Limited gate 2 access saves time Published July 13, 2007 By Senior Airman J. Paul Croxon 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Privately owned vehicles are prohibited from entering gate 2 for policy, force protection and safety reasons. However, a counterintuitive benefit derived from these policies is decreased wait times for POV drivers. "Per DoD direction, installations are required to have separate entrances for large vehicles and commercial vehicles," said Capt. Paul Zwilling, 319th Security Forces operations officer. "That direction requires us to conduct more exhaustive searches on these vehicles as well." According to Captain Zwilling, having two gates for distinctly different types of vehicles stems from force protection concerns. "It has been determined [by anti-terrorism agencies] that a vehicle-borne attack is the most likely terrorist scenario stateside," he said. "Gate 2 is best suited to the types of searches conducted by 319 SFS personnel and augmentees." Captain Zwilling stresses that vehicle inspections occur at the front gate as well, but they are conducted differently and at differing intervals than at gate 2. Another concern regarding daily POV drivers entering gate 2 is derived from safety concerns. Since the gate is located along U.S. Highway 2, any backup is a serious safety issue. "Part of our mission is to ensure public safety," Captain Zwilling said. "A back up of vehicles on a road with a 70 mph speed limit is far too dangerous in good weather and potentially deadly in inclement weather." Even with one gate open to traffic, Grand Forks AFB has one of the shortest wait times in the Air Force. "I've been to bases overseas and other stateside bases where the wait times are 20 minutes or longer," the captain said. "The wait time here is easily half that during peak hours. In fact, it's very infrequent that the wait time is longer than two minutes." According to the squadron, current 319 SFS policy regarding gate 1 during the morning rush is to have both lanes open for traffic. It is up to the flight chief to determine when to open or close the second lane depending on traffic volume. Even with wait times as short as they are, Captain Zwilling says there are things drivers can do to help shorten the time drivers wait in line. 1. Have identification cards ready. Each person in the vehicle needs to have proper identification. Having it ready when you pull up to the gate guard saves time for everyone. 2. Take your time approaching the gate. There are often security forces personnel crossing the lanes during their duties as well as other personnel and guests. This is even more important during times of inclement weather or low visibility. 3. Turn off your headlights when approaching the gate. It's DoD policy to have headlights off for safety and force protection reasons. 4. Use gate 1 whenever possible. Large vehicles are permitted to go through gate 2 including vehicles towing large trailers. However, if you can maneuver the entrance to gate 1, use gate 1. 5. Know where your vehicle documentation is. There are random vehicle inspections conducted at gate 1. Having your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance accessible will make the inspection go much faster. 6. An increase in FPCON directly correlates to an increase in wait time. Should the base FPCON increase, security forces implements additional and more stringent measures so you can expect longer wait times. Even though the base has one gate for POV entrance, it's based on policy, force protection measures and safety concerns. The benefits of this well-thought out policy is one of the shortest wait times in the Air Force. However, for any questions regarding the gate hours or which gate should be used, call the law enforcement desk at 747-5351. Vehicles may exit the base through gate 2 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.