AFPAAS accounts for Airmen during crisis

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Stefanko
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Living in Germany presents the opportunity to travel and learn various cultures, but with that opportunity lays the responsibility to have a plan in case of an emergency.

To help with accountability and to plan for an emergency, the Air Force has developed the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System.

The AFPAAS was created to standardize a method of reporting for active duty, selected reserve, appropriated and non-appropriated DoD civilians, Air Force contractors and family members while providing the chain of command valuable information; allowing leaders to make strategic decisions and facilitate a return to stability.

"When there is a crisis or natural disaster near a base or where we know we have people at AFPAAS will alert Air Force members to account for the Airmen and their families to ensure no one is missing or if there who they may be," said Brian Angell, Personnel Center Headquarters chief personnel readiness cell.

The AFPAAS has other capabilities other than accountability. Personnel can update contact and location information and search for personnel. There is also an abundance of resources on the site including: Military OneSource, current weather warnings and information concerning the latest outbreaks on viruses.

The bottom line is to make sure the base populace including the families, know that this system is here for them a system of record for the Air Force to account for the families and service members to ensure our people are safe or getting the help if they need it, we need to take care of the Airmen and their families."

Once on the AFPAAS website, five tabs can be seen to assist in navigating the page. Using the "Home" tab pulls up announcements and lists current events, available resources and other links.

Those members who do not have access to a computer or sport phone and are unable to contact a unit control center or commanding officer representative should contact the Air Force Personnel Center Personnel Readiness at 800-435-9941.

"All the Airmen and their families will be able to log in at any time, you don't have to wait for a disaster," Angell said. "The most important thing is to make sure your information is current and if not it only takes a few button presses which could ultimately save you in the long run."

With opportunities comes responsibility, so when the time arises to take the family out on vacation throughout Europe, have a plan in place in case a crisis or natural disaster occurs. Take time to become familiar with the capabilities AFPAAS offers or for more information contact the local Installation Personnel Readiness Office.