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Base access changing due to Real ID Act

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  • By Staff Reports
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

NOTICE: The Department of Defense 90 day grace period for states that do not comply with the Real ID Act by Oct. 10, 2016 has expired and will take effect Jan. 30, 2017. Individuals with a state-issued identification card or driver's license from Minnesota, Montana, Missouri, Maine and Washington, will no longer be able to gain access to the installation without a second official form of identification (with picture) or an approved escort. For a complete list of states that do not meet the requirement, please visit the Department of Homeland Security website. https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-enforcement-brief

 

Beginning Jan. 30, individuals with a state-issued identification card or driver’s license from Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Maine and Washington will no longer be able to access F.E. Warren Air Force Base without an approved escort present at all times while on the installation.

This procedural change falls in line with the Real ID Act requirements, which focus on improving the reliability of state-issued identification documents and help prevent a person’s ability to evade detection by using a fraudulent form of identification.

“By complying with this requirement, we are ensuring our base continues to remain safe and secure,” said Senior Master Sgt. Joe Valois, 90th Security Forces Squadron superintendent. “We have implemented processes so that visitors without authorized documentation are still able to access the base with a valid escort.” 

While the above mentioned IDs do not meet security and data-collection guidelines and will not be accepted to enter the base, alternate forms of identification will be allowed. Some more common alternatives include the following: a valid U.S. or foreign government-issued passport; an employment authorization document that contains a photograph; or ID cards issued by federal, state or local government agencies that include a photo and biographic information.  

Those who do not have acceptable documentation will not be permitted to enter the base without an approved escort. Individuals must fill out an Air Force form 75 at the gate one visitor’s center off Randall Avenue with their escort. If the visitor’s center is closed, gate one security forces personnel will be able to issue the authorized form.  

“If an individual is escorted, the sponsor is required to be physically present with the individual for the duration of the visit to the base,” said Lt. Col. Tony Castillo, branch chief of police services.

In addition to requiring an escort, according to Air Force officials, all individuals without proper identification attempting to gain access to an Air Force installation without a Department of Defense ID card will be subject to a routine background check.

 “Installation commanders may still deny access and issuance of access credentials if their background check determines the individual represents a threat or negatively impacts the safety or security of an installation’s personnel or resources,” Castillo said.

During the background check, if it is determined by a criminal history screening that an individual has derogatory information that may present a threat to good order, discipline or the health and safety of the base, he or she will be denied access and not permitted to enter, even with an escort. Such derogatory information may include, but is not limited, to the following: active warrants; barred from entering F. E. Warren AFB or other federal installations and facilities; felony convictions; registered sex offenders; espionage convictions; sabotage; treason; terrorism; murder; felony firearms; explosives violations or armed robberies.

For a full list of Real ID Act compliant and non-complaint states, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website. Please contact the 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs office at (307) 773-3381 with any questions.