An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Not just gate guards Civilian officers hit the streets

  • Published
  • By Monte Miller
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Their uniforms may be a little different, but don't be fooled.

Twenty-four new civilian security forces officers began working shifts on Scott Air Force Base Sunday and will be a permanent fixture here, throughout Air Mobility Command and perhaps Air Force wide.

"Security Forces has been looking at ways to stretch manpower," said Heather Sims, 375th Security Forces Squadron chief of plans and programs. "With the civilian officers, we will have continuity in the force, with their primary focus on garrison security."

Although the force transfer is an AMC wide initiative, the 375th has taken the lead in the new venture and will now be able to serve as a model for other security forces squadrons at other wings around the country.

"We are so far ahead, we beat the uniforms," Mrs. Sims said. " We've been working on this since last year. The funding came through in April and we took off running. By going first, all of the other commands are watching."

Mrs. Sims explained new civilian officers are performing the exact same duties as active duty security forces personnel and carry with them all of the same powers.

Although it wasn't a prerequisite, the majority of the officers have prior military or law enforcement experience and some are just recently retired active duty Air Force that have served at Scott in the past.

Newly hired civilian flight chief Chuck Thompson, retired from the Air Force five and a half years ago after 21 years in security forces. Although Scott wasn't his last duty assignment, he worked here for eight years and understands the special challenges that come with working such a complex command base.

"It's definitely a different atmosphere," Mr. Thompson said. "Communication and interaction skills are more honed. This is a different Air Force than when I joined in 1982."

Mr. Thompson, who is 45, passed the same physical testing as some applicants nearly half his age. He feels the combination of his seasoned status as a security forces member and the enthusiasm of his juniors will be good all around.

"It gives me a fresh perspective on things," he said. "They respect my experience and they help me see new ways to look at things, plus there is a lot of new technology we didn't have 20 years ago. This gives me an opportunity to keep serving my country."

The desire to serve is a drive that keeps him going even after a long career.

"When we see people, it's usually on their worst day," Mr. Thompson said. "It gives a nice sense of satisfaction at the end of the day to know you helped them through a tough or troubled time."

In addition to Mr. Thompson, a few of the other civilian officers are National Guardsmen Reservists familiar with Scott from serving with the 932nd Airlift Wing and the 126th Air Refueling Wing.

The 375th Security Forces Squadron is composed of 207 personnel. About 81 are deployed, on leave or TDY at any time, leaving a force of about 126 to keep the base safe. During every eight-hour shift, there are 22 security forces officers on patrol.

"If you call security forces for an emergency, you might get a combination of officers responding," said Ken Hagood, 375th Security Forces Squadron assistant operations officer. "You may get active duty, active duty and civilian or just civilian officers responding. It will be the same with traffic stops and I.D. checks at the gates. Depending on the shift, it can be active duty supervising civilians or civilians supervising active duty."

Mr. Hagood explained currently, there are six civilian flight chiefs (four have been hired) and all of the civilian officers will be working four, 10-hours shifts per week.

The hiring process is lengthy for civilian Department of Defense personnel, which the new officers are, and it all began with a job posting.

Once the applicants were selected, they underwent several tests including physical fitness, weapons and had to pass physicals. If they passed the criteria, the applicants were officially offered the job and start times were negotiated.

Once hired, many of the officers took part in the inaugural class of training at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., designed specifically for civilian security forces officers at the Veteran's Affairs Law Enforcement Training Center.

"So far, 11 have graduated and we have five more set to attend training," Mr. Hagood said. "Not all of the applicants were required to go to the academy due to prior security forces or law enforcement experience, but some that already had experience wanted to go again to obtain additional training. By our people being first, they can help shape the course for future classes with their feedback."

The civilian officers will wear the Battle Dress Uniforms with only a name badge on their right lapel, but no Air Force insignia. They will wear a special patch on the upper part of each sleeve. They will not salute officers.


Scott is ahead of the pack, and already has its officers on the streets but, other AMC bases are still advertising the civilian officer positions. That posting can be viewed a www. usajobs.com. Each base will be hiring approximately 25 civilians officers.