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New tracking system improves armory accountability

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Travis Edwards
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Airmen at the 92nd Security Forces Squadron armory have a upgraded their inventory and equipment tracking system to sign out gear needed for the day.

 

The first phase of the upgrade plan was implemented Jan. 22 and offers Defenders electronic accountability of more than 10,000 items in the active-armory inventory.

 

“Speed is essential to our job," said Capt. Luke Restad, 92nd SFS logistics officer. "We must be able to equip our Defenders and get them out the door as quickly and as safely as possible to counter any threat. This upgrade allows us to be armed and equipped quicker without sacrificing safety and accuracy. Our goal is to arm and respond even quicker with almost instantaneous accountability of our weapons and equipment.”

 

That’s just the beginning of a proposed plan that could save the 92nd SFS more than 750 man-hours per year, versus the old hand written system. Previously, the paper version of the check-out procedure would take, on average, 45 minutes to complete per shift.

 

“This is the first phase of our upgrade, called Current Plus, which allows us to get in line with the goal of a paperless Air Force,” said Staff Sgt. Chris Martin, 92nd SFS armorer. “The new electronic method will allow for greater continuity and for a safer, more accurate system.”

 

One of the perks of the new process gives each member unique documentation to be scanned as they check out equipment via radio-frequency identification.

 

“If we get the RFID upgrade, armorers will be able to instantly see what equipment each member is (proficient on the weapon) on before checking out," Martin said. "This ensures unqualified personnel can’t receive access to equipment they aren’t current or trained on. Making (the checkout process/issuing process) faster and more efficient is great for our Defenders so they can be ready to protect the base in a moment’s notice.”

 

Martin also said the upgrade will also ensure members on a do-not-arm list aren’t given weapons.

 

“Safety is obviously one of our largest concerns when dealing with $1.4 million of equipment,” Martin said. “Keeping our assets, Airmen and their families safe is our number one priority. This upgrade only helps the cause.”