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 Getting Settled |
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| Housing |
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| 2008 marked the beginning of the second year of Picerne Military Housing’s eight-year Initial Development Period. The IDP began when the company assumed operations and maintenance for Fort Rucker’s Family housing April 1, 2006. Picerne Military Housing is currently in the process of creating three newly designed neighborhoods at Fort Rucker, each containing 400 to 600 homes. Every home will either be replaced or significantly improved and all new homes will be comparable to those being constructed off-post. Renovated homes are extensively rehabilitated and expanded, and are like-new. |
| Picerne Military Housing has gone to great lengths to ensure that neighborhoods are designed to create ideal home counts so that each Family receives personalized service from dedicated neighborhood and maintenance teams. These teams are located in the Neighborhood Center at the “heart” of each large neighborhood for convenience to the amenities it will offer families. Families will have access to amenities free of charge at the center including: a pool, exercise center, kitchen, multi-purpose room, computer room and outdoor activity areas. In addition, each neighborhood will be connected by an extensive trail and park system. |
| The partnership between Picerne Military Housing and the Army is for the long-term, |
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Fort Rucker residents enjoy extensively
renovated, expanded and like-new homes.
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| and focuses on the sustainability of the homes. Construction is focused on safety,low environmental impact and reduced disruptions for families. Upgrading and replacement will continue over the next 50 years. |
| Residents are now beginning to feel the effects of the privatization process through improved services, maintenance and repair and community amenities. |
| If you are interested in living in on-post housing, please call the Relocation Office, located in Bldg. 5700, at 334-503-3644 or 866-525-HOME. |
| Bachelor quarters consist of 80 officer and senior enlisted quarters. |
| Permanent party staff sergeants and above have the option to reside on or off post. Phone 255-1205/3705. |
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| Additional Housing |
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| The Fort Rucker Army Lodging, located in Bldg. 308, off 5th Ave., near Bldg. 5700, at 24/7, 334-598-5216, fax (334) 598-1242, Web site: www.ihgarmyhotels.com is available for official and unofficial travelers. Military Training Service Support students are priority. Reservations for temporary duty, permanent change of station, and unofficial travelers, based on availability, subject to premption by MTSS students. Prices range from $27 to $49, with a variety of room types including standard, efficiency kitchen, Family efficiencies, and suites, with a $5 additional person charge. Our lodging provides a host of services available to our guests. |
| Lake Tholocco Lodging proudly offers three distinct lodging areas. |
East Beach Lake Cottages offer furnished 2, 3, or 4 bedroom units with fully equipped kitchens, satellite TV, washers/dryers, screened in front and back porches, and much more.
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West Beach Singing Pines Cabins offer furnished 2 bedroom units, each with a fully equipped kitchen, front porch with two rocking chairs, and a screened in back porch with picnic table and bench glider rocker.
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The Engineer Beach RV Park located past West Beach features 18 rustic sites and 30 modern sites. RV rentals are also available.
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All three lodging options offer a grand view of our beautiful Lake Tholocco.
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Lake Tholocco Lodging office, located on Johnston Road, Bldg. 24207, is open 0800-1800 hours, 7 days a week. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Call
255-4234 for more information or reservations.
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Secure arrivals after 1800 hours by credit card or advance payment.
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Visit our Web site www.ftruckermwr.com/laketholocco/index.html for further information, video and services available.
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| Utilities |
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The Utilities Clearing House staff, phone 255-3554, Room 190 of the Soldiers Service Center (SSC), Bldg. 5700, assists Soldiers and Family members with electricity, cable television and telephone service orders. You may apply for telephone and other telecommunications service by calling 1-800-532-2311 or by visiting the convenient CenturyTel service center also located in the SSC .
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The Utilities Clearing House is open from 0800 – 1200 and 1300 – 1615 Mon. through Fri..
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For more information, phone the Housing Referral Office, located in Room 160 of the Soldiers Service Center, at 255-3705 or DSN 558-3705.
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| Vehicles and Driving |
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The registration of personally-owned vehicles (including motorcycles) on Fort Rucker is mandatory. Service members, Department of Army civilians, contractors, and retirees accessing Fort Rucker will register their POVs.
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Personnel will register vehicles during inprocessing. Registration decals for authorized personnel and special designation decals (general officer, colonel, chief warrant officer 5, and sergeant major and command sergeant major are available at the Vehicle Registration Office, located in Bldg. 5700.
