Civlian Security Contractors at Arifjan

By Spc. Brandon BabbittNovember 7, 2009

Security Contractors at Camp Arifjan
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Security Contractors
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Security Contractors
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Security Contractors
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ivilian contractors for the military first came into place in

significant numbers here in Kuwait back in 1991 following

the first Gulf War. Now, 18 years later, civilian

contractors are still here providing a vast amount

of services helping to sustain military operations throughout

the region. One of those key services is directly linked to

Security and Force Protection.

More than 4,000 vehicles and 12,000 people enter at

least a dozen security checkpoints at our military installations

in Kuwait each day. Every vehicle must be thoroughly

searched and every person scrutinized by Combat Support

Associates' security personnel before they are granted permission

to enter.

About 90 percent of the U.S. employees for the company's

Security Services Directorate have prior military experience

and another eight percent were in the fields of law enforcement

or corrections. They understand the vital nature

of their jobs and that responsibility gives them a sense of

purpose. All are subjected to background and security clearance

checks prior to being hired.

"We consider our security force as a para-military organization

which is a good fit for prior service personnel," said

Director Marv Levy, a retired Army Military Police (MP)

Lieutenant Colonel. "Those skills that made them successful

in the military will enhance their success as Force Protection

Officers (FPOs)".

Force protection can be compared to a security chain

around an Area Support Group - Kuwait Installation that is

only as strong as its weakest link, Levy said.

Security Services cannot afford a weak link in performing

its 24-hour force protection mission. This security chain

includes Entry Control Points, perimeter/over watch towers,

pass and identification, law enforcement support patrols,

explosive and narcotics dog teams, random anti-terrorism

teams, mobile vehicle and container inspection system teams,

residential security, executive personnel drivers, emergency

operations center specialist and military desk operations.

To be successful, force protection team members must

have the situational awareness and attention to detail of a

Soldier walking point, Levy said. This on-point team focus

must also be combined with a personal commitment to always

perform to the highest standard possible in conduct

and appearance.

In this regard, Security Services upholds a "zero defect"

work ethic.

"With the constant threat of a terrorist attack, the security

guards at Camp Arifjan and throughout Kuwait have to be

on point at all times," Levy said. "Our margin for error is

zero. If we let our guard down and make a mistake - that's

when people could get hurt, and that is the last thing any of

Article and Photos by

Spc. Brandon Babbitt

203rd Public Affairs Detachment

November 4, 2009 The Desert Voice 7

Camp Arifjan

THIRD ARMY

us want."

Initial and sustainment training stressing teamwork and

accountability is paramount for the hundreds of force protection

officers. Security personnel with all levels of experience

are expected to pull together and back each other up. Every

individual is rotated into team leadership positions and has

the opportunity to move up the various tiers of security duties.

The FPOs also get tested frequently without notice at

all Entry Control Points by ASG-KU Force Protection Base

Defense Liaison Teams with explosive training devices, so

they don't let their guard down.

"We have created a system here for our security force that

provides career development and challenges each officer to

be all that they can be," Levy said.

Command Sgt. Maj. Don Harbin, of ASG-KU, sees CSA's

security role as a very dynamic one.

"We work a lot of long hours here in Kuwait. Most days

are of the 12 to 15-hour variety, not the 8-hour variety," said

Harbin. "The security personnel at CSA provide Servicemembers

the opportunity to focus completely on their tasks

here, and thus not have to worry about guarding the front

gate at the same time. I think that is a big benefit to all of

us."

Even though force protection means working in harsh

conditions such as extreme heat and dust, FPO Preston Harrison,

a retired Army Sergeant First Class Infantryman, enjoys

the challenges.

"After retiring from the Army, I had that 'itch' to work

with military people again and make a difference" Preston

explained. "This is my third deployment working security

for CSA." He enjoys the Company benefits of employment

and the people he works with.

Field Training Officer, Tiera Brown of Fayetteville, NC,

feels fortunate for the work experience she's getting with

CSA. "I am a Criminal Justice major back in the States,

so everything I do here can help build my resume for the

future."

CSA Project Manager Bill Stirling, a retired U.S. Army

Colonel, is very proud of his workforce and its accomplishments

across the board. Today, CSA employs individuals

representing 29 nationalities, with Eastern members - primarily

Indian Nationals - being the backbone of this very

dynamic operation. When asked what is the most rewarding

aspect of his job, Stirling said "it is knowing that the work

we do [the services we provide], is saving lives of our Servicemembers."