Camp Arifjan's Security Contractors

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

10.30.2009

Story by Spc. Brandon Babbitt 

203rd Public Affairs Detachment

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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Civilian contractors for the military first came into place in significant numbers here in Kuwait back in 1991 following the first Gulf War. Now, 18 years later, civilian contractors are still here providing a vast amount of services helping to sustain military operations throughout the region. One of those key services is directly linked to Security and Force Protection.

More than 4,000 vehicles and 12,000 people enter at least a dozen security checkpoints at our military installations in Kuwait each day. Every vehicle must be thoroughly searched and every person scrutinized by Combat Support Associates' security personnel before they are granted permission to enter.

About 90 percent of the U.S. employees for the company's Security Services Directorate have prior military experience and another eight percent were in the fields of law enforcement or corrections. They understand the vital nature of their jobs and that responsibility gives them a sense of purpose. All are subjected to background and security clearance checks prior to being hired.

"We consider our security force as a para military organization which is a good fit for prior service personnel," said Director Marv Levy, a retired Army Military Police Lieutenant Colonel. "Those skills that made them successful in the military will enhance their success as Force Protection Officers."

Force protection can be compared to a security chain around an Area Support Group - Kuwait Installation that is only as strong as its weakest link, Levy said.

Security Services cannot afford a weak link in performing its 24 hour force protection mission. This security chain includes Entry Control Points, perimeter/over watch towers, pass and identification, law enforcement support patrols, explosive and narcotics dog teams, random anti-terrorism teams, mobile vehicle and container inspection system teams, residential security, executive personnel drivers, emergency operations center specialist and military desk operations.

To be successful, force protection team members must have the situational awareness and attention to detail of a Soldier walking point, Levy said. This on point team focus must also be combined with a personal commitment to always perform to the highest standard possible in conduct and appearance.

In this regard, Security Services upholds a "zero defect" work ethic.

"With the constant threat of a terrorist attack, the security guards at Camp Arifjan and throughout Kuwait have to be on point at all times," Levy said. "Our margin for error is zero. If we let our guard down and make a mistake — that's us want."

Initial and sustainment training stressing teamwork and accountability is paramount for the hundreds of force protection officers. Security personnel with all levels of experience are expected to pull together and back each other up. Every individual is rotated into team leadership positions and has the opportunity to move up the various tiers of security duties.

The FPO's also get tested frequently without notice at all Entry Control Points by ASG KU Force Protection Base Defense Liaison Teams with explosive training devices, so they don't let their guard down.

"We have created a system here for our security force that provides career development and challenges each officer to be all that they can be," Levy said.

Command Sgt. Maj. Don Harbin, of ASG-KU, sees CSA's security role as a very dynamic one.

"We work a lot of long hours here in Kuwait. Most days are of the 12 to 15-hour variety, not the 8 hour variety," said Harbin. "The security personnel at CSA provide service members the opportunity to focus completely on their tasks here, and thus not have to worry about guarding the front gate at the same time. I think that is a big benefit to all of us."

Even though force protection means working in harsh conditions such as extreme heat and dust, FPO Preston Harrison, a retired Army Sergeant First Class Infantryman, enjoys the challenges.

"After retiring from the Army, I had that 'itch' to work with military people again and make a difference" Harrison explained. "This is my third deployment working securityn for CSA." He enjoys the Company benefits of employment and the people he works with.

Field Training Officer, Tiera Brown of Fayetteville, NC, feels fortunate for the work experience she's getting with CSA. "I am a Criminal Justice major back in the States, so everything I do here can help build my resume for the future."

CSA Project Manager Bill Stirling, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, is very proud of his workforce and its accomplishments across the board. Today, CSA employs individuals representing 29 nationalities, with Eastern members — primarily Indian Nationals — being the backbone of this very dynamic operation. When asked what is the most rewarding aspect of his job, Stirling said "it is knowing that the work we do [the services we provide], is saving lives of our Service members."