Safeguarding National Security: Security Guard Opportunities at Letterkenny Army Depot
Are you seeking a rewarding career protecting critical military infrastructure while working for the United States Department of the Army? The Directorate of Emergency Services at Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, has announced an open position for a Security Guard (GS-06) under Direct Hire Authority.
This position offers an exciting opportunity for dedicated public safety professionals to serve their country, protect defense personnel, and secure vital equipment. Below is a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities, salary metrics, eligibility requirements, and steps to successfully submit your application.
About the Agency: Army Materiel Command & Letterkenny Army Depot
The position resides within the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, an integral element of the Army Materiel Command (AMC). AMC serves as the primary sustainment and logistics force for the U.S. Army, managing global supply chains and maintaining military readiness across 50 states and over 150 nations.
Located in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Letterkenny Army Depot is a premier facility specializing in the maintenance, modification, and storage of tactical missile systems, air defense equipment, and ground support vehicles. The installation's Directorate of Emergency Services works round-the-clock to enforce physical security, emergency management, and law enforcement support across the depot's vast perimeter.
Core Job Responsibilities
As a GS-06 Security Guard, your primary focus will be safeguarding military assets, personnel, civilian employees, and visitors. Duties are dynamic and involve both station work and active tactical patrols.
Key responsibilities include:
- Access Control Management: Verifying credentials, identification cards, and security badges at gate checkpoints to prevent unauthorized entry into restricted defense areas.
- Perimeter & Facility Patrols: Performing routine and tactical foot and vehicle patrols of installation grounds, sensitive storage areas, and building perimeters.
- Radio Dispatch & Communications: Operating multi-channel radio transmitters and receivers to coordinate response efforts with mobile patrol units and emergency personnel.
- Traffic Enforcement & Safety: Directing traffic at key entry points, enforcing post speed limits, and assisting at vehicle accident scenes within the depot grounds.
- Record Keeping & Incident Logging: Maintaining precise daily journals, desk logs, shift reports, and entry logs detailing operational activities and security events.
Requirements & Qualifications
To qualify for this GS-06 level position, applicants must meet specific federal eligibility and experience criteria. Educational substitution is not permitted for this vacancy.
General Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen by birth or naturalization.
- Must successfully complete a pre-employment drug test.
- Ability to obtain and retain a Secret Security Clearance.
- Subject to a trial period of one year upon appointment.
- Selective Service registration is mandatory for male applicants born after Dec 31, 1959.
Specialized Experience Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the federal service. Qualifying experience includes:
- Operating complex radio communication equipment and handling emergency dispatch.
- Checking and validating access credentials, passes, and security badges for restricted facilities.
- Protecting the safety, health, and privacy of the general public and personnel in high-risk environments.
- Compiling detailed daily activity logs, police/security journals, and incident records.
Salary Overview & Position Comparison
The position offers a competitive salary scale under the General Schedule (GS) pay system, including locality adjustment for the Chambersburg, PA region.
- Pay Grade: GS-06
- Starting Base Salary: $51,957 per year
- Maximum Salary Potential: $67,543 per year
- Promotion Potential: None (GS-06 is the full performance level for this position)
Overview Comparison Table
| Operational Aspect | GS-05 Standard Entry Level | GS-06 Advertised Guard Position |
|---|---|---|
| Salary Range | Sub-GS06 Grade Rates | $51,957 – $67,543 / Year |
| Access Control | Basic Badge Checking | High-Security Credentials & Sensitive Area Gatekeeping |
| Comms Responsibility | Basic Monitoring | Multi-Channel Dispatch & Patrol Unit Coordination |
| Education Waiver | Sometimes Allowed | Strictly Prohibited (Experience Only) |
| Resume Requirement | Standard Formatting | Strict 2-Page Limit (Mandatory) |
Federal Benefits & Total Compensation
Federal civil service provides comprehensive benefits designed to support long-term personal and financial health:
- Health & Wellness: Choose from dozens of medical plans under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, plus optional vision and dental care.
- Retirement Plan: Secure your future with the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension combined with Social Security.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A 401(k)-style savings plan offering up to a 5% matching contribution from the Department of the Army.
- Paid Time Off: Earn paid annual leave for vacation, paid sick leave for medical needs, and receive 11 paid federal holidays annually.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Applying for a federal direct hire position requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your application package gets evaluated:
- Build a Concise Resume: Limit your federal resume strictly to two pages or less. Include exact start/end dates (MM/YYYY format), job titles, employer names, and average hours worked per week.
