1. The gate is open for pedestrian use only, not for vehicular traffic. While pedestrians can access a recently-installed controlled access entry point near Henry Gate (located off of Arlington Boulevard and Pershing Drive), the gate itself remains closed to all traffic. Instead, JBM-HH has installed an Enhanced Security Pedestrian Gate, or "ESPG" -- a black booth that is automated and equipped to grant access to authorized DoD ID card holders through use of a card-swiping device and biometrics system.
2. Entry restricted, exiting unlimited. The ESPG requires authorized persons to swipe their DoD ID cards to access the inside of the ESPG. Once the person is inside the booth, they must use a biometrics pad for fingerprint verification to open the second door leading to access of the joint base. Further, motion sensors inside the booth detect movement and mass, so attempting to sneak in an extra person, or carrying large objects may trigger the ESPG system to prevent access. To avoid this, people should enter the booth one at a time, minimize movement inside the booth, and avoid carrying large objects. If you have small children, you can enter via this gate--just follow the instructions inside the booth. Anyone can use the Henry Gate ESPG to exit Fort Myer. When exiting the joint base through the ESPG, no identification or verification is necessary--simply follow the directions posted on the booth and exit. Additionally, multiple persons can exit the booth at the same time.
3. Registration required. "Authorized DoD ID cards" to use the Henry Gate ESPG include DoD Common Access Cards (CACs), as well as military retiree ID cards (DD Form 2, contains bar codes on back) and dependent DoD ID cards. Still, these cards must be first registered at the JBM-HH Visitor Control Center before the cards can be used at the Henry Gate ESPG. The VCC is located at Bldg. 415 on the Fort Myer portion of JBM-HH. The VCC is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached at 703-696-8968. Additionally, a person's fingerprints will be scanned during this registration process. Those with Automated Installation Entry--or "AIE"--passes or those using any other form of non-DoD ID cannot access JBM-HH via the Henry Gate ESPG. These individuals must continue to use one of the other gates to access JBM-HH.
4. Why use the Henry Gate ESPG? The new ESPG access control point provides access between JBM-HH and Arlington for Soldiers and other authorized DoD ID card holders. Just beyond the Henry Gate ESPG is a Metro Bus stop; across the street are numerous local businesses, including restaurants. The reopening is a win-win for base personnel and some Arlington businesses that are a stone's throw across Arlington Boulevard from Henry Gate. In short, personnel will be able to walk out the gate, catch a bus or visit the nearby shops. Soldiers and other personnel no longer have to use Hatfield Gate to access areas located just beyond the fence dividing Arlington County and JBM-HH at the Pershing Drive/Arlington Boulevard intersection.
5. Attention, all cabbies! An added benefit with the installation of the Henry Gate ESPG is access to new transportation methods for JBM-HH personnel. Soldiers can call and coordinate for a cab ride or other private ride service to pick them up just outside the gate. However, JBM-HH and Arlington County law enforcement officials ask that personnel coordinate such rides so that cabs and other vehicles are not waiting outside the gate for too long as vehicles idling near the fence line could invoke suspicion from local law enforcement. Instead, personnel who use the Henry Gate ESPG should be ready to immediately depart in the cab/vehicle, thereby minimizing wait time as well as potential suspicion by law enforcement. Finally, cab drivers and others waiting to pick up personnel exiting the Henry Gate ESPG should do so at the right turning lane that leads into the actual Henry Gate entry point (see above graphic).
For more information, contact the JBM-HH Directorate of Emergency Services at 703-588-2801.
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