Wing emphases early release policy Published Oct. 16, 2007 By Staff Reports 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Due to last year's inclement weather situations and hazardous road conditions, the 52nd Fighter Wing leadership drafted a new policy regarding early release, and introduced a staggering release policy designed to help keep Sabers safe on their drives home. Members from weather, security forces and the wing operations center work together to evaluate weather and road conditions for wing leaders, so they can make an informed decision whether early release due to bad weather is necessary. The new policy states that base personnel will be broken into three tiers, or stages, each one has a 45-minute gap to leave ensuring smooth traffic flow exiting the base. That way, traffic congestion and bottlenecking will not be so much of an issue this year, according to Master Sgt. Michael DiMarco, 52nd Security Forces Squadron Police Services NCOIC. "(The policy) states that personnel who reside in the Binsfeld area use the contractor gate; personnel living in the Bitburg area use the air park gate; and people who live in the A-60 area use the main gate," he said. During an early release, the commissary is instructed to close, and only the shoppette and gas station will remain open with limited hours, Sergeant DiMarco said. "Personnel need at least 24- to 48-hours of food supplies during the winter months at home, and are advised not to stop at the commissary on their way home," he said. "Early release means 'go home' and don't go to the gym or take care of other personal stuff." Child care can also be an issue when there is an early release announced and Sabers should plan accordingly to accommodate their family's needs. "Please ensure parents have a 'family care plan' and it's current and updated," Sergeant DiMarco said. "School children will be released, so someone needs to be home for that child or have somewhere to go, such as a neighbor and such." Master Sgt. Norman Correa, 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant, said each Air Force member is responsible for making arrangements for the care of their family, all the while ensuring that they can meet the day-to-day and long term mission requirements. "There is a difference between having a plan, and those required to have one documented on an Air Force form 357 that is kept on file with the commander and first sergeant," Sergeant Correa said. "The plan should be verified annually by the commander and first sergeant for workability." Sabers who must have a documented FCP are the following: * Dual Military Couple -- Active duty or Reserve component members married to each other who have joint responsibility and physical custody for the care of children under 19 years of age or family members for whom the member bears medical, legal, financial, and/or logistical responsibility. * Single Parent -- A member who has no spouse or who is separated or otherwise apart from his or her spouse, but has physical custody of or financial responsibility for family member(s). * Unique Family Situation -- Where a member has a civilian spouse or other adult family member who is not capable of providing care for family members or for themselves. Examples are a spouse with limited English language ability, illness, disability, handicap, or absence from local area, or marital separation. RoadCon information: During inclement weather, Sabers should stay aware of current road conditions. * Green, normal operations for all vehicles; * Amber, road conditions are hazardous and people should exercise caution due to slush, snow, ice patches and decreased visibility; * Red, road conditions are extremely hazardous and government vehicles should not be operated unless necessary for mission requirements; and * Black, driving cannot be conducted safely and vehicles should only be operated in emergencies. For details, call 452-COPS (2677), listen to AFN radio on 105.1 FM or 1143 AM, visit the Internet at www.spangdahlem.af.mil or watch AFN Satellite Channel 23 for off-base residents and AFN Prime Atlantic for on-base residents.