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Drivers entering Fort Belvoir are facing longer lines and restricted gate hours as staffing shortages, hiring obstacles and ongoing repairs disrupt access to the military installation.
The base has 28 employees assigned to monitor gates serving Fort Belvoir, which is home to more than 150 companies supporting the Army. Officials say another 11 guards and police officers are needed to cover all shifts, but qualified candidates have been difficult to hire.
Several guards also left for better-paying positions during the recent government shutdown, further stretching the workforce. The shortages affect military personnel as well as civilians from the Mount Vernon area who work for the Army at Fort Belvoir.
With fewer guards available, access has been consolidated at Farrar Gate near the airfield, reached from Fairfax County Parkway; Tulley Gate on Richmond Highway; Lieber Gate; and Kingman Gate off Telegraph Road. Each is operating on a limited schedule.
Gate repairs are creating another obstacle to traffic flow. Fort Belvoir also has only 45 soldiers in its law enforcement department.
Garrison Commander Col. David Stewart said officials receive complaints about the situation daily and recognize its impact.
“I understand this is a big problem,” Stewart said. He added that the garrison command team is pursuing creative solutions for service members, veterans and civilians who work, live and spend time at Fort Belvoir.