The Air Force is installing a new security program called the Defense Biometric Identification System to enroll third country nationals to speed access to a base located in Southwest Asia. At this unnamed facility, airmen deployed to the 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron search about 900 personnel and 500 vehicles every day, reports SSgt. Cassandra Locke. During an average month, the searches encompass some 27,000 personnel and 15,000 vehicles. Using DBIDS, the airmen can speed the access process, reduce the ability for identity theft, and know who was on the installation at specific times.
The Senate passed its version of the 2026 National Defense Authorization bill late Oct. 9 with new language restricting retirements for B-1 bombers and E-3 AWACS. Now lawmakers from the House and Senate must set about resolving the differences between their two bills, which could lead to significant changes for…