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Transcript of Facebook Live COVID-19 Town Hall

Live-streamed Tuesday, 31 March, 2020

from the MCoE/Fort Benning Public Affairs Office, Suite W-141, McGinnis-Wickam Hall

Time of live-stream: 1800-1903 hours.

Panel:

Maj. Gen. Gary M. Brito, commanding general, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of

Excellence and Fort Benning

Col. Matthew Scalia, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Benning

Col. Melissa J. Hoffman, commander, Martin Army Community Hospital

Moderator:

Benjamin L. Garrett, Chief of Public Affairs, MCoE/Fort Benning

Link to town hall meeting:

https://www.facebook.com/FortBenningMCoE/videos/699702124104056/

MAJ. GEN. BRITO greets audience, then:

"I would say since we announced this Tuesday, Wednesday of last week, we have received over

70 questions, prepositioned questions, I know we're gonna receive some live this evening. So

we're gonna attempt to get to each one of 'em today. I can tell ya up front, we're not gonna get

through all. But we will do, across the staff, is post some frequently asked questions which you

can access later on, on our COIV-19 Facebook pages...

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"First of all, I'd like to start with the situation. Some things have changed since last week and I

know just like I do many of you watch the local or national news so you can see what's going on

across the United States and the state of Georgia and across the globe. So this virus is continuing

to spread. it is indeed a threat that all of us need to b continue to worry about.

"Closer to Fort Benning, our home, I've since last week have had to implement a few restrictive

control measures to keep all of our Soldiers, our families, civilians and retirees safe.

"And that was done through a General Officer letter number one, which simply talks to essential

activities for on- and off-post military personnel, and some suggested guidance for the families

and Soldiers that support them.

"Now of course my directions are to the military personnel and the long and short of it, many of

the social activities that we would normally attend to and frequent, I've asked for some limited

movement on that.

"We've also have closed many of the recreational activities on post. And as many have seen

already, many of the eating establishments and restaurants on post, some of which we closed,

some of which have made the decision on their own to close largely because of business and that

fully makes sense.

"What I'm simply asking for is a level of cooperation and discipline for all the military personnel,

all the civilians on post, to conduct essential activities like grocery shopping, postal, banking,

laundry, getting your medicine, and then stay home.

"And I ask the same for the military personnel that live off-post. Of course you can continue to

come on post to conduct those same exact things as well.

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"If you should live off-post, I ask for the same level of cooperation. of course continue with your

physical activities and all of that, all of those activities not limited but were addressed in the

letter.

"And also if you should live off-post you do have to follow the rules and any guidelines put up

from the local leadership whether it be the mayor of Columbus or whatever respective city that

you live in. Again, this is about cooperation and individual discipline to allow us to get at things.

"Now I would say, what we have put out in the policy letter, it does not, I say again, it does not

prohibit retirees from coming on post for essential activities.

"So for the retirees that live in our community, please do continue to come on post to use the

hospital if you need to, or the other medical facilities, the pharmacy, the bank, the post office,

commissary and PX and that's where we want to limit your activities.

"This is all about limiting social activities, limiting movement, and promoting social distance so

that we can stay ahead of the rapid growth of this virus which you see locally, statewide, across

the nation and the world as well.

"Okay? I fully understand and I get 100 percent, this is very disruptive to our lives, and it may

very well be for another month or longer. I can't put a timeline on it and that's why I didn't

publish when the policy would be rescinded. It's conditions-based. I'm in the fight with ya.

"But we need to get through this, protect all of our Soldiers that are here training, permanent

party soldiers as well, of all ranks, our families and our civilians.

"Now as many know we're currently at Health Protection Condition Charlie. In military terms.

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And what that means [word/s indistinct] we do have some restricted movement, although the

gate has not been closed. This is not a lockdown for Fort Benning. I'll continue to talk that a little

bit later on.

"But it is a little more restrictive, and not as free, and a little more disruptive, than it would have

been two, three or four months ago. If we have to ramp up to the next health condition code of

Delta, that'd be socialized and advertised very well with the community, both on- and off-post, as

we ramp up to that.

"If we should have to get to that point, if I have to pick one condition that applies: the virus is

pretty rampant, in our local community and on Fort Benning – and we are not at that point now,

largely due the cooperation and discipline of all the individuals on this post, and quite frankly

our goal is to keep it that way, and that's what we would like to do.

"Now I would like to go over a few policies as they came out recently from the Department of

Defense. And all of these have been posted publicly so it is public access news, and I think

through our COVID page I know we will provide some more information on that if we haven't

done so already, we will at the end of this town hall.

"But to summarize it: Department of Defense, a few days ago, published guidance that individual

installations will not publish or identify COVID-19 positive cases. That is different from what I

put out a few weeks ago in that we're being very transparent. And I would like to share why and

actually it makes a lot of sense.

"One, what Department of Defense guidance has given to the services, the services will

aggregate that information and publish it on a battle rhythm, on a pace to be determined. I don't

know what that is at this point.

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"We as an installation as with all the other installations in the Army, will send the information up

to the higher headquarters, and for us it's through the Training and Doctrine Command. Training

and Doctrine command will send it up to the Army as a service. They will aggregate the

information and publish it when and if necessary. That's up to that level of echelon, or that

echelon of command.

