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Improved Screening At Gates Makes Malmstrom More Secure
[August 13, 2014]

Improved Screening At Gates Makes Malmstrom More Secure


(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont., Aug. 13 -- The U.S. Air Force Malmstrom Air Force Base issued the following story: The community at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, is better protected thanks to enhanced vetting at the installation's main and commercial traffic gates. The 341st Security Forces Squadron is now instantly alerted if someone with an outstanding warrant from anywhere in the U.S. tries to come onto the base using an ID card registered to the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System.



Defense Biometric Identification System scanners - the hand-held devices that 341st SFS personnel use to verify Department of Defense issued ID cards of people coming onto the base--now query the FBI's database and perform a simultaneous background check. DBIDS then alerts guards if there is an open want or warrant for arrest for the individual requesting access to the installation. The program went into effect here Aug. 1.

The benefit of the new tool is that it enhances the information shared between law enforcement agencies throughout the country while bolstering the military law enforcement mission. Enhanced vetting provides for a more secure first line of defense.


"Previously, not all DoD card holders were identity-proofed and vetted," said Kevin King, 341st Security Forces Group plans and programs chief.

For example, military dependents are typically not cleared by a background check when they receive their ID cards because their sponsor assumes responsibility for assuring their fitness to be on the installation. However, the sponsor may not know or willingly disclose the background of the person they are sponsoring.

"This measure is now closing a gap that potentially existed," King said.

Entry procedures to the base have not changed and the background check process is transparent. Security personnel continue to use DBIDS to verify identities.

If a person requesting access to the base is revealed to have an open want or warrant from anywhere within the U.S., 341st SFS personnel will be alerted to take action. For those wants and warrants issued either by the state of Montana or by states requesting extradition, defenders will contact local law enforcement. Wants and warrants from states not requesting extradition will be decided by the 341st SFS commander.

There is an appeal process for anyone who is denied access. Requestors may appeal the initial decision to deny installation access in writing to: 341 SFS/S5, 7506 Flightline Drive, Malmstrom AFB MT, 59402-7538. Appeals should include any available court-related documentation or other documentation necessary to rebuke or disprove the disqualifying information. Upon receipt of the written information, the 341st SFS commander will reassess whether the individual's request for installation access should be granted. In the event the 341st SFS commander does not recommend access based on the written information provided, the package will be sent to the 341st Mission Support Group commander for a final determination.

by John Turner 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs TNS 30FurigayJane-140814-4828019 30FurigayJane (c) 2014 Targeted News Service

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