- Avoid Disqualifiers: Do not upload photographs, social security numbers, or acronym-heavy text. Clear, plain-language descriptions of specialized experience are required.
- Assemble Supporting Docs: Prepare optional cover letters, performance evaluations, or military service documents. Ensure non-applicant personal identifiable information on family records is sanitized.
- Complete Assessment: Navigate to the online questionnaire through USAJobs and select the documents you wish to submit.
- Submit Before Deadline: Submit the application package prior to 11:59 PM EST on April 9, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Where is the physical workplace for this role?
A: The position is located on-site at Letterkenny Army Depot within the Directorate of Emergency Services in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Telework is not available.
Q: What is Direct Hire Authority (DHA)?
A: Direct Hire Authority enables federal agencies to hire qualified candidates directly without going through traditional competitive rating and ranking procedures, expediting the recruitment timeline.
Q: Can I submit a multi-page resume if I have extensive military background?
A: No. The hiring agency strictly enforces a 2-page limit for resumes under this announcement. Any application with a resume exceeding two pages will be automatically disqualified.
Serving as a Security Guard (GS-06) at Letterkenny Army Depot offers a meaningful way to protect vital national defense operations while establishing a secure federal career. With competitive compensation, comprehensive federal health and retirement packages, and direct-hire access, qualified applicants are encouraged to build a concise resume and apply today.
Why This Security Guard Job Matters
Step into a vital public safety role protecting critical national defense infrastructure as a GS-06 Security Guard at Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA, offering competitive pay up to $67,543 and robust federal benefits.
Security Guard Job Overview
The Department of the Army is seeking dedicated individuals for a Security Guard position (GS-06) within the Directorate of Emergency Services at Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Operating under Direct Hire Authority, this role involves safeguarding military personnel, facilities, and sensitive property through entry control point monitoring, mobile and foot patrols, radio dispatch communications, and emergency response.
Requirements for Security Guard
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Must possess at least one year of specialized security experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in federal service.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Must pass pre-employment drug testing.
- Position is subject to a Moderate Risk / Noncritical-Sensitive background adjudication.
- Resume must strictly be two pages or less; resumes exceeding two pages will be disqualified.
- Selective Service registration required for male applicants born after December 31, 1959.
- Education cannot be substituted for experience for this position grade.
Preferred Qualifications for Security Guard
- Prior experience operating multi-channel radio receivers and transmitters for emergency response.
- Demonstrated background in verifying security credentials, badges, and passes at restricted access points.
- Hands-on background in traffic control, speed enforcement, and accident scene management.
- Experience keeping detailed operational logs, shift journals, and incident reports.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay included ($51,957 - $67,543).
- ✓Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program with comprehensive health insurance options.
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension scheme.
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency match up to 5%.
- ✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- ✓11 paid federal holidays per year.
- ✓Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) coverage options.
💡 How to Apply Security Guard Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Security Guard Job
- Review the full job announcement on USAJobs to verify eligibility and specialized experience requirements.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing employer names, exact start/end dates, job titles, and weekly hours worked.
- Log into your USAJobs account and complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Attach supporting documentation (e.g., Performance Appraisals, Cover Letter, sanitized military/marriage documents) to your application package.
- Submit your complete application package online before the closing date of April 9, 2027, at 11:59 PM EST.
💡 General Tips
- Strict Resume Length Limit: Ensure your resume is no longer than two pages. Exceeding two pages will lead to automatic rejection.
- Detail Your Work History: Include the month, year, and average hours worked per week for every position listed so your specialized experience can be properly quantified.
- Use Plain Language: Avoid obscure internal acronyms; write clear descriptions demonstrating GS-05 level specialized duties.
- Sanitize Documents: Protect personal identifiable information (PII) of non-applicants on uploaded military or marriage certificates before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute my college degree for the required experience?
No. For this GS-06 Security Guard announcement, qualifications must be met entirely through specialized work experience. Educational substitution is not allowed.
What security clearance is required for this role?
Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance along with passing a suitability background investigation and drug screening.
Is telework or remote work available for this job?
No. This position requires physical presence at Letterkenny Army Depot for security patrols, entry control, and site monitoring.
What happens if my resume is three pages long?
Any resume exceeding the strict two-page limit will be automatically disqualified and removed from hiring consideration.