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A multitude of changes have been implemented since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-processing is no exception.
The Virtual In and Out Processing Essential Resource, VIPER, is a virtual in and out processing Sharepoint site that provides a “one-stop shop” for military members, and soon-to-be civilians. This system allows for a paperless, more stream-lined process.
With VIPER, Commander Support Staff provides sponsors with a sponsor toolkit outlining the needs of incoming personnel. The sponsor is also able to view the progress the newcomer is making on their in-processing, helping them to better assist in the process. The checklist also comes in order of priority which allows members to process through the most crucial sections of in-processing, such as finance and medical.
“VIPER was the brainchild of Airmen who wanted to improve the way the base handles both in and out-processing here at Ramstein,” said Eller Pamintuan, Knowledge Management Center director.
Staff Sgt. Collin Chambers, 786th Force Support Squadron assistant noncommissioned officer in charge of promotions, retirements, and separations, and Staff Sgt. Jonathan Hagen, 86th Airlift Wing Enterprise Information Services non-commissioned officer in charge, began collaborating in 2021, and with the migration to SharePoint Online, VIPER was born.
VIPER was created to support the need to change from the traditional face-to-face appointments for in-processing and out-processing, which proved difficult when social-distancing restrictions were in place.
“Having the opportunity to establish a resource, or system, that centralizes all the information required to in/out-process from this base, was an opportunity I couldn’t let pass by,” said Hagen. “The fact that my team had additional resources that could improve the transmission of personal information between Base Agencies and in/out-bound members was a valuable bonus.”
VIPER strives to add as many agencies as possible to the virtual platform to make Ramstein more accessible and easier to navigate.
“At the end of the day, I could not have done this without my team,” said Senior Master Sgt. Victoria Thornton, 786th FSS senior enlisted leader. “I really appreciate the help of Technical Sgt. Christopher Stoller, 86th Maintenance Group continuous process improvement/innovation manager, who has been my CPI blackbelt guru.”
Agencies who would like to be added to the VIPER SharePoint can reach out to the Knowledge Management Center or the Communications Squadron.
