Mass Notification System helps spread word to base, neighboring personnel
US Marine Corps News
12/30/2009
By LANCE CPL. LUCAS G. LOWE, Marine Corps Base Quantico
Getting essential information such as base traffic, weather and force protection information is as easy as checking your inbox. The Mass Notification System disseminates this knowledge via e-mail.
The Communications Electronics Division commissioned Dialogic Communications Corporation to develop the MNS. The system was implemented three years ago.
More than 3,000 personnel currently subscribe to the system, said Maj. Bryan Ruth, the current base operations officer. Anyone can register to receive notifications on www.quantico.usmc.mil.
The system, not yet completely integrated, is being redesigned to be more compatible with the Navy-Marine Corps Intranet, said Ruth.
“Sometimes conditions will change throughout the course of a day – for example, from code red to code blue,” Ruth said. “As operations personnel, we get that word and distribute it.”
Codes red, blue, yellow and green are base operating codes that determine when the installation is open to nonessential personnel on days when weather has adversely affected driving conditions.
The MNS is under further modification to include text-messaging capabilities. This would allow people who do not have access to the Internet to receive notification by phone.
The system was vital in disseminating information when a snowstorm resulted in base closure a week and a half ago.
This method of getting the word around should prove to be just as useful in the coming months when inclement weather is more likely.
The current base operating code is also available on the Quantico Weather Hotline at 703-784-3638.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
