D-M to implement DBIDS as part of base entry protocol

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. James Harrison
  • 355th Security Forces Squadron
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Access to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is going high tech!

In the near future, gate guards will begin using the Defense Biometric Identification System to scan ID cards to validate authorization to enter D-M.

DBIDS installation is scheduled to begin in November. Registration is a quick and simple process; it only requires the ID card holder to scan their ID upon entering the base and registration is complete. DBIDS recognizes all Department of Defense-issued identification cards, such as the common access cards, dependent or retiree identification cards, and Federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) compliant cards.

For those without DoD credentials, DBIDS cards will be issued to vendors and other civilians who require access to a DoD installation, but do not qualify for a CAC. The temporary cards have an expiration date embedded in their data.

Gate guards will use handheld scanners to electronically scan ID cards as an enhancement to a visual inspection. The scanners will be wirelessly connected to a DoD database where identity is stored. The database will include biometric data such as eye color, weight and other physical identifying information from the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.

The scan should take about the same amount of time as a visual inspection, but will make it easier to detect individuals who should not be on base as well as finding people in an emergency.

If a member is barred from the base, information will come up immediately on the scanner to alert the gate guard. This system is an integral part of a DoD plan to improve force protection throughout the department.

DBIDS is new to Davis-Monthan, but it has been in use in other DoD locations in the United States and abroad since 2001. In Arizona, Luke AFB has recently implemented DBIDS.

DBIDS works. From January to June 2011, more than 14 million CACs were scanned using DBIDS in the continental U.S. Of those, DBIDS identified more than 600,000 personnel trying to enter bases without proper authorization, including members using expired, suspended or duplicate CACs.

The goal is to provide Davis-Monthan with a quantum increase in force protection capabilities for DoD personnel and resources.