Visitor Welcome Center

• All adults who do not have a DoD-approved identification card
• All vehicle drivers who are 16 or 17 years of age.
• Veterans who do not have a DoD-approved identification card. The V.A.-issued identification card no longer meets the criteria for installation access.

Installation access cards from other DoD installations (for example: Tinker Air Force Base, Sheppard Air Force Base, Fort Hood) do not meet the criteria for installation access. Fort Sill has a “stand alone” installation access process and does not share information with other DoD installations.

If you have a question about whether or not you need a pass card to gain access to Fort Sill, call the Visitor’s Control Center at (580) 442-9602 or 9603 or email your question to Fort Sill at this email address: usarmy.sill.imcom-central.mbx.fort-sill-visitor-control-center@mail.mil

The Visitor Welcome Center can process requests for unescorted access on a same-day basis, but you can speed the process by filling out the appropriate form and submitting it to the VWC. Please note below that there are two different forms – one for contractors of civilian companies located at and supporting Fort Sill missions (Fort Sill Form 118), and another for post visitors (Fort Sill Form 118a).

Exceptions to this requirement include:

• Delivery trucks must access Fort Sill through Apache Gate. A special station for background checks will be available at that location. Fort Sill security personnel will recognize the DoD-issued Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) for access to post.
• Taxis – Taxi drivers must have a DoD I.D. card or a pass card. Admission to post will be denied to any passengers who do not have a DoD I.D. card or a pass card.
• Local buses – Bus drivers must have a DoD I.D. card or a pass card. Civilian passengers who do not possess a pass card will not be allowed to ride the bus through Fort Sill; they will be required to dismount the bus and be left at the gate. The Lawton Area Transportation System terminal will have several warning signs addressing that contingency.

When you have completed your application for a pass, mail or hand carry it to the VWC, T6701 Sheridan Road, Fort Sill, OK 73503. If you mail your application to post, when you arrive at post, go directly to the VWC and receive your pass.

The VWC is not open continuously. Consult the VWC web page for hours of operation.

NOTE: Because they are subjected to a background check, some requests for access will be rejected. In this instance, the center staff will attempt to contact the requester to inform them of the rejection. To appeal any access rejection, those parties should complete and mail or hand carry a Fort Sill Form 117, FS Access Control Denial Waiver Application. Details for completing the form are contained within the form. Completing an appeal form does not guarantee any person access to Fort Sill. Only after the form is received and the merits of the document considered will a determination be made. After that determination is made, the requester of the appeal will be notified as to its outcome.

For the protection of the personally identifying information contained on the completed forms, requestors should take prudent steps to ensure the forms (and information) do not fall into the wrong hands. Do not transmit the completed forms via unencrypted emails. Do not give the completed forms to a third party to transmit to the VWC. Do not send the completed forms to any other party at Fort Sill. For details on the PII required and handling of the completed forms by the VWC staff, please see the “SECURING YOUR DATA” link below. For your protection, you can download and print the Department of Defense Privacy Act Data Cover Sheet, DD Form 2923.

By submitting your form, you agree to a background check, which uses the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index, a Federal Bureau of Investigation database that provides criminal histories from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The process of issuing pass cards at the VWC should take approximately 5-7 minutes per person. Failure to request access before arrival at the VWC may add significant time to the process, as the staff would have to enter data for the background check and wait for the results.

You can submit your request for access up to 30 days prior to your visit.

Individuals who wish to renew their pass card or replace a lost card must complete a access request form and the VWC staff conduct a new background check before a new pass card can be issued.

Individuals who wish to renew their pass card must complete a access request form and the VWC staff conduct a new background check before a new pass card can be issued. In order to conduct a background check, visitors and contractors should prepare a new request for access and submit the complete form to the VWC. The individual may submit their access request form to the VWC 30 days prior to their current card’s expiration date.

Per Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12, all visitors and uncleared contractors desiring access to Fort Sill 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) holders.

This background check is required for all visitors to the installation ages 18 and above who want unescorted access to post. Personnel under the age of 18 will not have a NCIC-III check conducted.

The installation commander will, in the absence of an approved waiver, deny pass cards for uncleared contractors, subcontractors and visitors based on the results of the NCIC III check that contains credible derogatory information indicating the individual may present a threat to good order, discipline, or health and safety on the installation.

Derogatory information includes, but is not limited to:

• Criminal arrest information about the individual that causes the garrison commander to determine that 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 that 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, regardless of the offense or violation.
• The individual is currently barred from entry or access to a federal installation of 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 US 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 (TSDB) 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.

