Frequently Asked Questions about the Directorate of Emergency Services
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NOTE: This FAQ is not all inclusive and is subject to change. For the most up to date information, contact the VCC.
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- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
As of April 4, 2016, how can I enter Fort Meade if I don’t have a military ID card?
The minimum requirement for entrance to Fort Meade without a military ID or civilian CAC card is:
1. A valid reason to visit the installation. Note: Visiting the museum, going to the bowling alley, eating at a Fort Meade restaurant on post or just to have a look around are no longer valid reasons to access the installation unless you have a military ID or CAC card.
2. A Fort Meade Access pass.
- To obtain a one day Fort Meade access pass, the visitor must go to the Visitor Control Center during regular business hours, Mon. to Fri. from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. We encourage you to plan ahead and pre-register for your access pass.
You must provide an enhanced driver’s license which can be scanned in by the ARMY Installation Entry (AIE) System and submit to a NCIC III background check.
Visitors with licenses issued by American Samoa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri or Washington State must also present a U.S. Passport.
If an unfavorable NCIC-III background check is returned, the visitor will be denied access to the installation. The visitor will be provided information which will explain the waiver process. Waivers take several weeks to process. If the waiver is granted you will be eligible to access the installation.
- To obtain a multi-day Fort Meade access pass, the visitor and an authorized sponsor must go to the Visitor Control Center during regular business hours, Mon. to Fri. from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. We encourage you to plan ahead and pre-register for your access pass.
You must bring:
1. A completed form FGGM 192 signed by a military ID card holder or civilian CAC card holder (military spouses, dependents and government contractors, who do not reside on Fort Meade, are not authorized sponsors). Residents who do not hold a DoD issued ID card must obtain a resident ID.
2. The sponsor and visitor should go to present appropriate identification. Identification options are:
Option # 1 – A driver’s license AND a birth Certificate, (if born in the U.S.) AND a social security card.
Option #2 – A U.S. Passport AND a Social Security Card.
Option #3 - Visitors who do not have an enhanced driver’s license (licenses issued by American Samoa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri or Washington State) the process requires a U.S. Passport AND Social Security Card AND the driver’s license.
If an unfavorable NCIC-III background check is returned, the visitor will be denied access to the installation. The visitor will be provided information which will explain the waiver process. Waivers take several weeks to process. If the waiver is granted you will be eligible to access the installation.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
Why did the Army implement these increased security requirements?
In November of 2014, the Army Chief of Staff directed a review of security procedures on Army installations which are charged with protecting the thousands of people who live and work on them. The review led to the establishment of proscribed access control criteria. Homeland Security Presidential Directive #12 directs the Department of Defense to use the National Crime Information Center Interstate Identification Index (NCIC-III) to vet personnel entering any military installation who do not possess a U.S. Government Civilian Common Access Card (CAC) or Military ID Card.
Visitors without a CAC card or military ID card are encouraged to pre-register with the Fort Meade Visitor Control Center. Visitors who pre-register, depending upon their needs, will either be issued a day pass or a Fort Meade Access pass. The Fort Meade access pass along with an additional form of approved ID will gain you unescorted access to the installation.
Visitors who do not possess a CAC, military ID card and who are not pre-registered with a favorable NCIC-III check must be escorted by someone with an approved ID. The escort must accompany the visitor at all times while on the installation.
Visitors who have an unfavorable review in the NCIC-III system will not be allowed to enter the installation.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
Where is the Visitor Control Center?
The Visitor Control Center located at 902 Reece Road, Odenton, is near the Fort Meade main gate on Reece Road and Annapolis Boulevard (HWY 175). The VCC is open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Closed on weekends.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
What is NCIC-III?
NCIC-III is the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Interstate ID Index (III). It is the Army minimum baseline background check required for entrance onto Army installations for non-common access card (CAC) holders and visitors. Visitors under the age of 18 will not have an NCIC-III check conducted.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
Can I get a copy of my NCIC-III background check information?
