FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Fort Rucker is in the process of hiring federal employees to replace installation access-control-point contractor security guard positions.
The change is happening due to congressional mandates and the expected loss of a waiver established after 9/11 that allowed the Department of Defense to contract security guard services at military installations in the U.S., said Craig Shreiner, branch chief of Physical Security for Installation Management Command.
IMCOM's move to government employee security guards at installations is being done in two groups with different deadlines, officials said.
The first group of IMCOM installations is scheduled for completion by Sept. 30, and has seen 1,702 job announcements advertised at 28 garrisons. The second group of installations, which Fort Rucker is in, is scheduled to be completed by July 26, 2011, and consists of the remaining 18 garrisons and 1,397 positions.
"It's beneficial for us to be in group two because we get the opportunity to observe the issues those in group one have encountered before we have to deal with them," Maj. Jay Massey, Directorate of Public Safety provost marshal, said.
According to John Tkac, chief of Physical Security here, the Garrison is currently scheduled to receive 78 new Department of the Army civilian positions as a result of the change. Other than the new personnel, no other significant changes are scheduled to happen.
"Everything at the gates should still be transparent," he said. "People coming on or leaving (the post) won't see any major new procedures or changes."
Once job announcements are made, all qualified applicants, including those currently in contract security guard positions at Fort Rucker, are encouraged to apply for the openings. All personnel, including current contract guard personnel at Fort Rucker must apply and meet all qualifications and requirements in accordance with Army civilian personnel regulations and policies to obtain employment as a Department of the Army civilian.
"Additionally, veterans' hiring preferences are in place," said Shreiner. "Previous experience with military security work is something we value."
Even though the employment category of these guards will change, the service they provide seven days a week, 24 hours a day will not.
"Throughout this process, we will ensure a well-coordinated transition that continues our support to the mission, Soldiers and Families, and Army communities," said Shreiner.
To find job announcements, visit the Army's Civilian Personnel Web site at <a href="http://www.cpol.army.mil" target="_blank">www.cpol.army.mil</a> or USA Jobs at <a href="http://http://usajobs.opm.gov/" target="_blank">http://usajobs.opm.gov/</a> and search with the key words "security guard."
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