New ID system improves security

  • Published
  • By 673d Security Forces Squadron
  • News release
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The Defense Biometric Identification System, or DBIDS, is a Department of Defense identity verification and force protection tool which uses barcodes and biometrics (a person's height and weight, eye color and fingerprints) along with a color photograph to identify cardholders.

It is directly connected with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to ensure the most up to date information regarding enrolled personnel, lost or stolen identification cards and biometrics are in the system.

DBIDS is already in use at military locations around the world.

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, is the latest military installation to receive the DBIDS program and the first military installation in Alaska.

For security purposes, the 673d Security Forces Squadron will register approximately 60,000 service members and civilians who require frequent access to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, into DBIDS, in several phases over the next year.

In this case, biometrics for DBIDS will consist of a photo and two fingerprints, according to Tech. Sgt. Mark Centeno, 673d Security Forces Squadron, base access non-commissioned officer-in-charge.

"Registering with DBIDS is something all those requiring frequent recurring JBER access will have to do," Centeno said.

Due to the large number of people requiring regular base access, registration will be conducted in four phases.

Phase one began for non-Common Access Card carrying contractors and property owners on JBER Jan. 17, and will conclude through April 30. Phase one will be scheduled through individual companies for employees requiring access.

Active duty, Reserve and National Guard military members and their immediate families will register during Phase two, from May to July. Retirees, their family members and all others will register in Phase three, from August to October.

Phase four will be for all others not yet registered in DBIDS after October.

In addition to validating identity credentials, DBIDS also verifies authorizations and assigns access privileges based on identity, affiliation, and the current force protection level.

The new system works very much like the Mobilisa system currently in place.

The guard scans the card's various barcodes using a handheld device. The guard then reviews the screen display; verifies it is the individual utilizing the credential to access the base, the ID card is an authorized DoD credential and that it is not expired, lost or stolen.

It also verifies the individual's identity and that he or she is not wanted, barred or suspended from entering the installation, and has access to the installation under the current Force Protection Condition.