Security Forces streamline base acces Published Feb. 25, 2009 By 375th Security Forces Squadron Visitor Control Center 375th SFS SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Recently, a base-wide e-mail was sent out highlighting Scott's updated installation access procedures. Effective immediately, one valid Department of Defense or other federal government credential per vehicle is sufficient to sponsor guests onto the installation. DoD ID card holders may sponsor and escort visitors at any time unless otherwise directed. Privately owned vehicles must be properly licensed, inspected and insured in accordance with state and local laws. Rental vehicles are considered POVs for purposes of base entry and access control. The following are frequently asked questions: Q: Who needs a pass? A: Any visitor who is unescorted by the sponsor when they arrive at base, or anytime they are on base without their sponsor, requires a pass. Visitors under the age of 18 must be escorted at all times but do not require a pass. Q: So, what do you mean by visitor? A: Any person who enters Scott as a guest of a sponsor. Q: Who is a sponsor? A: Sponsors are defined as any active duty, Reservist or Guard member, their adult family member (18 years or older), retired military member or DoD civilian who accepts full responsibility for their guests as visitors to Scott. The privilege of sponsorship is not given to those under 18 years old. A sponsor will not grant entry to any visitor without properly identifying the visitor and accepting responsibility for them while they remain on the installation. Sponsors take responsibility for the actions of their visitor and will ensure to maintain positive control while the visitor is on the installation. Q: What is my responsibility as a sponsor? A: When sponsoring a visitor on to the base, sponsors are responsible for the visitor and his/her actions. The sponsor, or another DoD ID card holder, must remain with the visitor at all times while they are on base, unless the visitor has a pass, that allows him or her to be on their own or go on and off base without an escort. Q: Can I sponsor people in my vehicle if I have a valid DoD ID card? A: Yes. One valid DoD or other federal government credential per vehicle is sufficient for entry. As the one sponsoring these visitors, sponsors assume responsibility for their actions. Q: Can contractors sponsor visitors on base? A: Only if the contractor is an authorized sponsor and it is in the official capacity of their duties. Contractors with sponsorship privileges are identified by the contracting agency sponsoring the contract. Sponsorship privileges are noted on the contractor identification card. Q: I am a family member and have a valid dependent ID card. Can I sponsor people onto the installation? A: Yes, if you are 18 years of age or older you may sponsor guests on to the base. Q: Does the driver of the vehicle have to be the one with the DoD ID card? A: No. Sponsors can be a passenger and sponsor people in the vehicle, as long as they have a valid DoD ID card and meet the age requirement. However, drivers must have a valid driver's license, vehicle registration and insurance. Remember, the driver cannot drive around the base without their sponsor unless they have a pass. Q: Can I sponsor individuals in the car behind me? A: No. Each vehicle must have a valid DoD ID card holder or the guests must obtain passes. Q: Can I sponsor people online? A: Yes. Visit the Air Mobility Command Web site from a government computer and follow the links. Q: Can I call the Visitor Control Center to sponsor a visitor on base? A: Yes, but only from an on-base number. Calls cannot be made from cell phones, Vonage or other off-base numbers. Q: Can I use the Belleville Gate to bring visitors on base? A: Yes, if there is a sponsor with a valid DoD ID card in the vehicle, visitors may enter the base through either the Belleville or Shiloh Gate. Q: When I call to sponsor a visitor on, can the visitor use the Belleville Gate to get their pass? A: No. Visitors requiring a pass must use the VCC during business hours (Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and closed Sundays, federal holidays and approved down days). After VCC business hours, visitors requiring a pass must use the Shiloh Gate. Remember, though, a visitor does not need a pass if the sponsor is in the vehicle and will stay with the visitor at all times. Q: How do I sponsor a group of people on to the base for an event? A: Sponsors can sponsor up to 10 people on base by visiting the VCC, calling the VCC at 256-2008 or visiting online. Q: What will I need to sponsor 11 or more people? A: A special event pass will be needed. To obtain a special event pass, create an entry authorization list and bring it to the VCC 72 hours prior to the event for authentication. EALs must include the sponsor's duty phone number, home phone number, organization, the name of individuals attending the event and event location, time and date. Visitors may enter the installation with a properly authenticated special events pass. The pass is valid for the time, place and date specified on the pass only. For example, a sponsor can invite family and friends on to the base to attend a promotion ceremony. Q: Can I sponsor my Girl Scout troop on base to sell cookies? A: Activities such as these require separate approval. Soliciting on base is normally not authorized. These types of requests can be made through the 375th Services Squadron. Q: I'm here TDY and have a rental vehicle. Do I need a pass? A: Entrants with a valid DoD ID card do not need a pass. Those without a valid DoD ID card will need a pass. Rental vehicles are considered POVs for purposes of base entry and access control. Q: What does 100% ID check mean? A: From midnight to 5:30 a.m. and during random checks, one person in the vehicle must possess a valid DoD ID card. All other occupants 18 years of age and older must present a valid government- or state-issued ID. For more information or for other questions related to base access, contact the 375th Security Forces Squadron Visitor Control Center at 256-2008.