Military Base Entry Checks

Being an old "SKY COP" can tell you that in days of old, decals were the only means of IDing a vehicle owner on a military installation. With the Advent of computers and the Law Enforcement network it is no longer needed. All military police can access the registration data base across the country. It's the same system state and local police use to ID the vehicle owner when they 'run' a vehicle license number.

The use no longer justifies the expense. Not only the expense of printing, issuing and maintaining data on decals, but the 'time' required of the military member.

Time is money and time away from training is a waste.

Have a relative at Fort Campbell and the Army is still behind the times need sticker or pass. No one the services are losing money that they can be using for more important things.

There are many good reasons for not using stickers, and they have been offered on this subject. My problem is that some of the bases, only glanced at our ID's. I have been really concerned, because they did not even turn over the card to see if it had expired. This happened at bases that had contracted guards at the gates. One time we went out to get a movie and in my rush to leave forgot my purse, with my ID. I expected a big hassle, my husband had an ID, I didn't. They did not even ask. I see the stickers, as a check and balance precaution. I don't see that there should ever be a price put on out military bases security. I think the system of security at our bases should be double checked and revisited.

I just read this article, in the Sound Off, the newspaper for Ft Meade. We will be heading there next week, so I wanted to read there paper. I did so Online, and boy am I relieved. Finally someone has noticed........... Here it is.
Sound Off!
October 17, 2009

News
Saturday, October 17
Post travelers endure delays for stepped up security
Drivers pass through the visitor gate at Reece Road Tuesday morning. Traffic flow and the Demps Visitor Control Center have been slowed due to an increase in required inspections and vehicle registrations.
Two mornings of traffic congestion at Fort Meade's gates last week were brought about by a heightened level of post security and enforcement of a regulation that requires people who live, work or frequent the installation to register their vehicle to gain post access.

Police Chief Charles McGee, acting director of the Directorate of Emergency Services at Fort Meade, said the DES and its security contractors stepped up efforts to enforce Army Regulation 190-5 and found that many Department of Defense civilians did not have the required vehicle decals, nor did contractors have the required...
visitor's badges.

The regulation requires employees, residents and military retirees to register their vehicle at the Demps Visitor Control Center within five working days upon arriving or working on the installation. Failure to register a vehicle creates a security threat and may delay or prohibit entry onto the installation.

McGee said the long lines at the Mapes Road and Reece Road gates on Oct. 7 and 8 between 7 and 8 a.m. were caused mostly by incoming traffic redirected for vehicle inspections required for vehicles not registered with the VCC before entering the post.

Celia Araujo, lead clerk at the VCC, said that to register a vehicle, DoD employees are required to bring their current registration, insurance, driver's license and government issued identification card to the center.

All drivers who are getting decals for a vehicle not registered in their name are required to present a power of attorney, said Eugene Wallace, Demps VCC supervisor. He also suggested that drivers double check the coverage dates on their insurance cards.

"People are bringing in insurance cards that cover dates starting in November," he said. "We can't accept that, so they have to get faxes or go back home. It takes up a lot of time and makes the wait longer for the people behind them."

The VCC was open Saturday to allow people to register their vehicles. About 140 people took advantage of the opportunity.

McGee said that until further notice, people who do not adhere to the regulation must submit to a vehicle inspection.

The VCC is open for vehicle registration weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information about registering a vehicle on Fort Meade, call 301-677-1064/1065.

Llewellyn gate available

To ease congestion, the Llewellyn Avenue gate is temporarily open weekdays from 6 to 8 a.m. for personnel with DoD decals.

Pity Army is still behind times. There is another post saying Fort Meade MD directed everyone within the last month to get them.

timetotravel wrote:

Pity Army is still behind times. There is another post saying Fort Meade MD directed everyone within the last month to get them.

I'm sorry could you explain this more... Do you think that the windshield ID, should be done away with? Do you think Ft Meade is behind, because they are making sure the vehicles entering have one? I really feel it is a good thing, as I mentioned before. Ft Meade is the home of NSA, and all an any security should, be used. We know that there are people out there that want to harm us, why make it easier. I have seen pizza delivery man who looked middle t eastern go through the gate.
I for one am very glad, that they are stepping up security. I don't think it has anything to do with the "Army" being behind......