Fort Drum officials announce changes to gate access procedures

By Michelle Kennedy, Staff WriterDecember 18, 2014

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The Lt. Gen. Paul Cerjan / Main Gate off I-781 and U.S. Route 11 is one of Fort Drum's three visitor gates. Beginning Jan. 15, non-DOD ID card holders only will be allowed access as a "trusted traveler" or with a sponsor through the Cerjan, Gas... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Beginning Jan. 15, motorists who wish to access Fort Drum may notice some changes to the requirements to enter the post. Similar changes are being implemented across the Department of Army. Non-DOD ID card holders must have a "bona fide need" to enter the installation, according to Charlie Childs, Directorate of Emergency Services physical security officer. Verification of this need will require a DOD ID card holder (sponsor) to acknowledge and sponsor any guests who do not possess a DOD ID card.

Sponsors must be 18 or older, to include Soldiers, Family Members, retirees and their spouses, Civilian Employees and contractors who possess a DOD ID card. Sponsors may choose to either meet their guest at a visitor gate -- Lt. Gen. Paul Cerjan / Main gate, Gas Alley gate or the Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield gate -- to sign for them, or they can plan ahead and submit a written request to the DES Access Control office in advance, Childs said.

"Sponsors are responsible for everything their guests do on the installation," he said.

Visitors who wish to bring their vehicle on post must have a valid driver's license, registration and insurance.

DOD ID card holders can pre-coordinate for visitors by applying for a pass in advance through the Access Control Office. Sponsors who wish to pre-coordinate a visit must submit the request a minimum of 72 hours before their visitors arrive to allow ample time to process the application. Individuals may contact the sergeant or captain of the guard at 772-8392 / 9959. Sponsors will be required to submit the Sponsorship Application, Childs said. Applications will be available online at www.drum.-army.mil.

Fort Drum also will initiate the Trusted Traveler Program on Jan. 15.

"The Trusted Traveler Program allows DOD ID card holders 18 or older who meet the sponsor requirements to vouch for all non-DoD ID card holders in their own vehicle, except for foreign visitors," Childs said.

All personnel in the vehicle, 18 or older, will be required to provide an official form of photo identification (i.e. driver's license, government-issued ID, school ID card, passport, etc.). "Foreign nationals who are not on official orders must be issued a pass and be escorted by their sponsors from the time they come on post to the time they leave the gate," Childs said.

Authorized sponsors must have a DOD ID card on their person when entering the installation. Those who do not have a DOD ID card in their possession at the time of entry will be required to go to one of Fort Drum's three visitor gates to be vetted before entering the installation.

Individuals with DES-approved passes may enter any gate, except the access control point on 45th Infantry Division Drive, which is open to DOD ID card holders only, Childs added.

Contract agencies that are located on the installations are being notified of the changes. Contractors who do not possess a DOD ID card or Rapid Gate pass will not be allowed on post without a sponsor, Childs said. Special procedures will be in place for Mountainfest and other special events that are open to the surrounding communities.