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Your DOD ID Can Shorten Your Wait at the Airport

June 1, 2016
2:47 pm

Taking leave this summer?  Even when traveling for personal time, members of the military and DoD civilians qualify for TSA Pre✓® –without any extra effort. 

Lately, longer than usual lines at the airport have been in the news as the nation prepares for the busiest summer travel season on record.  To reduce the amount of time waiting in lines, while making sure passengers are safe, TSA is encouraging eligible travelers to sign up for TSA Pre✓®.  All members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including cadets and midshipmen at the U.S. service academies, and those serving in the Reserves and National Guard, can receive TSA Pre✓® benefits just by using their Department of Defense identification number. 

For military members, your DOD identification number works as your known traveler number, or KTN, for all of your travel, both personal and official.  Enter the 10 digit number, located on the back of your common access card (CAC), into the KTN field when you make flight reservations to receive TSA Pre✓® benefits. You should update your Defense Travel System profile with KTN as well for official travel.  If the number is not on your CAC, you can get the number on milConnect.

DOD civilians are also eligible to receive TSA Pre✓® benefits. They can opt-in through their profile page on the milConnect site. Once they opt-in, DoD civilians will receive a KTN that they can then input in their travel bookings to receive TSA Pre✓® benefits.

When you make a reservation and include your KTN, a TSA Pre✓® indicator will appear on your boarding pass, letting you know that you can go to the TSA Pre✓® screening line. You cannot go straight to the TSA Pre✓® line with your CAC; you must enter the number when you book your travel.

Example of an Airline Reservation screen with Known Traveler Number (KTN) highlighted

Additionally, you do not have to be in uniform to go through TSA Pre✓® using your DOD identification number.

That means you can leave your shoes, belt, and light jacket on through the screening process, and leave your laptop and liquids in your bag.  It helps you get through the line more efficiently, so your screening process is more predictable and less stressful. 

For more information, check out TSA.gov. 

A US Navy sailor presents his travel documentation to a TSA officer

Category: Air, DOD, holiday travel, Transportation Security, travel security, travel tips, TSA, TSA PreCheck, What You Can Do

TSA On the Job: Transportation Security Officer

May 31, 2016
9:38 pm

This is the first in a new series of #TSAontheJob guest blogs where you’ll hear from different members of our workforce about the work they do and why it’s important.  We hope you enjoy our first installment from DCA Supervisory Transportation Security Officer, Jonathan Williams.

I’ve been working as a transportation security officer at Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Va. since 2010. While screening thousands of passengers and bags daily can be challenging, I know it’s critical to our counterterrorism mission and national security. 

DCA Supervisory Transportation Security Officer Jonathan Williams 1

I meet travelers from all over the world and know that screening isn’t something people look forward to during their travels. I get it. I understand it can be stressful at the security checkpoint and people don’t like the hassle of being screened. But I’m not going to allow any threat to be brought onboard an airplane and I’m going to stay vigilant. That’s the bottom-line for our frontline workforce. I am going to resolve every alarm and ensure no prohibited items are brought on planes. I won’t rush the process at the risk of the safety of passengers.

DCA Supervisory Transportation Security Officer Jonathan Williams 2

I really enjoy meeting people and their families and helping them through the screening process and more importantly, ensuring they have a safe trip. I’m proud of the work we do.

View Jonathan Williams on the job here.

Jonathan Williams
Supervisory Transportation Security Officer
Reagan National Airport

Category: Air, DHS Enterprise, employee, Homeland Security Enterprise, Transportation Security, Transportation Security Officers, TSA

Shorten Your Wait This Summer with TSA Pre✓®

May 27, 2016
1:54 pm

From TSA.gov

Do you have TSA Pre✓®? The expedited screening program is one way that you can shorten your wait at the security checkpoint this summer. 

