Reservists make lodging requests through automated system Published Feb. 12, 2014 By Sandra Pishner 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- Implemented in October 2013, the Automatic Lodging Reservation System allows Reservists to make their own lodging reservations for Reserve weekends. Officials with the 446th Force Support Squadron would like to remind all Reservists to use the system when making their UTA plans. "The Automated Lodging Reservation System has been in place for several months now," said Capt. Carrianne Ekberg, 446th Force Support Squadron commander. "If you require lodging for military duty, you are required to use the system for lodging reservations. You can make your reservations up to three months in advance." Reservists can also check their reservation status or cancel reservations over the phone. Making reservations is as easy as calling 253-982-7666 (982-ROOM), 253-982-7670 or 253-982-7669 no later than noon on the Wednesday prior to the UTA. "If you are on annual tour or special tour orders that coincide with a UTA, it is recommend that you make the UTA reservation first, then find out what hotel you are assigned to and make the annual tour orders reservations there to avoid having to move during your stay," said Master Sgt. Anita Barnes, 446th Force Support Squadron services flight. Before the ALRS was implemented in October 2013, Barnes would make reservations for the about 500 non-commuting Reservists who come to McChord Field for Reserve weekend duty. "We use to have a roster people would sign if they needed lodging, and I would submit the roster to the clerks at lodging. But I'm just one person and with the privatizing of lodging, the central reservation system was eliminated," said Barnes. "The automated system is like the type people use for banking, with prompts to input your information. If you haven't used it yet, then the first time you call you'll be asked to create a user ID and a password," explains Barnes. A benefit of the new systems is that when Reservists make their reservations, they'll receive a confirmation number as well as the name of the hotel assigned to the reservation. Reservists who don't use the system may find themselves paying for their own lodging. If Reservists have any issues with the system, contact Barnes at 253-982-2464, or Ekberg, 253-982-9072 for assistance.