"That's important for a couple of reasons. One, it protects the identity of the individual and

individuals, since this will come on an aggregate formation or aggregate information. No

different than what we've put out before. But more importantly, if you think about it, it provides

us a level of operations security, which we need.

"There's no reason to really publicize – and it shouldn't be, for those who may be looking

through some adversarial lens, to see any holes in our operations security. So that information for

the installations and the individuals will be protected, in accordance with this Department of

Defense guidance.

"Now, closer to home. Very clearly a concern is, how will we know when or if a person's been

infected and if I've had any contact with them?

"Now, complementary to this policy, we, when we identify, or learn of a person, whether it's a

Soldier, a civilian, spouse or retiree, when we learn that they have been sampled, tested, and

receive a positive case back, through our tracing activities we will contact, one, the person, two,

from talking to them, anybody that may have come, been in contact with them. it may be a

friend, or spouse, a school teacher or coach, and anybody that may have been in some type of

activity with them. It's important to allow the other people know that they may have been around

a person that is now COVID-19 positive.

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"And that's the extent of the public notice that'll take place. That's not something we're gonna

throw on Facebook. You will not see the medical releases that you've seen over the last two

weeks. We will adhere to the Department of Defense guidelines. [Word/words indistinct] very

important.

"A little bit of a shift to subject. Training. And I have received several questions on training for

the One-Station Unit Training privates that we have here, going through Infantry or Armor. Also

those that are here on a temporary duty status going through a variety of schools, from Airborne,

the senior leader course, or what have you. Training in some levels will continue.

"Specifically, for those that are here in a temporary duty status, TDY, when they complete their

training we will coordinate with the home station unit and arrange for safe and secure travel for

that Soldier to return to their unit.

"About three or four weeks ago that number was quite large, in that we had a pool of leaders,

Soldiers and noncommissioned officers, going through training, many of which completed that

temporary training already, and have made their way back to their unit or will be soon doing the

same.

"That same applies to Soldiers that we have in school now, that will complete the graduation

requirements in a week or two, and we'll send them back to their unit after coordinating with the

gaining unit, home station unit, for safe, secure travel back to their home station.

"Easier in the United States. A little bit more difficult if they're goin' to Italy, Korea or another

place, and again we'll work with the unit as well. It's not gonna be the next-day travel, but it's

something that we're gonna work with the unit.

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"Now, more importantly, and this message is to the parents, across all of America and all of our

territories, that have young Soldiers training here today. We have about, just over 10,000, young

privates, private first class and specialists, going through some level of training for Armor and

Infantry.

"Some of that 10,000 have completed their training and they're graduates now and I'll talk to that

in a moment.

"Their training will continue. And in some respects, at some level we will also continue to

receive new recruits and trainees. Those recruits, or those future Soldiers better yet, will go

through a couple of levels of screening to ensure they're healthy before they enter their training

pipeline.

"Firstly, before they leave their respective states and recruiting station, there'll be a screening at

that level. I don't need to go into all the details but the intent is to ensure before he or she gets on

the bus or plane and moves on to Fort Benning, they have not been exposed anybody that has the

disease. they're not showing any symptoms. They're fit and they're healthy.

"When they get to this end, another level of screening as well. And we do that at the airport,

before they get to Fort Benning.

"And for those who would arrive via bus or van, we'll do it again before they enter the reception

battalion, to, one, ensure they're healthy, feeling good, have not had any contact, not showing

any symptoms, before we have to begin the training, to the training pipeline. Those are all

control measures to ensure that your Soldiers are taken care of when they get here.

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"When they enter their respective unit, at which we have a lot goin' on, again, for the Armor and

Infantry as well, and these are for the young, 18- and 19-year-old Soldiers that are here, I can say

with great confidence that their leaders and their well-respected and disciplined and trained drill

sergeants, are taking great care of them.

"Our training methodology is very sound. We're also taking into consideration all that we must

do to promote social distancing, promote physical distancing between the Soldiers, take care of

them when they're in their field training, measures in their dining facility where they can do

some grab-and-go and eat outside, or spread themselves out on the table.

"All of that is in consideration with everything we do, to prevent any potential spread of the

disease.

"And that same thought process applies with the drill sergeants and cadre that we have, taking

care of your Soldiers.

"And at this point I'm proud to say that within the training, Soldiers, we don't have any

infections, any positive cases, that they need to be concerned with.

"This will be a deliberate action every hour of the day, while the Soldiers are here going through

their respective training.

"But to fast-forward a little bit, and I know this is a question of several of the parents, both on the

questions that we received earlier, and actually every single week, is, 'What happens when my

Soldier graduates?'

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"Now this point, because of the travel ban and restrictions to large gatherings, which had been

imposed about a couple of weeks ago, which I imposed a couple of weeks ago, we are still not,

and this is actually across all of the Army training centers, Fort Benning being one of them, we're

still not conducting those things that would bring a large gathering such as a family day or a

graduation.

"That is not occurring at this point. However, as many of you have seen on Facebook live or

some of the brigade training pages, those graduations are being conducted, in a socially dispersed

physical setting and being streamed live for the parents to see, which so far, I've seen a couple of

'em myself, so far it has received some great feedback from the parents.

