AtHoc keeps Liberty Warriors in the know

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Richard Sheldon
  • 48th Fighter Wing Command Post
It is 5:15 a.m. You look out your window, and the fog is so thick you can't see your vehicle parked on the end of your driveway. Then you wonder, "Do I need to get up so I can get in a workout and make it to that 7:30 a.m. office meeting, or is there going to be delayed reporting for base personnel?"

Then you remember you entered your personal email into the AtHoc mass communication system software on your desktop computer. You pick up your mobile phone, and there is an email from the 48th Figther Wing Command Post. YES! There is two-hour delayed reporting. You reset your alarm and get in a few extra winks.

The purple icon in the lower right-hand corner of your desktop (NIPRNET) computer is the U.S. Air Forces in Europe purchased Installation Network Warning System alert notification software. When Liberty Warriors enter their personal "My Info" and "Devices" contact information, they will be capable of receiving phone calls and emails to their personal accounts in addition to desktop alert messages. The software, developed by the company AtHoc, is designed to allow base control centers to make, literally, thousands of phone calls in just a few minutes and send emails to work and home addresses for numerous routine and emergency scenarios.

Updating AtHoc is as simple as a right-click on the purple globe icon, select 'Access Self Service' and enter your information on the "My Info" and "Devices" tab. The phone calls for AtHoc are initiated in the Continental United States, so users must use the format per the note on top of the page (e.g., 011441638524800). In addition, users must reenter their mobile number in the 'Text Messaging' box to receive texts. Follow instructions on the page, select 'Save!', and you're ready to receive the delayed reporting emails on such occasions.

For detailed instructions for entering personal contact information, go to the 48th FW Command Post ICE page at https://ice.usafe.af.mil/sites/48FW/DS/CP/default.aspx and review the 48th FW Alert Notification System slides.

For personnel who do not enter their contact information into AtHOC, to find out about delays and closures, you will need to dial 226-3541 or wait until your supervisor gives you a call.