WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Drivers pulling up at base gates will have something new to greet them in the not-too-distant future. It's a new security technology called the Defense Biometric Identification System, or DBIDS.

The most visible part of DBIDS is a handheld scanner. Gate guards will use the scanners to read bar codes on common access cards carried by military members and civilian employees to instantly tell who the person is and whether or not they're allowed on the base.

The hand-held scanners provide gate guards with an instant, always-on connection to a Department of Defense database, said Master Sgt. Dave Small, the 88th Security Forces Squadron lead for implementing the DBIDS system. The system is already in use at a number of DOD installations around the world.

"The most significant gain from using the new system will be to installation security," Sergeant Small said. DBIDS will eventually enable guards to develop a standard, shared network Air Force wide.

The new system will notify gate sentries about lost or stolen ID cards, individuals barred from base, or persons who are being sought by their commander for an emergency or key response notification. The moment ID cards are reported stolen, or people expected to enter gates who require notification or detention, the information can be flagged in the system, instantly alerting guards.

Security Forces members are currently familiarizing themselves with and preparing to test out the system. Before it comes online later in the year, base personnel will need to bring their military identification cards and register personal information at one of several locations on base.

According to Sergeant Small, additional information must be added locally to the DBIDS database, such as unit phone numbers, and access rights during higher force protection conditions.

The DBIDS database will interface with Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) that provides data on active-duty members, civilians, retired members and dependents within the base's ZIP code area.

Base officials are currently developing a timeline to install the infrastructure, educate and register the workforce, retirees, dependents and other base visitors so the system can be put into use.

"We're still a few months away, but we want to get ready to test out the system, and then, the big piece, register all users," Sergeant Small said. "Every DoD ID Card holder requesting access to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will eventually need to register."

The registration process - for all military members, civilian employees, DoD contractors, military family members and retirees - will require individuals to physically bring their current identification card to be scanned. At the same time, a biometric fingerprint scan will be accomplished. The entire registration process is expected to take between five to 10 minutes.

According to Small as many as 90,000 people are expected to eventually register into the DBIDS database for Wright-Patterson AFB, so making the registration effort go smoothly will be vital.

Members of the 88th Security Forces Squadron will be the first to register, Sergeant Small said. The 88th Air Base Wing has already purchased the hand-held scanners and equipment needed to register.

Registration stations will eventually be established at several locations on base, but details and where and when are still being worked out, he added. Current plans are for key personnel within the 88th Air Base Wing to register first, followed by other major units on base, retirees and family members.

"I want to stress that people do not need to run out to get their ID scanned now, because we are not ready yet. But we want to inform everyone about the new system, its benefits and how it works," said Col. Amanda Gladney, 88th Air Base Wing commander.

Colonel Gladney noted that more information about DBIDs will be shared in the upcoming weeks and months, to include how, where and when to register. An education campaign including handouts by gate guards, posters in base facilities, and stories on the base webpage and Skywrighter newspaper will precede the registration effort. In the meantime, persons with questions can contact Sergeant Small at 522-6534.

"Once installed, this system will both expedite traffic flow onto the base and enhance security by quickly and accurately verifying in real time whether someone is authorized entry," Colonel Gladney said.