Eielson discontinues mandatory base vehicle decals

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nora Anton
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  In April 2007, a mandate was put into practice by Air Force officials to eliminate the use of the DD Form 2220, the vehicle decal previously required to access DoD installations.

Up until now, Eielson hasn't necessarily been 'behind the curve,' so to speak, but has kept its use of mandatory base decals due to Eielson's proximity to Fort Wainwright, said Capt. Jason Daniels, 354th Security Forces Squadron officer in charge of plans and programs. As of April 1, those with a valid form of identification as outlined in FWI 31-101, will be granted entry onto the base every time.

He said for most people this is a Common Access Card, a dependent ID card or a retired ID card.

"In Pacific Air Forces, especially in Alaska, there has been a continued need due to proximity and use of the facilities at Fort Wainwright, such as for hospital appointments," said Captain Daniels. "Because keeping or attaining a DD Form 2220 is optional, we are affording our folks the opportunity to save time in the long run, rather than getting a pass every time they go to Fort WW."

Part of the process of attaining a DD Form 2220, is registering your vehicle on base, which doesn't take much time, said Captain Daniels, but it is still mandatory for residents to have proper insurance and registration in accordance with Alaska State Law. Fort WW will not register Eielson resident's vehicles, so the only option is doing this here.

Off-road vehicles (i.e. all-terrain vehicles or snow machines) still require registration with the Pass and Registration office at the Visitor's Center until further notice in accordance with 354FWI 32-7002, he said.

"Non-DoD ID card holders will still be required to get an AF Form 75 (visitor's pass) issued to them prior to installation entry to ensure they have been properly sponsored on to the installation" said Capt Daniels. "Visitors who will be driving their vehicle on base will still be required to show drivers license, registration and proof of insurance in the visitors center to get a visitors pass."

The new policy will not hamper with base security, he said, but will actually enhance it.

"There are multiple redundancies still in place, which will actually increase the protection of our Airmen," he said. "This way (with no decals on vehicles) there is less advertising who our DoD personnel are; the base decals make it very obvious who employs you, which can also be a force protection concern."

Vehicle decals will only be issued on base 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon during Air National Guard drill.