Salute to Spouses Blog

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Heard It Through the Grapevine? Get the Facts Here

We’ve all been there … trying to get through the gate. Sometimes we’re late, sometimes we’re sick, sometimes we just have screaming children in the backseat and the need to just get home.  Inevitably, those are the days we will be stuck in the line behind “that guy.”
 

You know “that guy.” He’s the one that tried rolling onto your installation without the proper ID and holds up progress for every single person ready to continue their day. 

As frustrating as waiting can be, we’ve also watched in horror as armed people tore through our military installations and caused terrible damage. And when those things happen, it doesn’t matter what branch of the service we are in. When things like that happen, we are one family. And as one family, we are all thinking the same thought:

“How could this happen? Can’t we stop this?”

After the Washington Naval Yard and Fort Hood shootings, the Department of Defense found themselves asking the same question. The answer? The Identity Matching Engine for Security and Analysis, or IMESA.

I could be boring and spout the technical details, but let’s be honest … those things aren’t important to us. What is important is knowing how this will probably affect our daily lives. 

So what problems can we expect, and what are some easy fixes? 

Problem: Those living off post and driving in for work will, in all likelihood, experience delays. Like any kind of new system, it will take some time to iron out the kinks. 

Fix: Leaving earlier than usual will (hopefully) take care of that. The larger your installation is, the earlier you should leave for work.

Problem: The Military and Federal police who guard our gates will probably be very, very stressed out. Although they will be trained on the new system and procedures, they will also experience people frustrated with longer wait times. 

Fix: Be patient, be kind and be quick. Heck, maybe pick up an extra cup of Starbucks for the gate guard who checks your ID! A little kindness in situations like these not only help make peoples’ day better, but it also racks up major karma points for you!

Problem: The wait is just so long.

Fix: Be patient! Bring a book on tape. Call your dad. Do the US Weekly crossword.

(I’m kidding. Don’t do a crossword puzzle while you’re driving, it’s just a bad idea.)

Seriously, though, be patient. It’s not a party for anyone, but we’re all in this together.

At this point, none of us are quite sure how smoothly this program is going to go. Once the ball is rolling, however, it is likely that we will not notice a difference from our regular, day-to-day drive times.  And let’s be honest … if a little extra time keeps our families safe, shouldn’t we invest it?

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