In cases where an uncleared contractor, subcontractor or visitor is denied access based on derogatory information obtained from an NCIC or NCIC III check, personnel at the Access Control Point or Visitor Welcome Center will issue the denied individual instructions on how and where to submit a waiver.

Visitors can apply for background checks and receiving visitor's passes up to 30 days in advance.

Yes. There is no provision in current Fort Sill policies for an individual to act as an escort

Yes; however, because of the requirement to protect any privately identifying information, you cannot send the completed forms via email.

You must go to the VWC for a NCIC-III background check and receive a visitor’s pass – or you can have someone bring your ID to you. Note: If derogatory information appears on a NCIC-III check that bars you from the installation, you will need to go through the appeals process before gaining access to the installation again, even if you have valid credentials.

Food delivery drivers will be required to get a visitor pass when they deliver food on the installation. It should only add a few minutes to the delivery time, provided the delivery driver meets the criteria for receiving a visitor pass.

• Vendors and drivers must apply for a visitor pass and be cleared through NCIC-III.
• Drivers must possess a valid state-issued driver’s license, state vehicle registration and proof of insurance
• All vehicles are subject to inspection prior to being granted access
• Deliveries must have an on-post destination
• Garrison commander will determine if food delivery or vendor drivers are issued an installation badge or pass.

The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC – also known as the TWIC card) is a Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration program that provides common identification credentials for all personnel requiring unescorted access to secure areas of DoD-regulated facilities and vessels, and all mariners holding Coast Guard-issued credentials. Commercial truck drivers making deliveries to Fort Sill should consider applying for a TWIC. Individuals who meet TWIC eligibility requirements will be issued a tamper-resistant pass that will authorize entry onto any Army post, Air Force base, Marine base or Navy base.

Should drivers of local entities such as commercial buses, taxis and local delivery vehicles apply for the TWIC? The fee for a TWIC is $178 as of Jan. 2, 2015. The pass card from the Fort Sill Visitor’s Control Center is a free and convenient option that should be considered as a first choice.

TWIC information and resources are available on the official TWIC Program web site (www.tsa.gov/twic) and through the UES Help Desk at 1-855 DHS-UES1 (1-855-347-8371) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Eastern.

When will Fort Sill implement HSPD12?

Starting Feb. 17, 2015, Fort Sill will vet all visitors and uncleared contractors requesting entry that do not possess a U.S. Government Common Access Card (CAC), Uniformed Services Identification (military ID) card or other DoD-approved identification. Visitors will need to go to the Visitor Welcome Center (VWC) located outside Bentley Gate on Sheridan Avenue for a background check and a visitor’s pass. The VWC is located to the right of the gate and will be open 24/7. Contact the VWC for more information, or scroll down our FAQs for additional information.

How will the process change for Military ID Card/Retiree ID Card/Family Member ID/Department of Defense CAC Card holders?

There will be no change. Proceed to the gate as you normally would. If you are traveling in the same vehicle with visitors ages 16 and older, ensure they have a visitor’s pass issued by the VWC.

What if I forget my CAC or ID card at home/work?

You must go to the VWC for a NCIC-III background check and receive a visitor’s pass – or you can have someone bring your ID to you. Note: If derogatory information appears on a NCIC-III check that bars you from the installation, you will need to go through the appeals process before gaining access to the installation again, even if you have valid credentials.

Can I apply for a pass in advance?

Visitors can apply for background checks and receiving visitor’s passes up to 30 days in advance.​​​​​​​

If I have a military ID and I want to take my mom on post, does she have to get a background check?​​​​​​​

Yes. There is no provision in current Fort Sill policies for an individual to act as an escort.​​​​​​​

My son is graduating next month. Can they do the background check ahead of time?​​​​​​​

Yes; however, because of the requirement to protect any privately identifying information, you cannot send the completed forms via email.​​​​​​​

My son is graduating in January and we are planning to stay for a week. Do we need a visitor’s pass? If so, how long is the pass valid, and can we go on and off the installation without a new background check every time?​​​​​​​

You and each visitor with you 16 and over will need a visitor’s pass. The VWC can issue a pass good for the length of your visit so you only need to do the background check once.​​​​​​​

How about restaurants off post that deliver food on post?

Food delivery drivers will be required to get a visitor pass when they deliver food on the installation. It should only add a few minutes to the delivery time, provided the delivery driver meets the criteria for receiving a visitor pass.

