(Photo courtesy Grant Wickes)
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
As part of the ongoing effort to move away from a one size fits all security approach and provide more of the traveling public the ability to participate in expedited screening, the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Defense announced Nov. 13 a partnership to expand TSA Precheck 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 of the agreement, these individuals will be able to enjoy the benefits of the program at the 100 participating airports across the country, beginning Dec. 20.
Currently, members of the U.S. Armed Forces can utilize TSA Precheck lanes at 10 domestic airports by presenting their Common Access Card. The partnership expands the program to the military at all 100 airports offering TSA Precheck, allowing service members to keep their footwear on as well as light outerwear, belts, laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry on in select screening lanes.
“Expanding TSA Precheck 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, 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 W. 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 Precheck lanes for official or leisure travel on participating airlines.
In addition to expanding TSA Precheck to service members, TSA also offers a 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.
Further information on TSA Precheck for military members can be found at www.TSA.gov and www.defensetravel.dod.mil.