FORWARD OPERATING BASE KUNDUZ, Afghanistan - Page Security, a contract security company, is looking to add females to its current roster of security personnel here. The company currently employs more than 200 local nationals, all of whom are male.
These employees supplement security in different areas around the forward operating base, which in turn decreases the security burden for U.S. forces. Counting females among their ranks would give the security forces increased flexibility.
“Adding women employees would make dealing with females at the [entry control point] much easier,” said Sgt. 1st Class James Sutton, base defense operations non-commissioned officer in charge and liaison with Page Security. Sutton went on to add that having female security personnel would speed up the process when a female does desire to enter the forward operating base. He stated that the current process is time consuming and not always reliable.
To assist with the hiring process, the Provincial Police Chief, Afghan Gen. Samiullah Qatra, visited the forward operating base. The purpose of the visit was to garner the support of the local police force, as well as aid in sticking to cultural practices.
“Gen. Qatra’s support of the process is a big deal,” said Jonathon Kay (JK), supervisor of the Page Contract. “Having him in the process will help us follow the cultural rules regarding females in our host country.”
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