FORT SILL, Okla. (April 16, 2015) -- In business for about six weeks, operations are moving smoothly at the new Fort Sill Visitor Control Center.
That's what Col. Glenn Waters, Fort Sill Garrison commander, said as he gave a VCC update briefing April 7, at Sheridan Theater.
"Most people are pretty happy with the service," said Waters, referring to customer feedback he has received. "Still there are some that are upset because they came at a peak time, or their paperwork was incomplete or they were turned away because of felony."
Waters reminds visitors they must have a photo ID along with the Fort Sill Form-118a "Request for unescorted installation visitor to Fort Sill" to gain entry to the post. Visitors are granted four-day, 30-day or one-year passes depending on their need. The temporary pass allows them to enter the post though any gate.
The colonel stressed that Fort Sill is not a closed post trying to turn away people, and that he encourages visitors.
"We want you to come on post, on a safe environment," Waters said. Facilities open to the public include the museums, golf course and other recreational areas, the clubs, the thrift store and the stray animal facility.
The change in post access is to comply with a presidential mandate to increase security standards at DoD installations. It requires all adult visitors without a DoD-issued identification card to go through a background check before gaining access to a military installation.
If a visitor is the driver of a vehicle and under age 18, he or she is also required to go through the VCC. There are no changes for post access for those with DoD-issued cards, including Common Access Cards, and family members and military retirees.
The VCC is open 24/7, however, that will change as non-use hours are identified, the colonel said. Waters will make his recommendation of closure hours to the commanding general.
Though he declined to give specific numbers, the colonel said the heavy traffic times at the VCC are weekday mornings between 8:30 and 10:30. Wednesdays and Thursdays are busy, too, because of families coming in for Basic Combat Training graduations.
Since its opening, more than 15 people with criminal backgrounds for various reasons have been identified trying to enter the post. They were detained and turned over to civilian law enforcement officials, Waters said.
"Yes, we are stopping criminals from coming on post," Waters said responding to a query.
People who are denied entry to the post, are afforded an appeal process. Waters reviews each appeal and has the authority to approve it.
The garrison commander concluded by thanking visitors for their patience. Waters will give another VCC update to the public in mid-May in a town hall meeting at Fort Sill.
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