Gate guards at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will use the hand-held scanners, which will be connected to a Defense Department database through the Defense Biometric Identification System, according to the 88th Security Forces Squadron at Wright-Patterson.
The database is to connect with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System that provides data on active-duty members, civilians, retirees and dependents within the base’s ZIP code area, base officials said. Eventually, the ID access cards will be required for all current and retired personnel and dependents wanting access to the base, said Small.
Some other U.S. military installations in the United States and overseas are already using the system. Wright-Patterson security forces expect to implement it in a few months, after testing. No date has been made public.
Base officials said they are developing a schedule to install the technology and educate and register those who will be required to use it.
The registration process will require individuals to bring in their current identification card to be scanned and to provide a fingerprint scan, base officials said.
The system is designed to alert gate guards about lost or stolen ID cards, people barred from the base or individuals being sought by their commander for an emergency notification, Wright-Patterson officials said.