We are not legally permitted to provide this information, even with the subject of the background check.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
Does this affect those with a military, retiree, dependent or CAC ID?
There is no change for those with a military, retiree, dependent or CAC ID. Proceed to the gate as you normally would. If you are traveling in the same vehicle with visitors ages 18 and older, ensure they have a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license. NOTE: During unannounced 100% ID checks at the gates, visitors traveling with the ID card holder may be required to receive a background check and access pass.
Visitors who are not accompanied by someone with a military ID or civilian CAC card, must possess a Fort Meade access pass along with an approved form of federal ID.
All visitors must pass a favorable NCIC-III check to enter the installation. Visitors without a Fort Meade access pass must be escorted by someone who has approved access to the installation.
We encourage you to pre-register for an access pass. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here.
Visitors who have an unfavorable review in the NCIC-III system will not be allowed to enter the installation.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
What forms of ID can I use to get on post that do not require me to get a Fort Meade access pass?
1) DoD Common Access Card (CAC)
2) DD Form 2A (ACT) (Active Duty Military Identification Card)
3) DD Form 2 (ACT/RES) (Armed Forces of the United States-Geneva Conventions Identification Card (Active and Reserve)
4) DD Form 2 (RET) (United States Uniformed Identification Card (Retired))
5) DD Form 2S (ACT/RES) (Armed Forces of the United States-Geneva Conventions Identification Card (Active and Reserve))
6) DD Form 2S (RET/RES RET) (United States Uniformed Identification Card (Retired and Reserve Retired))
7) United States Government issued authenticated Federal PIV credentials
8) DD 1173, United States Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (persons over the age of 18)
The Automated Installation Entry system scans the acceptable forms of ID for NCIC-III information. If the AIE system discovers derogatory information based on the NCIC-III scan, that person will be denied access to the installation.
If you are denied access based on derogatory information discovered by the AIE system, you may apply for a waiver. Your organization can sponsor you through the process. If the waiver is granted, you will be eligible to access the installation.
Visitors who do not possess one of the above forms of ID, must possess a Fort Meade access pass along with an approved form of federal ID to enter the installation.
Visitors without a Fort Meade access pass must be escorted by someone who has approved access to the installation. If you know you are going to visit the installation, it is important for you to preregister at the VCC.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
What documents are needed to access the post if I do not have a CAC or military ID?
Visitors without a military ID or civilian CAC card must possess a Fort Meade access pass which can be obtained from the Visitor Control Center and will only be awarded once the visitor passes a favorable NCIC-III check.
Along with the access pass, all visitors ages 18 and over must present a valid picture ID for access to the installation. Following a favorable NCIC-III check, these visitors may enter the post if they possess a Fort Meade access pass along with any of the following valid forms of identification:
1) Real ID Act compliant driver’s licenses acceptable for access to Federal Installations.
2) DA Form 1602 (Civilian Identification and Gold Star Family)
3) The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) issued Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
4) AF Form 354, Civilian Identification Card
5) DD Form 2574, Armed Forces Exchange Services ID and Privilege
6) DD Form 1934, Geneva Convention ID card for Medical and Religious
7) DD Form 2764, US DoD/Uniformed Services Civilian Geneva Convention ID
8) DD Form 2765 DoD ID and Privilege Card
9) DD Form 489, Geneva Convention ID card for Civilians
10) Valid American Passport
Additionally, all drivers must possess a valid driver’s license, state vehicle registration and proof of insurance.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
What if I am visiting Fort Meade on official business but don’t have a military ID?
A representative of the organization you are visiting – provided he/she has the appropriate credentials to access the post – may escort you on post. You must remain with an official escort at all times while on Fort Meade in this instance.
Visitors without a military ID or civilian CAC card are encouraged to pre-register with the Fort Meade Visitor Control Center. Visitors who pre-register, depending upon their needs, will either be issued a day pass or a longer term Fort Meade Access pass. The Fort Meade access pass along with an additional form of approved ID will gain you access to the installation.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
What issues would prevent someone from coming onto the installation?