But TSA Pre✓® only works if you do! Make sure that you’re getting the benefits. Check it out:

Animated graphic of the TSA Pre✓® Process - Add your Known Traveler Number when booking your airline ticket. Look for the TSA Pre✓® indicator on your printed or mobile boarding pass. At the airport, follow the signs to the TSA Pre✓® security lanes for screening. Keeps shoes, light jackets and belts on. Leave laptops and and approved liquids in carry-on.

Facebook icon.Share on Facebook   |   Twitter icon.Share on Twitter

This shows a step-by-step guide on how to shorten your wait using TSA Pre✓®. Watch, and then share it on your social media networks with your fellow travelers.

Don’t have TSA Pre✓®?

Apply today!

For TSA Pre✓® travelers, there is no need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, light outerwear or belts. 16 carriers participate in TSA Pre✓®. 

Category: Transportation Security, travel tips, TSA, TSA PreCheck, What You Can Do

DHS Night at the Nationals

May 27, 2016
10:41 am
Public Affairs

On May 24, DHS celebrated the second annual “Night at the Nationals.” Over 900 DHS employees, their friends and their families from across the National Capitol Region came together to enjoy the game as one DHS.

A joint-DHS Color Guard featuring U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Federal Protective Service presented the colors during the National Anthem. (Matt Harmon/DHS)

A joint-DHS Color Guard featuring U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Federal Protective Service presented the colors during the National Anthem. (Matt Harmon/DHS)

Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and employees from U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection were publically recognized on-field with the DHS Spirit Award.. (Jetta Disco/DHS)

Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and employees from U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection were publicly recognized on-field with the DHS Spirit Award. (Jetta Disco/DHS)  

DHS K9 Unit Officers Dennis Tyree and his partner Coal and Scott Eshelmann and his partner Judge were also recognized during the DHS Spirit Award. (Jetta Disco/DHS)

DHS K9 Unit Officers Dennis Tyree and his partner Coal and Scott Eshelmann and his partner Judge were also recognized during the DHS Spirit Award. (Jetta Disco/DHS)  

Secretary Jeh Johnson threw the ceremonial first pitch at Nationals Park to open the game between the Washington Nationals and the New York Mets. (Jetta Disco/DHS)

Secretary Jeh Johnson threw the ceremonial first pitch at Nationals Park to open the game between the Washington Nationals and the New York Mets. (Jetta Disco/DHS)

Secretary Johnson and Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas pose for a photo with left fielder Jayson Werth. (Jetta Disco/DHS)

Secretary Johnson and Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas pose for a photo with left fielder Jayson Werth. (Jetta Disco/DHS)

Deputy Secretary Mayorkas poses with Washington Nationals' mascot “Screech” before the game starts. (Jetta Disco/DHS)

Deputy Secretary Mayorkas poses with Washington National’s mascot “Screech” before the game starts. (Jetta Disco/DHS)

Secretary Johnson joins a DHS employee and her family for the game. (Jetta Disco/DHS)

Secretary Johnson joins a DHS employee and her family for the game. (Jetta Disco/DHS)

“Night at the Nationals” was a great opportunity to celebrate the hard work of DHS employees. Every day, DHS employees work long hours and carry out difficult missions, making great sacrifices on behalf of themselves and their families to ensure the safety and security of our homeland.  Here at DHS, we are committed to honoring the contributions of our hard-working and dedicated workforce.

Category: DHS Enterprise, employee recognition, Homeland Security Enterprise, (DHS) Department of Homeland Security

TSA Summer Travel Tips

May 26, 2016
3:26 pm

From TSA.gov

Enhanced TSA security screening that meets the current threat environment along with significant increases in travel volume are expected to significantly contribute to longer lines at airport security checkpoints.

In order to maintain the highest levels of security TSA must ensure that every person and every piece of baggage that goes aboard a commercial aircraft is properly screened, and that process takes time.

Travelers are reminded to take steps to facilitate the screening process by preparing ahead of time.

