New base entry procedures begin Nov. 1

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Requirements to gain entry to the installation will change November 1, when new procedures go into effect.

Base access will follow a Trusted Traveler program, which allows all Department of Defense identification cardholders to vouch for occupants in their vehicle when entering the base. The program requires someone in the vehicle to possess a valid ID card which is issued to DoD employees, active-duty military, dependents 16 years old and older, and retired service members. Per DoD guidance, ID card holders cannot vouch for visitors in another vehicle.

Sponsors who will be escorting their guests for the entire visit will no longer be required to stop at the visitor's center to obtain a pass. However, if sponsors are not able to escort their guest the entire time on base, they will be required to stop at the visitor's center and obtain a pass. Visitors must remain in physical proximity of their escort at all times.

Procedures for anyone accessing the base for official business such as contractors, vendors or foreign nationals will remain the same. The Trusted Traveler program will be suspended if force protection conditions reach Charlie or higher or as determined by security forces.

According to Master Sgt. Rob Nusbaum, 96th Security Forces Squadron superintendent of Plans and Programs, most visitors are on base for a limited time and the sponsor can vouch for their guests. The program also eases the traffic at both the visitor's centers and the gates.

"It allows us to focus on security issues and ensures we're vetting the people who are entering the base unescorted," he said.

Staff Sgt. Mike Thompson, NCOIC for the Plans and Program section, said the change places the responsibility on the sponsor.

"It's a trust issue," he said. "The people who have the proper credentials are considered identity proofed and vetted. We trust them to conduct themselves in a secure manner, which includes being responsible for whom is brought on base and their actions while visiting."

During the hours of 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., only the DoD cardholder will need to present identification. Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., 100 percent ID checks will be implemented. All visitors should have a photo ID with them since 100 percent ID checks may be conducted at any time of the day in accordance with the random antiterrorism measure program.

Sponsorship privileges can be revoked if abused; however, both sergeants are confident sponsors will take their responsibilities seriously.

"This whole concept is very much in keeping with integrated defense," said Thompson. "It puts a lot of the base security on the owner-user; people who work on the base need to make sure its assets are secure and safe."

The Trusted Traveler program applies to Eglin Main, Duke Field and the 7th Special Forces Group. Hurlburt Field established similar entry procedures this summer.  For more information, contact Security Forces Plans and Programs at 882-7256.