Annually, the Arnold Air Force Base Visitor Control Center processes over 9,000 contractor and visitor Defense Biometric Identification Systems, or DBIDS, cards and passes.
While these numbers are unlikely to decrease in the coming years, the VCC will be implementing a new web-based enrollment process for visitors Dec. 1 that will make the process easier for visitors and the VCC staff.
Developed by the Air Force Security Forces Center, the DBIDS Visitor Enrollment System, or DVES, is intended to integrate with the system currently used by security forces and be a more streamlined vetting process for visitors and sponsors.
It’s estimated that the use of the DVES system will cut down an individual’s wait time in the VCC at Arnold AFB from 15-30 minutes to 5 minutes or less.
April Candelaria, VCC supervisor for Arnold, stated that a large majority of the DBIDS cards and passes at Arnold are processed for subcontractors, visitors and test customers. She said the VCC staff looks forward to rolling out the DVES to enable these individuals to be vetted faster.
“The process has been very easily laid out for visitors and sponsors to utilize,”Candelaria said. “Documentation needed to pick up a pass at the Visitor Control Center can be either a valid driver’s license, state identification or passport, but anyone who will be driving on base must provide a valid driver’s license.”
A 90-day trial of the new system was conducted in October 2020 at Air National Guard’s Ellington Field, Texas; Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas; Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; and Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, to capture data from bases with significantly different visitor pass procedures. All locations reported substantial decreases in both pass processing times and foot traffic at VCCs. Ellington Field reduced processing time by 50% and saw a 70% decrease in VCC throughput.
Ray Kelly, chief of Security Forces at Arnold, said he anticipates that the DVES will greatly benefit all involved at Arnold.
“We look forward to implementing policy or procedures that aid our mission partners and visitors with less wait time at the VCC,” he said.
Visitors complete the pre-enrollment registration using any computer or smart device at https://dbids-global-enroll.dmdc.mil/preenrollui/#!/. After completing and receiving a QR or alphanumeric code, the visitor will send the following items to the individual sponsoring their visit: the QR or alphanumeric code; scanned copy of driver’s license, front and back; visit dates; completed Visitor Request Form AEDC 860; and current registration and insurance for vehicle or rental agreement. From there, the sponsor and VCC complete their necessary requirements, and if approved, the visitor will receive further instruction about picking up their pass.
At some military installations, once an individual clears the background check, the system generates a visitor pass that is then emailed to the visitor, who presents it at an entry control point for access.
However, this process will be a little different at Arnold.
“The only difference at Arnold AFB is that VCC staff will not be emailing visitor passes to individuals once they are done completing the process,” Candelaria added. “They will need to come to the Visitor Control Center to pick up their badges.”
Though available starting Dec. 1, visitors won’t be required to use the web-based system to request their credentials but may still go straight to the VCC.
For more information, call the Arnold AFB Visitor Control Center at 931-454-5453.
Photo: Amy Brightbill, left, a new member of Team AEDC waits for her badge to be completed July 7, 2020, as Jack Horner, a subcontractor, waits his turn at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. Starting Dec. 1, 2021, the VCC will be implementing a new web-based enrollment process for visitors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jill Pickett)
