FORT CAMPBELL, KY – Fort Campbell’s Directorate of Emergency Services, or DES, is implementing a new installation access system meant to enhance security for those who live and work on the installation, as well as retirees and visitors. The Automated Installation Entry III, or AIE III, technology will increase background check capabilities and better detect fraudulent identification cards.

AIE III is an Armywide program expected to go live June 28 at all Fort Campbell access points. DES staff plan to test the system at individual lanes at least a week prior to the launch date, but drivers can expect the same experience when they come through the gates.

“The average driver will notice no difference in what they need to do, other than the bar code that we scan on the different ID cards,” said James Brown, chief of Physical Security, DES. “Right now, when they come through the gate, they scan the front of your CAC card. With the new system, they’ll show the front so we can see their picture, then they’ll flip it over and scan the bar code that’s on the back.”

New access cards

Passes issued through the visitors centers also will include those bar codes, and contractors without common access cards, or CAC, will eventually be issued AIE III-compatible passes.

Brown said all currently valid passes will be honored through their expiration dates to prevent disruption.

“Gate guards will always be there, so the gate guard will always scan the ID card,” he said. “It won’t be like in some places where they have a pedestal where they can scan their ID cards and the arm goes up, it’ll be the exact same thing they see today.”

Although the process itself is the same, Brown said the trial period will help identify any problems with the software or hardware before its full implementation.

“The Army is looking to make sure the system is operating properly, and the trial period gives us time to work out any kinks and issues that we see with the system,” Brown said. “And it will also give us time to register people.

DOD ID cardholders are registered automatically the first time their ID card is scanned under the AIE III system.

“It’ll take about three seconds,” he said.

Stopping fake ID cards, criminals

Fraudulent ID cards have been a widespread issue at other installations that AIE III can help address, Brown said.

“At Fort Bragg, when they initially did theirs, they confiscated about 3,000 ID cards that were being illegally used in the first week,” he said. “And that’s pretty much the consensus that I’ve gotten from other installations like Fort Riley – they just had it installed last year.”

The system also allows DES to better detect potential threats through connectivity with national criminal databases, and personnel can find the exact time and lane someone entered through if they need to conduct a search.

“We’ll be able to run a background check every time you come through the gate, so you’ll go through what we call an NCIC-III check,” Brown said. “That’ll run you through several different national criminal databases at the same time. If we find something concerning, we’ll pull you to the side and then deal with it accordingly.”

While that could prevent someone with an outstanding arrest warrant, driving restrictions or severe criminal convictions from entering post, Brown said AIE III will not make access more difficult for most soldiers, families, civilian employees and contractors.

“To an average person, they’re not going to know a difference,” Brown said. “And once the system goes live after the trial period and you’re registered, it should only take us about one-and-a-half seconds to get that information and get the person on their way.” For more information, visit the AIE III frequently asked questions at https://home.army.mil/campbell/index.php/visitor-check-in.