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JBSA News
NEWS | Sept. 8, 2009

New base-entry system expected to improve force protection

By Robert Goetz 12th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

Personnel at 12th Security Forces Squadron are gearing up for installation of a more secure base-entry system at Randolph that is already operational at other Air Force bases around the world. 

Once the database, known as the Defense Biometric Identification System, is installed, 12th SFS gate guards will use hand-held devices to scan the ID cards of incoming motorists and instantaneously see if base access is authorized. 

A 12th SFS official said the new process is not intended to expedite traffic flow, but it should provide the base with another level of security. 

"It will provide a guard with more information about a person entering the base," said Bob Vickers, 12th SFS plans and programs branch chief. "It's more of a force protection measure; that's what it's designed for." 

DBIDS installation at Randolph and Lackland Air Force Base was scheduled for the fall, but instead the system will first be installed at smaller bases such as Goodfellow in San Angelo, Laughlin in Del Rio and Tyndall in Panama City, Fla., he said. 

"We don't know yet when it will be installed here," Mr. Vickers said. "It will take one to three months to install." 

He said the process won't be apparent to people on base. He also said implementation of the system should take six months to a year. 

Telos Corp., an Ashburn, Va.-based company that specializes in advanced technology solutions to secure government and military facilities, will install the DBIDS database with pre-loaded information that will allow initial access to current holders of common access cards and other Department of Defense-authorized ID cards. 

However, card holders will be required to register their cards within a year of system installation so that their DBIDS profile can be imbedded with additional data, Mr. Vickers said. Base access will be denied after that time period if cards are not registered because the pre-loaded information will be wiped out. 

Two permanent registration stations are planned at the Randolph Visitor Center and manned portable stations will be placed at locations such as the Air Force Personnel Center, the base theater, the Randolph Fitness Center, the commissary, the BX and the 12th Force Support Squadron Manpower and Personnel Flight's customer service center in Pitsenbarger Hall. 

Gate 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 16 different ID messages. Among the reasons that entry is denied are that a person's ID card is invalid or not registered, access is authorized on certain days only or access is denied at that location. A green display will say "pass" and access is authorized. 

In addition to showing if access is authorized or denied, the scanner allows a gate guard to see a detail view that provides more information about the card holder - ID number, ID type, age, weight, height, eye color, hair color and gender. The photo of the card holder will be an image taken when the card was registered in DBIDS. 

DBIDS is already operational at some bases in Europe, Southwest Asia, Asia and the continental United States, including Andrews AFB, Md., Charleston AFB, S.C., and Barksdale AFB, La. 

Maj. Frank Hellstern, 12th SFS commander, said DBIDS, which he called "primarily a force protection measure," will become the standard at all Air Force bases and eventually throughout the Department of Defense. 

"As the system matures, additional databases will be incorporated so that registration at one base will be valid for all bases," he said. "Additionally, the 12th SFS guards will have access to a multitude of DoD and state databases." 

Mr. Vickers said DBIDS will initially allow for regional access, meaning Randolph card holders will be registered at Lackland as well. 

He said Randolph card holders should register their cards during the voluntary registration period, which he said may begin early next year. 

"We encourage people to take advantage of that opportunity," Mr. Vickers said. "I think the system will be a benefit to everyone. It will give us better control over base entry." 

Major Hellstern said DBIDS "will ensure we provide the safest and most secure environment for all who work and live on Randolph Air Force Base."