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When an owner sells or disposes of a vehicle or is discharged from the military, termination of POV registration and decal revocation is required. The owner will remove and return the DOD and Fort Rucker decals to the Vehicle Registration Office. Decals are government property; their misuse or transfer from the original owner to an unauthorized person or other vehicle is prohibited.
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In the event Fort Rucker restricts access to authorized personnel, the Directorate of Public Safety (DPS) will implement a temporary pass/registration program.
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Individuals registering POVs will be required to provide their full name, date of birth, address, telephone number, work location (building number), work telephone number, valid state driver’s license, current state registration, military identification card, DA civilian identification, and proof of insurance, including the insurance company and policy number. Individuals obtaining a decal for a motorcycle will provide a copy of their Motorcycle Safety Foundation Completion card and their driver’s license must indicate they are licensed to operate a motorcycle.
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DPS will issue an additional decal verifying POV authorization on the airfields. Individuals requiring access to airfields will submit written authorization to the Vehicle Registration Office from the sponsoring unit or contractor. When an individual’s employment on an airfield is terminated, the sponsoring unit or contractor will collect the airfield decal and inform the Provost Marshal’s Office of the termination.
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All visiting personnel entering an airfield will be signed in at the respective main gate by their escort. Personnel refusing to identify themselves and provide essential information will be denied access. When/if this situation occurs, security guards/Military Police will immediately forward the description of the person and/or vehicle to DPS.
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The DD Form 2220 (Department of Defense Registered Vehicle) will be used to identify registered POVs on the installation. This decal will be placed on the lower portion of the driver’s side windshield. Personnel with motorcycles or other two-wheeled vehicles will permanently affix the decal to the vehicle so it is not easily removable and is located in such a position that it is clearly visible to guard force personnel at installation entry control points. The requirement to affix the DD Form 2220 to the front windshield of registered vehicles is waived for general officers and flag officers of all armed services, armed service secretaries, political appointees, members of Congress, and the diplomatic corps.
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Additional information regarding vehicle registration may be found in Army Regulation (AR) 190-5, Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision, 25 January 2006.
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Motorcycle Safety Course
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Any person who operates a motorcycle on an Army installation must be licensed to operate a motorcycle on a public highway.
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The MSF Course is provided by the Aviation Branch Safety Office, at no cost to active duty military and DoD civilian personnel. Contractors, retiree, and Family members are offered the course free of charge on a standby basis.
Motorcycle Operations and Safety
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No person shall operate a motorcycle on Fort Rucker unless he/she is in complete compliance with the following safety/equipment guidelines:
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An MSF course completion card/certificate must be in the possession of the operator whenever riding a motorcycle on Fort Rucker. Failure to produce one of these documents if stopped by law enforcement personnel may result in a citation being issued.
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| Motorcycles must have headlights turned on at all times while in operation. |
| All motorcycles operated on Fort Rucker must have two rearview mirrors (one mirror on each side). |
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Motorcycle Personal
Protective Equipment |
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The following personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory while operating a motorcycle or riding as a passenger on or off Fort Rucker. Failure to wear the PPE or comply with licensing or operator training requirements may be considered in making line-of-duty determinations if injury results from non-use or noncompliance of PPE IAW Fort Rucker Regulation 190-5 • 1 July 2006. Security officers at the installation access control points or gates into airfields will deny entry to personnel who fail to wear PPE or can’t produce a MSF card/certificate.
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Soldiers will wear an approved helmet. The helmet will be properly fastened (under the chin) and certified to meet DOT standards as described in appendix D of Fort Rucker Regulation 190-5. All civilians will comply with the same helmet requirement specified for Soldiers when operating or riding a motorcycle on Fort Rucker or while on government business off Fort Rucker.
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Full-fingered gloves or mittens designed for use on a motorcycle, long trousers, and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket. Riders are highly encouraged to purchase leather riding apparel, as it provides much more protection to the rider’s skin than normal clothing if the rider is involved in an accident.
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| As a minimum, motorcycle operators and passengers will wear a brightly-colored reflective-type belt (as normally used by Soldiers during PT), during either daytime or nighttime driving. |
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Motorcycle safety rides emphasize risk reduction.
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Motorcycle operators are highly encouraged to wear a full-size reflective vest, as it makes them much more visible to other vehicle operators. A reflective belt, reflective vest/jacket, or jacket with reflective material meets requirements.
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When the belt is worn, it will be worn diagonally across the upper body and over the shoulder or over any backpack worn by the operator.