• Vendors and drivers must apply for a visitor pass and be cleared through NCIC-III.
• Drivers must possess a valid state-issued driver’s license, state vehicle registration and proof of insurance
• All vehicles are subject to inspection prior to being granted access
• Deliveries must have an on-post destination
• Garrison commander will determine if food delivery or vendor drivers are issued an installation badge or pass.

All visitors, whether you need a pass for a day or for a year, must complete a Fort Sill Form 118a, Request for Unescorted Installation Access to Fort Sill.

FS FORM 118A

Contractors working on Fort Sill without a CAC must complete a Fort Sill Form 118, Request for Unescorted Installation CONTRACT Access.

FS FORM 118

Any individual who did not receive unescorted access due to the NCIC III background check has the right to appeal that decision.

FS FORM 117

To register privately owned firearms stored or used on Fort Sill. To permit the owner of a personal firearm…

FS FORM 562

The Visitor Welcome Center, T6701 Sheridan Road, Fort Sill

You must register firearms; a firearm is any weapon that will, is designed to or may readily convert to expel a projectile by action of an explosion or propellant.

Upon arrival to the installation or if you store your weapons in a storage area on Fort Sill. Those required to register their weapons must do so within one duty day of arrival or possession of the firearm.

Service members must fill out FS Form 562, have their commander sign the form if living on the installation and bring the form to the center. If the service members is not able to register the weapon, or if the weapon belongs to a family member, then the family member may register the weapon using FS Form 562.

Yes.

No! Do not bring your weapon into the center! Only bring a completed FS Form 562.

Yes, anyone with a felony cannot register or bring a firearm on to Fort Sill, also those convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or felony.

Yes, when transporting, all weapons need to be unloaded and ammunition should be stored separately from the weapon.

Yes, and provide a copy of the printed registration form. You may also be required to provide them with additional information regarding the transportation of both registered and unregistered weapons by law enforcement personnel.

Military personnel residing in troop billets that own or possess any weapons will store them in a unit arms room. Military personnel and their family members residing in family quarters, who own or possess firearms, will store items in their residences. Firearms in on-post quarters will be kept unloaded and in a place separate from the ammunition, and under double lock and key.

Yes. A rifle barrel should be no less than 16 inches length and a shotgun barrel should be no less than 18 inches. While the overall gun length for either a rifle or a shotgun has to be 26″ according to the ATF, paying extra for an exception can make a difference. Even though black powder guns don’t have this limitation, guns that fire “smokeless powder” do have to adhere to ATF and federal guidelines.

Under the National Firearms Act (NFA), it is illegal for a private citizen to possess a sawed-off modern smokeless powder shotgun (a shotgun with a barrel length shorter than 18 inches (46 cm) or an overall length shorter than 26 inches (66 cm)

If you have a gun that falls under the NFA but is not registered, you are violating federal law and the penalties associated with violations can cost you up to $10,000, 10 years of imprisonment or both, if the maximum penalties are levied against you along with the firearm being subject to forfeiture.

• A shotgun having a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length.
• A weapon made from a shotgun if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 18 inches in length.
• A rifle having a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length.
• A weapon made from a rifle if such weapon as modified has an overall length of less than 26 inches or a barrel or barrels of less than 16 inches in length.
• Any other weapon, as defined in subsection (e).
• A machinegun;.
• Any silencer (as defined in section 921 of title 18, United States Code).
• A destructive device [information from 26 U.S.C. 5845; 27 CFR 479.11.

For more information, please visit the ATF website at: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/which-firearms-are-regulated-under-nfa.

Yes. The approved application received from ATF serves as evidence of registration of the NFA firearm.

This document must be made available upon request of any ATF officer. It is suggested that a photocopy of the approved application be carried by the possessor when the weapon is being transported [Information from 26 U.S.C. 5841(e); 27 CFR 478.101]. For more information, see the ATF website at: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/does-possessor-nfa-firearm-have-show-proof-registration

Yes, unless the registered possessor is a qualified dealer, manufacturer or importer, or a licensed collector transporting only curios or relics. Prior approval must be obtained, even if the move is temporary. Approval is requested by either submitting a letter containing all necessary information, or by submitting ATF Form 5320.20, Application to Transport Interstate or to Temporarily Export Certain National Firearms Act (NFA) Firearms.

This requirement does not apply to the lawful interstate transportation of silencers. Possession of the firearms also must comply with all state and local laws [Information from 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(4); 27 CFR 478.28. For more information, see the ATF website at: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/does-registered-owner-destructive-device-machine-gun-short-barreled-shotgun-or-short.