"And we'll continue to do that for your Soldier, 'cause they have earned it at the end of their 20

weeks or more of [word indistinct] training.

"At this point, upon completion of the graduation requirements, all the trainees, whether Armor

or Infantry, are remaining here at Fort Benning.

"We are continuing to keep them engaged as best we can with physical training, with some type

of skill training, to make them even better Soldiers when they arrive at the unit. And again,

they're being cared for, they're being fed well, given access to the hygiene and stuff they need.

"Depending upon where they are in the training, whether it's week 4, week 12, or say a

graduation, the brigade commanders and the command sergeant majors and the drill sergeants,

will give access to cellphones and other things so they can keep in touch with mom and dad at

home, whether it's a phone call, FaceTime, Facebook, what have you.

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"Because we can't at this point, conduct the graduations and family days that we had historically

in the past. I cannot give a timeline on when that's gonna end, and we will start doing that, but

you can rest assured at our level and through the brigades, the families will be notified of when

we will start executing that.

"Lastly, another questions, actually several questions were received from families, is 'When will

the Soldiers start to move?' One opportunity that we're exercising – we will soon start exercising

and some of the other training centers are doing it now, through our higher command, is

arranging for clean, secure modes of transportation, whether it's gonna be a secured, contracted

airplane, or a bus, to take small cohorts of Soldiers to the respective unit.

"I'll just give one example. We're at Fort Benning, Georgia. We may have some Soldiers that

will be assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia, in Savannah, about a four-hour drive from here.

" So what we will soon be able to execute, and I can't give a start date but I do know it's gonna be

soon, for example, is those Soldiers have completed all their training requirements, they have all

their gear, the duffle bag, the whole bit.

"We have screened them again, to make sure there's no medical issues with the virus. They'd be

put on a bus that has been sanitized and cleaned, and go from point A to point B, and only get up

to go to the bathroom, perhaps. That's just one example.

"The intent is to deliver your Soldiers, our Soldiers, to the gaining unit, and get them in-

processed so they can get on with their military career, with their duties.

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"Again, that has not started at Fort Benning yet. We'll soon start as some of the other

installations, the Army training center installations. I expect it'll start soon with us, and we'll

publicize it on the brigade pages, on when it's gonna take place. Okay?

"Other TDYs. As I mentioned up front, at the completion of the temporary duties, such as one of

the functional courses that we teach, we train here at Fort Benning, if the Soldier's stationed here

at Fort Benning whether on a TDY status or not, they'll stay. If not, we'll move them on.

"One of the questions that came up from several, was on Ranger School, which is one of our

locally run schools, however with a phase in the mountains up in Dahlonega, and down in the

swamps in Florida, Florida being the last phase.

"And we just happened to have a class that finished here not too long ago. Coupla days back.

They graduated from that phase, and they will be moved via clean, secure transportation, to Fort

Benning.

"When they get to Fort Benning, if they're stationed here, they stay here. If they're on what's

called a PCS, Permanent Change of Station, they stay here. If they're on Temporary Duty, TDY,

then we will arrange to move them to their respective units. After a safely and securely and a

healthy means as well, out-process, and we will run that process for them.

"If they live off-post in let's say whatever apartment complex, after they out-process, after they're

medically cleared and screened, yes, they can go home. Yes, the can go to the commissary. Yes

they can buy food. Just like any privilege we have now for the on-post Soldiers or off-post

Soldiers that need to come on post.

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"Again, stationed at Fort Benning? They'll stay. Upon graduation and their screening, they'll be

moved to their respective units.

"Last big subject which has also been near and dear to several parents both on- and off-post. That

is, schools.

"Right now, we're actually in our designated spring break, which ends on Friday and, school

would have normally resumed on next Monday.

"But right now we're going to adhere to what the local community's doing and the guidance that

the governor has given out as well for the state of Georgia.

"Right now school will remain closed until the 24th of April, Friday the 24th of April, to be

determined when we'll open up again.

"I'm not gonna say when or if. I'll say, to be determined when we open up again. Surely based off

the threat or perhaps, potential growing spread of the COVID-19 virus, locally in our

communities, and of course we'll most likely mirror what the state puts out as well.

"Fully acknowledging that some of the counties, in our case, closer to Atlanta, have more cases

than we do down a little farther southwest down here. But we also have a growing threat in our

bordering state of Alabama, a little further south, in Florida.

"All that needs to be factored in. Very important that we consider what the local county and state

is doing when we make a Fort Benning decision in that several families have students that go to

school off-post, and some that go to school on-post. It's an equal balance challenge for the

teachers as well.

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"So we'll make the right informed decision. I will continue to work closely with the school

superintendant and we'll ensure whatever decision is made, especially if it's gonna be prolonged

beyond the 24th of April, we will notify the families.

"I would like to share one bit of very good news with our school DoDEA support for all of our

students. To date, since school has been closed, that includes this spring break and the previous

weeks as well, we have delivered over 9,700 meals, which includes breakfast and lunch, to our

students.

"And also I've received some good feedback on the lesson plans that the students have executed

as well. So kudos to the teachers on that. Kudos to the school leadership, and especially to the

parents for being supportive and patient and exercising the same discipline that I've asked of all

of us as we get through this. So Ben, I've talked way too much. I'd like to turn it over to the rest

of the panel. Talk to any issues and we can take some questions. Thank you."

