Original Date: 04/07/1997
Revision Date: 04/14/2003

The Directorate of Community and Family Affairs at Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) has maintained a Community Recreation Division for several years. This Division consists of many units providing assistance and support for recreation activities to active and retired military personnel, civilian Arsenal employees, and other individuals employed by the government.

One of the units is the Auto Craft Shop which provides facilities, tools, and instruction to assist with personal vehicle repair. Three full-time employees are responsible for scheduling the facility, showing individuals how to diagnose and fix problems, and administering the business. In the last 12 years, the shop has grown from a double-service bay to the current nine-bay facility. Available capabilities include a complete engine rebuild room, state-of-the-art alignment equipment, and a complete tool set that can support every type of automotive repair need. Costs are maintained at a level that provides reasonable savings for base personnel.

In addition, Auto Craft Shop personnel provide auto repair training sessions to base personnel. Most notable of the classes includes a maintenance class for women, computer diagnostic techniques, air conditioning system maintenance, and winterizing methods. The Arsenal provides this service in the belief that soldiers’ perceptions of available support systems influence their emotional well being.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.