JBSA-Fort Sam Houston –
The Department of Defense and the armed services recently issued guidance and directives for operating under sequestration.
These directives restrict our ability to sustain installation support services at current levels of performance due to overtime limitations, potential civilian furloughs and reduced levels of funding.
We don't anticipate the fiscal situation improving anytime in the near future.
Unfortunately, these fiscal limitations have direct impact on the JBSA-Fort Sam Houston community and will come in the form of reduced operating hours at entry control points (gates), as well as some gate closures and the possibility of reduced security patrols in lower risk areas on JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.
We will implement these reductions and closures in three phases (as outlined below) over the next 45 days:
Phase 1 (Goes into effect June 2):
· Wilson Gate will operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will be closed on weekends and holidays.
· The San Antonio Military Medical Center Beach Gate will operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will be closed on weekends and holidays.
· Harry Wurzbach West Gate will be closed until further notice.
· New Braunfels Gate (outbound only) will operate Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Phase 2 (Goes into effect June 16):
· Holbrook Gate will be closed until further notice.
· Nursery Gate will operate daily from 6 a.m.to 10 p.m.
· Winans Gate will operate daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
· Jadwin Gate posting will be reduced and privately owned vehicles will no longer be allowed to access at this location.
Phase 3 (Goes into effect June 30):
· Personnel posted at all remaining gates will be reduced.
· Security patrols may be reduced as available manpower dictates.
We realize these phases represent a dramatic change for our customers and are sensitive to the impacts. Therefore, as each phase is implemented, we will continually assess the impact to base traffic and the surrounding San Antonio community.
Should we determine the impact of our implementation to be adverse, we may be able to adjust our plan within the fiscal limits dictated to us.
Finally, in conjunction with Phase 3, we will begin implementation of visitor center operations at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston. This move is the next step in the implementation of Public Law and Department of Defense directives requiring us to properly vet and credential contractors, vendors and visitors accessing JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.
As this phase is implemented, people without authorized access credentials will be required to stop at a visitor center prior to entering JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.
Personnel with military, dependent and government civilian identification cards can sponsor visitors to JBSA-Fort Sam Houston or any location within JBSA. For more information regarding visitor rules and procedures, call 221-0213 or 221-2570.