Straight Talk: Supporting the workforce

  • Published
  • By Col. Chad R. Ellsworth
  • 66th Air Base Group Commander
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – In this week’s Straight Talk, I address your questions on base facilities, the hiring process, food options and more.

Q. Roads and Sidewalks: Can we fix the roads and sidewalks and repaint the crosswalks?

A. Crosswalk painting and street repairs are done annually as needed. Many areas on base have received new paint this past year. Civil engineers awarded $1.2 million in 2018 and $4.7 million in 2019 for paving projects across the base. You probably already have seen these construction projects, and more have been planned for next year.

Q. Parking: There are several empty reserved spaces in many of the parking lots on base. Is it possible to free some of them for general use?

A. I encourage facility managers to scrub their parking plans and submit a work order (AF Form 332) to 66th Civil Engineering Division’s Customer Service to remove and/or redistribute reserved spaces as needed. Per Air Base Group Manual 31-116, “Spaces will be located at the discretion of the ranking organization located in the particular building and assigned as outlined in listed priority order. The 66 ABG/CC or designee will have final authority to determine what type of spaces will be located at a particular building.”

Q. Food Options: Is it possible to add a Burger King or Popeye’s with a drive-thru on base? Travelling off base for food takes too long with traffic.

A. We have had numerous chain restaurants look at coming to Hanscom AFB. Unfortunately, it comes down to cost-benefits and the research numbers do not add up to anticipated profits.

Q. Commissary and Base Exchange: Is it possible to allow anyone with base access to use the Commissary and BX?

A. We did request Commissary privileges for our civilian workforce at Hanscom. Unfortunately, the request was denied based on current policy. Department of Defense is working with Congress to establish new rules that will hopefully widen accessibility to our workforce.

Q. Traffic: Is it possible to increase manning at the gates during peak hours?

A. Security Forces recently increased manpower during morning rush. We continuously monitor traffic conditions and apply additional manpower as available to balance commuter delays and installation security. I hope you have already started seeing the positive results.

Q. Running Trails: Is it possible to install water fountains on running trails and or near the track?

A. A request is being submitted for a track fountain. Expect more to follow.

Q. Auto Skills Shop: Is it possible to open the Auto Skills Shop at 7:30 a.m. to accommodate standard military operating hours? This would allow customers to drop off vehicles before going to work.

A. Yes. The Auto Skills Shop will institute a key drop off function to allow customers to drop off their vehicle before duty hours. This option is scheduled to begin in January.

Q. Hiring Process: Is there a way to improve the hiring process/timeline for civilian employees at Hanscom?

A. I assure you leaders at all levels are aware of the challenges with hiring personnel. Air Force Materiel Command is taking action and will soon be assuming some of the hiring process from Air Force Personnel Center to better leverage talent and expedite the hiring process. We hope to see the positive results soon.

Again, thank you for sharing your questions. I enocurage you to funnel comments through your chain of command or send to my team directly at hanscom.straighttalk@us.af.mil. Stay tuned as we will continue sharing answers to your questions. I am committed to making Hanscom the benchmark for the Air Force to work and live.