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Post increases gate security: New policy at Fort Lewis mandates all over age 16 have identification ready

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FORT LEWIS, Wash. --  Beginning today, every adult entering Fort Lewis through one of the installation gates must show a valid photo identification card or be sponsored onto the post at the visitor's center.

In a recent message to the field, the Army's leadership renewed its emphasis on access to installations, directing focused attention on physical security and installation access.

"We're not responding to a specific threat, and we generally don't discuss our force protection measures in any case," said Steve Perrenot, deputy to the garrison commander.

"However, this renewed emphasis on security will likely slow access to the installation during some peak periods. We're asking for everyone's patience as we work to keep our people and our post secure."

All adults 16 or older in a vehicle will be required to present photo identification to gate guards when entering the installation.

If any adult in the vehicle does not have valid photo identification, the group must go to the installation visitor's center at the main gate, where the military sponsor accompanying the group will sign in the visitor without an ID.

All vehicles without Defense Department registration stickers will be directed to the visitor's center to get a temporary passes.

Adult visitors who are not accompanied by a valid sponsor and who have no connection to the military, such as those visiting the Fort Lewis Military Museum, must possess some sort of photo identification in order to get onto Fort Lewis.

In addition, they will have to sign in at the visitor's center.

"If you're approaching our gates, please have your ID cards ready, and if you're bringing visitors with you, please make sure they have ID cards or go to the visitor's center first to sign in," Mr. Perrenot said. "These simple steps will go a long way toward reducing wait times at the gate and help us keep Fort Lewis a safe place to live, work and visit."

Mr. Perrenot also advised drivers on the installation to use Pendleton underpass when traveling between main post and North Fort Lewis to reduce traffic at the main and North Fort Lewis gates.

(Article courtesy of the Northwest Guardian.)