AtHoc System: The importance of inputting your information

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alexandria Mosness
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
If you look at the news lately, there have been active shooter incidents across the United States. From the recent shooting at Ft. Hood to the numerous school shootings, it's shown that these types of things can happen anywhere.

What if there was a tool that could quickly get the message to the masses across base to tell them of an incident on base and potentially save lives?

This tool is the AtHoc system.

It is more than the pop up on your computer screen; it's a system for automated emergency mass notifications. AtHoc allows messages to be sent to computers, personal cell phones and BlackBerries through calls, emails and texts.

But you can't get the message if you don't have the proper information filled out in AtHoc, said Master Sgt. Joseph Brady, 81st Training Wing Command Post superintendent.

"AtHoc is unique from traditional recall rosters because the input from base senior leadership is simultaneously sent out to all the users," said Brig. Gen. Patrick Higby, 81st TRW commander. "It's important to use this tool, but it cannot work without Team Keesler adding their information."

It is a simple process to add your information, Brady added. If you look on your toolbar, you will see a purple globe icon. You will click on this and then click self-service actions. There are four main tabs that need to be filled out. Everything with an asterisk is mandatory for military. For government civilians and government contractors, participation is voluntary for work and cell phone numbers, said Brady.

There are approximately 9,000 people in the AtHoc system, so it is not feasible for command post to update every person. It depends on the individual to keep their information current, he explained.

While some might be leery about inputting their information, it could potentially save their life.

"If there is an active shooter on base, AtHoc allows me to send a specific message to the building where the active shooter is," Brady said. "I could send a message that notifies the people in the building what is going on and what actions to take."

There are many people who ignore the message to add their information to the AtHoc system, but it could save someone's life, he added.

Brady also wanted to remind people while though they might feel fatigued with the notifications, just because the message is not for them, doesn't mean others don't need the information, he said.

"We are not trying to hound people, but there are people who need the information," the master sergeant added.

Finally, if there is a problem where you are being notified multiple times after verifying the message or if you are not receiving the messages, let someone know, said Brady.

"If it is broken, we need to know, so we can get it fixed," he said.

The equipment for AtHoc is not located on Keesler, so if the command post cannot fix the problem, they will steer you in the right direction.

If you are experiencing a problem with AtHoc, send an email to command post at 81trw.cp@us.af.mil.