CQ Standard Operating Procedures

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

SUBJECT: Instructions for Charge of Quarters and Charge of Quarters Runner

ATTENTION OF:

EAID-FBA-HC

December 29, 2013

1. This memorandum aims to provide guidelines, duties, responsibilities, procedures, and standards of conduct for the Charge of Quarters (CQ) and Charge of Quarters Runner (CQR).
2. The CQ serves as the representative of the Company Commander and the First Sergeant. A successful tour of duty requires military bearing, common sense, and sound judgment. The CQ is authorized to handle any arising situation, make informed decisions, and follow up with appropriate actions. Therefore, the CQ and CQR are expected to adhere to the special instructions outlined in this memorandum.
3. The CQ and CQR play a crucial role in setting the standards of conduct for the entire barracks. The prescribed uniform is ACUs, unless otherwise directed for specific tasks such as painting. Military courtesy is an essential aspect of these standards. When the Company Commander or senior officer enters or leaves the building for the day, the Company is called to attention. Similarly, the First Sergeant or senior NCO is acknowledged with an “at ease” command.
4. The CQ’s tour of duty runs from 0900-0900. The incoming CQ personnel must report to the CQ desk no later than 0845 to receive a brief and any special orders not included in these instructions from the outgoing CQNCO. During duty hours, the CQ is allowed to read books or magazines and listen to the radio at a reasonable volume, provided the content is not offensive. However, watching television or movies is prohibited unless permission is granted by the First Sergeant or senior NCO.
5. The CQ is responsible for conducting checks of the halls, common areas, and storage spaces every two hours. The exterior of the building, the CTAS, and the Company headquarters building should be inspected every six hours. Unoccupied buildings must be secured, and all exterior doors should be properly locked during building inspections.
6. The CQ must ensure that all unoccupied rooms in the barracks are locked, including unassigned rooms. If a soldier requires access to a room, they must be accompanied by the CQ, who will assist in unlocking/locking the door. Residents are strictly prohibited from locking/unlocking rooms in which they are not occupants, for any reason.
7. Maintaining cleanliness in the barracks is the responsibility of the CQ. If a room is found to be filthy, the occupant or the highest ranking resident on the floor should be tasked with cleaning it or designating someone to do so. In the event of failure to comply, it becomes the duty of the CQ to rectify the cleanliness issue.
8. Visitation between members of opposite genders is permitted in the barracks from 0600 to 2300, with the requirement that the door remains open at least 12 inches at all times. Violators will be given one opportunity to correct the infraction. Any subsequent offense will result in the expulsion of the guest, and the First Sergeant will be notified. Sexual acts of any kind are strictly prohibited in the barracks, and any violations of this policy will be reported to the First Sergeant.
9. Under no circumstances should members of the opposite sex linger outside the doors of barracks residents. Failure to comply with this instruction will be considered harassment towards the occupants of the room. Residents are not allowed to linger in the hallways of the barracks.
10. All barracks occupants are permitted to use the laundry room. It is the responsibility of all residents to maintain cleanliness in the facilities and clean up after themselves. During curfew hours, which are from 0200 to 0500, residents are not authorized to use the laundry room. All laundry must be removed from the facilities before 0200 hours. Failure to comply will result in confiscation of the items and documentation in the CQ log.
11. Displaying sexually explicit material in any area visible to others is strictly prohibited. While soldiers are allowed to possess legal pornography, it must not be openly visible to others.
12. The CQ is required to document any known or suspected acts of sexual assault or harassment and promptly notify the appropriate authorities. The CQ has the authority to detain the perpetrator, using the minimum amount of force necessary to ensure safety, without putting themselves in a lethal danger.
13. Prior to assuming duty, both the CQ and the CQR must thoroughly read the CQ instruction book. All discrepancies must be resolved before the outgoing CQ is relieved of duty. The CQ should annotate on DA Form 1594 that they have read and understood all instructions and duties assigned to them. Any questions should be immediately directed to the First Sergeant.
14. At 1800 hours, the CQ must contact the SDNCO to obtain the names of the SDO and SDNCO. These names should be recorded on the DA Form 1594.
15. The CQ is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and ensuring the availability of supplies in the public bathroom at all times.
16. As an NCO and the Commander’s representative, the CQ has full authority under the UCMJ to address disturbances, violations, and disputes within the company area. The use of force is permitted as long as it is the minimum amount necessary to restore order and discipline.
17. Extra duty personnel, if present, should report directly to the CQ. They are required to work until 2359 hours each night on weekdays and from 0500-2359 hours on weekends unless directed otherwise by the CO or 1SG. Their duties primarily involve assisting in maintaining cleanliness, performing maintenance tasks, and ensuring good order within the company and its buildings. They should complete any tasks assigned by the CO or 1SG and remain engaged in productive activities that are profitable, legal, and ethical, as determined by the CQ.
18. When answering the phone, the CQ should state, “Headquarters and Headquarters Company, First Tank CQ, this is {Rank, Name}. How may I assist you, sir or ma’am?” The CQ phone serves as a crucial part of the alert dissemination system, and therefore, the duration of phone calls should be minimized. Personal phone calls are strictly prohibited at all times.
19. Delivery personnel are not permitted beyond the CQ desk. They should call the resident they are delivering to and wait for them to receive the delivery from the CQ.
20. The CQ desk must be manned continuously. The CQNCO and CQR should not be absent from the desk simultaneously. Duties that require either the CQNCO or CQR to be elsewhere, such as security checks, escort duty, chow, or other essential tasks, should be scheduled in shifts to ensure continuous desk coverage. Whenever possible, the CQ should take meals at the CQ desk. In the event of a building evacuation, the CQ must ensure the building is evacuated or direct emergency personnel to any known or suspected occupants who may be trapped.
21. Sleeping while on duty is strictly prohibited.
22. The uniform while on CQ duty must consist of complete ACUs. Removing the ACU top is not authorized.

