USAG Daegu debuts ESPG for Camp George

<strong>DAEGU GARRISON, Republic of Korea</strong> - U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Daegu unveiled their new Enhanced Security Pedestrian Gate (ESPG) on Camp George, Sept. 30.

USAG Daegu Commander, Col. Terry D. Hodges cut the ribbon and used the ESPG, located at Camp George's gate 10, for the first time.

The Camp George ESPG becomes the first operational electronically-operated pedestrian gate on a Korea garrison and allows for an unmanned access point while maintaining community force protection standards. Significantly, this means that residents of Camp George will have easier pedestrian access while the Garrison maintains its award-winning standards for keeping the community safe and secure.

"Opening this gate to allow easier access, while maintaining security standards, speaks directly to what we do as a Garrison - namely, provide a safe and secure installation to live and work in, and enhance the community well-being," said Hodges. "I could not be more proud of the Garrison team from the Directorate of Emergency Services and the Directorate of Public Works which came together to make this happen. I invite everyone from the community to enjoy this unique gate here on Camp George."

Operation of the gate is simple, and detailed instructions are posted at entry and access points. From outside the installation you swipe your CAC or other Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS)-registered identification card, which opens the outside door. Once you enter the gate, and close that door, you place your finger (which you registered in DBIDS with the ID card) into the biometric reader. Your fingerprint is scanned and, if accepted, the door to the installation then opens.

Residents on Camp George can rest easy that although the gate is not manned, security of the installation remains a primary consideration, according to USAG Daegu Director of Emergency Services Robert Nelson.

"It's exciting that we can provide this access with nearly a zero impact on our work force," said Nelson. "Since operation of the gate is automatic, no personnel are tied up operating the access systems. Every entrance and exit through the gate is monitored at the Military Police (MP) desk by closed circuit television, and each event is additionally electronically recorded for later review."

The ESPG at gate 10 on Camp George will remain in operation 24/7.