MODERATOR turns over to Col Hoffman.

COL. HOFFMAN greets audience, recaps CDC guidelines, then:

"If you are not feeling well or if your symptoms worsen, it is still advised to contact the Nurse

Advice Line which is available to you 24/7, at 1-800-874-2273, select option 1.

"On our hospital Facebook page a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions has great

additional detail on additional ways to access the Nurse Advice Line using their app and also

instructions on setting up secure messaging to schedule a visit over the telephone with your

provider.

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"Another option is our own COVID-19 hotline. This is internal to Martin Army. It's available

Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and that number is 762-408-2819.

"The Army Public Health Center has also established a COVID-19 hotline. That number is 1-

800-984-8523.

"Again we advise you not to physically present to a medical treatment facility if you are

exhibiting the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 but we do recommend you continue to use the

Nurse Advice Line and the additional COVID-19 hotline resources for best advice on accessing

health care..."

"As of yesterday we have temporarily suspended our hospital's after-hours acute care clinic to

provide more health care capabilities [word/s indistinct] critical services for our beneficiary

population.

"As another option, all Tricare Prime-enrolled patients can utilize the network urgent care clinics

after hours. The list of urgent care clinics is posted on our hospital's Facebook page, as well as

on the garrison's COVID-19 Facebook page. You can also call Tricare at 1-800-444-5445, to

find out the nearest clinic based upon your zip code.

"Regarding specialty care referral adjustments, due to the ongoing response to COVID-19, the

following changes will be made to specialty care referrals at Martin Army Community Hospital.

"Only emergent and urgent specialty referrals will be ordered and scheduled at this time. Routine

specialty care referrals that are currently booked may be handled virtually, for example over the

phone, with your provider, or maybe scheduled to a date after 1 June of 2020.

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"Just a reminder. Our community providers are also facing the same challenges we are during

this national emergency. So patient access to an off-post specialty care provider outside urgent

and emergent cases will most likely be impacted as well."

Thanks community for its patience as hospital continues dealing with COVID-19 pandemic.

MAJ. GEN. BRITO:

"I'd really again, like to echo her comments and just say thank you to the entire community for

the flexibility with changes that have had to be made, the drive-through pharmacy, calling the

nurse's hotline, all of that has made a substantial difference in their ability – our ability, to

provide the services we need to all the Soldiers, families and retirees. So again, thank you and I

appreciate your cooperation."

COL. SCALIA:

"Access to the installation, overall garrison services, family support and then lastly our requests

for support from you."

"So, first, access to the installation. So two weeks ago we restricted general visitors to post,

though we granted many exceptions for special needs.

"Last week we further limited entry to post, to strictly residents, work and essential services but

also including essential services for retirees and their beneficiaries.

"This week the guards have begun to ask them the questions of visitors' purpose at the gates to

ensure compliance, General Order No. 1, that they are here for those essential needs.

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"And as a result, visitors' entry onto post has dropped by about 65 percent from its norm, and

vehicle access to the drop has dropped by about 50 percent, although the vehicle access is also

dropped because of the number of teleworkers we have.

"But bottom line, these measures have met the intended purpose, and that is, reducing the

amount of traffic and people on post, thereby reducing the opportunities for the spread of the

virus. As we are constantly assessing the environment and the threat, it is likely that we may

have to make additional changes to installation access.

"As we do, I ask for your continued patience, especially your patience with the gate guards, as

they too are trying to adapt to the new policies and procedures.

"Second, overall garrison services. Unfortunately, due to decrease of available employees, and,

or, lack of business, some store managers and owners have had to make some difficult decisions

and reduce services even more.

"More recently, El Zapata restaurant has closed even its take-away service, temporarily closed,

and then beginning on Thursday the PX main store is reducing its hours. Instead of opening at

nine it'll now open at 10.

"As that first hour was reserved for the at-risk patrons, as defined by the CDC, which I spoke of

last week, that same first hour, now 10 to 11, will be restricted for them.

"However, businesses are still trying to find ways to support us. So for example, the PX is now

taking online orders with curbside pickup. Please call the PX for details on that.

"With Easter less than two weeks away, I know many of us are perhaps upset with where we are

now and our inability to attend in-person services.

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"It is unfortunate, but the chaplains are finding best ways to still meet the needs of the

congregation.

"I know they're working on a non-denominational Easter sunrise service. Though it be virtual,

will still, we hope, meet your spiritual needs. Please provide inputs, suggestions to your

chaplains, to your chapels, to see what they can do to support you through this period.

"This week I had to further reduce the amount of spaces available for child development centers

and our School Age Services.

"This has been very difficult decision through the past several weeks. The past two weeks we've

been able to extend it a bit beyond just the priority of medical personnel.

"But as the threat continues to grow, and we are now trying to protect our medical community

even more, I've had to make further cuts. So, many of you have lost your service this week and

had to find other means. I do apologize. I know it's difficult. Okay, but this is about preserving

combat power for the decisive fight.

"So, the less interaction, exposure to our medical community, even through their children,

through these CDCs, and as I anticipate having to increase service to them, because their demand

increases as they have more people having to join the fight and may need more support in the

CDC and School Age Services, I will need more employees ready for the fight.

