High-tech system adds security to Misawa

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  A $260,000 system geared at increasing base security is scheduled to make its debut here at Misawa in late spring. 

The Defense Biometrics Identification System or DBIDS is a Department of Defense identity authentication tool, which will be used at the base's entry points by gate security guards. The system requires all Status of Forces Agreement personnel and their dependents to register before April 1. 

"All sponsors need to report to Building 653, Room 126 with their ID cards to register," said Queena Knowles, 35th Security Forces security technician. "It's a simple process, which involves pass and registration personnel scanning the barcodes on the individual's ID card then validating and saving to verify or update the person's credentials." 

Mrs. Knowles stressed that registration of the sponsor must take place before registration of his or her dependents. After the sponsor has registered, any of his or her dependents age 10 and older can register. 

"We are currently executing a phased registration process using 10-day registration windows for each group within the wing," said Mrs. Knowles. "However, we encourage any person with spare time, or those visiting pass and registration or the military personnel flight to register." 

After being registered in the system, DoD cardholders and anyone needing access to the base must use their military, dependent or issued DBIDS ID card to do so. 

"DBIDS ID cards are given to those individuals who are not DoD cardholders, but need access to the base such Master Labor Contractors and Indirect Hire Agreement employees, contractors and taxi drivers," said Mrs. Knowles. 

There are two phases involved with the project before security forces can begin using it at entry points. 

"The first phase of the project is complete," said Mrs. Knowles. "It's the phase that is now allowing us to register individuals. The second phase begins in March and includes adding hand-held monitors and visitor center systems. With the second phase complete, the system will be fully operational and available for gate guards to use." 

By using the handheld, wireless monitors to scan ID cards, guards can determine whether the individual is authorized. Additionally, the system can alert security if a person attempting to enter is wanted, barred from Misawa or has had their base driving privileges suspended. 

"Among other force protection capabilities, DBIDS will greatly aid our frontline installation entry controllers in detecting unauthorized entry attempts by persons using fake or legitimate, but stolen identification," said James Fogerty, 35th Fighter Wing antiterrorism officer. "This technology will enhance, but not replace the efforts of our civilian guard force manning the gates."

The system also assigns access privileges based on the current threat level and will be a helpful tool to assist commanders and first sergeants with personnel who violate orders, said Mrs. Knowles.

"When a member is restricted to base for disciplinary reasons, the system is capable of alerting the gate guard when the person enters the base," said Mrs. Knowles. "It will indicate the member violated their restriction order by leaving the installation."

DBIDS is currently in use in the Pacific at U.S. Armed Forces Korea and Yokota AB, Japan.

"With the current problems with identity theft and the Global War on Terror," Mrs. Knowles began, "verifying identity credentials is critical, especially when talking about gaining access to a military installation." 



 Below is the current schedule for groups and squadrons:
     35th Operations Group
          ·  Jan. 20 - 30
     35th Medical Group
          ·  Feb. 2 - 13
     35th Mission Support Group
          ·  Feb. 17 - 27
     Misawa Security Operations Center
          ·  March 2 - 13
     All Navy/Army Tenants
          ·  March 16 - 30