Installations remain Army Strong despite hiring freeze

By U.S. Army Installation Management CommandJanuary 31, 2013

Raising the bar
Fireman Roland Wiesnet lowers the basket of a ladder firetruck outside the Grafenwoehr Exchange last year. Garrisons have been given approval to hire critical career fields such as firefighters, according to Lt. Gen. Mike Ferriter, commander of the U... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SAN ANTONIO (Jan. 31, 2013) -- Army installations will continue to hire the critical career fields from firefighters to child care workers, Lt. Gen. Mike Ferriter, commander of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command, announced Jan. 29.

Earlier this week, Headquarters, Department of the Army, provided guidance regarding a department-wide hiring freeze and release of term and temporary civilian personnel.

In that guidance, authority to approve exceptions to the hiring freeze was delegated to commanders of Army commands, Army service component commands, direct reporting units and the administrative assistant to the secretary of the Army for Headquarters, Department of the Army, and its field operating and staff support agencies. The above authority delegates hiring authority to the commanding general, U.S. Army Installation Management Command.

"I am authorizing the hiring to continue in the following program areas to ensure we continue to provide programs and services in support of critical missions, national security, safety of human life and the protection of private property," Ferriter said.

Garrisons are given approval to hire firefighters, security guards, civilian police, air traffic controllers, lifeguards, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program staff (permanent and term), Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program counselors, and -- regardless of funding source -- Child, Youth and School Services staff in accordance with IMCOM Command and Headquarters, Department of the Army, hiring guidelines.

"Because of the important nature of installation management business, we will review hiring requests at each garrison and can make additional approvals to ensure critical missions continue," Ferriter explained. "We have spoken with every garrison commander or deputy and command sergeant major throughout IMCOM this week to ensure they understand the importance of our mission. The Army leadership remains committed to providing the best possible support to Soldiers, families, civilians and our Soldiers for life."

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