Fort Stewart is installing cameras and scanners at post gates to prepare for bringing its new Automated Installation Entry (AIE) system online in February 2012.
Garrison Commander Col. Kevin Milton said he is hopeful the new system will ease traffic backups onto the installation, as certain lanes will be designated for the AIE system.
Milton explained soldiers, military family members and retirees can register online in the near future, so they can drive on post in the AIE designated lanes.
The coming automated system should also free up manning at the gates, Milton said.
“The contract for Wackenhut Services Inc. ends Oct. 31, and we have hired Department of Defense guards to take some of those positions,” Fort Stewart spokesman Kevin Larson said. “The swiping machines are not at all gates, though the gates they are at (will help) free up manpower.”
The colonel said 122 security guards from the DoD have been positioned at installation gates.
“We will lose the remaining 31 contract security guards,” Milton said. “To fill the void, we will have 35 soldiers on the gates.”
Cost-cutting measures like the AIE system is nothing new, the colonel said. Fort Stewart has had to deal with budget cuts for the past two years, according to Milton.
Read more in the Oct. 8 edition of the News.