"So that's why I've had to make these decisions. I am still taking considerations from

commanders. So if you have truly exceptional cases and just cannot find other means and you are

mission-essential to your organization, please send up through your chain-of-command so I can

have that direct conversation with brigade leaders.

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"As for emergency services, fire, police, ambulance, fortunately, there is no drop in service now.

That is another population that we are concerned if we lose some of their combat power, we will

have to make other adjustments.

"Next, family support. So, between the reduction in services and activities on post and in the

community, cancelled school, telework, and General Order No. 1 restricting movement, these are

all added stresses on the family.

"Perhaps some of us are spending a bit too much time, as a family.

"Unfortunately, other locations, that we've learned from, who've experienced some of these long-

term stay-at-home conditions, they've reported dramatic increases in domestic violence. We do

not want to get to that point.

"So I beg all of you, please, take preventative measures. We have the great benefit – and the

good news is – we have the great benefit of all these resources, military resources on post, that

others just don't have off post, the non-military community. We are blessed in that regard.

"So, I'd like to highlight some of them for you so you can contact them, please, early, and not too

late. First would be Family Advocacy Program. The Military OneSource. And then the Military

Family Life Consultants. And you can learn more about them at our MWR Army Community

Service web page, for more information.

"The next would be our garrison Family Life Chaplain. Okay, our family life chaplain, Chaplain

Fary, is exceptional. And he's not just the chaplain. He's actually trained in family counseling. So

if you're worried about seeing a chaplain, if you think you might burst into flames seeing a

chaplain, don't worry, he's got that family counseling background.

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"You can get this information, again, from our website, and please, everybody, these are

confidential sources. So don't hesitate. Even your own unit chaplain is a great resource, and

they're confidential. So please don't hesitate to seek help.

"Much rather you'd seek help early than the MPs have to knock on your door when there's

domestic violence reported.

"Lastly, Army Emergency Relief, AER. For those experiencing financial duress, perhaps it's due

to the stop-move? You may wish to apply for an AER loan. You can learn more, again, at

MWR's Army Community Service website. Remember, AER is 'Soldiers Helping Soldiers.' And

just so happens the AER contribution season. So if you are not struggling financially, please

consider donating to AER.

"Alright, my last area, how you can help us.

"Pretty simple. Please adhere to the conditions of General Order No. 1. Do not gather in large

crowds. You know this past weekend there were many gatherings that the MPs had to break up,

and disperse.

"Now is no time for block parties. Okay. Every exposure is an opportunity for the virus to

spread. Especially when we're talking about a social setting. Then it can spread to different work

settings.

"Okay? So please stay in your homes. Stay with your cohort of your family, and avoid those

large groups.

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"Next weekend you'll see be seeing courtesy patrols going through the neighborhoods, and trying

to disperse. Okay? But I ask that you do the right thing personally by correcting your friends, and

doing the right thing yourself.

"And for the leaders out there, remember, you have a responsibility to make on-the-spot

corrections.

"Lastly, please continue to show patience and cooperation with your family, your neighbors,

your gate guards, employees and one another..."

MAJ. GEN. BRITO thanks the colonels, moderator begins reading questions.

MODERATOR reads question: "Are we going to total lockdown and what does that really

mean for families of Soldiers?"

MAJ. GEN. BRITO:

"At this point, no, we're not going to a total lockdown. And there are some things that I'll need to

consider, that we as an installation will need to consider if we should move to a fuller lockdown.

One, the obvious would be a rapid and high-numbered spread of COVID-positive tests on post

and, as important, outside the gate.

"So, spreading rapidly, we may seriously have a problem. So that may lead us to a lock down of

Fort Benning.

"If all the conditions are such that we need to move to a Health Condition Delta, that may be

something that drives us to a lockdown.

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"Now, fully understand a lockdown will impact Soldiers and families going off-post, Soldiers

and families and those that give us life support, like the guy that delivers gas to the gas station,

comin' on post, to include perhaps, access to retirees, which is something we don't need to do and

don't want to do. That's what the post is here for.

"So what it would mean to families? It would be very disruptive if we have to have a total

lockdown on Fort Benning, and that's the access goin' in, and the access comin' out.

"Fully understanding that may impact us on medical services, some other life-support services,

grocery shopping and other things that you may need to do off-post. It will certainly impact

services that come on post now. I gave an example of the guy that, the gas delivery truck, that

stuff would have to happen.

"So, something that I take very seriously. Something of which I've already had the staff lay out

the conditions for, to include advice from our legal advisers. And if it needs to be implemented,

something that we'll publicize very carefully with the population on- and off-post before and if

we have to do it.

"Now I would mention, that is something that I would share very closely with our city of

Columbus leadership, the mayor, and those surrounding counties as well. Nothing we can really

do in isolation. I hope that helps. Ben."

MODERATOR reads question: "Will retirees be restricted from the base?

MAJ. GEN. BRITO:

"No. Not too many conditions would prohibit retirees from coming on the base.

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"Our current G-O No. 1, which Col. Scalia talked to and I talked to as well, retirees still have

their access on for the base, just like they have, and this case is for essential services, medical,

grocery, post office or things they need to do that are considered essential services on post.

