Editor's note: This is the first article in a series to help explain how JBM-HH will upgrade access oversight to increase safety and security as directed by the Secretary of the Army -- and how these upgrades will impact visitors and certain government contractors who seek access to all three portions of JBM-HH.
Future visitors to Army installations will be subject to a National Crime Information Center (NCIC) background check. Visitors with issues such as an outstanding arrest warrant, recent felony conviction or being listed in the Terrorist Screening Database will not be allowed access, and if appropriate, will be turned over to legal authorities.
Federal workers and Department of Defense ID card holders will experience the fewest delays and will not be affected in this phase of access upgrade measures said JBM-HH Provost Marshal Lt. Col. Macedonio Molina. "But, this phase is likely to increase traffic delays at access control points," he said, "and we want the community to be aware of that possibility."
A phased approach
Initially, changes to visitor access and credentialing measures will include identification card checks for anyone seeking access to the joint base, according to Tracie Miller, physical security specialist at JBM-HH's Directorate of Emergency Services.
"There are some fundamental access rules across all installations, but every individual installation is unique and has specific missions; there will be some differentials based on that," she said.
"What will be seen across all installations is a tightening of security measures.
"The installation does provide a vast amount of service to our community members," said Miller. "We want to make sure we balance that and provide the best customer service possible and the best security we can to ensure the safety of our community."
Those who do not qualify for a DoD-issued ID card -- such as non-DoD contractors and visitors -- have the opportunity now to register, said Miller, by undergoing a vetting process at JBM-HH's Visitor Control Center at Fort Myer's Building 415 to avoid on-the-spot background checks every time they seek entry, which can delay or even prevent access.
"When a person is vetted, they are vetted on multiple data systems," said Miller. "There are currently 11 qualifying factors to deny installation access." Those factors include having a felony or firearms conviction within the last 10 years or being barred from another federal installation, for example.
Make it easy: Register for access
Joint base officials urge those who frequent the base and do not have a DoD-issued ID card (examples are people who volunteer on the joint base on a regular basis, Thrift Shop visitors, nannies, vendors and delivery persons) to register now to avoid long waits and even possibly being turned away. These same folks can get an Automated Installation Entry (AIE) pass for a specified period of time, based on their need for joint base access.
Gate designations
Hatfield Gate -- Washington Boulevard at South 2nd Street, Arlington, on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base and Second Street Gate -- 2nd Street, south of P Street on the Fort McNair portion, will be the designated access points for non-DoD ID card holders and commercial delivery vehicles starting Feb. 16.
"We do anticipate higher wait times at those gates due to the vetting process that will need to occur," Miller said.
The way ahead
Look for more details in the next Pentagram access control policy article which will include a Questions and Answers section and how access for special events -- like Twilight Tattoo and The U.S. Army Band concerts -- will be handled.
"We greatly appreciate patience as we take our policies and implement and adjust them for maximum efficiency on the customer service and security spectrum," Miller said.
Joint base directorates or agencies that would like a briefing on the access changes by the Directorate of Emergency Services can call Miller at 703-696-5213.
Additionally, a list of frequently asked questions on the policy upgrades will be posted to the JBM-HH website at www.army.mil/jbmhh in the near future.
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