New AF Base-Entry System

[ChiefJohn]

Retirees, survivors and their family members have begun registering their identification cards at Air Force installations worldwide as the service implements a new base-entry system that uses scanning devices to manage access.

The Defense Biometric Identification System, or DBIDS, is already operational at some bases overseas and in the continental United States.

Open registrations for DBIDS are under way at installations gearing up for this Air Force-wide initiative. Particular dates, times and locations vary by base so people should stay tuned to local media outlets, or contact their local Retiree Activities Office, for specific details.

Actual registration takes only a few minutes, according to Air Force Security Forces officials.

DBIDS uses an automated process to ensure only those people with authorized access are allowed to enter the installation. Other benefits include giving guards visual and audible crosschecks to verify identities of those requesting access.

Guards scanning ID cards will see a red or green display at the bottom of their scanner screens. A red display will say “stop” and indicate why base-entry is not authorized, giving up to 26 different messages. Besides showing if access is authorized or denied, the scanner allows a gate guard to see a detailed view that provides more information about the card holder. The photo of the card holder will be the image taken when the card was registered in the system.

Although the actual scanning of the cards by guards only takes a few seconds, there may be some delays at gates as everyone gets used to the process.

People should stay tuned to local information outlets for details on the registration process taking place at their nearest Air Force installation.

[Wayne M]

John,
Thanks for the update. Last year at Quantico, I had my card scanned. I guess I passed as they let me through.

[powerboatr]

Barksdale in Louisiana was doing this last fall, but then stopped
i need to call and go by to get SCANNED

[Clonetrooper]

Can't remember when the reg passed (last year ??) forbidding using cell phone while driving on ANY military installation, but it is being strictly enforced at all bases in S.A. area. Contractor was on phone in commercial security gate line and got cited. Ticket is $200 and possibly a years community sevice. Picking up trash, homeless shelter work. Another was on the side of the road on phone and got cited. Been a DOD contractor a long time, I don't even look at my phone if it rings while driving. Be careful on base.
KC

[AFChap]

Maxwell/Gunter annex in Montgomery has been scanning cards for many months now ...don't know that my card has been "registered" but I was admitted each time.

On cell phone issue, when I entered JRB Ft Worth a couple of weeks ago the gate guard reqired me to remove my bluetooth earbud before he passed me in ... apparently hands-free devices are also prohibited.

[ImagineIF]

Ft Belvoir has been scanning for well over a year...but require a base decal still. Bolling AFB has been hands of ID checks and no longer require vehicle decals.

Hopefully, we will see more consistent entry requirements as DoD adopts the "Joint Base" concept. In Oct 2009 Andrews AFB changed to Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility. I'm not sure why they elected to identify the Navy in the joint base name, seems counter intuitive to "joint".

Gil

[ChiefJohn]

IMO, the Air Force jumped the gun on getting rid of the long-standing vehicle decal program -- especially true for those of us (retirees) who travel and frequently visit other military installations. Its been our experience that the Navy is particularly vigilant as concerns base access requirements.

We've registered our MH and toad at the Navy installation we visit often and have Navy issued vehicle decals. The 'decal' system is antiquated and easily reproduced by the 'bad guys'.

[BigSkyBob]

Is there a requirement to get new cards or are the older cards with the bar code acceptable? I live a long ways from an AFB so it would be a hassle to get new cards and re-register.

[Wayne M]

My card was re-issued to me in July 2006, and was recognized by the scanner.

I have an Ellington Field decal. Id cards are still checked but the decal says that at the time of issue, you had insurance. I'm not sure if they have the automatic insurance notification yet or not, so if someone wanted to they could drive with a stick and expired insurance. But at least for a little while, the vehicle had it.

I don't think there are many of us that travel in an RV without insurance. After all, we are responsible people, right?