 

Recommendations

  • Apply for a Trusted Traveler program, such as TSA Pre✓®, Global Entry, NEXUS, and Sentri. These programs help improve security and reduce wait times.
  • Arrive early. The increase in travel volume has a wide-ranging effect. Consider incorporating additional time in your travel plans for traffic, parking, rental car returns and airline check-in. Arrive up to two hours in advance of your flight departure time for domestic travel and three hours for international flights.
  • Prepare for security. Have an acceptable ID and boarding pass out and remove large electronics, including laptops and the 3-1-1 compliant liquids bag, from carry-on baggage. Avoid over packing your carry-on bag. Consider checking bags vs. carry-on where feasible. Read the summer travel checklist.
  • Follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less and all bottles must fit in a single quart size plastic bag and be placed in a bin for carry-on baggage screening.
  • Call TSA Cares. Travelers or families of passengers with disabilities and medical conditions may call the TSA Cares helpline toll free at 1-855-787-2227 with any questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint 72 hours prior to traveling.
  • Tweet @AskTSA. Unsure if an item is allowed through security? Issues receiving TSA Pre✓® on your boarding pass? Get live assistance by tweeting your questions and comments to @AskTSA, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends/holidays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Your security is our top priority. Learn more about security-related events and measures in this Transportation Security Timeline.

More info

Category: Air, Domestic Travelers, Transportation Security, travel tips, Trusted Traveler Programs, TSA, TSA Blog, What You Can Do, International travelers, Travelers, (TSA) Transportation Security Administration

Photo of the Week

May 20, 2016
9:35 pm
Public Affairs

The Class of 2016 Graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy this Week

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: The Class of 2016 graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy this week. The Coast Guard’s newest leaders are Semper Paratus to serve their Nation while displaying honor, respect, and devotion to duty.

Official U.S. Coast Guard Photo by by Petty Officer 2nd Class Cory J. Mendenhall | Download High-Resolution Image (2345 x 1864)

 

Category: DHS Enterprise, Homeland Security Enterprise, Photo of the Week, U.S. Coast Guard Academy

Honoring Heroes: National Police Week

May 20, 2016
1:44 pm
Public Affairs
 

During National Police Week, DHS employees had the opportunity to honor all law enforcement officers who serve our country, our communities, and our citizens.

This year, Secretary Johnson and Deputy Secretary Mayorkas took part in several of the commemorative events, including the Custom and Border Protection’s Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying, the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Fund’s Candlelight Vigil, the Federal Protective Service’s Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying Ceremony, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying, and the United States Secret Service Wall of Honor Ceremony.  Members of our Department also joined the National Peace Officers for their Memorial Service this past weekend.

CBP Officers are greeted onstage by Secretary Johnson and Deputy Secretary Mayorkas and CBP leadership

CBP Officers are greeted onstage by Secretary Johnson and Deputy Secretary Mayorkas and CBP leadership (Official DHS Photo)

FPS Officers honor their colleagues at the annual Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying

FPS Officers honor their colleagues at the annual Valor Memorial and Wreath Laying (Official DHS Photo)

Thousands line the National Nall to honor fallen law enforcement officers at the NLEOMF Candlelight Vigil

Thousands line the National Mall to honor fallen law enforcement officers at the NLEOMF Candlelight Vigil (Official DHS Photo)

Deputy Secretary Mayorkas lights a candle after offering remarks to the audience at the Candlelight Vigil

Deputy Secretary Mayorkas lights a candle after offering remarks to the audience at the Candlelight Vigil (Official DHS Photo)

Secretary Johnson and ABC at the Candlelight Vigil

Secretary Johnson and ABC at the Candlelight Vigil (Official DHS Photo)

United States Secret Service Wall of Honor Ceremony

United States Secret Service Wall of Honor Ceremony (Official DHS Photo)

At each of these incredibly moving events, they honored the men and women who are called to serve in law enforcement, and paid tribute to those (including their families) who made the ultimate sacrifice.

We encourage you to take a moment and do so as well.

