CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
To the joy of some and sadly for others, the 437th Airlift Wing commander is eliminating the requirement to display a base decal, officially known as the DD Form 2220, to enter Charleston AFB.
Effective immediately, Charleston AFB will no longer require vehicle operators to register their vehicles or display a decal on their vehicle to enter the base.
The Air Force chief of staff recently sent guidance allowing installation commanders to determine the specific need for vehicle registration at their location. Historically, base decals were mandated for all privately owned vehicles operating on the installation; however, changes to base access control procedures along with mandated identification checks for 100 percent of vehicles entering the installation now make the decal requirement redundant while contributing little to enhancing security.
Security forces gate guards now check the identification card of each person entering an Air Force installation. This provides better security than a base decal did because:
· The vehicle displaying it could have been sold with the decal on it.
· Its owner may have left the service and not removed the decal.
· The number on the decal could be duplicated.
· The decal could be counterfeited.
· The decal may have been removed from another vehicle.
· The vehicle may have been stolen.
Many people incorrectly viewed the decal as being designed to bolster security, but in actuality, the decal lessens it by identifying vehicles of Airmen and civilian workers as potential terror targets and may lure gate guards into complacency. The priority is not expediting entry, but knowing who is entering.
Locally, elimination of the vehicle registration requirement will save thousands of dollars in issuing decals and registering vehicles. This means personnel authorized base access will no longer have to register their vehicle or get a pass if operating a vehicle without a decal. Altogether, this will be less of an administrative and cost burden for the Air Force and more convenience for the customer without decreasing installation security. All visitors and guests entering the installation will still be required to obtain a visitors pass at the visitor control center with their sponsor present. In addition, the vehicle operator and all vehicle occupants will be required to show proper identification before entry will be allowed onto Charleston AFB.
Although vehicle operators are no longer required to register their vehicles on base, all other requirements including valid driver's license, insurance and state registration remain the same. All personnel with current vehicle decals have the option of removing vehicle decals immediately or when they expire.
Customers needing assistance or who have questions can contact the 437th Security Forces Squadron Pass and Registration Office at 963-7807 for further information.