LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Drivers can expect delays at all the base gates if registration numbers for the new Defense Biometric Identification System don't begin to increase soon, according to installation security officials.
DBIDS, a new identity authentication and force protection program, is being implemented across the Department of Defense.
Through mid-March, only 11,000 of a targeted 55,000 have completed the process. A June 30 deadline to complete the mass registrations was set by Air Education and Training Command.
Registration by unit began here in mid-January for all military and civilians with Common Access Cards or DoD-issued ID card holders and their dependents.
According to base security officials, the new security system will be activated later this year.
Persons not registered in the system will be denied entrance to the base and directed to one of the visitor centers for registration. Waits could be up to two hours and limited parking space at the centers will impede traffic flow through the gates.
"I can't stress enough the importance of registering during scheduled unit times," said Lisa Frantz, 802nd Security Forces Squadron installation security chief.
"AETC has set a very strict timeline for us to complete this process. Failure to register during those assigned times could result in long delays at the registration locations. More importantly, not registering will impact those already in the system (who have to sit through) traffic delays at the gates."
To register in DBIDS, a CAC or other DoD-issued ID card is scanned into the system. The cardholder's information is verified and an electronic fingerprint is taken. The process takes about five minutes per person, the time dependent on how much information has to be entered.
The system allows a gate guard to use a hand-held wireless scanner on the bar codes of CAC cards and DBIDS-issued credentials. The scanners will instantly identify who the person is and whether or not they're allowed on base. All active duty, family members, DoD contractors and retirees - anyone with permanent base access - will register into the system.
In addition to providing personal information at the point of entry, DBIDS will notify guards about lost or stolen ID cards, individuals barred from the base, or persons sought for an emergency or key response notification.
Ms. Frantz said unit registrations were initially good. However, registration rates have dropped during the past month. The projected rate of 2,100 registrations weekly has dropped below 1,600, and some weeks to 1,300.
"In order for these security measures to be effective, everyone who works and lives at Lackland at some point will be assigned a registration time," said Ms. Frantz. "The only IDs in the system that will allow base access will be CACs, retiree and dependent (Teslin) cards and DBIDS cards or passes.
"We need a huge push during the next three months to hit our goal. We're not going to get there at the current rate, and if the majority of the base is not registered by June 30, the anticipated delays when the system is activated will definitely affect the mission."
Registration areas and number of machines are Pass and Registration, Bldg. 5616, four; Wilford Hall Medical Center, ninth floor, one; and Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency, Security Hill, Bldg. 2017, one.
Persons who missed their assigned registration can still register. Ms. Frantz said waits are likely at those locations but would be minimal compared to the delays of not registering before the system is activated.
For registration questions, contact Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Parks at 671-7249, Tech. Sgt. Crystal Ruppenkamp at 671-7248 or e-mail the DBIDS inbox at
802sfs.dbids@us.af.mil.