Case Study: Determine the best security equipment for entry control screening for use in Iraq and Afghanistan

This independent analysis was conducted by Doug Melvin. In 2004 through 2005, Mr. Melvin was the Iraq Country Director for Department of Homeland Security in Baghdad[1]. Prior to that assignment he was the Director of Security and Administrative Services within the Executive Office of the President. Currently, as an independent security consultant, Mr. Melvin is often approached by companies and governments with developing cost-effective security solutions. With over 25 years of professional security expertise, including extensive experience operating in Iraq and Afghanistan on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense and State Department, combined with on-going research and development efforts, Mr. Melvin is an expert on domestic and international security matters. Additionally, Mr. Melvin has 12 years of military experience in U.S. Army Special Forces and Military Police. This document was prepared for military and security personnel operating in Iraq or Afghanistan and express only the opinions of Doug Melvin.
[1] As a member of AMB Negroponte’s senior staff, Mr. Melvin had primary responsibility for determining and implementing security measures at all ports of entry and border areas.

Findings

For or use in Iraq or Afghanistan, the AS&E SIM is superior to other equipment for personnel entry control screening. The AS&E SIM provides superior detection capabilities and significantly higher throughput than other equipment. The AS&E SIM is also more cost effective than equipment offered by competitors.

Evaluation Areas

Throughput – The throughput of entry control screening equipment is presented in terms of the number of personnel that can be effectively screened in one hour to standard. The AS&E SIM has a throughput that is over twice the rate of current market-standard equipment. For example, the AS&E SIM has a rate of 250/hour, while the other leading device has a throughput rate of only 120/hour. It should also be noted that the other leading device does not provide the same level of comprehensive scan (backscatter screening) that the AS&E SIM provides. Throughput is important because it minimizes the time to screen personnel and helps to eliminate the formation of long lines of personnel that are attractive targets for the enemy.

Operability –The ability to operate in hostile and harsh environmental conditions is critical to minimizing downtime and maximizing force protection. The AS&E SIM provides its own climate-controlled environment to ensure continued operation and versatility. Other products depend upon the climate-control capabilities of the building in which they are housed. In Iraq and Afghanistan, building climate-control is generally unreliable. Moving the screening function inside a building, dependant on the HVAC systems, places additional personnel and facilities at risk. Screening is best conducted outside of the perimeter, where observation and control can be maximized, and the risk and exposure to security staff can be minimized. See more on this subject in the force protection analysis below.

Detection capability – The ability to detect and differentiate organic and non-organic elements (backscatter technology) is critical to ensuring that a comprehensive scan can be completed. The AS&E SIM is the only equipment to have such technology. Additionally, other leading equipment requires that the subject stand in a specific spot while being scanned each and every time. This stance enables a trained terrorist the opportunity to learn from the screening process and take preventive measures to defeat the security scan. With the AS&E SIM, the subject does not remain in the same position each time, thus eliminating any opportunity to learn from the screening process and defeat the system. Additionally, the AS&E SIM does not depend upon the installation of additional optional equipment such as a “back panel” to achieve an improved image capability.

Accountability – The need to depend upon host-nation personnel or third country nationals for security operations can present risk. The challenges include risk of insider threat, errors as a result of training issues, or language barriers that prevent adequate operational ability. The AS&E SIM effectively addresses this issue. By providing a remote monitoring (image viewing and CCTV coverage) capability of the screening operations, including the ability to remotely stop and secure the screening area, the operations can be monitored by US military or security personnel at a remote location.


Force Protection – In terms of force protection, the AS&E SIM provides the capability to strategically place the screening operation where it is best from a containment, standoff, and force protection perspective. Because the AS&E SIM comes with its own climate- control and infrastructure, it is not dependant upon finding a building with adequate infrastructure. It can be placed where it makes most sense, and where all possible military and strategic advantages can be attained. For example the sides of the AS&E SIM can be sandbagged, or it can be placed in a depression to limit collateral damage in the event of an internal detonation. Basic military doctrine applies in the case of entry control screening, meaning that it can be viewed as would any other battlefield obstacle. It should be placed where observation is afforded and it can be mutually supported, while minimizing the risk to personnel and facilities.

Cost - Cost should be measured in terms of the cost per person to be screened, not simply in terms of a direct comparison cost per piece of equipment. For example; the AS&E SIM is approximately 25% more expensive than the leading competitor. However, the cost of screening is far less for the AS&E SIM due to its significantly higher throughput. In fact, achieving the same level of throughput of one AS&E SIM would require two of the competing units. This advantage is further magnified by the enhanced detection capability, force protection measures, deployment advantages, accountability, and operability factors, of the AS&E SIM.

[1] As a member of AMB Negroponte’s senior staff, Mr. Melvin had primary responsibility for determining and implementing security measures at all ports of entry and border areas.