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Motorcycle operators and passengers will also wear leather boots or over-the-ankle leather hard-sole shoes and proper eye protection whenever operating a motorcycle. Proper eye protection is defined as impact- or shatter-resistant goggles or a full-face shield properly attached to the helmet. A motorcycle windshield or a clear-looking vinyl or plastic windbreaker is not considered proper eye protection.
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| For more information on the motorcycle safety and the MSF Course contact 255-1996/3000. |
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| Extended Visitor Passes |
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| Visitors required to drive on post for more than one day must obtain an extended pass from the Vehicle Registration Office. |
| Military and DA civilians not stationed at Fort Rucker who are here on a temporary duty basis for example, to attend a conference or training course must obtain an extended visitor’s pass good for the length of their TDY but not to exceed six months. These individuals need to present a current driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and state vehicle registration or a copy of the rental contract if using a rental car. They must also bring a copy of their TDY orders to indicate the length of their temporary duty. Vehicle registration will issue the extended pass for the duration of the TDY. |
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| Short-term contractors who don’t meet the requirements for a Department of Defense decal may obtain an extended pass for the duration of their contract on post. Their government contract officer or representative must sign and submit a memorandum listing the employee’s full name, Social Security number, contractor number, and requested duration of the pass, through the Provost Marshal, ATTN: Physical Security, to the Vehicle Registration Office. Once approved, the request will be forwarded to the vehicle registration office. Normally, the employee may obtain their extended pass 1 duty day after the request is submitted to the Provost Marshal’s Office. The contract employee must present a current driver’s license, proof of vehicle insurance, and state vehicle registration at vehicle registration to obtain the extended pass. |
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| Driving on Post |
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| The Alabama motor vehicle law applies on post. Military and civilian personnel who are ticketed on post will have to appear in Federal Magistrate Court. |
| Additionally, military members ticketed will have to appear in front of their command and may receive administrative discipline or Uniform Code of Military Justice action. |
| The speed limit on post is 30 miles per hour unless otherwise posted and is enforced by roving military police patrols equipped with radar. Seat belts are required at all times while driving on post. Parking is authorized |
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| only in those areas or spaces designated for parking. |
| If a vehicle operator, military or civilian, is stopped by the military police for a traffic violation or routine identification check, full cooperation with the military police or gate guard is required by presenting any and all identification. |
| Driving the speed limit, coming to a full stop where indicated, and not getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol will not only save your career but also could save your life. |
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| Cell Phones or Other Mobile Personal Electronic Devices |
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In accordance with Army regulations, use of handheld cell phones or other mobile personal electronic devices (MPED) is strictly prohibited on Fort Rucker. Users may either safely park their vehicle or use a hands-free device. Wearing of any other portable headphones, earphones, or other listening devices while operating a motor vehicle is also prohibited.
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An MPED is defined as an electronic device such as a cellular phone, a personal data assistant, a device that performs personal computer functions, sends or receives electronic mail, plays a video game, or plays a digital video disk, or any other electronic device that permits the user to freely view, talk on, or transmit data while operating a vehicle. An MPED would include devices such as a Blackberry or similar-brand or type devices.
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| These prohibitions apply to all personnel while operating a vehicle on Fort Rucker, to any person while operating a military, |
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Hands-free cell phone devices are
required when driving on post.
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government, or rental vehicle under official orders while off post, and to any Soldier attached or assigned to the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker while operating a POV off post.
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| Services and Facilities |
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| Adjutant General/Miltary Personnel Division |
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| AG/MPD directs personnel operations for permanent party and student Soldiers. The AG/MPD, located in Room 280 of the Soldier Service Center, is a customer-oriented organization that strives to provide excellent service to our Soldiers and Family members. The Operating hours are 0730-1615. |
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| An AG directory provided here helps the user locate the respective personnel office. |
| Adjutant General |
255-2700
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| C, MPD |
255-3184
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| C, PMB(Closed Wed - 0730-1200) |
255-1533
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| C, PSB |
255-9124
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| In/Outprocessing |
255-1814
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| Officer Management Branch |
Personnel Services Branch
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| The OMB handles assignments for all permanent party officers and warrant officers. OMB screens and publishes the promotion list for all officers and warrant officers in all branches. For more information, phone 255-3160. |
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| Room 160. The Personnel Services Branch offers extended afternoon hours the 1st and 3rd Wed. of every month. |
| For more information, phone 255-2437 or 255-9040. |
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Awards & Millitary Medical
Review Boards |
Soldier Actions
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Room 280. For more information, phone 255-1815.
