National Guard volunteers sought for airport security

Monday, Oct. 1, 2001 | 10:47 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada National Guard is seeking volunteers to beef up security at the airports in Las Vegas, Reno and Elko.

April Conway, spokeswoman for the Guard, said today initial plans call for stationing 55 armed guards at McCarran International Airport, 35 at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and 10 at the Elko Regional Airport.

The Guard will not call up units but will pick individuals with a variety of backgrounds, Conway said.

Gov. Kenny Guinn last week talked about assigning 45 Air and Army National Guardsmen to airports, but that number has been increased. The plan came in response to President Bush's request last week for states to use Guard troops for airport security.

Conway said the guard is "preparing a plan on how to accomplish the mission," which must be signed by Guinn and federal officials. The armed Guardsmen are to be posted at security checkpoints. The type of weapon has not been disclosed, Conway said.

Guardsmen will not be stationed away from their hometown, Conway said.

Some Guardsmen have flexible job schedules so they may be able to volunteer without temporarily giving up their employment, Conway said. Or some may own businesses that they can leave without difficulty.

The Federal Aviation Administration is to begin training this week in Las Vegas, she said, and Guardsmen are expected to be stationed at the airports within the week, where they will receive further on-the-job training.