• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

US Military

  • Branches
    • Army
    • Navy
    • Air Force
    • Marine Corps
    • Coast Guard
    • National Guard
    • Air National Guard
    • Find A Recruiter
  • Find A Recruiter
  • Military Benefits
    • GI Bill
    • VA Loans
    • Military Scholarships
    • Military Friendly Colleges
    • Money
  • Jobs
    • Military Pay Chart
    • Veteran Jobs
    • Civilian Jobs
  • VA Loan Rates
  • Military News
    • Top News
    • Benefits
    • Careers
    • Education
    • Featured Columnists
      • Larry Fowler
      • Scott Ostrow
      • Kim Lengling
      • Dr. Sasha Toperich
      • Rick Stewart
  • USM Shop
  • GI Bill
  • VA Loans
  • Military Scholarships
  • Top Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities in America

Easier Access to Installations to Enable Non-Profits to Better Assist Soldiers, Families

February 16, 2015 By admin

WASHINGTON (Feb. 16, 2015) – Non-profit groups with a track record of helping Soldiers and their families will soon experience a more streamlined process to get them access to military installations, said Carla K. Coulson, director of Army Installation Services.

Coulson addressed the quarterly Veterans Service Organizations and Military Support Organizations, or VSO/MSO, summit, Feb. 11, at the Pentagon. About two dozen representatives from a variety of VSO/MSO were in attendance, as well as members of other non-federal entities who support Soldiers and family members.

In December, the defense secretary issued two memos directing the military services to implement additional procedures to improve access to installations for service and support organizations, she said. The Army’s executive order, or EXORD, is expected to be released in another week or so.

VA-RECOGNIZED VSO/MSOs

Installations are legally bound to provide installation access to Department of Veteran Affairs-recognized VSO/MSO entities to assist Soldiers with their Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, claims, if the senior installation commander receives and approves a written request, she said.

The EXORD would – while still requiring a written request – expedite a lot of the paperwork that often accompanies a request. The order would also facilitate better communications channels, she said. For example, the EXORD requires a single-installation point of contact for organizations.

There are many types of VA-recognized VSO/MSO organizations. Examples include the Military Officers Association of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, American Red Cross, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

NON-PROFIT, NON-FEDERAL ENTITIES

Nonprofit organizations supporting Soldiers and families, including VSO/MSOs not processing VA claims, would have similar access. In order to gain that access, such organizations may be required to provide an IRS Form 990 or other mandated documentation to establish their credentials, she said.

Examples of these organization include the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, the National Military Family Association, Operation Homefront and Blue Star Families.

COMMANDERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Coulson said senior installation commanders will be encouraged to expedite the return of requests for all entities. In turn, those requesting access are encouraged to include multiple dates for access – if desired – in a single document, to make the paperwork easier for the commander. Also, requesters are asked to provide their own single point of contact.

One concern is adequate facilities to host VSA/MSO groups, Coulson said. It is something each installation will be reviewing.

Senior installation commanders will receive training on implementing the EXORD and also will get help from their staff judge advocates and community relations personnel in designing a plan, she said. She asked the organizations to have patience while commanders work through the new process.

Rene C. Bardorf, deputy assistant defense secretary for public affairs and public outreach, who also spoke at the summit, said that “bad actors” will still not gain access to installations.

The bottom line, Coulson said, is that access procedures will become standardized and clearer, and Soldiers will benefit from the change

Filed Under: Army, daniel articles, Top News

[related_posts_by_tax format="thumbnails" limit_posts="100" image_size="sidebar-thumbnail" public_only="true" posts_per_page="6"]

Primary Sidebar

USMilitary.com Career Guide

Sign up to receive USMilitary.com email updates and to hear what's going on with all military branches!

Featured Columnists

Larry Fowler

Larry Fowler is the publisher of USMilitary.com Network one of America's premier privately owned

Daring True Story Comparing Gutsy Christian Living With Navy SEAL Training (BUD/S).

Scott Ostrow

Lt Col (Dr.) Scott A. Ostrow retired from the Air Force in September 2005 and has been teaching

Must Read: The Truth About The ASVAB Test Prep From The Man Who Wrote The Book

Kim Lengling

Kim Lengling is a Air Force Veteran whose passion is to help support veterans and their

The Moving Wall: Women Who Paid The Ultimate Price For Their Country

Dr. Sasha Toperich

Dr. Sasha Toperich is the Senior Executive Vice President at Transatlantic Leadership

Sarraj’s Dangerous Dance With Power

Rick Stewart

Rick Stewart is a former United States Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE)

Announcing American Patriots Unsung Magazine

Nathan B. Nelson

Capt (ret) Nathan B. Nelson is the Director of Military Affairs for the 1st Congressional district

Three Critical Considerations for Every Veteran Prior to Leaving Active Duty

Laquan Daniels

Laquan Daniel is a military recruiting expert with over 17 years of specialized experience in the

Important News For Military Transitioning Veterans

Veteran Buzz

Hire Military Veterans

Which Companies Are Most Likely to Hire Military Veterans?

July 30, 2018 By Ben Ehinger

High-Paying Jobs for Military Veterans

5 High-Paying Jobs for Military Veterans

July 2, 2018 By Ben Ehinger

High Paying Jobs Not Requiring a Degree

June 28, 2018 By Ben Ehinger

Footer

  • Advertise With Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Write For US
  • Link to Us

Recent

  • Daring True Story Comparing Gutsy Christian Living With Navy SEAL Training (BUD/S).
  • Apache Attack Helicopter Pilot: To Maintain a Watchful Eye, “Above the Best”
  • Peering Into The Future: NATO 2030 Initiative Announced
  • What Military Branch Sees the Most Combat?
  • From Belarus “With Love”, Yet Again

Search

© Copyright 2021 USMillitary
Web Design by Goebel Media Group


THIS IS A PRIVATE WEBSITE THAT IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, U.S. ARMED FORCES, OR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES HAVE NOT REVIEWED THIS INFORMATION. THIS SITE IS NOT CONNECTED WITH ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

​Tips
Discounts
News

​

​

Join the USMilitary.com Newsletter Today!

By subscribing you agree to our terms & conditions

x