To ARMS, all paperwork goes to ARMS

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Stephen Bailey
  • 301st Fighter Wing
FORT WORTH, Texas --  The Air Force Reserve recently took another step forward in making its operations a 'paperless' society by implementing the Automated Records Management System (ARMS). 

The 301st Fighter Wing can now review their personnel records online through a secure Website 24 hours a day, seven days a week. According to Lt. Col. Patrick Walsh, 301st Force Support Squadron commander, records for our unit reservists have already been scanned into ARMS and should be immediately accessed. Personnel can long on the Air Force Personnel Center's secure site at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil or via the Air Force Portal. These sites can only be accessed by using your Common Access Card (CAC). 

"The ARMS program opens the door to many new opportunities such as being able to review and print our records without having to involve another individual," said Chief Master Sgt. Rich Ernst, 301st Military Personnel Flight superintendent. "The ARMS program is just the beginning in allowing us greater freedom in our administrative practices." 

As a reminder all personnel should review their records in ARMS by May 2009 and notify AFPC if there are any discrepancies. All paper records will be destroyed after this date. If record discrepancies are not reported within that time period, these documents may not be available to research and correct the problem. 

"There certainly will be adjustments in adapting to ARMS especially for those of us use to the 'good ole days' of having an admin troop make copies of your records for you," said Master Sgt. Tim Lynch, chief, 301st personnel employment. "Yes, ARMS does remove most of the personal touch of one-on-one interaction, but it does open the door to a bright and exciting future and that can be a good thing." 

But for those like Chief Ernst, who came up in the days of the CBPO (Consolidated Base Personnel Office) era, it can be hard to let go of the regular 'job routine.' 

"I'm a guy who likes people and I enjoy working directly with our customers, so change for me has been difficult at times. But I've also been around long enough to know that if we don't change then we can get left behind. The Air Force Reserve is making tremendous strides to make our fighting force the best - now that is change I can and will believe in." 

Overall, officials agree that a paradigm shift is needed as to how the military will perform its administrative functions in the future. 

If you have difficulty accessing the ARMS program you can call 817.782.6871 or e-mail Diana Phea at francis.phea@carswell.af.mil.