McChord to require vehicle decals

Author Message   David Haynes Advanced Member Username: Oldcutterman Post Number: 210 Registered: 11-2006 Posted From: 71.0.54.90 Posted on Saturday, May 29, 2010 - 12:06 pm:    One thing seems to be the joint base commands. I think Fort Lewis is the lead command at JB Lewis-McCord and has always required decals. May depend on which service has the responsability. David Haynes   DeeDee Clarke Senior Member Username: Deedee Post Number: 643 Registered: 05-2004 Posted From: 67.11.180.124 Posted on Saturday, May 29, 2010 - 01:48 am:    Dave, As far as I know, the AF has not decided to reinstate them. At least they haven't said they will be required at Lackland. They are requiring DBIDS registration.   Dave Nosek Intermediate Member Username: Waterman15 Post Number: 54 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 134.215.253.245 Posted on Friday, May 28, 2010 - 11:38 pm:    Personally I think it's time for this thread to just go away I look at it this way. If you Don't want a decal then don't get one. Just don't complain when you have to stand in line to get a visitors pass, etc or possibly be refused entry. The AF has decided to reinstate them for what ever reason they may have and until we hear from someone in a position to know then we don't have much choice but to comply. We all have had to have them at some point and as I stated earlier as long as your insurance and regisrtation are current at the time it is not a problem to get the decal. You will still have to show your ID regardless, but the whole process takes a few minutes of your time and once it is complete you no longer have to worry about it until you get a new vehicle. If you don't live near a military installation you don't have a problem and if you do live near or frequent one then just get the decal and the problem is solved.   DeeDee Clarke Senior Member Username: Deedee Post Number: 642 Registered: 05-2004 Posted From: 67.11.180.124 Posted on Friday, May 28, 2010 - 08:58 pm:    I'm with those that don't believe a decal does anything. It only means the person registering the vehicle presented registration, driver's license, and insurance coverage that were valid on the day they registered their vehicle. It does not mean any of that is still valid the next time they drive on base.   Roger T. Evans Intermediate Member Username: Rogerev Post Number: 54 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 112.205.165.106 Posted on Friday, May 28, 2010 - 01:51 pm:    Nellis AFB in Las Vegas where I live does not require a decal. I was in San Diego for a once in a lifetime trip, the Naval Base wouldn’t let me in the base without a decal, so I got one. Apparently where you live doesn’t matter, they would issue you one. However I had to show them my ID card, car registration and proof of insurance - the expiration of which doesn’t matter because the expiration date on my decal will outlive my current insurance by two years. However imperfect, a decal indicates that you have all these required documents. If they check ID only, an active duty or retired military can gain entry driving a stolen car with no insurance. And oh yea, if your sticker is blue, you get saluted which they are required to do. I’m not talking thrash, am I ?   Bill Terry Senior Member Username: Bill_terry Post Number: 663 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 72.216.34.240 Posted on Thursday, May 27, 2010 - 08:08 pm:    In my case, it saves miles. When I go to Fort Benning, GA, I can access the base using the Uchee Creek road (back side of Lawson Field - 101st Div Road) No decal - no entry. You must go into Phenix City/Columbus (a good 20 miles) to the main gate and sign in and get a temp pass Since Eglin AFB doesn't issue decals anymore, I go to Pensacola NAS and get them. (I leave the Pensacola sticker off)   Dakota Ray Senior Member Username: Rhammer Post Number: 451 Registered: 05-2007 Posted From: 69.62.147.217 Posted on Thursday, May 27, 2010 - 07:09 pm:    John David, I don't disagree with you about the procedures that you indicate should happen. Maybe I have just been transiting bases that do not use those procedures. In the last 20 months I have spent several weeks in the New England states and I also spent several weeks in Florida to the New Orleans area. I went down the gulf coast and up the Atlantic coast. All but 3 nights were spent at military bases. I also had a rental car. I was never asked for an Auto Rental agreement, proof of insurance, drivers license, etc. It was available and I was sometimes asked if it was a rental car but my ID was all I had to show. I stayed at bases from all services except the Army. I have also used several bases in the northern and southern California area and also in the Phoenix and Las Vegas areas. Only two times have I been asked for my registration and proof of insurance. Those places were the Port Hueneme Naval Construction Center/Ventura County Naval Base and the Petaluma Coast Guard Training Center. Again I don't disagree with your statements but my experience has been that it is not happening that way. What are the experiences of other posters? Just saying........   John David Brooks Senior Member Username: Johnb6597 Post Number: 420 Registered: 04-2008 Posted From: 114.142.221.155 Posted on Thursday, May 27, 2010 - 05:37 am:    Oh, and I forgot the other good reason for decals: at many bases, if you ain't got one, you ain't getting on-base! :-) Rental cars are not exempt...we are required to show our copy of the car rental agreement along with our military ID to gain entrance, and the rental agreement serves as proof of current registration and liability insurance coverage.   