Beale Air Force Base, Calif. –
The 940th Wing is tossing out the middleman with the implementation of the Automated Lodging Reservation System.
This new tool will replace the old way Reservists made lodging accommodations during Unit Training Assemblies, eliminating much confusion and frustration, according to Senior Master Sgt. Cheryl Purshock, 940th Wing Force Support Squadron superintendent.
In the past, too many personnel were involved in the process of making a reservation, Purshock said, comparing the problem to the proverbial too many cooks in the kitchen. The ALRS helps solve this problem by eliminating these middlemen and saving the wing an estimated $24,000 annually.
While the system is available now, all wing Reservists who are authorized lodging must begin using the ALRS by January 1, 2012. Airmen can reserve a room 3 months in advance, pay for their lodging and even reschedule with the ALRS.
To prepare the wing's Traditional Reservists for the transition to the new system, training classes were held during the December UTA.
"During training, someone called the system and pretended to make a reservation so everyone could hear what the recording sounds like," said Purshock.
There are notable differences between the old and new lodging system.
"The big difference is the fact that it's a direct line and it's available 24/7 to cancel, modify, or change a reservation," said Purshock, adding that under the old way of making lodging reservations, there were numerous no-shows each UTA, costing the wing about $2,000 per month.
Staff Sgt. Veronica Gutierrez, 940th Force Support Squadron, said there are many positives for the wing with the new ARLS.
"The benefit of this system is it will reduce cost, as well as the number of no-shows," said Gutierrez.
Even though the new system has received high praise, Purshock realizes some Reservists are leery because the ARLS brings uncertainty and the process is a little time consuming at first because users must set up a profile.
"Once they get going, they are going to love it," said Purshock.
For more information about ARLS, contact the 940th FSS at 530-634-1771.