Advanced identification system coming to Andrews

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steve Lewis
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  459th Air Refueling Wing personnel will soon be affected by a new system used at the gates here, which will further control base access and protect its personnel and property.

The upcoming measure, called the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS), is an advanced force protection enhancement tool that helps to identify personnel entering bases. DBIDS is designed to digitally authenticate individuals through different means, including photographs, identifying information like a person's height and weight, and fingerprints. That biometric information is collected by base security personnel and stored in a central database. Gate guards and security forces specialists can then access that information using a wireless scanning device, which gathers information from Common Access Cards. As long as the biometric information on the database matches up with an individual's CAC, he or she will be authorized access to the base.

Many Department of Defense installations worldwide are currently using DBIDS and Joint Base Andrews will follow suit this August. In fact, starting Aug. 2nd, the active-duty 11th Security Forces Squadron here will first scan 25 percent of personnel entering the base to determine if he or she has registered their information in the DBIDS database. This scanning percentage will then increase to 100 percent by the end of September, once everyone who works and normally visits the base has had a chance to register their information.

To register in DBIDS, 459 ARW servicemembers and family members over age 16 with base access need to proceed to the Visitor Control Center here, which is located just prior to the Main Gate on Robert M. Bond Dr.

The VCC is normally open Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for full time personnel, but will now have special Unit Training Assembly hours on Sundays to help Reserve members here get registered. Those Sunday dates are May 15, June 5, July 17 and Aug. 14. The hours of operations during the Sunday of the UTA will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Personnel must bring his or her CAC, driver's license, contractor badge (if applicable) and dependent card in order to register. Any full time 459 ARW members are encouraged to register during the week when the VCC is normally open. Retirees and dependents can proceed to the VCC any time before Sept. 9.

Tech Sgt. Bryant Hamlor, 459th Security Forces Squadron security manager, said that DBIDS will aid as a preventative measure to identify potential threats to the base and its personnel.
"Once DBIDS is implemented DoD-wide, it will provide another layer of force protection linked together across all installations. Because of the biometric data that is taken, the person controlling entry here will be provided with vital information that is currently not available on a CAC," Sergeant Hamlor said.

In order to help streamline the registration process, the 11 SFS has put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions for individuals wanting to learn more about the new security measure:

Who needs to register?
Every DoD ID card holder requesting access to Joint Base Andrews will need to be registered. This includes military, retirees, DoD contractors, dependents, and civilians (Air Force and other federal agencies) affiliated with Joint Base Andrews who need access to the installation.

Where can I register and have my ID card scanned?
Joint Base Andrews Visitor Control Center located in front of the Main Gate, Bldg 1832 Robert M. Bond Dr.

What do I bring with me when I register?
Your DoD ID cards. If you have multiple ones bring them. Example, you are retired, but are a contractor on base. Both cards need to be registered.

Why must I register in person?
Your fingerprint is the vital piece of registration for biometric identification. This process is completed in about 5 - 7 minutes.

Why do I need my DOD ID card if you've swiped my fingerprint?
Will you scan my fingerprint when you scan my ID card? No, typically only your ID card will be scanned. Your fingerprints are only used during the registration process and are an added security feature for personal identification.

Further questions: contact the Visitor Control Center, 11 SFS, at 301-981-0689

(Editor's Note: 11th Wing Public Affairs and 11 SFS contributed to this story)