TOP STORY >> Improved security measures implemented at base ECP

By Airman Kevin Sommer Giron

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Little Rock Air Force Base is implementing an Air Force-wide requirement of the REAL ID Act to its installation access policies beginning Sept. 15 in accordance with Public Law 109-13, 49 U.S.C., Section 30301 and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 6, Part 37.

The act establishes minimum security standards for license issue and production. Additionally, it prohibits federal agencies from accepting driver’s licenses and ID cards from states that do not meet the Act’s minimum standards.  

“The REAL ID ACT enhances security by improving the reliability of state-issued identification documents and helps prevent a person’s ability to evade detection by using a fraudulent form of ID,” said Jeffery Bardsley, 19th Security Forces Squadron visitor center section chief. 

Arkansas and 23 other states have an extension allowing federal agencies to accept driver’s licenses from their states until Oct. 10, 2016.  Currently, Minnesota, Washington and the U.S. territory of the American Samoa do not meet minimum standards. 

As a result, state-issued identification cards or driver’s licenses from these states will no longer be accepted at any Air Force installation, unless it is an enhanced drivers licenses.

Though ID cards, which do not meet security and data-collection guidelines, will not be accepted, alternate forms of identification will be allowed. Alternatives include a valid U.S. or foreign government-issued passport, an employment authorization document containing a photograph, or ID cards issued by government agencies that include a photo and biometric information.

The most significant demographic impacted by this implementation will be non-DoD affiliated personnel or guests who do not possess personal identity verification credentials.  

According to Air Force officials, all individuals attempting to gain access to an Air Force installation without a DoD ID card will be subject to a routine background check.

Those who do not have the accepted documentation for installation access will not be permitted to enter the base without an approved escort.

“We take the safety of our service members, civilians and their families very seriously,” Bardsley said. “The security of our people is one of the Air Force’s highest priorities.”