Fort Leonard Wood’s installation security is scheduled to begin switching to a new entry control system Dec. 20.
The new system — called Automated Installation Entry — is designed to electronically validate identification based upon information supplied at the time of AIE registration.
Access controllers will start the process of building the AIE database through a mass registration of the Department of Defense credentials of every individual arriving at the post’s south gate.
“We’ll spend a couple of days there, then we’ll go to the West Gate,” said Rick Vise, Installation Physical Security officer. “We’re starting with the less-populated gates so we can learn from them before we move to the North Gate.”
Vise said to expect some delays, as the initial verification process for each individual into the new system will take some seconds longer than it currently does.
“The reason we’re starting this to coincide with Holiday Block Leave is to minimize the impact,” Vise said. “We did a test of the hand-helds to see how long it takes to register someone with the scanners, and it takes 20 to 25 seconds.”
The AIE system links up with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System to verify individual’s credentials. However, retirees with identification cards containing Social Security Numbers will need to get new identification cards with a DoD number before the post’s full transition deadline, Aug. 15.
Contractors, vendors and individuals with visitor passes will also need to get new identification cards that align with AIE. According to Vise, the new passes will be available at the Visitor Center beginning Dec. 20, though large-scale contractor issuing of passes is scheduled to start March 15.
Anyone with additional questions on the switch to AIE should contact the Visitor Center at 573.596.0356/0590/5327.