Action Line #90305 - gate passes Published April 30, 2009 By 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Complaint: I am totally dissatisfied with the way gate passes are being renewed. This includes both, personal and vehicle gate passes. Because of base requirement, I have submitted all my proper documents in order to review gate passes for my self and my dependents, including my POV. I would not be concerned if the passes were retuned before the deadline, but this is not the case. I submitted all my documents pertaining to gate passes three weeks ago. I went to pass and ID section in order to check the status of my gate passes. I was frustrated to find they are not yet ready. As logic dictates, this situation is frustrating because many of us keep being asked at the gate why we do not have a permanent pass yet. As always, I keep my military bearing and let the guards know my permanent passes are being process. Most of the time I get the same answer: You better have it before March 13. To add to the accumulated frustration, I work off base and go through the gate at least four times per day, six days a week; I get the same question four times per day. Well, March 13 is here. I am totally aware we are guest here and it will be dramatic, if not incorrect, to tell the Turkish military how to process gate passes for American personnel. All these frustration leads me to the following question: Why not to start the gate pass renewal procedure before its expiration date? This way, many confusions and unpleasant times can be avoided. Response: Thank you for the opportunity to explain our gate pass reissue process. Many long-term Incirlik residents have stated that this year's process was the smoothest and best-handled they have ever seen here. Our Pass and Registration section works hard every day to make sure we handle the paperwork expediently and professionally. We are sorry that, in your case, there has been considerable delay. Even though gate passes expire on 31 December of each year they are still valid until an official termination date that we negotiate with the TuAF. Ideally it would be better to initiate gate pass applications prior to annual expiration, but is an impossibility since the passes are not received from Ankara until mid January. This year as soon as Turkish Pass and ID released the new card stock, our Pass and Registration immediately started re-issue as early as 15 January. We dedicated specific weeks based on the first letter of members' last names in order to even out the work load across the wing. Standard wait time was between 1 to 2 weeks, but many applicants receive their passes in three or four days. Our Pass and Registration utilized every avenue to ensure the base populace was informed and worked extended hours to accommodate all shifts. All applications were processed in an expedient manner but completion of the reissue process is dependent upon TuAF.