Security Measures Heightened at U.S. Military Bases
Multiple U.S. military bases and critical infrastructure places are increasing security measures.
Arlington National Cemetery increased its security posture Friday, Dec. 3 due to "current conditions," according to a new post on its official Facebook page. From now on, all visitors 16 and older will need to provide a valid state or government issued photo ID when they enter the cemetery. This includes funeral attendees, tourists and others on official business. The public is asked to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Watch Desk.
In addition, Fort Belvoir also announced additional security measures for drivers and passengers entering the military base effective immediately. "Individuals should expect delays due to the enhanced security checks," says a news report. Those with a valid ID (DoD Common Access Card, military retiree ID, DoD family member ID or Fort Belvoir visitor pass) can use designated lanes to enter. Anyone without those forms of ID will undergo additional security checks. Anyone 16 years and older is required to have a valid driver's license, state identification card, or US Passport — driver's permits and student ID are options for youth.
Officials at Fort Bragg have also warned those who access the base to allow for extra time to get there in the coming days due to increased security measures at access control points. "Fort Bragg is conducting a 100-percent ID card check at the ACPs. All visitors must get a pass at the All American Visitor Center," says a Fort Bragg Facebook post.
The Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. and military bases at San Diego, Calif. (Naval Base Point Loma, MCAS Miramar, and Camp Pendleton) have also reported that they will be increasing security measures.
According to many news reports, the measures follow rising tensions in the Middle East after a U.S. airstrike killed a top Iranian general in Baghdad, although there has not been an official alert issued by U.S. officials. Other news reports speculate that the increased security measures are due to recent incidents in U.S. Military bases, such as the NAS Pensacola and Pearl Harbor fatal shootings.
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