Accountability made easy with mobile support

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ian Hoachlander
  • Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas --  Events ranging from the catastrophic storms in the northeast to the tsunami in Japan have displaced many Airmen and civilians throughout the past few years resulting in numerous reasons to use the Air Force Personnel Accountability and Assessment System.

The Air Force uses AFPAAS to account, access, manage and monitor the recovery process for personnel and their families to include active-duty Airmen, selected Reserve members, Department of the Air Force personnel, non appropriated fund civilian employees, Air Force contractors assigned overseas and family members.

"In the wake of Superstorm Sandy and in light of the upcoming hurricane season, we advise everyone to log into AFPAAS and verify their personal information as well as family member information," said Terri Donahoe, Air Force Personnel Center's readiness branch chief. "This ensures that in the event of an evacuation or disaster, leaders have your accurate home, work and personal phone numbers, as well as your address, where you're staying and the names of your family members."

Many members worry that if they evacuate they will be unable to connect to AFPAAS using their common access card, and they cannot account for themselves or their family members during a natural disaster or crisis.

Users can access https://afpaas.af.mil using a government or personal computer by logging in with their common access card, their username and password, or entering personal information. Individuals who do not have access to a computer can access the site with their phone's Web browser. The website will recognize the individual is using a smartphone and present the site in a mobile format.

"All someone needs to access AFPAAS is an internet connection or a smartphone with access to the internet," Donahoe explained. "Users can access the AFPAAS website using their iPhone, Android, or certain touch screen Blackberry phones by entering their username and password."

When AFPAAS is activated during an incident, whether it is a hurricane or active shooter, the member's unit will notify individuals in the area affected and allow Airmen to account for themselves. Members must then log into AFPAAS to inform their leadership of their location. Those unable to access the internet can call their unit or call AFPC at 1-800-435-9941.

Once logged in, users can update their contact and location information and complete a needs survey if necessary.

"AFPAAS allows displaced members and families to answer basic assessment questions that will ensure any needs can be met," Donahoe said. "Members who express a need are assigned a case worker who works with the member or family until their needs are met."

With spring just around the corner, Airmen should ensure their AFPAAS information is current at https://afpaas.af.mil .

For additional information on AFPAAS or other personnel issues go to the Air Force personnel services website at https://mypers.af.mil .