Lost cards pose a threat to Misawa

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stefanie Torres
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Security is compromised at Misawa Air Base every time a common access card turns up missing or stolen.

The CAC is considered a controlled item and contains personal information that can cause harm if left into the wrong hands.

"It is a security issue here with cards being taken because terrorists are always trying to find a way to beat the system," said Senior Airman Quentin Gray, a security forces controller at Misawa.

The enemy can take the CAC and alter the face to gain entry at the gate making it more important than ever to be extra cautious of where the card is at all times.

If a card is lost, informing security forces would be the first step in prevention of a security compromise. A threat is posed to the military when the enemy tampers with the codes to the CAC and pulls up vital information.

"We can try our best to prevent the situation from going anywhere when the communications squadron deactivates the cards," said Airman Gray.

Replacing the card is not a one-step process, but informing security forces right away is a vital step. The next step is informing the first sergeant, or supervisor for civilians.

"What each member does reflects on their unit, so everyone is accountable for what they do," said Tech. Sgt. Dung Vu, military personnel flight section chief of customer service. "That's why it's important that our chain of command have complete awareness of their people."

Security forces personnel keep track of missing cards and they are also reported on the police blotter.

"We need to see how many personnel had their cards stolen and determine if it's a problem down the line," said Airman Gray. "The blotters also let individual commanders know so they can decide whether it is a recurring problem with the individual or within the unit."

With the frequent use of the card, it can be easily misplaced at times.

"The two most common explanations for a lost card are missing wallets or simply forgetful misplacing," said Sergeant Vu.


To prevent misplacing the card, the MPF customer service center offers a free card pouch and clip.

"My advice is before leaving anywhere to check for your card," said Sergeant Vu.

For missing or stolen cards, call the MPF at 226-3962 and the security forces desk at 226-3600.