CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
COMMENT: I want to find out about base decals. I went down to the Coast Guard base and was told unless you have a decal on the car you're not allowed to have the car on base. I asked what about a temporary pass and the gate guard said they don't have one. I said the air base put out that all services have been contacted and there was an Air Mobility Command directive not requiring decals. He said that's you people in the Air Force, and we don't go by that.
This is causing a hardship. It did me this morning and he said he turned several people away since they didn't have a decal but had a valid ID and they don't have temporary passes. I have spoke to security forces squadron and the pass and identification office and they said a coordinated letter went out to all services to coordinate base decals but it's not being passed to those who enforce it.
RESPONSE: Thank you for your comments concerning the base decal program. In today's environment, the global terrorist threat requires us to exercise more vigilance in protecting our people and resources. In the past, base decals were mandated for all privately owned vehicles operating on an Air Force installation. However, changes to Air Force Base access control procedures along with 100 percent mandatory person and vehicle identification checks entering the installation now make the decal requirement redundant and inhibit our ability to ensure security. These changes allow people who are authorized base access to proceed without having to register their vehicle or get a pass if operating a vehicle without a decal. Although vehicle operators are no longer required to register their vehicles on an Air Force base, all other requirements including valid driver's license, insurance and state registration remain the same.
The Coast Guard installation, however, operates under different rules and regulations that require a Coast Guard or Department of Defense decal in order to drive onto base. Temporary passes are not issued so as to avoid traffic back-ups at the gate as well as overcrowding in their limited parking spaces. If you find yourself conducting frequent business on the Coast Guard base, it may be in your best interest to register your vehicle with the Coast Guard. Any active-duty or retired military member can register through the Coast Guard personnel office located on the installation. Alternatively, authorized entrants can park off base and walk through the gate by showing a DOD or Coast Guard ID card. If you have additional questions or would like further information, please contact Bob Trout, 437th Security Forces Squadron chief of plans and programs, at 963-3623.