Category: Alejandro Mayorkas, Border Security, cbp, deputy secretary, DHS Enterprise, First Responders, Homeland Security Enterprise, ICE, memorial ceremony, secret service, Secretary Johnson, US Secret Service

DHS Participates in Exercise Demonstrating New Nuclear Forensics Technology

May 19, 2016
10:56 am
Dr. L. Wayne Brasure

Recently, the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) helped plan and conduct an exercise of the United States’ capability to collect radioactive evidence in the immediate aftermath of a nuclear detonation. The exercise scenario included the detonation of an Improvised Nuclear Device in an urban setting. In a real event, the evidence collected helps identify the source of the device and those responsible for its use.

The exercise, Prominent Hunt 16-1, took place near Philadelphia and involved extensive collaboration among federal and local partners, including the Philadelphia Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Philadelphia Field Office.

Members of the U.S. Government National Technical Nuclear Forensics Ground Collection Task Force deployed to the site of the mock detonation and collected samples of the simulated nuclear debris for analysis at designated National Laboratories.  The Task Force is an interagency group made up of specialists from the Department of Defense’s 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command; the Air Force Technical Applications Center; the Department of Energy; and the FBI.

Unlike previous Prominent Hunt exercises, the task force – for the first time – utilized a robot to collect the radioactive evidence.  This new nuclear forensic technology, developed by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, enables the unmanned collection of samples from areas too dangerous for Task Force members to operate in safely.

Another important element of the exercise was the Army 244th Aviation Brigade and the Department of Energy utilizing airborne systems that allow them to monitor the radiation levels of the environment.  In a real event, these systems would provide information to help keep the Task Force safe and ensure the best samples for analysis are collected.

Prominent Hunt 16-1 Robot_final

Exercises like Prominent Hunt help ensure the nation’s nuclear forensics capabilities are prepared to respond to nuclear threats.  Nuclear forensics helps the U.S. government determine who is responsible for a nuclear attack and hold those parties accountable.

Watch a video of the exercise, from the 20th CBRNE Command  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggj6IrjjQdA
 

Photo Caption: Robot tested in United States Government nuclear forensics exercise

Photo Credit: 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera)

Category: DNDO, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, Explosives, Law Enforcement Partnerships, Nuclear Forensics, Nuclear Security, nuclear security, state and local law enforcement

Together We Can Fight Human Trafficking

May 16, 2016
4:17 pm
Maria M. Odom

Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Blue Campaign is launching two new tools to help raise public consciousness of the terrible crime of human trafficking across the Nation.

The Blue Campaign was founded on the simple premise that if everyone in the United States knows what human trafficking is, together we can work to end human trafficking in the United States.  Every year, thousands of human trafficking cases are reported to law enforcement, but many more go unnoticed. While the Department of Homeland Security works alongside state and local law enforcement each day to combat human trafficking in our communities, we cannot do it alone.  We need your help to bring human trafficking out of the shadows.   

The new Blue Campaign video provides a brief overview of what human trafficking is, what it looks like here in the United States, and what we must do together to end it. 

 

The Blue Campaign infographic shows what human trafficking looks like in the United States.

