Changing of the guard: Pinkerton contract expires Sept. 30

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Sollars
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  People will soon notice new faces helping them through security as they enter the base.

Airmen from the 19th Security Forces Squadron return to manning base gates starting at midnight Oct. 1.

"[The change has been] mandated by Congress to eliminate contract guards by 2013, since the [base's] contract expires Sept. 30, the Air Force Security Forces Center has decided to eliminate the Little Rock contract," said Maj. Timothy McCarty, 19 Security Forces Squadron commander.

People entering the base should see little changes after the transition occurs.

"Team Little Rock will continue to see expert, professional, dual armed and well trained defenders at all base entry control points, the visitor center, vehicle search area as well as throughout the installation," said Major McCarty.

Manning the gates with 19th SFS members will also allow newer defenders to learn the basics of their career field in a more standard way.

"The Benefit to young defenders is the development of skills that are commensurate with their rank," said Major McCarty. "It's typical at most installations for new defenders to start at entry control points, then progress to flight line security, and then a law enforcement patrol."

Due to the Air Force increasing the manning of the security forces career field, Little Rock is able to secure the base and continue deploying Airmen.

"The 19th SFS manning has been increased nearly 25 percent primarily because of a capability based manpower study," said Major McCarty. "The 19th SFS earns 6.089 bodies for each validated post we have. Old standard was 5.39 bodies for each post. We received additional manning by way of command leveling within Air Mobility Command."

People will notice some new civilian security forces members as part of the transition.

"The 19th SFS currently has five Department of the Air Force officers," said Major McCarty. "We have been funded for an additional 12 DAF officers beginning October 2011, bringing our total to 17. DAF officers have the same authority as active-duty security forces."

Base leaders appreciate the teamwork accomplished throughout the years with their Pinkerton counterparts.

"There's a point of pride for berets to man the base entry control points again. However, it's overshadowed by our loss of 53 very close and dedicated team members, our Pinkerton brothers and sisters," said Major McCarty. "I'm very proud of the contributions from our entire team which is comprised of nearly 300 defenders, which includes active duty, Guard, Reserve, DAF, Pinkerton and civilians."

Base leaders also laud the Pinkerton Guards' hard work and dedication.

"After Sept. 11, civilian guards answered our nation's call and joined Team Little Rock for nearly a decade," said Col. George Coggins, 19th Mission Support Group commander. "During this period, they manned our gates, protected our families, and assisted countless visitors with class and professionalism.

"It has been an incredible partnership and words can't express how much we appreciate the contributions of all Pinkerton guards, past and present," the colonel continued. "They'll be missed, but not forgotten."

Over the years the Pinkerton guards have become a fixture of the base.

"The 19th SFS will truly miss our Pinkerton brothers and sisters," said Major McCarty. "They've been absolutely vital to 19th SFS success both in garrison and at deployed locations."