New Visitor Access Requirements at Ft Myer?

This is in response to things like the Navy Yard & Fort Hood shootings. Of course, those people had badges. Never mind, I don’t know why this is useful.

Says nothing about non-DOD Federal workers.

It is nice to know that from now on all invitees to children’s birthday parties at the bowling center will now have to be background-checked.:rolleyes:

@americancyclo 108232 wrote:

Since the new regs apply on President’s Day and a lot of feds have that day off, I think a large caravan of cyclists would be an effective test of the new system. Anyone care to organize a Predictable, Alert, and Lawful campaign?

I was already planning on heading through there to get to the meet-up for the George Washington Day Parade (Kidicals Arl and Alx are riding in the parade). Everyone is welcome to join (for the parade too!).

I called. Non-DoD Federal employees with a CAC card should be fine.

They are still deciding (WTF?!?!? For a policy that supposedly goes into effect Monday?) whether this policy will apply to peds/cyclists at the Henderson Hall and Wright Gates. I’ll note that while Wright Gate being closed would be annoying, there is an alternate route. If Henderson Hall Gate closes, the alternate route is Columbia Pike, which at the moment is simply unacceptable.

I just called the number on the bottom of that press release and got the Desk Sargent. They referred me to the Personnel Security office where I spoke with Tracie Miller, physical security specialist at JBM-HH’s Directorate of Emergency Services.

She noted that there are a number of issues at play here:

1) there is ongoing debate about whether Ft. Myer will allow ANY pass-thorugh traffic at all, but a policy has not been set at this point.

2)Visitors without a DoD ID will be required to apply for a pass if they wish to enter the gate.
to get a pass, you must fill out a form at the VCC, Fort Myer, Building 415, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
the pass requires you provide your SSN and it uses the NCIC
your application will be vetted against two databases according to Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12: Policy for a Common Identification Standard for Federal Employees and Contractors
passes will initially be valid for 30 days for non-sponsored individuals
if you refuse to fill out a pass, you will be denied entry

3) Gate designations are changing.
Wright Gate on Marshall Dr. at Meade St. just off Rte 110 and Henderson Hall Gate will be only for DOD ID and pass holders.
Hatfield Gate will be for non-pass holders.

Comments are welcome through the Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) link on the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall webpage
http://www.army.mil/jbmhh

Is this something Bike Arlington could take the lead on? It sounds like there’s enough still in flux that sitting down with the right person at the base for a chat might yield positive results. I’m a reserve officer, which sometimes helps get things off on a good footing, so I would be happy to reach out to the base to try to set something up — but I certainly don’t feel like I am in a position to represent the cycling community. If Dasgeh hears back from hear phone call, perhaps she could ask.

It seems like we would want to stress to the base:
– Given the surrounding transportation infrastructure, passing through Ft Myer is a critical cycling link between central Arlington and DC. (Does anyone have any way to estimate numbers of cyclists who use this cut-through? Even in mid-winter I rarely go through the base without seeing other cyclists)
– While many cycle commuters have DOD or Federal badges, many don’t
– There do not seem to be a consistent set of policies even now about who can access and under what circumstances, and there seems to be conflicting information on what the upcoming changes will mean for cyclists

Questions to address:
– What forms of ID will be allowed for cyclists to enter under the new policy? (Seems like DOD and Fed, but what about Federal contractors?)
– Is “no pass through” being seriously considered? Including for bicycles?
– Would the base be willing to establish a process for regular cycle commuters lacking the requisite ID to access the base routinely and quickly? (maybe using the “Automated Installation Entry (AIE) pass”)
– Are there any concerns the base has regarding pass-through cyclists that we could help address within the cycling community?

Does this seem like a good idea? Would BA want to be involved (or take the lead)?

@dasgeh 108259 wrote:

Having someone do this is a great idea. But it should be someone from ArlCo staff, possibly with ABAC support/involvement, and from WABA.

BikeArlington focuses on outreach and education, and is not an advocacy organization, and while they could certainly educate the base how to be more bike friendly, asking for a change in proposed policy is better left to others.

Thanks. This is really a discussion that County Board members should have with Base Commanders, about general access to the base for the larger civilian population and being a good neighbor. Aside from aforementioned bike community and bowling alley birthday parties, many civic groups (the Chamber; Leadership Arlington, etc.) hold events at the Officer’s Club that draw many one-time and infrequent visitors.

I will run this up the county channels to make sure the highest-level officials are aware of these new restrictions.

Henry