"Retirees are Soldiers for life, quite frankly, and just like a Soldier we would have living off-

post, you maintain that same level of access.

"If conditions should get to the point, where we have a legitimate health-protection emergency,

or a legitimate lockdown on post, that is something that I will communicate with all the retirees,

the local leadership, the state leadership as well, congressional leadership, senators, the whole

bit, because it's a huge impact and a very tough decision.

"Long answer for saying yes, employees will maintain their well-deserved access onto this

installation, as of now."

MODERATOR reads question: "What determines if Fort Benning will not allow future

Soldiers on the installation? I'm asking because I'm scheduled to ship to Fort Benning on the

6th of April."

MAJ. GEN. BRITO:

"First of all, I assume this is a future Soldier that sent this question, so I want to congratulate you

and thank you for deciding to serve your nation.

"Secondly, April 6th is right around the corner. So what I would do right now, and I don't know

when the question was posted, what I would do immediately is contact your recruiter. And your

recruiter can tell you whether you are scheduled to forward-move or ship to Fort Benning, on

what day that's gonna happen.

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"Right now the current Department of the Army guidance is that we will continue to send future

Soldiers from their respective processing centers to their Army training center, Fort Benning,

Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Jackson or Fort Sill. Of course you're talking about Fort Benning in

this case.

"So you'll find out when you're gonna ship, and how you're gonna get here. Hopefully in your

case it's obviously before April 6th.

"I would like to re-emphasize a couple of points I brought up front. You'll go through some level

of health screening before you get on the bus or the plane and head to Fort Benning.

"When you get to Fort Benning, at the airport, you'll get that same level of health screening,

through questions and a temperature check to ensure that you haven't been possibly infected with

the COVID-19, fully understanding that sometimes it's asymptomatic or not.

"I would like to share a story with you. Just today, I personally went down to our reception

battalion here at Fort Benning, and walked up out of the vehicle and said, 'Pvt. Brito reporting

for training. Talk to me and tell me what happens.' So they took me through the same exact

screening process that you will go through as a new Soldier.

"The questions, ensured I maintain the physical distance from the Soldiers that are talking to me.

I answered the questions. And we played a drill: if I said no to one of 'em, what happens? And of

course there may be some level of a self-monitoring.

"In this case, the answer was 'No, I haven't traveled.' 'No, I haven't been [indistinct] by anybody

that I know of that's infected.' And they took my actual temperature to ensure that I wasn't

showing medical symptoms.

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"So you can expect the same level of screening before you're moved on to your respective

training or quarantine or what have you, whatever's gonna take place.

"So to stop where I started, thank you, for your decision to serve, and we look forward to seein'

ya soon."

MODERATOR reads question: "Why do people who keep testing positive for COVID-19 on

base, keep being counted for Muscogee County, even if they are living on base?"

MAJ. GEN. BRITO:

"I mentioned this a coupla weeks ago. It is very important that we, being residents of Georgia,

although a military entity, a federal entity, we're still within the state. So at this point, in

accordance with CDC guidance, we will follow the reporting requirements published by the

Georgia Department of Public Health.

"In this case it's reporting those respective numbers against the county. As you well know, we

split Muscogee and Chattahoochee County, according to where you live. So those numbers

reported accordingly, with the respective counties.

"But, long and short of it, allows the state, and the state CDC, to manage and analyze those

clusters of infection across the state, which you've seen on the local news and the national news

as well. Fair question, though."

MODERATOR reads question: "For those of us who have a Soldier in basic training and

have turned 'green' already, will the Soldiers be given better, more access to their phones to

keep families up to date?"

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MAJ. GEN. BRITO:

"Short answer is yes. And it all depends on where they are in their phase of their training. Week

2, no, not as much. Of course towards the end, and especially when they complete what would

have been their graduation, they're certainly gonna have access to the phones or the social media,

to keep in touch with friends, friends and families.

"I can assure you that's something very important to the brigade commanders and their command

sergeant majors and drill sergeants as well.

"We will maintain the level of discipline that we normally would throughout the training cycle.

But at appropriate times, and especially upon graduation, they'll have an opportunity to call

home, write letters and stuff like that.

"I would like to also, Ben, because we are continuing the training, what I've asked the brigade

commanders to do, at some other point, is perhaps a real, a videotaped message that we can put

on line, specifically for our families and friends at this time, solely on how they're training their

Soldiers. Thanks."

MODERATOR reads question: "Do you consider providing translation and transcription of

town hall meetings for those of us who are hearing-impaired or do not have the English-

language skills necessary to follow such meetings?

MAJ. GEN. BRITO:

"That's a great question, Ben. You know, this time I'm actually gonna phone a friend and that

friend is you. What do you think?"

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MR. GARRETT:

"Sir, thank you. We do. We have transcriptions from the previous town halls available under the

Notes section on all three of our Facebook pages, that's the COVID-19 Facebook group, the

garrison Facebook page, and the MCoE page...

"We have enabled closed captioning on the current Facebook live town hall for those that are

hearing-impaired.

"In addition, transcripts for this town hall will also be available in the Note sections of the MCoE

COVID-19 page, on our website.

"There's no translating services to other language offered currently, but we are researching that

and trying to find a solution for that. So sir, I hope I answered your question."

