Individuals with a common access card (CAC), military ID, military family member ID, Gold Star/Survivor Access ID, or other valid Department of Defense (DoD) credential, are permitted access to the New Mexico National Defense Area (NDA).

All U.S. visitors, 12 years and older, who do not have a DoD identification card will be subject to a background check before being allowed access to the NDA. This is to ensure Fort Huachuca is in compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12, which requires 100 percent of visitors be vetted prior to entering the installation unescorted.

To complete a background check and have an NDA access badge issued, complete the  access request form. Email the completed form, a picture of your REAL ID (front and back if a driver's license or ID card), and a passport-style photo to  usarmy.huachuca.id-training.mbx.huachuca-physical-security@army.mil. 

As of May 2025, all visitors must present a REAL ID Act-compliant identification to initiate the background check.

By submitting the form, you are agreeing to a background check which uses the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC III), a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) database that provides criminal histories.

ABOUT THE BACKGROUND CHECK

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 and Army Regulation 190-13, all visitors desiring unescorted access to Fort Huachuca must be vetted through the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index. NCIC III is the Army's baseline background check for entrance onto Army installations for non-common access card (CAC) or non-DoD identification card holders. Upon successful completion of a background check, the individual(s) will be issued a Fort Huachuca installation access badge. This badge is only good for access onto the installation and for presentation to installation security personnel. It is not to be used as a form of identification for other purposes.

The installation commander will deny access to the installation based on the results of the NCIC III check that contain credible derogatory information indicating the individual may present a threat to good order, discipline or health and safety on the installation.

close-up-of-a-man-having-his-fingerprints-taken-at-the-police-station-handcuffs-ready-SBI-349906132.jpgWorried you might not pass the background check?
Use this prescreening tool to determine if you will be accepted or denied access to the New Mexico NDA before applying online.  https://pass.aie.army.mil/
 

FACTORS THAT WOULD CONSTITUTE AN ACCESS DENIAL:

  • The NCIC III contains criminal arrest information about the individual that causes the installation commander to determine the individual presents a potential threat to the good order, discipline or health and safety on the installation.
  • The installation is unable to verify the individual's claimed identity based on the reasonable belief the individual has submitted fraudulent information concerning his or her identity in the attempt to gain access.
  • The individual has a current arrest warrant in NCIC III, regardless of the offense or violation.
  • The individual is currently barred from entry or access to a federal installation or facility.
  • The individual has been convicted of crimes encompassing sexual assault, armed robbery, rape, child molestation, production or possession of child pornography, trafficking in humans, drug possession with the intent to sell or drug distribution.
  • The individual has a U.S. conviction for espionage, sabotage, treason, terrorism or murder.
  • The individual is a registered sex offender.
  • The individual has a felony conviction within the past 10 years, regardless of the offense or violation.
  • The individual has been convicted of a felony firearms or explosives violation.
  • The individual has engaged in acts or activities designed to overthrow the U.S. government by force.
  • The individual is identified in the Terrorist Screening Database as known to be or suspected of being a terrorist or belonging to an organization with known links to terrorism or support of terrorist activity.

Those individuals who are denied access will be given a  denial waiver application to be completed and returned. The denial waiver committee will review the packet and determine suitability for access to the installation.

The Criminal History Records Section of the Arizona Department of Public Safety serves as the Central State Repository for criminal records in the State of Arizona (see Arizona Revised Statue 41-1750). For offenses occurring outside the state of Arizona, please contact the appropriate jurisdiction to accurately complete the  denial waiver application.

The subject of a criminal record may review the information contained in the record for the sole purpose of reviewing the accuracy and completeness of their personal record.