By Tim Cherry
Staff Writer
Thursday, January 19, 2012

A portion of a Directorate of Human Resources’ department has changed locations due to a renovation project.

The Military Personnel Division has moved to the basement of the Defense Military Pay Office in building 219, while their office in the DHR headquarters’ basement in building 213 undergoes alterations.

The project, which commenced the week of Jan. 19, is expected to provide more space and confidentiality for MPD personnel and their customers.

The following services have changed locations to the basement of building 219 while the renovations are completed: Chief, Military Personnel Division, Administrative Assistant, Casualty Assistance Center, Transition Services, Soldier Actions, Promotions, e-MILPO, Reassignments and the Installation Voting Officer.

Servicemembers and Families can call the temporary office receptionist to contact these services while they reside in the current facility.

Kevin Rennick, MPD chief, set the renovations’ completion time frame for the spring or summer of 2012.

MPD’s office renovations consist of painting, tearing down walls, and realigning existing furniture to utilize the entirety of the available space.

Rennick said the additional operating room should be more conducive to customer service.

“It just becomes more beneficial for everybody,” Rennick said.

The increase in space will also improve confidentiality as the Casualty Assistance Center, which helps Families whose servicemember has died on active duty, is expected to be secluded on one side of the office.

“It’s very sensitive and they need to have more privacy when dealing with Family members of deceased Soldiers,” Rennick said.

MPD is not receiving any significant upgrades in equipment or furniture during this renovation. Rennick said the plan is to move the existing material in the temporary facility back into building 213 once the project is complete.

“We’re trying to be good stewards of the resources,” Rennick said. “We’re just utilizing what we have already, which is good furniture.”

The renovation project finishes MPD transition to the basement of DHR’s headquarters.

The organization had operated on the second floor of the facility but moved to make way for the Army’s Substance Abuse Program.

Rennick said the Department of the Army realigned some of ASAP’s personnel and clinical services to the Directorate of Human Resources.

Belvoir’s DHR decided to locate ASAP’s services to the second floor of building 213, where MPD previously resided.

Rennick expects the change of location to benefit all involved parties and he expects the completed MPD office to bring stability and continuity to the relationship between personnel and clients.

“The one thing that we anticipate is that the move will establish confidence with our customers,” Rennick said.

To speak with a MPD receptionist, call (703) 805-2675.