John David Brooks Senior Member Username: Johnb6597 Post Number: 419 Registered: 04-2008 Posted From: 114.142.221.155 Posted on Thursday, May 27, 2010 - 05:33 am:    The vehicle decal program was designed to provide security personnel at the Front Gate an indication that the driver/registered owner of the vehicle has presented evidence of current registration, valid drivers license, and proof of insurance coverage. Obviously, multi-year decals somewhat diminish the usefulness of the decals for those purposes over an extended period of time, but they do create a good baseline for minimum vehicle safety and base security protection. The decals are often augmented by random inspection checkpoints, where military law enforcement officers perform on-the-spot inspections of valid registration, drivers licenses, and proof of insurance. The recent Air Force decision to forego issuing decals was predicated on cost savings (decals don't cost much, but we do dedicate personnel and facility resources to the task of issuing decals and those costs add up), as well as our ability to establish checkpoints with law enforcement patrols already on duty to conduct random on-the-spot inspections that accomplish the same thing as decals. Personally, I think the decal program, augmented by random checkpoint inspections, is the most effective means to ensure our base communities are as safe and protected as possible. It's not perfect, but it's better than relying solely on random inspections or relying solely on decals. Dakota Ray, I hope that helps.   Bill Ward Senior Member Username: Dualrated2 Post Number: 724 Registered: 08-2003 Posted From: 76.169.178.107 Posted on Thursday, May 27, 2010 - 04:19 am:    "Can someone give me a good reason to get a Decal (if available)." Hide a small chip in windshield.   Dakota Ray Senior Member Username: Rhammer Post Number: 450 Registered: 05-2007 Posted From: 69.62.147.217 Posted on Thursday, May 27, 2010 - 03:41 am:    Ok you guys, I asked a question about 4 posts ago. What is the purpose of the decals? It must not be for security because you still have to have to be associated with the military or have a specific reason to enter. It must not be for ease of entry because you apparently still have to show your ID at most Military installations. If I was going to abandon a car, it certainly would not be on a Military Base. I always check for the correct location before parking my car prior to Space A. I have seen Decals on used car lots that have not been removed so I assume that the SP's don't use that for entry. Rental cars seem exempt from any rules including the actual check if they are in fact a rental. Can someone give me a good reason to get a Decal (if available). There has to be a reason other than someone is getting a promotion based on a change. Maybe this needs to go to another string but I am really curious and I am responding here. Is there any reason to get a decal? It seems that we are probably better off without one!! Happy Trails!!!   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2650 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 208.81.157.86 Posted on Thursday, May 27, 2010 - 01:14 am:    Purpose of Decals? I always thought their main purpose was for tracking down the owner if you park it in the wrong spot or abandon it on base. I don't see a "security" association here at all. happy travels, John   Larry Cranford Advanced Member Username: Larrycranford Post Number: 295 Registered: 06-2006 Posted From: 69.111.108.104 Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 - 11:37 pm:    Monday, I drove up to the front gate of Little Rock AFB and showed the sentry my ID card. He looked for the decal but I told him that the vehicle was a rental car. He waved me on through. Larry   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 6381 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.163.18.160 Posted on Sunday, May 23, 2010 - 10:37 am:    Dakota, I think you answered your own questions when you wrote "Their procedures have not been consistent" !   Dakota Ray Senior Member Username: Rhammer Post Number: 446 Registered: 05-2007 Posted From: 69.62.147.217 Posted on Sunday, May 23, 2010 - 01:15 am:    Once more I am confused and maybe some others are also. Someone must be the expert!! I routinely use Travis and Beale AFB's because I am from the Sacramento area. Neither require decals. Their procedures have not been consistent. I always have to show my ID but sometimes a guest must be signed in but many times they are not. I have been to other bases further south that require proof of registration and insurance as well as ID proof from passengers. Sometimes it is taken care of at the gate and sometimes you have to go to pass and ID--if they are open. I usually use a rental car when I travel Space A and usually I am not even asked for any registration, proof of a rental, insurance etc. An ID card usually works. What does the decal do? Are you "waved" through or do you still have to show your ID and possibly sign guests in? If so, how does it help the SPAT? Even a better question is how does this affect security? John, you sorta addressed my questions with your example. Why is there not a consistent procedure? Are decals really important for SPATs or is it a convenience factor. Some of you posters on the east coast have multiple service to work with. What are your experiences with decals and procedures. Somehow I can't believe that a decal will promote security as I have seen several used cars on lots with military decals!!! Lots of questions about a procedure that is not consistent. Just looking for typical procedures used by various bases in different services. Happy Trails!!   