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Library > Fact Sheets > Commander's Action Line archive 2012
COMMANDER'S ACTION LINE ARCHIVE 2012
Posted 10/4/2012
Printable Fact Sheet
Retired identification card renewal (Sept. 12)
Q: I am retired Air Force and was just turned away from the gate at Eglin, because I need a new ID card. Was there any notification sent out notifying people of this change? I have had no issue entering Hurlburt, why is there two different standards for both bases?
A: We understand you have attempted to gain access to both Eglin and Hurlburt, I can only speak to the situation specific to Eglin. We have been directed to implement the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) to control access to the installation. This is a Department of Defense-wide system that is the standard across the department to validate authority for base entry. The system communicates directly with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to determine:
- if the credential is a valid credential; and,
- if the individual requesting installation access as authority to access. Unfortunately, ID cards that were produced prior to 2003 utilized a coding that is no longer recognized by DBIDS and these cards must be replaced. In the event a records check from the ID scan does not match a record in DEERS, the ID is rejected and the sentry at the Installation Access Point has been instructed to confiscate the identification as it is no longer a valid form of ID.
Notification of the system upgrade was made throughout the Eglin community numerous times during Wing staff meetings, the Eglin Official Bulletin and news articles were posted in the local Northwest Florida Daily News paper under Eglin Briefs. Due to the number of ID card holders, this information has also been posted on the Retiree ID Card Update for further dissemination. This fact sheet also holds an embedded link that gives you the ability to create an appointment. Furthermore, to facilitate your appointment, Security Forces personnel at the Visitor Control Center will write up to a 72-hour pass.
Gate to Gate wheelchair discrimination (May 7)
Q: I have participated in the Eglin AFB Gate-to-Gate race many times over the years as a wheelchair athlete. I have requested numerous times that wheelchair athletes receive a prize purse that is comparable to the runners. The prize money hasn't increased for wheelers in the 10 years I've participated in this race.
A: The annual Gate-to-Gate race has always been an event that focuses on the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. I sincerely apologize if we have ever given the impression we discriminate against wheelchair participants or view them as less of an athlete based on prize money.
The prize money we offer has always been based on the number of participants in each category. This distribution of prize money is consistent with many other road races. For the 2,000 Gate-to-Gate participants, our men's and women's categories average approximately 1,990 runners and walkers, while our masters and wheelchair categories average approximately 10 participants.
Although the cash award is nice, it is not the focal point of the event. The race is intended to honor those who have died in our nation's service and we work hard to ensure the focus remains as originally intended.
Fitness Annex Premium classes (May 8)
Q: Why, as a military spouse, do I have to pay a fee for premium classes at the fitness annex?
A: Thank you for participating in the premium classes we offer in our Fitness Annex. To clarify, they are premium classes because they are facilitated by contract instructors who partner with the 96th Force Support Squadron fitness center staff. Based on the terms of the contract, the instructors are required to pay the fitness center a set fee for each class they offer.
Therefore, the contract holder and fitness center management establish the prices for charged for participation, regardless of the customer's status.
Additionally, an Air Force-wide initiative to transform installation services and morale, welfare, and recreation programs has prompted Eglin leadership to evaluate all of the programs and services offered on the installation. This transformation initiative is the Air Force's effort to streamline and preserve installation support programs in the face of growing fiscal constraints. As a result, many installations are gravitating to a "pay for play" concept with program offerings, which applies equally to all program participants (military, civilian, or dependent family member). The fees the fitness class instructors charge is an example of this concept.
The 96th FSS has and will continue to provide the best service possible, given their personnel and budget constraints. This is why we continue to offer our premium classes, in addition to providing free classes. Our free classes are made possible through volunteer facilitators. Currently, we have spin and salsa dance classes, 10 sessions per week that are led by volunteers.
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