23. Consumption of alcohol is not permitted during the CQ tour or within eight hours prior to assuming duty.
24. The CQ is responsible for maintaining a current log, documenting all significant occurrences, including CQ activities, staff duty, leader checks, injuries, work orders, significant damage, visitors to the barracks, assumption and completion of duty, and any other significant events deemed necessary by the CQ. Any injuries should be immediately reported to the First Sergeant.
25. Visitors to the barracks must be recorded on the DA Form 1594. Residents must sign in their visitors and ensure they are signed out before the end of visitation hours. Visitors should provide the CQ with information such as the room they will be visiting, their personal phone number, and their unit’s CQ phone number if applicable.
26. The CQ must verify the age of all visitors to the barracks. Guests must be 18 years of age or older, unless accompanied by their legal guardian or if they are the children of the resident.
27. Quiet hours are in effect from 2200 to 0500. During this period, loud music or excessive noise is strictly prohibited. Excessive noise is defined as noise that can be heard from the hallway or another room with the door closed, or noise that disrupts a roommate’s ability to sleep. If a resident fails to comply with a correction from the CQ regarding noise, the matter should be referred to the First Sergeant.
28. The following incidents must be immediately reported to the First Sergeant:

a) Detention or arrest of any soldier b) Any misconduct related to alcohol, regardless of location c) Violation of curfew d) Receipt of a Red Cross message e) Loss of an ID card f) Any physical altercations g) Non-trivial injuries h) Any unauthorized departure from the barracks by restricted personnel i) Any cases of AWOL j) Any other incidents not covered in the CQ instruction

29. Upon receiving a Red Cross message, the CQ should log the complete message, including the name of the sender and their contact information. Subsequently, the Red Cross should be contacted to verify the authenticity of the message. The First Sergeant or Commander should be promptly notified, allowing the chain of command to inform the affected soldier. Only in extreme emergencies, when the chain of command is unavailable, should the CQ personally notify the individual, followed by immediate notification of the Commander or First Sergeant.
30. Open flames are strictly prohibited in the barracks at all times. Smoking is not permitted within fifty feet of any building entrance, including fire escapes.
31. Lights should be turned off in unoccupied areas, such as the gym and laundry room. Residents must ensure that lights are turned off when leaving their rooms.
32. Inspectors, contractors, and workmen should be escorted at all times within the building, unless authorized by the Building Manager, Commander, First Sergeant, or Company Executive Officer.
33. In conclusion, always remember that as a member of the Headhunters Company, you represent the first impression for outsiders. Maintain discipline, integrity, composure, and professionalism at all times. When in doubt, contact the SDNCO and First Sergeant for guidance.
34. For further inquiries regarding this matter, please contact the undersigned at 010-9999-8888.

JOHN A. ARMY RANK, ORG Position