REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (WHNT) — The Redstone Rocket posted Tuesday that leaders on Redstone Arsenal have weighed in on the concerns over the new operation hours for Gate 3.
Gate 3 began its new operation hours on September 2, closing to inbound and outbound traffic starting at 1 p.m.
“It is difficult to predict what our future manning levels will be. Currently, there are no plans to limit hours at any of the other gates. However, this may change based on a multitude of factors (Manning levels, Threat, Command guidance),” the Garrison at Redstone Arsenal told News 19.
Col. Erin Eike, Redstone Arsenal Garrison commander, commented on the changes:
“Federal workforce reduction efforts reduced our Security Guard Force by 17% which means at our new authorization strength, we can have no more than three guards out sick, injured or on leave or we would have to close lanes or a gate.
We were able to delay this by paying excessive overtime but that has come to an end. Federal government cost reduction decisions made at the highest levels of government removed overtime as an option. We have temporary assistance from select active-duty partners but that is still not sufficient to maintain the current level of service.
We’re facing significant challenges due to workforce reductions and hiring freeze across the federal government and we are adjusting to the new reality established, while making every effort to ensure secure access to the installation for our workforce.”
Col. Erin EikeGarrison Commander
During a community update on September 3, the Redstone Rocket reported that Col. Eike said leaders fully understand the frustration of the community over the change.
“We fully understand the significant frustration and impact with the gates,” Eike said. “It’s not only impacting important missions on the Arsenal, but personal time as well. Please understand that we are not closing the gates arbitrarily or to cause pain.”
Eike also said that some guards are working 16-hour days, the Redstone Rocket reported.
“Many of the (Interactive Customer Evaluation) comments say to put more Soldiers out,” the Redstone Rocket reported Eike said. “Our population is such that we have a very small military population here, and it’s also very senior. So, you’ll likely see lieutenant colonels, colonels, CW4, CW5, and two-star command sergeants major out on the gate. That’s unheard of, so I truly appreciate those personnel stepping up and being part of the solution. But that solution right now is only for that through put time in the morning.”
Following the announcement of USSPACECOM moving from Colorado to Huntsville, local leaders held a community roundtable on September 3 to talk about infrastructure concerns. Garrison Deputy Commander Martin Traylor said buildings have already been set aside for Space Command personnel and new construction will take about 18 to 24 months to complete, and USSPACECOM will be operational in under three years.
Also at this roundtable, Traylor was also asked if Redstone Arsenal will try to make up for the reductions and hire more security with USSPACECOM coming. He said a long-term solution to the gate staffing issue is something that will take time to resolve.
“We’re working through it right now. On a daily basis, we have absolutely a whole of government approach to this on the Arsenal. The other tenants are helping us with some resources to try to help resolve this. It’s just a matter of time that we have to we have to work through and and right the ship, so to speak,” Traylor said.
“It’s a problem that’s going to exist in the short-term, relatively speaking, but it’s not going to be an enduring problem for the Arsenal,” he said.
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