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AETC's change of guard

  • Published
  • By Justin Oakes
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
Anyone who enters Randolph AFB on a frequent basis might have noticed something a little different recently when approaching the gate checkpoints. The security guards, who once bore a two-toned uniform, now have a new look.

At first glance, the individuals wearing a solid, dark blue uniform resemble Los Angeles Police Department officers. This is due to the fact that the new uniforms were modeled after the LAPD to give us a more professional appearance, said Shawn Vinglass, a Randolph security guard.

The new look of the security officers reflect a change that is seen externally, but the uniforms are a result of a much larger initiative.

The motivation behind the transition began with a 10 percent reduction in contract security guards across the Air Force for fiscal year 2008 which was mandated by the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act.

To help the Air Force meet the requirement of the NDAA, the Air Education and Training Command Security Forces Division contacted the Air Force Security Forces Center and volunteered to be the lead for the reduction. As a result, 195 contract security guards located at Lackland, Randolph and Luke AFB were converted to GS civilian overhires.

As of Oct. 1, the new Department of the Air Force security guard force came on board resulting in 82 guards at Lackland, 31 guards at Randolph and an 82-person force at Luke AFB.

"A majority of contract security guards were able to qualify and make the transition," said Tom McKay, a Randolph security guard shift supervisor.

However, the change from a contract security guard to the DAF security guard position was not automatic.

"Our target applicants were personnel with experience as a contract security guard, Air Force Security Forces, Army Military Police or state police officer," said Capt. Robert Ford, deputy chief of programs and resources, AETC Security Forces Division.

The hiring process had other requirements as well. Position vacancies were listed through the Air Force Personnel Center and USA Jobs Web Sites. AFPC screened and prequalified applicants before pursuing an interview with the security forces squadron.

Another requirement for employment was a physical fitness test.

"The physical fitness test was modeled after the U.S. Army physical fitness test for their police officers and security guards," Capt. Ford said. Selected applicants needed to pass a medical screening, physical fitness test, background investigation and weapons qualification in order to be fully hired.

Beginning in September, security officers underwent formal training during a two to five week course that was provided by the Veterans Administration Law Enforcement Training Center in Little Rock, Ark.

The Air Force anticipates many positive changes from the security force transition.

"I don't know anyone that doesn't welcome the change," McKay said. From the security guards' standpoint, we are able to receive great retirement and health benefits as a DoD employee.

"Installation commanders will get better utilization of their security guards controlling entry into their base," Capt. Ford said. "With contract security guards, commanders are restricted to what is written in their contract. The position descriptions for civil service security guards were written specifically to give commanders the ability to train and utilize their personnel as more than gate guards.

Security force members are now able to perform multiple functions such as directing traffic, patrolling buildings and responding to duress alarms.

The cost of transitioning into this new force was assumed by the AFSFC to include all equipment, training and GS pay salaries. AFSFC is responsible for distribution of Global War on Terror dollars and was able to finance through a security forces backfill program. These new employees are used as backfill replacements to offset currently deployed security forces personnel.

The conversion of a contracted guard force to a DAF security force was not a simple task and required a lot of planning that began in March 2007. A combined effort from AFPC and all levels of Air Force security forces personnel resulted in the project's transition, Oct. 1.

"AETC is very pleased with the progress thus far after having the DAF security guards on-duty for more than one month," Capt. Ford said. "Other major commands are now planning to convert many of their bases from contract security guards to DAF security guards in accordance with the NDAA for fiscal year 2009. AETC is being recognized as writing the 'playbook' for other major commands to follow."