Mission: The mission of the ESS-MCX is to provide worldwide expertise to deliver the highest quality electronic security systems projects.
Establishment: In December 1983, Headquarters U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, responding to concerns identified by the Department of the Army Physical Security Review Board, issued a memorandum establishing the "Intrusion Detection System Center of Expertise" at Huntsville Center. Over time, responsibilities expanded beyond intrusion detection systems to include access control and closed-circuit television systems, resulting in the current designation of "Electronic Security Systems - Mandatory Center of Expertise."
Policy Basis: The ESS-MCX is firmly grounded in both Army policy and USACE policy. AR 190-13, The Army Physical Security Program, tasks the commanding general, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to maintain the Electronic Security Center as a mandatory center of expertise for electronic security systems technical expertise to U.S. Army organizations. ER 1110-1- 8162, Design and Construction Policy for Electronic Security Systems, specifies services to be performed by the ESS-MCX and describes operating and reporting procedures.
Services: The ESS-MCX provides technical support services to the Army in two ways. First, the ESS-MCX provides direct support to Headquarters, Department of the Army, Army Commands, Army Service Component Commands, and Direct Reporting Units. Second, the ESS-MCX supports the Army through other USACE programs and projects. Services are summarized as follows:
- Establish and maintain criteria documents
- Participate in planning activities and design charrettes
- Perform technical reviews (DD-1391s, designs, etc.)
- Conduct site surveys
- Provide technical consulting
- Perform on-site quality verification and acceptance testing
- Provide support for contracting activities
- Conduct training
Personnel: The ESS-MCX consists of engineers, physical security specialists, and a project management specialist.
Contacts: Technical questions and requests for ESS-MCX services may be submitted via email to AskESSMCX@usace.army.mil. Phone numbers for key ESS-MCX personnel are as follows:
- Office Administration (256) 895-1747
- Branch Chief (256) 895-1175
- Technical Lead (256) 895-1403
- Program Manager (256) 895-1195
- Training Coordinator (256) 895-1740
Download the ESS MCX fact sheet (PDF) HERE.
(as of September 2022)