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Mobile Web app makes personnel accountability easier

Posted 2/16/2012 Email story   Print story

    


by Jon Hanson
Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs


2/16/2012 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- Software developers have created a new mobile Web application that allows total force Airmen the ability to account for themselves and family members from their smartphone during a crisis or natural disaster.

During a crisis, the Air Force uses the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System to account for and assess the needs of the Air Force's Total Force -- active-duty Airmen, selected Reserve members, Department of the Air Force and non-appropriated fund civilian employees, Air Force contractors (assigned overseas) and family members.

AFPAAS becomes operational, or active, at leadership request during crises to allow the total force to account for themselves and their family's safety and whereabouts. Now individuals have improved access through certain smartphones to the accountability and assessment features of AFPAAS.

"The Air Force is taking AFPAAS to the next level to align with what is used in the private sector every day," said Brian Angell, the Air Force Personnel Center Personnel Readiness Cell operations chief. "This wireless capability enhances Air Force accountability during crises and natural disasters."

In the case of an active AFPAAS event, members can use a smartphone to log into the application via their user identification and password. The application is accessible on iPhones, Androids and certain touch-screen Blackberry phones; however it is not available on iPads or non-touch-screen phones.

Once logged in, users can account for themselves and their family members. Other available functions include the ability to update sponsor and evacuation contact and location information as well as complete a needs survey if necessary.

The mobile Web app uses the browser on the phone versus downloading an application and uses the same URL as AFPAAS, said Donna Williamson, the lead developer with SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific. The site recognizes the person is using a smartphone and will present the site in a mobile format.

The Air Force recently tested the application and shared their findings with the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Pacific, which will make updates and improvements to the application as necessary. As AFPAAS improves, so will the application and functionalities.

Each military service uses their own Department of Defense-funded application to assist with their specific personnel accountability and assessment system during a crisis or natural disaster.

When there is not an on-going event, officials said the total force should keep their contact information updated by logging into the secure AFPAAS website from a personal computer at https://afpaas.af.mil.



tabComments
3/22/2012 9:37:52 PM ET
All the tinfoil and big brother talk here is BS. This isn't an app. It won't be tracking anyone on any smartphone. Think before y'all speak.The mobile Web app uses the browser on the phone versus downloading an application and uses the same URL as AFPAAS.In plain language, all they've done is made the website friendlier to mobile devices so you won't have to scroll around the page on a smartphone just to use it. The real question is how do you get everyone to go to the trouble to store the bookmark on their mobile devices and never delete it.
rog, mildenhall
 
2/23/2012 9:53:16 AM ET
Wow. And I thought I was the paranoid survivalist prepper. Sounds like someone needs to smooth out the edges on their aluminum foil hat. This is a smartphone app that absolutley no one is required to use. You think this is bad Apple can pin point your location using the precision of GPS down to the meter RIGHT NOW if you didn't go out of your way to turn that functionality off on your iPod iPad or Mac device. If you don't like it don't use the app.
Chris, Indiana
 
2/21/2012 3:04:46 PM ET
BS from KS it is a joint effort -- look at the second to last paragraph.RETCO I don't think the military is trying to push people that way just making more options for those involved in a disaster. I'm sure standard recalls would happen like knocking on dorm rooms.
Civ, TX
 
2/21/2012 10:52:55 AM ET
Can someone say paranoid? I guess it is time to retire then.
SSgt, WAFB
 
2/17/2012 4:36:50 PM ET
Will it now be highly suggested that everyone get a phone capable of such applications How did we ever survive with a landline or knocking on dorm rooms
RETCO , Plattville
 
2/17/2012 9:40:29 AM ET
too bad this wasn't a joint effort. this could be helpful for joint organizations.
BS, KS
 
2/16/2012 4:39:25 PM ET
Big brother creeping in. Some hard charger will say this is a great idea. Next they'll be chipping us like dogs and cats on base. They'll say some line about being able to find our bodies in combat or if we're captured... Its coming. I'll be long gone...
Time to Retire, USA
 
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