FORT SILL, Okla. -- Below are frequently asked questions regarding installation access changes expected to be in effect in late January:
1: Are you trying to keep the public out of Fort Sill?
Absolutely not. Lawton and Fort Sill are one community with more than 100 years of friendship and tradition that will continue to grow. It's unfortunate that these times include security threats to our military installations around the world. Fort Sill is working to strike that fine balance between protecting the soldiers, families and employees on post with the public access our surrounding community partners have always enjoyed.
2. How will this affect graduations? Do you expect every family member to get some kind of identification?
While exceptions will be made for large scale special events such as concerts and larger sporting events, graduations will likely require that the same vetting procedures are followed for adult family members attending. The Air Force routinely holds basic military training graduation on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland that adheres to standard base access procedures and is well-attended. Having family members make prior coordination on-line with the Fort Sill Visitor Control Center will be key to minimizing delays for visiting families without DoD-issued identification.
3. Will this mean a return to DoD decals or stickers for soldier/DoD employee vehicles?
Not likely. Some Army installations with controlled access procedures continue to use these, most of which have done so since prior to 2001. With the access requirements currently in place, their ability to expedite entry at gates is more limited than before 2001 and may no longer prove cost-effective.
4. Why is the Visitor Control Center being put at the Bentley (Sheridan Road) Gate?
The Bentley Gate entry made sense. Traffic flow patterns near the I-44 off ramps did not lend themselves to safely managing visitor traffic near Key Gate. While it may not be the closest to I-44, Bentley Gate's long entry lanes and room to accommodate a continuously operated Visitor Control Center resulted in its selection. Fort Sill is currently working with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to erect highway directional and informational signs that will lead visitors to Bentley Gate.
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