Base implements new process for sponsoring short-term visitors

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Beginning March 27, base employees will no longer be able to sponsor visitors on Kirtland by telephonic means.

Currently, those in the Department of Defense DBIDS system could sponsor short-term visitors on base by calling a gate’s visitor center with information about them and their guest. The new process requires employees to either sponsor their guest in person at the visitor’s center or submit an official completed form to the applicable visitor center, with a digital or wet signature.

Staff Sgt. Ryan Nett, NCO in charge of Pass and Registration for the 377th Security Forces, said the change was needed to become compliant with Air Force Manual, which doesn’t authorize telephonic sponsorship.

“This change will drastically improve security,” Nett said. 

Nett said with telephonic sponsorship, there was no way to confirm the identity of the sponsor. If the visitor knew their sponsor’s personal information, or information of anyone in DBIDS, they could sponsor themselves on base. 

The new sponsorship procedures officially go into effect March 20, but there will be a one-week grace period as the new process is advertised throughout the base. 

To access the visitor pre-notification form, visit http://www.kirtland.af.mil/Portals/52/documents/Visitor-Prenotification-Form.pdf. Forms may not be submitted more than 72 hours in advance and must be submitted in person. Requests for a pass between three and 30 days require approval from the on-duty flight chief. 

For more information, contact Pass and Registration at 853-1859.