Derogatory information appearing in a background check that can result in denied access to the post includes, but is not limited to:
1) The NCIC-III contains criminal information about the individual that will allow the garrison commander to determine whether the individual presents a potential threat to good order, discipline and/or health and safety on the installation.
2) 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.
3) The individual has a current warrant in NCIC, regardless of the offense or violation.
4) The individual is currently barred from entry or access to a Federal installation or facility.
5) 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 intent to sell or drug distribution.
6) The individual has a U.S. conviction of espionage, sabotage, treason, terrorism or murder.
7) The individual is a registered sex offender.
8) The individual has been convicted of a felony within the past 10 years, regardless of the offense or violation.
9) The individual has been convicted of a felony firearms or explosives violation.
10) The individual has engaged in acts or activities designed to overthrow the U.S. Government by force.
11) The individual is identified 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.
All visitors must pass a favorable NCIC-III check to enter the installation. You may apply for a waiver – your organization / government sponsor can elect to sponsor you through this process. If the waiver is granted, you will be eligible to access the installation.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
Is there any way around the requirement for a background check?
No. Everyone entering Fort Meade must have a favorable background check. However, if you are denied access based on derogatory information in a background check, you may apply for a waiver – your organization or government sponsor can elect to sponsor you through this process. If the waiver is granted, you will be eligible to access the installation.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
What happens if I’m denied post access due to an unfavorable background check?
In cases where a visitor is denied access based on derogatory information obtained from an NCIC-III check, the individual will be provided with information on how to request a waiver to obtain access to the installation. Unless the waiver is granted, access to the installation will be denied.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
I see that the NCIC-III check looks for felonies within the last 10 years. Is it 10 years from the date of conviction or 10 years from the completion of probation?
The NCIC-III checks felonies within the last 10 years from the date of the conviction. Persons with an extensive criminal history even after 10 years could still be denied access.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
If I have a felony conviction and am employed by a contractor on Fort Meade. How can I get to work?
If you are currently employed or seeking employment on Fort Meade, there is no way around the requirement for a background check. However, if you are denied access based on derogatory information in a background check, you may apply for a waiver – your organization / government sponsor can elect to sponsor you through this process. If the waiver is granted, you will be eligible to access the installation.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
What if there’s a mistake in the system?
If you are denied access based on derogatory information in a background check, you will be provided with information which details how you can apply for a waiver. Until the waiver is processed, you will not be granted access to the installation.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
Can I apply for a pass in advance?
Yes and it is highly recommended that you pre-register. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
What if I forget my CAC or military ID card at home/work?
If you do not have a CAC or military ID, you will be required to go to the Visitor Control Center for an NCIC-III background check and to receive an access pass – or you can have someone bring your ID to you.
NOTE: If you are a military member or a CAC card holder and derogatory information appears on an NCIC-III check that bars you from the post, you will need to go through the waiver process before regaining the ability to enter post on your own. Until you are granted a waiver, you will need to be escorted to enter the installation. If a sponsor is not available to you, you may request a police escort to your location to get your ID. This type of police service request has low priority.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
If I have a military ID and want to take relatives on post, do they need to get a background check?
If you are a military ID cardholder and relatives (mother, father, grandparents etc.) are traveling in your vehicle (escorted), then they only need to show a picture ID such as a driver's license. If the visit is for an extended period of time and you want your relative to travel onto, off of and around the installation on their own, they will need to have a Fort Meade access pass by undergoing a background check at the visitor control center.
We encourage you to have your family members pre-register for an access pass. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
If I have a military ID or civilian CAC card and want to bring my civilian friends on post to go bowling, do they need an access pass or just a driver’s license?
