Action Line #120101 - LN Gate Procedures Published Feb. 2, 2012 By 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Question: I am a direct-hire employee of the 39th Air Base Wing under the foreign national program. I have worked here for many years like many other Turkish National direct-hire employees, some since the establishment of Incirlik Air Base. As we are entering the work place every morning and leaving every evening at 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., we face numerous difficulties at the gate caused by Turkish security such as having to dress and undress, delaying us getting to work often because of long waiting times caused by these searches. This lasts 30-45 minutes in some occasions. Cold and hot weather affects all of us, young and old, healthy or ill. I even stopped wearing my wedding bend and belt due to the fact that it causes such an inconvenience when going through the process. All Turkish National direct-hire employees have security clearances through Turkish police, the prosecutor's office, Turkish Ministry of Interior Affairs, and through various other U.S. and Turkish agencies. Despite this, we are treated as if we are new faces at an airport getting ready to board an aircraft, which makes me feel like I am coming to a prison camp rather than to my work. A school teacher, TURAF military personnel in civilian clothing or their family members do not even go through the scanner and X-ray machine. Employees are asked to take shoes and clothes off and told what to wear and not to wear to work. Maybe we all need a uniform. Also, it feels like the sensitivity of the scanning machine has been increased in those particular shift hours. Unfortunately, it feels like they are making fun of individual workers like me. Everyone is aware of the importance of security, and no one under estimates the process. Obviously, a second X-ray machine and body scanner is needed at the entry. However, TURAF is now placing this second scanner on the way out instead of at the entrance because they cannot legally do physical body, vehicle and bag searches. As an employee of the 39th ABW it is embarrassing for me to be considered and treated as a thief, a spy or a threat each time I go to or leave work just because we are Turkish National employees. I am a dedicated employee of the U.S. government, and feel that I do not deserve such treatment. When, in certain occasions, I question the practice like many others do I am told that this is what the "Americans" want. Is this really so? Is there anything you can do about this so that we arrive and leave the workplace with less of a hassle and truly feel like coming to work? Answer: Thank you for bringing this issue to my attention. I have provided your input to the U.S. Air Force security forces leadership. They will, in turn, elevate it to their counterparts in the 10th Tanker Security Battalion. Our security role here on Incirlik AB is limited. Entry and exit control measures are the responsibility of the 10th Tanker Security Battalion. As such, we have limited input into their procedures. We, too, as guests on the base, must comply with the entry and exit control procedures set forth by the security battalion. If these events persist, please provide me with as many specific details as possible, such as date, time, actions taken and names of the on-duty members. With this information, we will be able to provide accurate and timely examples to our counterparts. This could potentially cause a change in the gate procedures and make entry and exit to the installation better. Again, I appreciate your concern for the treatment and well being of others. I thank you for your dedicated service and support to the United States Air Force.