Headquarters staff embraces ARCNet to improve efficiency Published April 25, 2014 By Senior Airman Mark Hybers 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In an effort to streamline training, readiness and duty status, the 507th Air Refueling Wing headquarters staff is making the push to bring these processes into one central location known as Air Reserve Component Network. ARCNet is a web-based IT platform that can be used to integrate many online services currently used in a reservist's day-to-day life. It's not new to the reserves, or the 507th ARW; however, it has not been widely adopted as a "one stop shop" as of yet. "ARCNet streamlines coordination and integrates critical programs, improving visibility for members, supervisors and program managers," said Maj. Cody Whittington, 507th Air Refueling Wing executive officer. "Ultimately this is a force multiplier by bringing all these systems into a centralized location which improves efficiency for the wing." The program is accessible from Air Force networked computers as well as any Internet connected computer, assuming CAC reader hardware and middleware are installed. Since reservists spend a large portion of their month away from their operational military environment, the ability to coordinate reserve duty and information from almost anywhere is essential. "ARCNet provides a tracking program to work alongside important programs such as AROWS/R and UTAPS," said Senior Airman Matthew Gregory, 507th Command Post and ARCNet subject matter expert. "Having the ability to use one program to request annual tour days or request a reschedule of a unit training assembly period and notify your chain of command with the push of one button will help members who are balancing their personal and military lives." Airman Gregory is currently training the headquarters staff on proper usage of ARCNet and says members need to log into the system to become familiar with the layout and all of the programs currently tied into it. "We will give cursory training on an individual basis," he said. "Supervisors will receive more in depth training." Major Whittington said the program will also automatically populate important data for members. "Once all past data, such as annual tour orders has been updated in the system, ARCNet automatically tracks the information and allows the member to see exactly how many annual tour days they have completed and how many they have left to fulfill their requirement," Major Whittington said. He went on to say that history is tracked within the program thereby letting members and supervisors know who has seen and processed information. "In all, time is saved, which allows everyone to focus on other critical tasks, making us a faster more efficient force," Major Whittington said.