ID Scan

Staff Sgt. Douglas Olsen, 62nd Communications Squadron, pauses at the front gate while U.S. Protect contractor Erica Green scans his ID before allowing access on base in June. The use of the hand-held scanner defense identification system here was recently suspended in compliance with a request from the Office of the Secretary of Defense that all uniformed services utilizing Mobilisa take it offline until further notice. (Photo by Abner Guzman.)

Base gate entry procedures change

Published Feb. 22, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The use of the hand-held scanner defense identification system at McChord was recently suspended in compliance with a request from the Office of the Secretary of Defense that all uniformed services utilizing Mobilisa take it offline until further notice.

One hundred percent ID checks are still being performed and IDs are required for all vehicle occupants ages 16 and up, according to the 62nd Security Forces Squadron. Currently all escorted and unescorted visitors must obtain a visitor's pass from either the Visitor Control Center at the main gate or the Pass and Identification office in the customer service mall in Building 100.

The scanners, which had been in use since June, ran the bar codes of common access cards and state-issued driver's licenses against national law enforcement databases and McChord's personnel- exclusion roster.

"Hopefully, we will be able to use the system again in the near future," said Maj. David Lederer, 62nd SFS.

At other local installations, gate guards are also keeping an eye out for current base decals. While drivers no longer need a decal, known as DD Form 2220, to pass through McChord's gates, it is still highly recommended to have one, Major Lederer said.

Although displaying the decal is optional here, it is still a requirement at other local installations such as Fort Lewis. Decals are available here at the Visitor Control Center and the Pass and Identification office.