If your friends are in the same vehicle as you, then they do not need access passes. However, if they are in separate vehicles from you, or if you will not be escorting them the entire time they are on post, then they require both background checks and access passes from the Visitor Control Center. NOTE: During unannounced 100% ID checks at the gates, visitors may be required to receive a background check and access pass.
We encourage you to have your friends pre-register for an access pass. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
We are visiting a family member who lives on post for a week. Do we need an access pass? If so, how long is the pass valid, and can we go on and off the installation without a background check every time?
If the visit is for an extended period of time and you want to be able to travel onto, off of and around the installation on your own, you will need to acquire a Fort Meade Access Pass by undergoing an NCIC-III background check at the VCC. Each visitor who is 18 or over will need an access pass. As long as you have an approved sponsor, the VCC can issue a pass good for the length of your visit.
If family members have an unfavorable NCIC-III background check, they will be denied access to the installation. If they are denied access based on derogatory information in a background check, they may apply for a waiver – you can sponsor the family member through the process. If the waiver is granted, your family member will be eligible to access the installation.
We encourage you to have your family members pre-register for an access pass. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
My spouse lives with me on post and has a valid military ID. My spouse now has a felony conviction on her/his record. What will happen if my spouse tries to come on post?
Even though your spouse has a military ID, the AIE system located at each gate will scan the ID for NCIC-III information. A felony conviction will result in your spouse being denied access to the installation. Your spouse will be provided information on the process to apply for a waiver. The waiver authority will review and carefully consider the merits of each case on an individual basis. The AIE system continuously monitors multiple data bases so the next time they try to use their military ID for an AIE scan, they will be denied access.
If someone is denied access based on derogatory information discovered by the AIE system, they may apply for a waiver – you can sponsor the family member through the process. If the waiver is granted, your family member will be eligible to access the installation.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
I am an Army Civilian working on post. Is there a plan to issue credentials to spouses of Army Civilians so they don’t have to get an access pass?
Your spouse will need a background check and an access pass unless he/she travels to Fort Meade with you in the same vehicle and has an appropriate government-issued photo ID. Your spouse is eligible for a long-term pass with you as the sponsor. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
My fiancé has an expunged offense that will show up on a background check. Will this prevent my fiancé from coming onto post until we are married or is there a clause allowing for these issues?
If the offense is indeed expunged, your fiancé should not encounter any trouble when the background check is run. However, keep in mind that the NCIC-III background check has to reflect that the offense was expunged.
If the offense has not been expunged in the system your fiancé will be denied access to the installation.
You may apply for a waiver – your organization / government sponsor can elect to sponsor you through this process. If the waiver is granted, you will be eligible to access the installation.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
If I am getting married on post, how do I and my guests get on post with these new regulations?
Wedding requests are processed through the installation chaplain’s office. The chaplain’s office has adopted polices to ensure compliance with access control procedures.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
I’m divorced and non-military, but my child is a military dependent with an ID card. Do I need an access pass to take her to medical appointments on post?
We encourage you to pre-register for an access pass. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
I am active-duty military with a 21-year-old son and no longer has a military ID. He still lives at home with us on Fort Meade while he attends school. Is it possible for a former dependent living on post to get a long-term pass?
If your adult child lives with you on post, he/she is eligible for an access pass that is valid for up to one year. You will need to sponsor him/her, so it will be easiest if you accompany them to the Visitor Control Center to apply for the pass.
If your adult child has an unfavorable NCIC-III background check, they will be denied access to the installation. If they are denied access based on derogatory information in a background check, they may apply for a waiver – you can sponsor the adult child through the process. If the waiver is granted, your adult child will be eligible to access the installation.
We encourage you to have your family members pre-register for an access pass. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
I am a retired service member with a valid Military ID. Will my civilian grandkids be allowed on post as long as they are accompanied by me or my spouse?
Yes, if you or your spouse visit Fort Meade with your valid military ID, and the children are traveling in the same vehicle with you, they will not need access passes or background checks. Proceed to the gate as you normally would.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
I am a DoD contractor with a Common Access Card. Can I bring my spouse onto the installation without her needing a background check or access pass?
