Alabama National Guard looks to continue fiscal stewardship through partnerships

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Photo by Lt. Col. Shannon M. Hancock, Alabama National Guard public affairs officer.

MONTGOMERY, AL (08/21/2015)(readMedia)-- The Alabama Army National Guard continues to search for ways to maximize available resources through savings or cost avoidance, maintain or improve services to Guardsmen and families and strengthen bonds in our state and communities.

One tool the Alabama Guard is using is the new Army Community Partnership Program (ACP2), a pilot initiative which provides a formal and supportive forum for military installations and communities to work together to address mutual needs, capabilities and capacities.

As part of the ACP2, the Alabama National Guard has already hosted two meetings with state, municipal, and community leaders, and will hold its third at Jefferson State Community College's Clanton campus, Aug. 25, 2015.

The Alabama National Guard is the only National Guard chosen to participate as part of the pilot ACP2 program, due in large part to its history and success with agency partnerships, such as the Alabama National Guard / Alabama Law Enforcement Agency partnership that saves both agencies money by sharing office space.

"The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency works closely with the Alabama National Guard on disaster-response efforts in events such as snow storms, hurricanes and tornados," said ALEA Secretary of Law Enforcement Spencer Collier. "Through an ongoing strategic partnership, the two agencies were able to facilitate the sharing of facilities throughout the state. Not only does it make sense for two state agencies to partner from a fiscal perspective, but during natural disasters, it will help with a more efficient coordination of communications and logistical planning efforts."

ACP2 participants with the Alabama National Guard include Alabama Community College System officials; representatives from the Alabama Departments of Transportation, Forestry, Environmental Management, and Veterans Affairs; several municipal planning directors; officials from Anniston Army Depot and Redstone Arsenal, as well as others. All participants will look for ways to produce measurable gains, reduce budget challenges, alleviate the impact of personnel reductions and hiring freezes, enhance community connections and dialogue, and share routine services expenses.

"It (the ACP2 meeting) was like the Craigslist of meetings," said Sharon Tinsley, president of the Alabama Broadcasters Association, a program participant. "With representatives from so many agencies all in one room to network and share opportunities with the Guard."

The program is results-focused, with emphasis on developing the most beneficial and achievable concepts using the appropriate instruments, which range from memoranda of understanding to contracts. The Alabama National Guard will continue to pursue good stewardship through partnership using the ACP2 and other tools.

Col. Philip Clayton, construction and facilities management officer for the Alabama National Guard, had high praise for the program. "This partnership program (ACP2) has made more progress for the Alabama National Guard than any other effort I have seen in 33 years of services," he said.

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Photo: Col. Brian Barrontine, chief of staff of the Alabama National Guard, addresses a group of representatives from state agencies, municipalities and professional associations at an Army Community Partnership Program meeting at Fort McClellan, Alabama, July 7, 2015.