Military Base Entry Checks

I have believed for years. I was a dependent for more than 8yrs and active duty for 20, and always thought the stickers were ridiculous. Before the 100% ID check anyone could just get a vehicle with the decal and get onto base. In 2006 the Air Force saw the waste of funds requiring the decal. 100% ID check is much better that the decal. Money spent to print the DD form, time to issue it and personnel used was saved. The Air Force has saved millions. The other services have failed to realize that stopping in showing ID is better. HQ Air Combat Command at Langley VA was the first to do it. A decal on a vehicle means nothing

I beg to differ. The ID check along with the Decal, gives a extra measure of security. the first point is, that it assures the person who is applying for the Decal has insurance. People trying to enter without an ID, must have there vehicles checked, which is another measure of security. You can not get a new decal unless you scrap the old one off the car. Anyone who sells a car with the ID, is careless, and should have to pay a fine. The ID check alone is only as good as the people checking them. I have handed mine over, and have only had the person glance at it. The worse is that they have on many occasions not turned the card over to check the expiration. I feel using both, can be a more fail safe, precaution.... The cost should never be in question when it is being spent on security. I do respect your view, but I just feel with hearing of terrorists, being arrested more frequently, we can't be too careful................

I mentioned this in my recent Barksdale AFB FamCAmp review. Barksdale has initiated a new ID check on top of the visual ID card check at the gates.(I'm told it will be AF wide by yr's end) It requires every ID card holder to re-register w/ Pass & ID. This time you're not registering the auto however-it's you. Fingerprints, photos, the whole works. When you go in the gate the "rent-a-cop" (another gripe of mine) runs your ID card through a hand held scanner. If you're not registered, NO entry. ID card, decal, uniform or what. No entry. I asked, but of course nobody local had the "answer"; why in the heck do I have to re-register IF I alreay have a valid ID card ? The AF may have saved millions, But they've spent it all now on this new, gee-whiz system. I think it's stupid---but especially since the 3 times I went in w/ my wife to get it done..."the system was down". I'm at Kings Bay Sub Base now. Talk about security!! I just registered my truck here so I'd have a current sticker for Army, Navy & MC bases. No one here knew anything about the new AF system. Go figure ?

Did search and this site www.randolph.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123166589 says Randolph is using it. Any search on Entry scanner system will also give info on bases using it.

I asked the base I go to (Dyess AFB TX/Abilene) and they said they won't use it because they do not have the money. They do not have any camping so that may help you guys. But if you are on the road they do have a newly enlarged commisary and new BX.

As you said go figure.

We are at Lackland now on our way to Mission for the winter. This base only checks the drivers ID when going through the gate. In fact as mentioned before they hardly even turn the card over for the expiration date. They don't care who is riding with you here. They also didn't check the RV when going through the gate.

Bill,
I to take issue with the "rent a cop". There have been times when they stand there talking and act like it is an inconvenience to stop and look at ID's. It is obvious that they have "it is just a job" attitude.

Now for the new system that was mentioned, boy will that be a pain. It is great for security, but if you are traveling it will be a nightmare.

It would be nice if all the bases would get on the same page. The branches act as if they represent different countries at times. The lack of consistency, and the complaint about a lack of money, should never be an excuse for protecting our military bases.