Changes to base escort policy

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HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  In order to comply with Air Force Instruction 31-113, Hanscom will be changing base escort procedures to allow only servicemembers, Defense Department civilians, military retirees and adult dependents to escort visitors.

The AFI and its Air Force Materiel Command supplement issues guidance on who can and cannot escort visitors onto an Air Force installation. Hanscom will implement this policy effective Sept. 23.

"The AFI defines escort privileges as the ability to vouch for their guests and bring them on base in a single vehicle or on foot, without going through the identity proofing and vetting process," said Maj. Michael J. Morales, 66th Security Forces commander. "While escorted visitors do not need passes, they must remain with their escort at all times."

Additionally, the change in policy now requires DoD contractors to sponsor visitors onto the installation. This means that DoD contractors must first register their guests through the Visitor Center prior to entering the installation.

"The new regulation does not allow DoD contractors to escort personnel onto Hanscom Air Force Base," said Morales. "However, this does not mean that DoD contractors cannot bring visitors onto the installation."

DoD Contractors wishing to bring visitors onto Hanscom must use the sponsor process through the Visitor Center.

"Visitor Center personnel will issue a pass for all sponsored guests that will cover the duration of their visit," continued Morales.

Anyone wishing to sponsor guests will have to either send an email to the Hanscom Visitor Center at: visitor@hanscom.af.mil from a .mil or .gov account or go in person to the Visitor Center with their guest's name and date of birth. Sponsors can register their guests up to five days in advance or come into the Visitor Center with their guests for any last minute requests.

"We understand this is a significant change and may result in disruption," said Morales. "We are doing whatever we can to minimize the impact; the Visitor Center is now open seven days a week. The new hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends 7 a.m. to 5 p.m."

The Visitor Center will be closed on Federal Holidays and family and base down days.

For further information, please visit the Hanscom FAQ website at http://www.hanscom.af.mil/questions/topic.asp?id=820 or contact Master Sgt. Robert Cawley at 781-225-5614, Tech. Sgt. Don San Juan at 781-225-5613 or Staff Sgt. Jason Sabo at 781-225-3138.