Installation access policy changing in 2019

Starting in January, 2019, anyone who is not affiliated with Redstone can obtain an installation access badge after passing a background check at the Gate 9 Visitors Center. That badge will allow the general public access to recreational and various Family and MWR activities on post.

Also included in the new access guidelines is the Trusted Traveler program, which rolled out in the fall and is an existing Army policy already utilized by some installations. When a driver produces a DOD, DOJ or NASA-issued card, that person is asserting that they are a trusted agent and other persons in the vehicle are not required to provide identification to the gate guard, unless requested. If a rider in the vehicle does not have their own DOD, DOJ or NASA-issued card, or an installation access badge, the rider has to remain with the trusted agent at all times while on post. Trusted Traveler’s goal is to alleviate gate congestion while still providing a level of security, Thomas said.

The installation access badge is intended for its holder only to access Redstone and cannot be used for Trusted Traveler. If a driver wishes to access Redstone using the installation access badge, all others in the vehicle will be required to provide access credentials. Current scanning procedures at the gates will remain unchanged, Thomas said.

As for military retirees and their dependents, their Department of Defense-issued cards will continue to provide them access and also qualifies them as Trusted Travelers.

All current access cards will remain valid until their expiration date and there is no need to obtain a new card until the current one expires.

Here’s whose eligible for installation access badge:

Upon completion of a background check, the following people are eligible for a Redstone Arsenal access badge:

• Non-affiliated visitor will qualify for a badge that will be valid for one year from date of issue.

• Contractor with no common access card will qualify for a badge that will be valid for one year from date of issue.

• Federal employee spouse will qualify for a badge that will be valid for one year from date of issue, or may be made concurrent with spouse employee’s credential expiration date. Spouse employee must be present at the Gate 9 Visitors Center for issuing of badge.

• Redstone Family Housing residents will qualify for a badge that will be valid for one year from date of issue.