No. Contractors are not authorized to escort un-cleared visitors on post. Your spouse will require a background check and access pass.
Since you are unable to sponsor your wife for a long-term access pass, we encourage you to request your COR or GES to sponsor your spouse so that she can pre-register for an access pass.
A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
What if I have a live-in nanny who is authorized to reside with us in government quarters but they don't have a military ID card?
Certain individuals will be eligible to receive longer-term passes to access the installation, provided they have a clear background check and depending on the purpose and frequency of their visits. To qualify for the Fort Meade Access Pass, individuals need to be sponsored by someone with an approved military ID or civilian CAC Card.
To obtain a pass, the sponsor and the individual in need of the long term pass should both go to the VCC to obtain the pass. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
I'm traveling with my parents to Fort Meade for my husband's graduation and have my military ID. Do my parents still need a background check to get on post or an access pass?
It depends on whether you (the military ID cardholder) will be traveling in the same vehicle as your parents. If you will be in the same vehicle, then they will not need background checks or passes since the visit would be considered escorted by you as their sponsor. The passengers over 18 will need to show a valid photo ID.
If they are arriving in separate vehicles, then your parents will need background checks and access passes for the duration of their visit.
We encourage you to pre-register for an access pass. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
We are attending my Soldier’s upcoming graduation on post. Do we each need a background check for this or just an access pass?
If you need to travel onto Fort Meade and you do not have an approved military ID card, you and any passengers in your vehicle 18 and over will need a background check and an access pass. The passes will be valid for the duration of your visit. You will need to go to the VCC during regular business hours to go through a background check and receive a pass.
We encourage you to have your family members pre-register for an access pass. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
I ride my bicycle on Fort Meade on weekends – will I be able to ride on the base with my ID or will these new rules affect bicycle riders also entering the base?
All visitors to the installation traveling through a Fort Meade Access Control Point must either have an approved CAC or military ID card or an access pass proving they have a favorable background check. This includes those entering the installation on bicycles.
Note: in addition to having a Fort Meade access pass, you must have a valid reason for entering the installation. Entering the installation to ride your bike is no longer considered a valid reason for entering the installation.
Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
I work for a U.S. federal agency and frequently travel to Fort Meade for official business. Will my federal credentials be sufficient to enter the installation?
If your federal credentials are listed, you do not need an access pass. Proceed to the gate as you normally would. A list of acceptable IDs are listed here
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
Will disabled Veterans be granted access to post with the Government issued ID from the Veterans Administration?
No, a Veterans Administration ID is not an acceptable credential for accessing Fort Meade. If you need to travel onto Fort Meade and you do not have an approved military ID card, you and any passengers in your vehicle 18 and over will need a background check and an access pass. You will need to go to the VCC during regular business hours to go through a background check and receive a pass.
We encourage you to pre-register for an access pass. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
I am a Gold Star ID cardholder – can I use that ID to get on post?
No, a Gold Star ID card is not an acceptable credential for accessing Fort Meade without a background check. You will require a background check and access pass if you do not have a valid military ID card. A Gold Star ID can be used along with a valid Fort Meade access pass to gain access to the installation.
We encourage you to pre-register for an access pass. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
I have a concealed carry permit from Maryland/Virginia that required a background check. Can I use that to get on post?
Your previous background check for a weapon permit is separate from the one required to enter Fort Meade. In order to receive an access pass, you still need to undergo an NCIC-III background check through the Fort Meade Visitor Control Center. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
We are a moving company and deliver and pickup Soldiers household goods on base every day. What do we need to do to have a pass for all our trucks?
Background checks will be required for each driver and passenger accessing the installation. Also, in addition to a valid state-issued driver’s license, state vehicle registration and proof of insurance and drivers of moving trucks must possess a current bill of lading for the specific delivery containing an address on the installation.
