Phantom Blooper
03-07-08, 03:45 AM
Private firm now issuing base passes
KEVIN FORSYTHE ("")
2008-03-07 00:31:24
DAILY NEWS STAFF
<!-- Video goes here -->No longer are temporary gate passes for entering Camp Lejeune and other U.S. Marine Corps bases being issued by Marines. Instead, civilian contracted personnel handle the job.
Homeland Security Solutions Inc. of Hampton, Va., is under contract with the Marine Corps to provide nonguard security services. These positions are primarily responsible for issuing base passes at the visitors center.
"Our people are augmenting the Marine force in place, not replacing it," said Richard Neville, chief operations officer with HSSI.
"The Marine Corps decided to hire civilian personnel in order to return military policemen to the operating force," a statement from the Public Affairs Office on Camp Lejeune read. "Namely, the goal is to have more military policemen available for division, wing and group deployable units."
Camp Lejeune officials also said the change to civilian personnel at the visitors center is being considered permanent.
HSSI personnel received extensive job training prior to placement at Camp Lejeune, Neville said.
While HSSI employees will be issuing base passes, Marine Corps personnel will continue to have a visible presence in the visitors center and oversee gate operations. Armed Marines will continue to guard the actual entrances to Camp Lejeune.
Neville said HSSI has been contracted to provide nonguard security services at all Marine bases in the United States.
"We're still ramping up at this time," Neville said. "It's a program being implemented in several phases."
Neville also said the implementation of HSSI staff on Marine bases is likely to evolve into additional security positions.
While the personnel issuing temporary base passes have changed, there have been no changes to qualifications or procedures in being issued a temporary gate pass. Base entry with a vehicle will require having an approved sponsor, photo ID, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
Contact Kevin Forsythe at kforsythe@freedomenc.com or 910-353-1171, ext. 8449. Visit www.jdnews.com to comment on this report.
KEVIN FORSYTHE ("")
2008-03-07 00:31:24
DAILY NEWS STAFF
<!-- Video goes here -->No longer are temporary gate passes for entering Camp Lejeune and other U.S. Marine Corps bases being issued by Marines. Instead, civilian contracted personnel handle the job.
Homeland Security Solutions Inc. of Hampton, Va., is under contract with the Marine Corps to provide nonguard security services. These positions are primarily responsible for issuing base passes at the visitors center.
"Our people are augmenting the Marine force in place, not replacing it," said Richard Neville, chief operations officer with HSSI.
"The Marine Corps decided to hire civilian personnel in order to return military policemen to the operating force," a statement from the Public Affairs Office on Camp Lejeune read. "Namely, the goal is to have more military policemen available for division, wing and group deployable units."
Camp Lejeune officials also said the change to civilian personnel at the visitors center is being considered permanent.
HSSI personnel received extensive job training prior to placement at Camp Lejeune, Neville said.
While HSSI employees will be issuing base passes, Marine Corps personnel will continue to have a visible presence in the visitors center and oversee gate operations. Armed Marines will continue to guard the actual entrances to Camp Lejeune.
Neville said HSSI has been contracted to provide nonguard security services at all Marine bases in the United States.
"We're still ramping up at this time," Neville said. "It's a program being implemented in several phases."
Neville also said the implementation of HSSI staff on Marine bases is likely to evolve into additional security positions.
While the personnel issuing temporary base passes have changed, there have been no changes to qualifications or procedures in being issued a temporary gate pass. Base entry with a vehicle will require having an approved sponsor, photo ID, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
Contact Kevin Forsythe at kforsythe@freedomenc.com or 910-353-1171, ext. 8449. Visit www.jdnews.com to comment on this report.