From Fort Sill Public Affairs

The installation will soon take steps to increase security measures for those accessing post.

The change comes as a result of assessments made by Maj. Gen. John Rossi since taking command this summer and is consistent with expectations from senior Defense Department leaders to provide robust background vetting and access control to installations worldwide. The increase of vetting is driven by a prudent approach to force protection, not a response to a specific threat to Fort Sill. As recent events worldwide have shown threats do exist, however, and the Army will for the right reasons provide more scrutiny for those coming on and off post.
Col. Glenn Waters, Garrison Commander, has led a team of post officials in developing a plan to implement this directive.

“Right now we do not have answers to all the specific access-related questions that we have identified,” said Waters. “But I can assure you that Fort Sill will work hard to balance physical security with our community outreach efforts. The primary intent is to safeguard the well-being of those living, working, or playing on Fort Sill. Fort Sill will not be a ‘closed post’.”

All Active Department of Defense, Retired Department of Defense and Family Member identification currently in use will be accepted. Other types of Common Access Card identification produced by the Department of Defense will also be accepted.
Everyone else wishing to access post will be directed to a Visitor Center, which will be located near Bentley Gate on Sheridan Road, to obtain access.

Army regulation does allow flexibility for special events. Procedures for such events are also currently being developed.

Waters said post officials continue to refine methods for meeting the new guidance but expects to have additional information available soon. The target date for implementing new access procedures is currently in late January.

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