News

Individuals must make own UTA lodging reservations

  • Published
  • By Sandra Pishner
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  The job of one woman will become the job of more than 500 Reservists in October.

Making lodging reservations for the UTA will become the sole responsibility of each Reservist requiring lodging for UTAs. Previously, Master Sgt. Anita Barnes, 446th Force Support Squadron services flight, would make reservations for the approximately 500 non-commuting Reservists who come to McChord Field for Reserve weekend duty.

A mandatory training class on the new reservation system for all non-commuters will be held Sept. 7 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., in the operations group auditorium, Bldg. 1216. This training will be on the new automated lodging reservation system being implemented on the October UTA. There will also be a training held on the Alternate UTA, with the time and date to be determined.

"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.

Starting with the October UTA, Reservist requiring lodging will call (253) 982-ROOM (7666) no later than the Wednesday prior to the UTA. This number is exclusively for Reservists needing UTA lodging.

"The automated system is like the type people use for banking, with prompts to input your information. The first time you call, you'll be asked to create a user ID and a password," explains Barnes.

The system being put into place was purchased by the 446th FSS after researching what other Air Force bases use.

A benefit of the new systems is that when Reservist make their reservations, they'll receive a confirmation number as well as the name of the hotel assigned to the reservation.

"Some people, such as flyers, will be flagged in the database as requiring on-base lodging," said Barnes. "And, I will still be making reservations for our newcomers until they're in the database."

Keep in mind that this program places the responsibility for lodging reservations solely on the individual Reservists. If a Reservist fails to make his or her reservation, they're on their own.

"Also, you can only cancel once," said Barnes. "If you cancel, then circumstances change and you will be needing a reservation, you'll have to call me."

Barnes can be reached at 253-982-2464.