Security Forces crack down on IDs

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Klaus
  • 86th Security Forces Squadron
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  It's a feeling of panic and frustration when driving up to the gate realizing, "I can't find my ID." After searching every nook and cranny within reach, you decide to just get a pass for the day. It's easy, right? Well, not as easy as you might think.

The process to attain a pass is more arduous than it used to be, to avoid the unnecessary workload increase Airmen must deal with.

In 2015, the visitor center performed 14,017 manual Installation Access Control System searches for individuals who had forgotten their ID cards.

Verification takes roughly two minutes each to complete, accumulating to a total of 467 man-hours last year alone for forgotten or misplaced ID cards.  Don't forget to also account for the delayed time then caused to enter the gate.

The issue really boils down to individual accountability and responsibility.

As Department of Defense ID cardholders, we have a responsibility to secure our ID card, especially in today's environment. Our ID cards perform many functions, to include access to the network, making purchases at the commissary and Army and Air Force Exchange Service and many more. Without your ID, there are very few things you can do on base.

If you forget your ID card at home, go back and get it. If you left it in your Common Access Card reader, have someone deliver it to you. If a pass is still necessary, the Visitor Control Center will issue it. You will, however, be recorded as having done so,-the abuse of which could lead to negative consequences.
When someone forgets their ID card more than three times in a 30 day period, service will still be provided, however, the individual's first sergeant will be contacted and the supervisor will have to be present for access to be granted. If it is misplaced and not lost they will be required to retrieve it before access is granted.

Help us help you! The security implications are high. Please report lost or stolen ID cards to security forces as soon as possible so that it can be flagged to prevent unauthorized access to installations.

For additional information or assistance, please contact your local Security Forces unit. The 86th Security Forces Squadron is located in Bldg. 2371, at Ramstein AB and can be reached at DSN 480-2050 or 06371-47-2050 and the 569th U.S. Force Police Squadron is located in Bldg. 2067, at Vogelweh Military Complex and can be reached at DSN 489-7070 or 0631-536-7070.