MAJ. GEN. BRITO:

"That's a good point. Real-time translation is a challenge. We can see that now. And I also know

that we have a global audience, [words indistinct] coast-to-coast audience. But that's something

we'll take on. We'll get workin' at it."

MODERATOR reads question: "Is it possible that within the last month or two some people

may have been unknowingly infected with COVID-19 with mild to moderate symptoms and

haven't gotten past it?"

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COL. HOFFMAN:

"The consensus is that that it is a good possibility that that is the case. But unfortunately at this

time there isn't the capability to test for that. Hopefully we will have that capability in the near

future."

MODERATOR reads question: "To utilize the early commissary hours, is there any proof that

needs to be given that you are eligible when to go, particularly if you have conditions like

asthma, immune deficiencies or in the early stages of pregnancy? If not, what keeps those who

are not high-risk, from being dishonest and going at the early hours anyway?"

COL. SCALIA:

"So just to remind everybody, special hours, the first hour of opening at the commissary and the

PX. The commissary from nine to 10 in the morning and the PX, starting on Thursday, from 10

to 11, are reserved for use by the, a high-risk population, okay? As defined by the CDC. And we

put this out last week. You can find that information again on our various websites and Facebook

page, and some of 'em, they're listed in the question.

"Simple answer, no. We're not going to have people checking for medical records and proof,

okay?

"We are checking ID cards, making sure people do have the right privileges to shop there. So

there is a level of honor code involved here.

"We ask for everybody's cooperation. If we do think it is being abused, and our guards will be

able to get a sense of that, we believe, then we might have to implement other measures, you

know, more, perhaps focused on the number of patrons that enter at any given time.

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"But I certainly hope it won't get to that point and people will understand the situation we're in

and be honest about it."

MODERATOR reads question: "It regards the base shutting down. I would like to know when

this will happen. Georgia has among the highest number of cases in the country and

regardless of the current measures put in place by Fort Benning to deter the spread of the

virus, without a strict lockdown there will only need to be one infected person for the virus to

spread, and spread exponentially. We're not only prolonging the inevitable, by not taking more

proactive measures now, but actually putting Fort Benning families at risk."

MAJ. GEN. BRITO:

"Thanks, Ben, and I appreciate the question. Very much something I'm equally as concerned

with as well. And I mentioned a few minutes ago that we are not at a full lockdown at this point

and I do fully understand the conditions that may take us to that point.

"You are correct. It's very easy for this virus to spread. Hence all the actions that we've taken so

far to minimize travel, minimize large-group gatherings, just minimize movement on the post.

Some of those have been conscious decisions, with the recreational activities, eating

establishments and other things we have.

"Some have been very deliberate. With the curfew we issued as well. To minimize the movement

on post, minimize the travel on post. That's what this is all about.

"And we do have, everybody, in some cases, has the science and data that proves the social

distancing, minimizing if not eliminating large groups, actually does work and closes those

vectors for chances for the virus to spread.

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"Now you are correct. We're also closely watching what's taking place, and occurring positive

case-wise, in all of our surrounding counties, in the state of Georgia as well, monitoring that

closely, looking at the clusters, looking at the bands, and we'll make the appropriate decisions

that we need to escalate, if we should have to get to a point, we would issue a public health

emergency or close the post in total.

"I mentioned up front as well, we have flow goin' out, flow goin' in. Military families and

retirees that live off-post that at this point have to access on-post. Life support: commissary

deliveries, gas and UPS truck and things like that, need to come on post as well, managed closely

at our access control points.

"So, to sum it up, I will continue and we as a staff will continue to watch the virus spread in our

local counties, in the state of Georgia and as necessary, escalate further restriction of all

movement on-post, and possibly on to post, and I will be sure to publicize that with all the

families in community and talk to our local leaders as well. Thank you, Ben."

MODERATOR reads question: "If a trainee is confirmed with the COVID-19 virus, how

would the other Soldiers be protected or treated in the barracks, that were near that Soldier? I

know there is a lot of cleaning happening, but symptoms do not appear right away and others

are already exposed."

MAJ. GEN. BRITO:

"Well, there's no such thing as just one person possibly being infected – now, one can be infected

but others around him may be infected as well. "So when and if, we haven't at this point, find a

Soldier or trainee that has been infected, we will, one, counsel that person, of course, and do the

proper screening, move him or her to isolation.

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"And then we have to contact all of those who have been around, whether it's just one team, one

squad, one platoon or one company, and they'll have to be moved to respective complementary

screening of some type, quarantine or self-monitoring of some type as well.

"That's just about the only way we can prevent further spreading of the disease, once we know

right away.

"Fully understanding that some of this may be asymptomatic, not showing symptoms up front as

well. But immediately when that's done, we'll ask for some transparency from the Soldier, if

you're not feeling ill or have a high temperature, come forward, say 'I'm feelin' this way.' You'll

be screened, sampled, we'll send off for the test, and once we have a positive result, contact all of

those that have been around you.

"I would also say, before we have a positive result. Let's just say trainee XX is feeling ill, we

sample him, at that point, him or her, at that point, we'll go talk to all of those that have been

around that person, whether it's a cadre member, other squad members as well, screen them and

possibly put them at some level of self-monitoring also, to prevent further spread. Good

question, thank you very much."

