LANL Security Force Shenanigans
Five members of the Los Alamos National Laboratory security force were terminated last week for the improper use of the live fire shooting range located at Technical Area 72, according to a statement released by the lab Wednesday.
The lab security force is called Securing Our Country or SOC.
The statement went on to say, “After a swift but preliminary inquiry, it was concluded that inappropriate behavior warranted the termination of five protective force firing range personnel. The laboratory will continue to determine involvement by others, including laboratory personnel.
“Although the inquiry concluded this was not a safety or security risk, the laboratory takes this kind of inappropriate behavior very seriously.
“The laboratory does not tolerate unauthorized use of our facilities or equipment. We hold ourselves and our contractors to the highest possible standards of behavior.”
Lab officials declined to discuss what the nature of the behavior was that resulted in the terminations.
Five members of the Los Alamos National Laboratory security force were terminated last week for the improper use of the live fire shooting range located at Technical Area 72, according to a statement released by the lab Wednesday.
The lab security force is called Securing Our Country or SOC.
The statement went on to say, “After a swift but preliminary inquiry, it was concluded that inappropriate behavior warranted the termination of five protective force firing range personnel. The laboratory will continue to determine involvement by others, including laboratory personnel.
“Although the inquiry concluded this was not a safety or security risk, the laboratory takes this kind of inappropriate behavior very seriously.
“The laboratory does not tolerate unauthorized use of our facilities or equipment. We hold ourselves and our contractors to the highest possible standards of behavior.”
Lab officials declined to discuss what the nature of the behavior was that resulted in the terminations.
Comments
November 23, 2012 9:58 PM
The automatic weapon just so happened to be on top of an armored-vehicle. There is a lot more to this story, it's no wonder LANS doesn't want the details posted. But, but, there was no safety issues. An untrained 27-year old woman (in heels) firing a automatic weapon from on top of a tank? My god, what does LANS consider a safety issue if this isn't?
Who was leading the investigation, Riley Bechtel?
Did they shoot off a few rounds and waste a few dollars, or was this more in the category of both negligent and wasteful?
Were they on the clock, or was this an after work excursion?
There are a lot more questions here as well, but may have to wait on the congressional hearings to learn the answers.
That is only for scientists. They are after all the sole problem at LANL, LLNL, Y-12, NNSA and the United States. They are the ones that "dont get it". Their culture has spread to the non scientists.
"Anonymous Anonymous said...
Hey some scientist get it. It is a science - research institute...or did we all forget that. I guess we just build buildings.
November 24, 2012 3:55 PM"
The primary goal of the labs are to bring profit for a corporation with the least amount of expenditures of the corporation. What is good for LLNS is not necessarily good for the United States. LLNLs will and in some sense legally must act in its in own interests over (which is profit), over that of the institute or the United States.
The morale crushing beatings of staff will continue until things improve. More inane online training, too. Got it, you cowboys and butt heads?"
( Director Charlie "At Livermore" McMillan )
"Anonymous Anonymous said...
Hey some scientist get it. It is a science - research institute...or did we all forget that. I guess we just build buildings.
November 24, 2012 3:55 PM"
The primary goal of the labs are to bring profit for a corporation with the least amount of expenditures of the corporation. What is good for LLNS is not necessarily good for the United States. LLNLs will and in some sense legally must act in its in own interests over (which is profit), over that of the institute or the United States.
November 25, 2012 9:47 AM
Agreed.
Security at all labs, especially LLNL, can barely read or write. How is that getting it? An intelligent LLNL Security Director knew to get out of that organization as soon as he could and who is left? A person that has been deputy for many years and has no ethics or analytical skills. A Y-12 or LANL just waiting to happen.
November 25, 2012 8:06 AM
When was there an intelligent Security Director at LLNL ? The last 15 years they have just been switching the clown nose from one face to another. Kinda like the rest of the dead weight at the lab waiting to turn 60 to get that "extra" money on your retirement. Leave already, so real work can be done. Sorry to disappoint you, but there won't be a Y12 or LANL waiting to happen at LLNL. The Officers at LLNL, who you have no regard for, will maintain a professional standard to the end.
Naw, hell if Cari of Mythbusters can make multiple takes in front of a camera with a 20mm gatling gun, why not a mesahosebag? The range is either safe to shoot or not. Those weapons are made for terrified 18-year-olds to operate under fire.
Surely trading so hot lead for some back seat antics is a fair exchange.
November 24, 2012 6:46 AM
Not wearing your shoes that grip.