open ports in a particular building is based on what the unit requests. There are no restrictions on the number of LAN drops. If the unit needs another LAN drop – or more – their installation management officer can submit a work order for what they need.
What is the plan to replace the old housing in the Van Horn and Lower Logan areas?
Van horn is currently scheduled for demolition at the end of 2011, but GMH will still be making repairs as needed. The replacement of the older evaporative coolers with master coolers has already been completed. The replacement of Logan Heights is projected to begin in 2018. Major interior renovation is ongoing as occupants vacate the homes. Renovation of 33 of the 448 homes is complete. In addition, all 499 homes from both areas have had new central refrigerated air and heating packages installed.
What can be done about the substandard maintenance on the washers and dryers in the barracks? In some cases, it takes two to three weeks for them to be repaired. Also, what can we do to get more washers and dryers in the barracks?
The Directorate of Public Works’ Furnishings Branch at the Housing Office in Bldg. 1103 is responsible for barracks washers and dryers. If the washer and dryer contractor does not respond to a trouble call within 24 hours, contact the Furnishings Branch at 568-4290.
The number of washers and dryers in single-Soldier barracks complex is determined by the number of bed spaces. Some of the older barracks buildings may not have sufficient electrical, water or drain hookups to accommodate additional washers and dryers. Commanders or their representative can contact DPW to determine if additional washers and dryers hookups can be provided.
Will Fort Bliss eventually change its policy on allowing E-5 sergeants to live off post and receive basic allowance for housing?
It is Department of Army policy to house single Soldiers, from the rank of private to sergeant, in barracks. Single Soldiers within these ranks can be allowed to reside off post and receive basic allowance for housing only when there is no barracks space. Pregnant Soldiers are also allowed to reside off post and receive BAH. The policy states that no single Soldier within these ranks will be allowed to receive BAH without dependents when on-post barracks are available. Fort Bliss policy states that brigade barracks must be 95 percent occupied by single Soldiers before E-1 through E-5 Soldiers are allowed to receive BAH. Certificates of Non-Availability are managed and controlled by the Housing Office, and the garrison commander is the approval authority.
Maj. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg
Fort Bliss Commanding General