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Call boxes, cell phone boosters added on post
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Emergency call boxes and improved cell phone access will make the Fort Stewart military reservation safer for everyone using the area.
Additional emergency call boxes have been placed along both Highway 144 and Highway 119 inside Fort Stewart.
The call boxes are placed at intervals of two to two and a half miles — a relatively short walk in either direction for a motorist who needs to summon help.
When a call box phone receiver is lifted, the phone will automatically dial the Fort Stewart 911 Center so that emergency services can be dispatched to the location needed.
In addition to the call boxes, the Fort Stewart Communication Sustainability Working Group is reviewing the commercial vendor use of the current cell phone towers on Fort Stewart and the possibility of adding additional towers along the post highways.  
According to Mike Flatt, chief of DOIM communications branch, “the flight path of military helicopters and the safety of pilots and crew members must be taken into consideration when placing additional towers. Communications is vital but personnel maneuver safety is our first concern.”
Issues dealing with emergency communication needs on Fort Stewart were discussed during a recent Army Family Action Plan meeting.
The installation of the additional call boxes was completed Nov. 1, and the new signage was complete Nov. 15.
People driving vehicles without Department of Defense decals are reminded of changing rules for post access. Temporary permits are now required for non-decaled vehicles.
A photo ID, such as a driver’s license, is the minimum needed for access to Fort Stewart, according to officials.
Access for vehicles with DoD decals has not changed.
Confusion had arisen from an earlier Fort Stewart statement that a private vehicle without a DoD decal should use the specially marked lanes for non-decaled vehicles.  Everyone in the vehicle — to include DoD identification card holders —was to present valid photo identification to access control personnel while remaining in the vehicle.
Some drivers encountered problems when they presented their drivers license but were asked for proof of insurance and vehicle registration — items not mentioned in the Fort Stewart statements.
Military officials point to another portion of the original release which reads, “individuals accessing the installation must give access control personnel their destination, the purpose of their visit, and any other information determined to be necessary.”
As a force protection measure, they decline to specify what other information might be required; nor will they rule out any other information that will not be required.
In Georgia, drivers are required to have proof of insurance and registration by state law. The Army will not say if these documents are part of its “other information”
 Temporary passes are issued at the following gates:
 • Fort Stewart: Gate 1 (General Stewart Way and General Screven Way), 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
 • Fort Stewart: Gate 3 (Harmon Avenue and Old Sunbury Road), 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
 • Fort Stewart: Gate 5 (GA Highway 119 and 144), 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Access control personnel will advise drivers on how to get a temporary pass valid for more than one day if needed.
 The procedural change does not affect current commercial vehicle access procedures at Fort Stewart.  Commercial vehicles are still required to use Gate 7 at Fort Stewart.
Direct questions to the Directorate of Emergency Services at des.feedback@stewart.army.mil
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