Base access into Al Dhafra Air Base raises the quality of life of those who live here and can be a necessity for on-base appointments for permanent party’s dependents.
There are several different processes depending on the intent of the visit that are in place to keep the installation secure while catering to the needs of the service members and local businesses.
The Base Access Coordination Office handles any base access questions as well as the appropriate paperwork and templates needed to gain base access to the American compounds, Phantom and MoTown, as well as the Emirati base.
"We want to get everyone on the same page on how to get an Other Country National on base or anyone else that they may want to sponsor onto base," said Tech. Sgt. Anthony Betancourt, 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron BACO noncommissioned officer in charge. "For example, someone here on a one-year short tour may want to bring their spouse on base for an appointment. We want to provide information on the process and who the requesting authority is."
Although the base is a deployed location providing everyday support to downrange operations, the partnership with Emirati neighbors outside the gate is much more transient than other bases.
As an expeditionary unit there is a need for security management in comparison to many continental U.S. installations. Not all Department of Defense ID cardholders, U.S. contractors or citizens or foreign nationals can come onto base without a legitimate reason; you must have orders or be assigned here in some capacity.
All the while, a great reason is to bring OCN contractors onto base, which has had a large benefit to the community and base.
OCNs support many different contracts including construction projects, cleaning facilities, preparing food at the dining facilities and coordinate events for the USO and Vectrus, said Betancourt. Their main role here is to provide enduring contracting work that we normally get stateside to improve our quality of life and sustainability and complete the mission comfortably.
"I am glad I have the opportunity to work with other units and strive to improve and refine the process," said Betancourt. "It’s very rewarding knowing I’m helping the wing with their diverse mission, while not sacrificing the safety of our ADAB team."
For more information, check the 380th ESFS Sharepoint page or call the BACO at 318-484-6887.