Troop Talk
During a recent visit with Team Bliss Soldiers, the following questions were asked. Input is provided by responsible organizations and the answers provided clarify some of your concerns.
Where can we see a layout of the construction on post?
Over the next few months a series of articles will be published in The Monitor about the transformation at Fort Bliss. These articles will include an overview of the changes in operational facilities (where Soldiers report to work each day), quality-of-life facilities (like improvements in the Post Exchange, medical facilities, chapels, child care facilitied, eateries, ranges and training areas. Look for these articles to give every member of Team Bliss a better overview of what can be expected in the coming years.
Are there any plans to open the Van Horne shoppette on weekends? Any chance the Remagen Gate will be opened during the weekend also?
AAFES will look at extending the hours of the Van Horne shoppette if the Remagen Gate hours and days of operation change. Currently, there is no plan to open the gate on weekends and holidays.
How will the installation handle the increased amount of pay issues as the population on post grows? Will a finance battalion be established here?
The Military Pay Office is staffed based on the number of pay accounts serviced. As the populations of accounts grow, the Fort Bliss Military Pay Office receives authorization to hire more civilians. Normally, the equation is one civilian per every 550 accounts. Unit S-1 personnel are still an intricate part of pay issues, conducting preliminary and basic research before bringing the inquiry to the finance office. With the Army Defense Integrated Military Human Resource System on the near horizon, staffing will be determined by Garrison Command Human Resources and pay issues will then be processed by the unit S-1.
Several years ago, we submitted a projection to DFAS-IN that this Finance Office would need 63 civilians to support 35,000 Soldiers. Finance Command agreed; however, funding is provided on the current troop strength, which is at 16,000. As for a finance battalion, there are no current plans to bring in one. There are plans to bring in a finance management company consisting of 105 Soldiers, but their mission will not include military or permanent change of station travel pay.
Why did the basic allowance for housing for sergeants decrease this year, while that of staff sergeants and sergeants first class increased?
The 2008 Fort Bliss BAH did decrease for some ranks and increase for other ranks. The new rates will not decrease for Soldiers already receiving the Fort Bliss 2007 BAH rates. The decreased rates will only affect new Soldiers arriving here. BAH for sergeants did not decrease this year; it remained the same as last year. For more information, call Housing Services at 568-2898.
Where can I get information about locations and times for postpartum training?
After a patient delivers and before the patient is discharged, postpartum training is given on an individual basis. Our experience at William Beaumont Army Medical Center suggests that postpartum training is more receptive when presented one on one. Additionally, if a patient delivered at a facility other than WBAMC, they can receive postpartum training by calling the Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum section at 569-2455 or the Tel-a-Nurse Line at 569-4444.
Is there a plan for more recreational facilities to be built on post?
There are plans for additional recreational facilities. A new fitness center is planned for East Biggs, which will be 120,000 square feet and the largest in the Department of Defense. An additional fitness center has been requested to support the “Grow the Army” initiatives. A new indoor aquatics center has been requested and is moving forward. A community activities center, which will support single Soldiers primarily, will offer a multitude of activities to include an outdoor pool.
The RV Park is being expanded as well.
Maj. Gen. Howard B. Bromberg
Fort Bliss Commanding General