Dormitory locks: from keys to cards

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Eielson's dormitory suites have started using a card swipe system that will use residents' common access cards-- a change from the lock-and-key type that was being used. Dormitory management doesn't have a set time for Airmen to have their cards programmed but hopes to have the majority of the CACs programmed as soon as possible. 

With card swipe entry, there will be better key control, more security and will overall be more cost effective. 

Dormitory management began programming CACs Jan. 5 so Airmen are now able to activate their cards and turn in their keys. Once Airmen activate their cards, dorm management plans to take the core out of the new locks, making CACs the only way to enter the rooms. So far they have replaced the locks in five of the seven dorms. 

They will work accordingly with Airmen who are deployed or on leave so they won't be locked out of their rooms. 

"With the new program, we can see who entered a room and when," said Tech. Sgt. Tricia Ezell, dorm management superintendent. "In addition to the resident, the only other people with access to the rooms will be dorm management and their first sergeant." 

When Airmen lost their key with the old key system, they would have to contact dorm management, who would have to call a locksmith to come out and make a new key. Once the locksmith was done, they would then have to call dorm management back, who would have to track down the Airman to notify them that their key was ready. 

"It takes seconds to program a CAC," said Sergeant Ezell," instead of the few hours it would take a locksmith." 

In the case of Airmen losing their CACs, dorm management can issue them a temporary card to access their room, automatically deactivating their lost card. 

In addition to the security the new system provides, there is a cost factor. To replace a key the first time it cost $30, and if an Airman lost their key a second time, it would cost $120 to replace the key and the core of the lock, including labor and materials. When added up over time, the funds used to transition over to the new system will actually be saving the Air Force money, said Sergeant Ezell . 

And those aren't the only benefits since CACs are used for a variety of other items. 

"I like the fact that it's easy to remember," said Airman 1st Class Eric Hannon, 354th Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground engineering apprentice. "As an Airman, you need your CAC for just about everything, like the dining facility and access to base-- it's something you should always have on you." 

For more information, call Dormitory Management at 377-2727.