Keeping dorm room to standards is simple

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Connor Burkhard
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  With 14 dormitory buildings on base, housing about 600 Airmen, the care of dorm rooms is an often-heard topic. 

Unaccompanied housing in the Warren dormitories is currently offered to senior airman and below with less than three years of service. Before obtaining a dorm room, all members are briefed in detail regarding the rules and responsibilities of the residents.
 
"All Airmen get briefings from me at FTAC," said Robert Farnsworth, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron unaccompanied housing chief. "Then they get briefings from their dorm managers as well." 

All occupants are also given a copy of the 90th Missile Wing Instruction 32-9.
"Each base has their own local instruction," said Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Alumbaugh, 90th CES dorm manager. "Rules that are unique to this installation are covered in 32-9." 

While the majority of the dorm residents follow the rules and keep their room in regulation, the dorms are not without problems. 

One of the biggest problem in the dorms here is smoking in the rooms, which is strictly prohibited under 90MWI 32-9. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas. Furthermore, any form of tobacco is prohibited in dorm common-areas. 

Many of the other issues with dorm occupants stem from differences in backgrounds and the fact that this may very well be the first time they are living on their own. 

"Hygiene standards differ depending on how you were raised," said Mr. Farnsworth. "Some parents may have been more lenient with household chores than others." 

While rules regarding cleanliness of rooms are not as stringent as those in basic military training or technical school, Warren dorm residents are still expected to maintain their room in accordance to Air Force Instruction 32-6005, Unaccompanied Housing Management. 

"We don't do white glove inspections," said Mr. Farnsworth, "but we do ask that it be kept tidy." 

To ensure standards are being met, announced and no-notice inspections are administered. 

Dorm inspections are administered by commanders and first sergeants monthly and are done on a random basis, focusing on safety and health issues. All areas of the dorm rooms are inspectable. 

According to Mr. Farnsworth, one of the most important pieces of advice he can give to Airmen living in the dorms is to get along and respect their dorm mates. 

The Good Neighbor policy, as stated in the local instruction, encourages courtesy among all dorm residents and prohibits loud noise, unapproved or loud social gatherings, and pets. It also outlines proper protocol in regards to recreation vehicles, motor vehicles and repair work. 

In the event that dorm mates are not getting along, the dorm managers generally seek a resolution between the feuding parties and their first sergeants. 

"We generally don't like to move roommates if they don't get along," said Mr. Farnsworth. "We really want them to settle it on their own." 

With all the responsibilities the Airmen must fulfill, there are also things that dorm management is responsible for, like dorm improvements and maintenance. 

Currently there are three dorms under renovation in support of the Dorms 4 Airman concept, a four-module dorm room setup. Instead of two Airmen each having their open sleeping quarters and sharing a bathroom and kitchen area, four Airman will have their own sleeping area and bathroom and share a common area which includes a big-screen TV and laundry facilities, said Mr. Farnsworth. 

Furthermore, dorm managers must do routine maintenance inspections to ensure the rooms and all common areas are in safe and good working order. 

Maintaining dorm rooms to the standards is simple - keep it clean, respect your neighbors and follow the rules.