U.S. Army to Hire 3,000 Security Guards

Security Magazine Blog and the ZaludReport have learned that the Army is converting about 2,500 installation access control point security guard positions from contractor to federal employee status at nearly 50 stateside locations.

Overall, Installation Management Command will be announcing 3,076 openings for guards that will be needed at every garrison, except those aligned under Base Realignment and Closure or those transitioning to joint bases where another service is the lead agency.

Why is the conversion being made? 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 States, said Craig Shreiner, branch chief of physical security for IMCOM.

And while 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.

In fact, the conversion will be completed in two group phases. The first phase consists of 28 garrisons and must be completed by Sept. 30. The second phase will consist of the remaining 18 garrisons and will be completed by July 26, 2011.

Group one involves garrisons from IMCOM's Northeast, West, Pacific and Southeast regions. Group two involves Southeast and West regions. A listing of garrisons within each region can be found on the IMCOM home page at http://www.imcom.army.mil/hq/.

Once the job announcements are made, all qualified applicants - including contractors currently holding such positions - are encouraged to compete for the openings, Shreiner said.

"Additionally, veterans' hiring preferences are in place," Shreiner said, "and previous experience with military security work is something we value."

Job announcements have been made at several installations and will continue to be published throughout the conversion.

Security Bloggers can visit the Army's Civilian Personnel On-Line site - http://www.cpol.army.mil/ - or USA Jobs - http://usajobs.opm.gov/ - and use the key words "security guard."