FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (Oct. 7, 2010) -A,A Two Army majors, one an engineer and the other an aviator, are using a course project at the Command and General Staff College to improve the security of Fort Leavenworth.
Majors Rich Berry and Arlo Reese, both Intermediate Level Education students in the 2010-02 class at CGSC, are taking a course, Installation Preparedness. During the six-week course, students examine services, buildings and other physical security aspects of a military installation and assess them for vulnerabilities.
Rodney Morris, instructor for the course, said students study a variety of manuals issued by the Department of Homeland Security, such as "National Infrastructure Protection Plan," "National Response Framework" and others. However, he said he wanted students to experience more than what they might find in a manual.
"I felt it was important for students that they not only get the manuals, but get into the installation and get a hands-on experience," Morris said.
The students coordinated their efforts with the Directorate of Plans, Training and Mobilization staff for the class. They evaluated various areas on Fort Leavenworth, went through a checklist with staff members and then provided an assessment.
Clay Fortenberry, Fort Leavenworth Garrison antiterrorism officer, said having CGSC students coordinate with Fort Leavenworth Garrison was an opportunity for both.
"We can use them as our additional eyes and ears," Fortenberry said. "They provide us a personnel multiplier, while providing them with a real-world experience."
Berry has had experience in both aviation and military intelligence branches and sees crossover between military intelligence and security.
"I'm interested in homeland security professionally," he said. "It's a growing field, and I'm thinking on down the road about retirement in a few years."
Reese said his engineering branch expertise provided him with additional skills.
"I looked at it as an engineering structure, and looked for vulnerabilities from a building standpoint," he said.
Morris said the class also helped CGSC students learn about off-post resources that aid Fort Leavenworth security. For example, during the escaped inmate exercise Sept. 16, the Kansas Highway Patrol provided helicopter support. Fort Leavenworth also has the aid of local police and fire departments.
"It opens (the students') eyes to what all is out here as far as off-post support," he said.
Morris said in previous classes, students have looked at food services, health services and other public service providers on post. He said staff at Fort Leavenworth had been receptive to the assessments by CGSC students, who have a reputation for being dedicated to completing a successful mission.
"It's an outside look from individuals that are highly educated and highly trained to take a look at what their vulnerabilities are and give them an independent assessment," he said.
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