Fairchild implements new base entry system

Published March 29, 2012
By Scott King
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- People may be noticing minor delays entering the base in recent days, and there's a reason for it. Fairchild security forces implemented the Defense Biometric Identification System March 19. DBIDS is a Department of Defense identity authentication and force protection tool used to scan bar codes and biometrics on DOD identification cards and Common Access Cards of people entering the base.

To verify the identity of individuals presenting theses cards at entry control points, DBIDS interfaces with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, which contains more than 23 million records pertaining to active duty, Reserve military, family members, retired military, DOD civil service personnel and DOD contractors.

"DBIDS enhances our security efforts to protect Fairchild's vital resources and personnel," said Guy Conley, 92nd Security Forces Plans and Programs chief. "The system verifies information already in DEERS system, and if the information in DEERS does not match the information stored on the barcode on the ID card, our entry control personnel are alerted with a message on the scanner. We can then direct action to have the issue resolved."

After presenting ID cards to the sentry at the entry control point, sentries will scan the embedded barcode on the card. The scanning device will transmit the data to the local database comparing the data there with the information on the card. The system will provide a visual response back to the handheld scanner with the photo on file and a system message. The sentry will then compare the photo with the individual presenting the card and follow the instructions provided by the database. If the visual crosscheck and system information are good, the sentry will allow access. If the visual crosscheck and system information do not check out, further steps will be followed to verify the identity or deny access to Fairchild based on the information received.

"The system is proving to be a valuable tool, Conley said. "We are only days into the test period and have already identified many issues with ID cards. We have had ex-spouses who are no longer entitled to DoD benefits who still possess an ID card try to enter and also personnel who report a lost or stolen ID card and actually possess two ID cards and unscannable ID cards - these are just some examples of what we have already found."

The first days of partial implementation have created some traffic back-ups, as would be expected with any transition of this magnitude. More than 3,000 DOD ID card holders are assigned to Fairchild and many others, including family members and retirees, access the base daily.

"People entering base may make the transition smoother by allowing more time to arrive on base and by removing their identification card or CAC card from any plastic casing to provide to the sentries at the gates," Conley said. "We ask for people's patience as we move forward with this system."

DBIDS is scheduled for full implementation April 16. For more information, contact Pass & Registration at 247-5071.