Malmstrom Air Force Base announced on Thursday that it has suspended the "Trusted Traveler Program."
Malmstrom said in a press release that "...this means that EVERYONE traveling in your vehicle will need to present their DoD ID card OR valid photo ID with an approved base pass."
Valid DoD ID cardholders who want to escort/sponsor non-DoD ID cardholders age 16 or older onto the installation in their immediate vehicle will be required to park and visit the Visitor Control Center during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or an installation gate during the Visitor Control Center non-operating hours to acquire a visitor’s pass.
This requires submitting to and passing a background check. Any non-DoD ID cardholders who do not have a valid form of ID or have a questionable criminal record will be denied access to the installation.
All non-DoD ID cardholders will be required to present a government form of identification and will be vetted through a criminal background check in order to receive a visitor’s pass. Any non-DoD ID cardholders who do not have a valid form of ID or have a questionable criminal record will be denied access to the installation.
Malmstrom says that drivers can expect increased wait times at the Visitor Control Center and plan for additional traffic at the installation gates in the immediate future, and said: "Please ask everyone in your vehicle to have their ID ready for the Defender at the gate!"
We asked Malmstrom officials what prompted the change - here is the reply: "There is not one particular incident that prompted the change. We continually assess the security of our installation and take necessary precautions to ensure our people and assets remain safe and secure."
If you have questions about access to Malmstrom, call the Visitor Control Center at 406-731-4489.
