Date: 3/2/25 7:25 am From: Bill Kosar <bill_kosar...> Subject: [cobirds] New restrcitions on Air Force Academy Access
There seem to be some new restrictions on AFA access which may affect people who want to bird there. I think some folks have been doing this in the past so if you plan to do it you may want to contact the AFA before going.
This was published in the Colorado Springs Gazette on 3/1/25:
*The U.S. Air Force Academy is now requiring visitors to obtain a base pass with a Department of Defense identification card holder as a sponsor. The Academy has previously been open to visitors with photo identification. The change started on Saturday. *
*Visitors must request a pass from the Pass and Registration Office at the South Gate with a DoD ID card sponsor, according to a news release.The passes are required to attend athletics events and receive base services, it said. The requirement is temporary, but no end date was included in the statement. Academy Spokesman Jeff Troth said no specific event preceded the change in base security policy. This new requirement also affects students and drop-off/pick-up at the Air Academy High School and Douglass Valley Elementary School, both of which are located on base grounds. All individuals 18 years or older, including parents, guardians, students and staff will require a base pass, a Defense Biometric Identification System card or DoD identification to access Air Force Academy grounds. Those picking up or dropping off students can provide any of the above three options to gain entry. All students under the age of 18 riding as passengers, not driving, only need to present their student ID. However, a Defense Biometric Identification System card or DoD identification must be obtained if the student is over 18. Student drivers under 18 are required to present their student ID and valid driver's license to access base grounds. If over 18, proper identification is necessary. Students enrolled in ancillary programs like ROTC at the high school will still have access to these programs, as long as they meet the same identification requirements as other students. Individuals who take an Academy School District 20 bus to or from the grounds may see some delays at the entry gates, but officials say they will likely not need to provide identification.All upcoming athletics and activities taking place at Air Academy High School are currently being relocated to other sites, officials say. Visitors should expect delays at the gates because of the changes, Troth said. The Santa Fe Trail through the base is also closed. Peterson and Schriever Space Force bases recently suspended their Trusted Traveler Program out of an abundance of caution following the terrorist attack in New Orleans. Previously, guests could visit the bases with a DOD ID cardholder without getting a base pass.*
* The info on th Academy's website and in this article are somewhat inconsistent as I read them so it would be best to call ahead to the AFA if you want to bird there.*
Bill Kosar
Elpaso county
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