Representative Dale Strong has led an effort to secure a provision in H.R. 3838, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which would allow military installations to contract personnel for security guard functions when enlisted soldiers are not available.
The measure is intended to help Redstone Arsenal maintain secure and efficient access for the thousands of employees, contractors, and service members who enter its gates each day.
“Every day, nearly 50,000 men and women come to work on Redstone Arsenal. Unlike other military bases and installations, Redstone does not have a large population of junior enlisted personnel to help fill the gaps with gate security positions,” said Strong.
“I thank Chairman Rogers for including this provision to allow military installations – like Redstone – to contract personnel for security guard functions, ensuring installation access is secure and seamless for our personnel,” he continued.
The NDAA sets policy and funding levels for the Department of Defense, nuclear weapons programs within the Department of Energy, and other defense-related activities. The House passed H.R. 3838 by a vote of 231 to 196. The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate before both chambers reconcile differences prior to being sent to the President.
Dale Strong currently serves as U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 5th district after replacing Mo Brooks in 2023. He previously served in the Alabama House of Representatives and on the Madison County Commission. Born in Monrovia, Alabama in 1970, Strong lives in Huntsville and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Athens State University.
