I MHG introduces safety measures

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

06.29.2017

Story by Lance Cpl. Robert Alejandre 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group introduced a new phone application May 26, 2017, to aid in the reduction of liberty incidents within the unit.

The safety app was created to help Marines and sailors make better decisions, giving them an easy-to-use resource in their pocket.

More Marines carry smartphones than ever before, allowing them immediate access to emergency contacts and other helpful tools they can use when they’re in a bind or just need some food, said Sgt. Araceli Montoya, assistant operations chief, Combat Service Support Company, I MHG.

The app has three main parts: a feedback section for users to provide helpful suggestions, a transportation section with links to Uber and Lyft, and a family resource section that Marines can use to contact resources like the suicide prevention lifeline or the uniformed victim advocate.

For Marines and sailors who want to lend a helping hand, they can also volunteer as a designated driver for other app users. Those who volunteer will sign up for a specific time frame in which they will be “on phone watch” to answer the calls of any Marine or sailor who are in need of transportation.

If a Marine or sailor does not have the funds to call an Uber, Lyft or taxi, they can use their Arrive Alive card which allows them to call a taxi and worry about getting home first and paying later.

To download the app Marines and sailors need a special redemption code and URL link for Apple iPhones or the URL link for Android devices. This link will be provided by their company offices.
The safety app is readily available for all Marines and sailors in I MHG and the I MEF Command Element, and will continue to be available to Marines while I MHG transitions to the I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group.

Unit leaders will monitor statistics like DUI, sexual assault and suicide cases to compare them with numbers prior to the app’s release, hoping to see a decrease in incidents and an increase in Marines’ battle readiness.

“The I MHG Safety App is great way to ensure that Marines and sailors execute their liberty plans safely and has an alternative in the event that their plans fall through,” said Captain Michelle Breyer, company commander, Headquarters Company, I MHG. “Without having to fumble for a piece of paper that could easily be lost or accidentally washed, Marines and Sailors have all the necessary resources available with the swipe of their thumb to prevent a critical incident, or worse, the loss of life.”

Download the app with a code and URL link, provided by your company office.

• Date Taken: 06.29.2017
• Date Posted: 07.06.2017 17:17
• Story ID: 239626
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US