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| Transition Center |
| Room 280. Transition Center processes separating Soldiers, DD 214 and other associated documents pertaining to separation by ETS, chapter discharge or retirement. For more information, phone 225-1842. |
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| Room 280. Soldier Actions processes a variety of actions including requests for resignations, releases from active duty, branch transfers, compassionnate reassignments, Officer Candidate School and Warrant Office Packets, Immigrantation and Naturalization and voting assistance.For more information, phone 255-3318. |
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| Retirement Services |
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| Room 161, is open from 0730-1615 Monday through Friday. Services include preparation for retirement to include retirement requests; Survival Benefit Plan counseling or election; support of retired personnel; conduct of Retiree Appreciation Days; and dissemination of information about retirees through use of retiree newsletters, personal counseling, handouts and e-mail. For more information, phone 255-9124. |
| Army Substance Abuse Program |
| The Army Substance Abuse program (ASAP), located in the Lyster Medical Clinic, provides |
(1) Education and awareness instruction to military and civilian personnel,
(2) Biochemical testing, which is urinalysis and breath analysis, for 50 military units and 25 agencies on the installation,
(3) Employee assistance program services for all DA civilians, retirees, and Family members,
(4) Clinical services to include individual, Family, and group therapy,
(5) Command and supervisor consultation for all commanders, directors, and supervisors of Soldiers and DA civilians,
(6) Outreach education to schools, civic organizations, municipalities, and counties in the Wiregrass that need substance abuse awareness education and coordination.
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This ASAP professional team is committed to helping Soldiers and civilians at Fort Rucker with any substance abuse problem.
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The ASAP, phone 255-7508, is open from 0730-1615 Mon.-Fri.
Phone 334-447-3859 for confidential calls to the Employee Assistance Program.
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| Mobilization & Plans Office |
The Mobilization and Plans Office ensures that units and Soldiers are ready for deployment from the administrative side of the house for the National Guard, Reserves and active duty Soldiers.
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Permanent party Soldiers will receive more definitive guidance on unit of assignment, as well as billeting, transportation and military pay information.
For more information, phone 255-1533.
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| Room 280. Casualty Assistance coordinates military funeral honors for active duty, retiree and veterans; provides survivor assistance to retiree surviving spouses; processes paperwork associated with active duty deaths; provides notification and assistance to survivors of active duty personnel and processes line of duty investigations and OCONUS leaves and TDY. |
Fort Rucker serves as a Casualty Area Command for all counties of Alabama, except for the counties served by Fort Benning, namely Autaga, Bullock, Chambers, Chilton, Coosa, Elmore, Lee, Macon, Montgomery, Russell and Talapoosa. Fort Rucker also serves the Florida panhandle counties of Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington.
For more information, phone 255-9311 or 255-9081. |
| Army Career & Alumni Program |
ACAP is a congressionally mandated program aimed at educating and assisting in separating or retiring Soldiers’ transition back into the civilian workforce. ACAP has two missions: transition assistance and job assistance training.
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Public law and the United States Code make it mandatory for any Soldier transitioning from the military to receive a pre-separation briefing from the ACAP staff no later than 90 days before their actual separation or retirement date.
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| However, Congress has authorized transition assistance to begin as early as one year from ETS and two years from retirement for transitioning Soldiers and their spouses. DOD encourages transitioning Soldiers to begin the process as early as possible to maximize their job search potential. |
Job Assistance Training is aimed at teaching solid job search principles such as self assessment, the job search process, resume and cover letter production, completing applications, dressing for success, interviewing, salary negotiation and more. The goal of the program is to make the Soldier and Family member self-sufficient in job search skills for the rest of their lives.
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The ACAP Center has numerous automated tools for client use to facilitate a successful job search campaign. Additionally, a one-on-one appointment can be made with an ACAP counselor to assist with any phase of the process.
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Located in Room 185 of the Soldiers Service Center, the ACAP Center is open from 0800-1600 Mon. through Fri. including Days of No Scheduled Activity (DONSA).
Phone 255-2558 for an appointment.
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| Defense Military Pay Office |
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| Room 120 in Bldg. 5700, operates 0730-1500 Mon. through Fri., except Wed. from 0730-1200. Pay inquiries originate at the Unit Personnel Administration Center. |
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| Soldiers must see their PSNCO before reporting to the DMPO. |
For more information, telephone DMPO information at 255-9963 or DSN 558-9963.
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