By Staff Government Security News
As part of the ongoing effort to move away from a one-size-fits-all security approach, TSA and DoD on November 13 announced a partnership to expand TSA Pre expedited screening benefits to all U.S. armed forces service members, including those serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard.
As a result, these individuals will be able to enjoy the benefits of the program at the 100 participating airports across the country, beginning on December 20.
Currently, members of the U.S. Armed Forces can utilize TSA Pre lanes at 10 domestic airports by presenting their Common Access Card (CAC). The partnership expands the program to the military at all 100 airports offering TSA Pre, allowing service members to keep their footwear on, as well as light outerwear, laptop in its case, and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on in select screening lanes.
“Expanding TSA Pre screening benefits is great news for our service members and is a tangible sign of this nation’s gratitude for the men and women who serve this nation bravely each and every day,” said Mary Snavely-Dixon, director of the Defense Manpower Data Center. “We will continue to work with the Transportation Security Administration to help expand this program further.”
“TSA joins with the American people in showing its appreciation for the service and sacrifices of our men and women in the Armed Forces,” said TSA Deputy Administrator John Halinski, a 25-year Marine Corps veteran. “Providing expedited screening while on travel is the least we can do for these courageous men and women.”
The new process being established under this agreement allows all active duty, U.S. Coast Guard, Reserve and National Guard service members to use their DoD identification number when making reservations. That ID number will be used as their Known Traveler Number. When arriving at the airport, service members will then be permitted access to TSA Pre lanes for official or leisure travel on participating airlines.
More than 18 million passengers have experienced TSA Pre since it was launched in October 2011. TSA has recently expanded this expedited screening program to 60 new airports in addition to the existing 40, bringing the total number of airports with TSA Pre to 100.
TSA has long recognized our men and women in uniform as nearly a quarter of TSA’s workforce is a veteran or currently serves as an active duty service member in the U.S. armed forces.
In addition to expanding TSA Pre to service members, TSA wants to remind the American public about the Wounded Warrior Screening program. This program makes the overall experience for wounded service members as simple as possible. This includes personalized service and expedited screening to move through security checkpoints without having to remove footwear, light outerwear, jackets or head wear. Wounded warriors or their care coordinators can contact TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 with details of the itinerary once flight arrangements are made with the airline.
TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport. No individual will be guaranteed expedited screening. Travelers can check the TSA Pre Participating Airports page for information on locations and hours of active TSA Pre lanes.
Further information on TSA Pre for military members can be found at tsa.govand defensetravel.dod.mil.