What is Human Trafficking? Blue Campaign. One Voice. One Mission. End Human Trafficking. *** Human trafficking is: modern day slavery; exploiting a person through force, fraud, or coercion; sex trafficking, forced labor, and domestic servitude; happening everywhere, even in the United States; and victims can be U.S. Citizens or of any nationality, age, socioeconomic status, or gender; any person under the age of 18 involved in a commercial sex act. *** Blue Campaign. One Voice. One Mission. End Human Trafficking. dhs.gov/blue-campaignHuman trafficking is a highly profitable crime. Human Smuggling and Human Trafficking are different crimes. *** Human smuggling is the illegal movement of someone across a border. Human trafficking is the illegal exploitation of a person. *** Human trafficking is happening in the United States. *** It is happening everywhere - suburbs, rural towns, cities. *** It can happen to anyone no matter race, age or gender. *** Blue Campaign. One Voice. One Mission. End Human Trafficking. dhs.gov/blue-campaign There are different types of human trafficking. *** Sex Trafficking. Sex trafficking victims are manipulated or forced against their will to engage in sex acts for money. Sex traffickers might use violence, threats, manipulation, or the promise of love and affection to lure victims. Truck stops, hotel rooms, rest areas, street corners, clubs, and private residences are just some of the places where victims are forced to sell sex. *** Forced Labor. Victims of forced labor could be found in factories, or farms, doing construction work, and more. Very often victims are forced to manufacture or grow products that we use and consume every day. Through force, fraud, or coercion, victims are made to work for little or no pay. *** Every year in the United States thousands of human trafficking cases are reported, but many more go unnoticed. Human trafficking is a hidden crime. Victims might be afraid to come forward, or we may not recognize the signs, even if it is happening right in front of us. We need to bring this crime out of the shadows. *** How the Department of Homeland Security is fighting human trafficking. The Department of Homeland Security created the Blue Campaign to take a stand against modern day slavery and help combat this heinous crime by raising awareness of homan trafficking around the country. *** Blue Campaign. One Voice. One Mission. End Human Trafficking. dhs.gov/blue-campaignWhat you can do to stop human trafficking. *** Join the DHS Blue Campaign. Visit the Blue Campaign website: dhs.gov/blue-campaign. Learn more about the signs and indicators of human trafficking: dhs.gov/blue-campaign/awareness-training. Spread the word - download and share anti-human trafficking materials: dhs.gov/blue-campaign/resource-catalog. View and share our Public Service Announcement: dhs.gov/blue-campaign-video. Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/bluecampaign *** Be an informed consumer. Know who makes the products you buy and the food you eat to help keep slavery tainted items out of your home. Visit the Department of Labor list of goods that could be subject to human trafficking at dol.gov/ilab/reports/child-labor/list-of-goods *** Recognize and report suspected human trafficking. To contact federal law enforcement, call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE. Or submit a tip online at www.ice.gov/tips. For victim support from the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC), call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to Befree(233733). Help us bring this crime out of the shadows and into the light. Join the Blue Campaign. *** Blue Campaign. One Voice. One Mission. End Human Trafficking. dhs.gov/blue-campaign

By learning the signs and indicators of human trafficking, you can potentially recognize and report instances of human trafficking happening in your community. As the summer travel season approaches, we need your support more than ever so we can identify and stabilize victims, investigate traffickers, and bring them to justice.

These new resources are especially valuable because you can easily display them through your social media channels. Please download the video and the infographic, and share them with your communities.  We need your help to share this important information.     

We encourage you to learn more about the Blue Campaign by visiting our website: www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign.

Category: Blue Campaign, Combatting Human Trafficking, Human Trafficking, human trafficking, public, What You Can Do, Resources

EMS Strong: Called to Care

May 16, 2016
2:41 pm
Kathryn Brinsfield

This week is National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, and those of us in the Department of Homeland Security are proud to recognize the EMS responders across the country who serve on the front lines of emergency healthcare. These men and women have chosen to answer the call of a career that demands passion, purpose, and heart. Each plays a critical role in our nation’s health security.

At the Office of Health Affairs (OHA), we are committed to strengthening the nation’s EMS system.  We do this by identifying EMS needs and potential solutions, such as drafting federal guidance to help community first responders save more lives in response to improvised explosive and active shooter events.

We are also creating resources to help the EMS community better recognize the medical indicators of human trafficking, in support of the DHS Blue Campaign. 

For DHS EMS providers, we are collaborating with components to develop training and peer-support programs focused on managing stress and building emotional resiliency, and are working to enable cross-state recognition of EMS credentials.

Our veterinarians are creating a “first aid” medical care manual for working dogs, and a K9 EMS educational curriculum to support dog handlers’ operational efforts.

This past year, I also presented the Chief Medical Officer, Life Saving Award to 34 DHS employees in recognition of their extraordinary actions that directly made the difference between life and potential death.

To all EMS providers who have been called to care, we salute you!  Please take care of yourselves so that you can continue to take care of others.

Category: Blue Campaign, DHS Enterprise, employee recognition, employees, first aid, First Responders, Homeland Security Enterprise, oha

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