MODERATOR reads question: "We received a lot of commentary through all our means,

either email or Facebook Messenger and comments on Facebook pages, about the ID section

and ID cards. Are there priorities for renewing or getting new ID cards? What's the situation

with the ID cards section?"

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COL. SCALIA:

"So, yes, we know there's a concern. So first, I'll just say, last week I mentioned but I'll reiterate

it now. Please don't worry if your ID card has expired. Okay? The gate guards, the commissary,

the hospital, the PX, they've all acknowledged, they will accept expired ID cards.

"What this does is, prevents you from having to come on-post, and alleviates you of that concern.

Just stay at home. Don't feel you have to rush on here to get an ID card, a new ID card.

"It also protects the ID card section. Okay? It's a small group, it is not a large area, so the fewer

people we can have in there, the better.

"Our priorities are for the following areas.

"For the common access card, those who need it for work, especially with all those that are

teleworking now, if they need a new card, theirs has expired, they are a priority. As are, for both

military and DA civilian work force. For our new DA civilian hires who need a new common

access card, they too are a priority.

"It is not just ID cards, it's DEERS enrollment, so if you have a newborn, or if you're newly

married, your spouse needs an ID card, then, please, we want to have you come in as well.

"Now Soldiers who are within seven days of retirement, or other transitioning Soldiers, they

need a different type of card, can come in, as with the dependents who turn 65 and are

transitioning to TRICARE for Life, they too require a different kind of card.

"And then a last group would be full-time students who have turned 21.

"So those are kind of the priorities for us.

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"Please contact the office. We are open from 7:15 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon,

Monday through Friday, but we do want to minimize the crowds that come in..."

MODERATOR reads question: "Why are outdoor activities and exercise in groups of five or

less is okay and encouraged, but hunting and fishing is not? Both on- and off-post personnel

should be authorized, and it's a means to gather food and is in line with social distancing."

MAJ. GEN. BRITO:

"This is about minimizing movement and activity on the post, which also minimizes a chance to

risk, getting [word/s indistinct] too close or just spreading the virus quite frankly.

"This is about minimizing movement and activities on post. And I acknowledge how disruptive

that may be. The guidance in the G-O Number – policy they came out not too long ago was to

encourage exercise as well in small groups of which you can disperse.

"Get out of the house, go on an individual run, go on a bike run, but not in large groups.

"It's about minimizing the activity and movement on post, and shared that same for those who

live off-post, in accordance whatever their local guidance may be.

"Again, minimizing movement and activity, minimize the risk of spreading the virus on-post and

off-post and the vectors comin' on post as well. Thanks."

MODERATOR reads final question: "Is there a system for reporting those who are not

following the General Order? For instance, if we notice a neighbor hosting a block party, how

might we report them?"

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MAJ. GEN. BRITO:

"Certainly. For military personnel, I can leverage our courtesy patrols or our military policemen.

What I would ask for everybody in the entire community is just individual discipline.

" If you're doin' a big block party, I'm not gonna say that you're goin' against the directives that

you're given – although we are – but more importantly, you're just creating an opportunity to

spread the virus and others to catch the virus as well.

" This is about the individual discipline. So our enforcement mechanism can be the Military

Police, can be our courtesy patrols as well.

"But what I'll ask, to include myself, is, just police ourselves up.

"I've stopped a large group when maybe we shouldn't have had one. Just some individual

discipline and initiative to help us enforce the measures that we've asked the entire community to

follow, and we'll continue to push this forward. Thanks."

MODERATOR: "We have so many more questions and we will work to get those answered and

post publicly on our website and our Facebook pages."

MODERATOR turns over to Maj. Gen. Brito for final comments.

MAJ. GEN. BRITO:

"First of all, for all of our listeners, which I know are coast-to-coast and we have some overseas

as well. Our next face-time, and next town hall, I'm guilty of it, we'll try not to take so much time

up front, to allow some more Q&A, ones that have been posted early and some of those that we

receive throughout the evening.

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"Now I will say this up front, and this is not news to anybody. We have a long road ahead. Both

at Fort Benning, all the other military installations, the state of Georgia, and all our states and

territories.

"We have a long road ahead. I am not and it wouldn't be fair for me to put a time line on when

we will ease some of our restrictions.

"They will be conditions-based. and quite frankly some conditions may make it so that we have

to tighten the restrictions on-post and guidance to our communities and families and Soldiers off-

post as well.

"A long road ahead. But an individual discipline. As I mentioned over the last couple weeks,

patience, cooperation and understanding, we will get through this crisis. I know we will.

"But we have to do it as a team. No individuals here. No 'me,' just a bunch of 'we.'

"And we will get through this. I cannot give you a timeline.

"I would ask that we all adhere to the guidance that we are adhering nationally, and guidance that

we will put out as well locally and through the military. We'll get through this. We do have a

long road ahead. But we'll get through this and I really do appreciate what all of you have done,

military and civilian alike and our family members that support the community. Thank you. And

we'll work through this. And Ben, that's all I have and lookin' forward to the next one next

week."

MODERATOR thanks panel and Facebook audience.

(Transcribed and edited, by Franklin S. Fisher, Command Information Officer, MCoE/Benning

Public Affairs Office)