John Civick Advanced Member Username: John6412 Post Number: 275 Registered: 07-2008 Posted From: 32.175.164.85 Posted on Sunday, May 23, 2010 - 12:22 am:    This is for the "whatever file.". Tinker doesn't require a decal, McConnell does. When I entered the gate at McConnell sometime back, the airman wanted me to go to Pass/ID to obtain a decal. I told him the AF doesn't require decals anymore and he said McConnell does-so I got a decal for mac even though I live 8 miles from Tinker. Helpsme get on Navy bases as well as Army. As far as security goes, if one does not have a decal it doesn't mean anything other than the vehicle isn't registered on base/post. The gov't ID is most important in weeding out undesirables.   Ernie Thomas, Jr Member Username: Good2go Post Number: 19 Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 173.60.114.77 Posted on Saturday, May 22, 2010 - 10:32 pm:    I was at Andrews AFB a few weeks ago and I read in their base newspaper that the issuance of base decal will now become optional.   KSYR Senior Member Username: Ksyr Post Number: 658 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 74.33.211.135 Posted on Friday, May 21, 2010 - 11:47 am:    They make the decals at Federal Prison Industries, for next to nothing, so cost is not a factor   Dave Nosek Intermediate Member Username: Waterman15 Post Number: 52 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 134.215.253.245 Posted on Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 07:42 pm:    Michigan ANG base in Battle Creek is also reinstating decals. I think it's probably AF wide. Can still get on with an ID but will need a decal early next year. Not a big deal for me since I was always proud to show my AF affiliation. Easy enough to do as well as long as your Licence and insurance are current.   Jack T. Paxton Senior Member Username: Jpaxton Post Number: 844 Registered: 07-2003 Posted From: 24.27.231.67 Posted on Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 04:15 pm:    I was told at NSA New Orleans earlier this year that the Air Force would soon go back to decals. Because of the Navy requirements I now have a sticker so I can go on base without a visitor pass.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2621 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 208.81.157.86 Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 10:32 pm:    Doug: Glad to hear it.. Even though the USAF "discontinued registration" of vehicles, I was required to get a new decal for my vehicle last year...go figure! It may be general USAF policy, but locally enforced or not...who knows? Happy travels, John   Doug Skillman Member Username: Dskillman Post Number: 19 Registered: 02-2010 Posted From: 70.33.13.243 Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 10:23 pm:    Hi John, I stayed at billeting on Fairchild in February and just showed my ID to get on base for three days.   William Standage Senior Member Username: Charlie13 Post Number: 1096 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 75.172.59.16 Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 04:19 pm:    RT, If it is an DoD requirement, why was the AF allowed to abandon the requirement for decals two years ago. No all bases did so, but many if not most bases stopped the practice as a cost saving measure. As I remember the argument, in the post 9/11 world, base security was beefed up at all gates, making the requirement for decals for entry and parking obsolete.   Joe Joyce Advanced Member Username: Joejoyce Post Number: 152 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 199.224.21.254 Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 04:16 pm:    Two weeks ago I saw many vehicles at Travis with stickers.   RT Member Username: Dawg137 Post Number: 13 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 67.104.146.56 Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 02:52 pm:    Decals for installations is a DOD requirement, and is an important part of overall base/post security.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 2618 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 208.81.157.86 Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 01:54 pm:    Never changed at Fairchild...always has required the stickers!   Mike Senior Member Username: Immerfertig Post Number: 2124 Registered: 01-2007 Posted From: 75.132.184.202 Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 12:21 pm:    Interesting. Charleston Air Force Base and the Naval Weapons Station have combined into Joint Base Charleston. The initial implementation was 31 Jan, with the full implementation to take effect on 01 Oct 10. Th AF has the lead, so it makes me wonder if the base will require car decals again? Probably not but we'll see. Already seeing the Joint Base designation. The CAFB website has changed from CAFB to Joint Base Charleston. Even the flight recording line has changed its greeting to "Thank you for calling the passenger terminal at Joint Base Charleston." Times...they are a changin. _   KSYR Senior Member Username: Ksyr Post Number: 655 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 74.33.211.135 Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 08:03 am:    Same for Hickam, the Navy is in charge there.   William Standage Senior Member Username: Charlie13 Post Number: 1093 Registered: 07-2004 Posted From: 75.172.59.16 Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 07:16 pm:    According to the wing public affairs office as published in the Northwest Guardian; "starting Oct 1, all vehicles endtering McChord Field on Joint base Lewis-McChord will be required to have current DoD decals." The AF did away with the decals about two years ago, but the Army is now in charge...