JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The 628th Force Support Squadron’s normal hours of operation have been extended for the Fitness Assessment Cell and the Military Personnel Flight here, Sept. 10.
FAC and MPF members have extended their hours to accommodate military members who work outside of normal shifts during the months of October through December.
“We’re doing this because we don’t want service members to have to come in during their time off,” said 1st Lt. Lainie Long, 628th FSS MPF commander. “This helps them get what they need at a more convenient time for them.”
The FAC is responsible for the fitness assessments required of all members to remain in the military. Members who work outside of normal operations will be able to take these tests on the second Tuesday and Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.
“We were getting feedback from a lot of members who work night shifts,” said Staff Sgt. Ronald Holmes II, 628th FSS FAC manager. “We weren’t able to do this before due to manning. However, now we are trialing it for the rest of the year just like the MPF.”
Those at MPF are also extending their hours by remaining open until 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday and Thursday of every month. The MPF is responsible for all identification card issues, evaluations, assignments, retirements, decorations, passports, the Quick Start program and promotions. All functions will be available during the extended hours except for passports.
“Our focus is customer support,” said Troy Jarrell, 628th Force Support Squadron MPF chief customer support. “I like the idea of helping these individuals by minimizing the inconvenience of coming to us during their off hours. This trial period will show us the footprint the additional hours leave.”
The extended hours in the FAC and MPF is a three month pilot program to assess its viability for 2018. The idea for additional hours was based on feedback given to FAC and MPF members from those working outside of normal duty hours.
“We are here to ensure the base’s mission doesn’t stop,” said Jarrell “To do that we need to take care of our people. The mission can’t continue if members aren’t at 100 percent readiness. Providing these extra hours of operation will help make readiness easier for those who don’t work normal duty day hours.”