We encourage companies who do business with Fort Meade to get their employees preregistered at the VCC. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
What about school bus drivers with routes on Fort Meade?
Bus drivers regularly accessing Fort Meade as part of their normal routes will be issued a 1-year pass following a clean background check. We work very closely with Anne Arundel County Schools to ensure there is little-to-no impact to the transportation of military dependents living on post to county schools.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
How about off-post restaurants delivering food on post?
Food delivery drivers will be required to receive a background check and an access 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 an access pass. The duration of the pass will vary by need.
We encourage all managers of local businesses to sponsor their delivery drivers and have them pre-register for an access pass. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
I am a volunteer who frequently works on Fort Meade. Do I need to get an access pass every time I come to the post?
Contractors, Vendors and Volunteers are eligible for longer-term passes to access the installation. The authorized COR (Contracting Officer's Representative) or GES (Government Employee Sponsor) for the organization will have to sponsor you.
You should work with your COR or GES to obtain a long-term pass. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here. Please visit the VCC or call 301-677-1389/1390/1064 during operating hours for more information.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
I enjoy coming to different events, visiting the museums and eating at the restaurants on post. I visit Fort Meade frequently, but do not have a valid military ID. Will I need to get a pass each time I visit or will I qualify for a long-term pass?
Fort Meade will continue to have some major events for which the public is invited. During those events, entrance procedures will be altered to accommodate a large number of visitors. Entrance procedure information will be included in event announcements.
Unfortunately, if it is not a large installation sponsored event, attending an event, visiting the museum or eating at a Fort Meade restaurant on post are no longer valid reasons to access the installation unless you have a military ID or CAC card. To request this type of access you must go to the VCC and request a special pass waiver which is routed to the Garrison Commander. It will take 10 business days at a minimum to provide a response to special pass waiver requests. Special pass waiver requests are good for one day or one event.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
What is a special pass?
A special pass is issued to people who do not have a military ID or civilian CAC card and do not have an official reason for being on the installation. A non-official reason includes – visiting the museum, going to a Fort Meade restaurant, going to the bowling alley, or to just have a look around.
Visitors wishing to enter the installation without an official reason must request a special pass. Special passes take at least 10 business days to process and the request must be approved by the Garrison Commander. Special pass waiver requests are good for one day or one event.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
Does this mean there will be no more open house events, like Independence Day at Fort Meade or the National Night Out?
There are several events throughout the year which Fort Meade has opened to the public. We will continue this tradition and look forward to see our neighbors from surrounding communities. We will adjust entry procedures during these events to accommodate large numbers of visitors. We will specify requirements for large events in our event announcements.
At a minimum, the entrance requirement for these events for those 18 years of age or older is a federally recognized form of photo ID.
If an individual is not escorted, visitors 18 years of age or older must present a form of ID which is barcoded. The barcode is used to access The Automated Installation Entry system which will scan these forms of ID for NCIC-III information. If the AIE system discovers derogatory information based on the scan, that person will be denied access to the installation.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
Is the Trusted Traveler program still in place?
Yes. The Trusted Traveler Program allows all DoD identification cardholders (DoD employees, active-duty military, family members ages 18 and older, and retired service members) to vouch for occupants in their immediate vehicle, provided the Trusted Traveler vehicle operator or passenger possesses a valid DoD ID card.
Under the Trusted Traveler program, a DoD ID card holder can bring up to 12 passengers onto the installation.
NOTE: During unannounced 100% ID checks at the gates, visitors traveling with the ID card holder may be required to receive a background check and access pass.
- DIRECTORATE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
Will these changes cause more traffic at the gates? What is Fort Meade planning to do to regulate the flow of visitor traffic?
Visitors should expect delays during the initial implementation of these procedures at all of the Fort Meade access control points.
We encourage you to pre-register for an access pass. A complete description of how to pre-register for an installation pass can be found here.
