Having spent a number of years in the military, knee-jerk decisions are what will happen.
 
RichW


>>> On 2/1/2011 at 9:16 AM, in message <[log in to unmask]>, Larry Medina <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
http://wapo.st/hK08gS 

I think these findings are a gross oversimplification of the actual problem
and to place the blame on 'paper records' is not accurate.  And I SERIOUSLY
doubt all records were on 3x5 cards, there HAD TO BE plot maps and logs that
augmented them.

There was obviously more that needed to be done, but cemeteries have relied
on ledgers, logs and plot maps for centuries. Many have implemented certain
technologies for day forward operations and are in the process of back file
conversion, for plot and interment information, but the old systems still
function.

Arlington is a special case, primarily due to the volume and size of the
overall cemetery, but it is managed in a grid system, essentially as a group
of smaller cemeteries.  I agree with the findings that using a single fax
machine backed up by paper and pencil notes was inadequate, but the backlog
on taking calls sounds more like a staffing issue than anything else. 

(You may be interested to see this post from the AOTUS on Arlington from
last November http://bit.ly/eV05ET )

It is a tragic situation and I hope they can resolve this going forward, but
I also hope this isn't one of those "scan everything" or "electronic records
will eliminate all of their problems" resolutions and knee-jerk decisions
don't make matters worse.

Larry
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