The IPPS-A Podcast

Welcome to the IPPS-A Podcast! COL Ali Pruitt, the IPPS-A Functional Management Division Interim Director, is joined by Ms. Sammi Foong, Director, Technology and Business Architecture Integration (or TBAI) and CPT Patrick Hill, IPPS-A FMD Leader’s Dashboard Lead, as we talk about readiness — what it means, why it matters, and how leaders can see it clearly in real time. We’re diving into the Leader’s Dashboard, often called the Army’s readiness pulse. We’ll talk about how these tools turn data into action, what’s new, and how Commanders and Leaders across the Force are using them to drive readiness decisions every day. Whether you’re a senior leader, staff officer, or HR Professional, this episode will help you better understand what the data is telling you — and how to use it. This episode will give you the insight you need! IPPS-A is your HR Weapon System!

Welcome to the IPPS-A Podcast! In this episode, COL Ali Pruitt, IPPS-A Functional Management Division Interim Director, is joined by CPT Joshua Lieb, IPPS-A FMD Application Security (APPSEC) Lead, and CW3 Keri Sellon, IPPS-A Reserve APPSEC Lead, as we break down how subcategories (SUBCATs), roles, and access management work in IPPS-A — and why getting access right matters. Learn how proper role assignment protects data integrity, ensures pay accuracy, supports audit compliance, and strengthens system security. We also share best practices for Soldiers, Leaders, and S1s to help everyone maintain the right level of access and keep IPPS-A working as intended. This episode will give you the insight you need! IPPS-A is your HR Weapon System!

Make sure to check out these resources!

Access & Account Management Guidance Memo

https://armyeitaas.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/usaasc-peoeis-IPPS-AConnect/Documents_/Access %26 Account Management Guidance Memo.pdf

IPPS-A Subcategory Infographics https://hr.ippsa.army.mil/upk/r3/resources/subcatinfographics.pdf

Welcome to the IPPS-A Podcast! COL Rebekah Lust is joined by CPT Palmer, IPPS-A Data Analyst, as we kick off a new season by looking ahead to what’s coming next in Army HR modernization. In this episode, we’ll walk through the IPPS-A Roadmap and highlight key enhancements planned for the year ahead – including DD Form 93 auto-generation, continued Agile development, updates to the DD Form 214. Understanding the Roadmap will help you stay informed about what’s coming next and how each effort supports continued progress. This episode will give you the insight you need! IPPS-A is your HR Weapon System!

Welcome to the IPPS-A Podcast! COL Alicia Pruitt is joined by SFC Brian Bass, IPPS-A Senior HR NCO and Jesse Wuertz, Agile SME, to break down Agile development in pain terms and explain how it helps IPPS-A evolve faster and smarter. Learn how user feedback drives continuous improvements, how features are delivered in smaller, more frequent updates, and hear real examples of how Agile has improved the Soldier experience. This conversation highlights why Agile matters for Soldiers, Leaders, and HR Professionals — and how staying engaged helps shape what comes next. This episode will give you the insight you need! IPPS-A is your HR Weapon System!

Welcome to the IPPS-A Podcast! Host, MAJ Olly Akanni, and SFC Bryan Bass joins us in saying “farewell” to COL Becky Lust, FMD Director. We discuss her time with the IPPS-A program, including major accomplishments, technical enhancements, and her personal lessons learned from leading the Army’s personnel and pay system. This episode will give you the insight you need! IPPS-A is your HR Weapon System!

In this episode of the IPPS-A Podcast, COL Becky Lust is joined by CPT Clarissa Thompson and CPT Delmarie Delgado to take a closer look at recent improvements to the DD Form 93, including the new auto-generation process that supports spousal and next-of-kin notifications. Learn how this enhancement improves accuracy, reduces administrative burden, and helps ensure critical information is available when it matters most. We’ll also discuss what Soldiers can do to keep their information up to date and why reviewing DD Form 93 data is especially important during PCS Season. This episode will give you the insight you need! IPPS-A is your HR Weapon System!

Welcome to the IPPS-A Podcast! COL Becky Lust is joined by MAJ Ashlie N’Tham Nkwansa and SFC Carlos Briceno as we break down recent updates to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and member elections and what they really mean for the Army community. We discuss why these changes matter to Soldiers making career and life decisions, leaders supporting their teams, and HR Professionals responsible for guiding and administering the process. Tune in for a clear, practical overview of what’s changing, why it matters, and what to keep in mind moving forward. Engage Your Arsenal this PCS Season. IPPS-A is your HR Weapon System!

Welcome to the IPPS-A Podcast! Host CPT Leanna Buford, the IPPS-A Functional Management Division Hire/Rehire Product Team Lead is joined by the new IPPS-A Leadership, COL Leonard “Lee” Baklarz, the IPPS-A Functional Management Division Director and SGM Andrew “Drew” Munoz, the IPPS-A Functional Management Division Senior Enlisted Advisor, as we talk about the continuous evolution of the Army’s premier HR weapon system, IPPS-A. Grounded in their personal leadership journeys and operational experiences in the field, our guests provide an overview of the IPPS-A Campaign Plan, detailing upcoming system enhancements designed to streamline administrative workflows for S1 professionals and commanders alike. By modernizing the systems that S1 staff and commanders use behind the scenes, Soldiers experience a more responsive, accurate, and supportive chain of command, allowing them to focus entirely on their training and readiness. Looking ahead, the leaders explore future opportunities within IPPS-A, data-driven analytics and utilizing the IPPS-A talent marketplace directly enhances operational readiness and combat lethality across the Total Force.

In this next episode of season 2, SGM Gary Krese chats with LTC John Elko and CW3 Roscoe Harris, about the rehearsal of concept (ROC 3) event to prepare for Release 3 Go-Live. If you’re looking for insight on brownout, cutover, mock conversion, slotting, hands-on training, over-the-shoulder support and SOPs, this is the episode for you.

Please email the IPPS-A Mailbox with your questions: [email protected].

In the first episode of season 2, LTC Rebekah “Becky” Lust and SGM Gary Krese chat with COL Rebecca Eggers, IPPS-A Functional Management Division Chief, about what the team has been working on since the Release 3 shift. If you’re looking for insight on IPPS-A deployment and testing, data correctness, training, HR summits, and resources, this is the episode for you.

Please email the IPPS-A Mailbox with your questions: [email protected]