Reservists can now breeze through airport security with TSA 'Precheck'

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WASHINGTON --  Beginning Dec. 20, military members, to include Air Force Reservists, are eligible for expedited Transportation Security Administration screenings at airports and other locations.

The TSA and the Department of Defense recently partnered to expand the TSA's "Precheck" program, expediting screening benefits to all service members. The expansion is part of the TSA's ongoing effort to move away from a "one-size-fits-all" security approach,  providing more of the traveling public the ability to participate in expedited screening

Currently, members of the armed forces can use TSA Precheck lanes at 10 domestic airports by presenting their Common Access Card. The partnership expands the program to the military at all 100 airports offering TSA Precheck, allowing service members to keep their footwear on as well as light outerwear, belts, keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry on in select screening lanes.

"Expanding TSA Precheck screening benefits is great news for our service members and is a tangible sign of this nation's gratitude for the men and women who serve this nation bravely each and every day," said Mary Snavely-Dixon, the director of the Defense Manpower Data Center. "We will continue to work with the Transportation Security Administration to help expand this program further."

The new process being established under this agreement allows all active duty, Coast Guard, Reserve and National Guard service members to use their DOD identification number when making reservations. That ID number will be used as their known traveler number. When arriving at the airport, service members will then be permitted access to TSA Precheck lanes for official or leisure travel on participating airlines.

"TSA joins with the American people in showing its appreciation for the service and sacrifices of our men and women in the armed forces," said the TSA Deputy Administrator John W. Halinski, a 25-year Marine Corps veteran. "Providing expedited screening while on travel is the least we can do for these courageous men and women."

More than 18 million passengers have experienced TSA Precheck since it launched in October 2011. TSA has recently expanded this expedited screening program to 60 new airports in addition to the existing 40, bringing the total number of airports with TSA Precheck to 100.

TSA has long recognized U.S. forces as nearly a quarter of the TSA's workforce are veterans or currently serve in the armed forces.

In addition to expanding TSA Precheck to service members, TSA offers the American public about the Wounded Warrior Screening program. According to TSA officials, this program makes the overall experience for wounded service members as simple as possible. This includes personalized service and expedited screening to move through security checkpoints without having to remove footwear, light outerwear, jackets or head wear. Wounded warriors or their care coordinators can contact TSA Cares toll free at (855) 787-2227 with details of the itinerary once flight arrangements are made with the airline.

TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport, TSA officials said. No individual will be guaranteed expedited screening. Travelers can check the TSA Precheck Participating Airports page for information on locations and hours of active TSA Precheck lanes.

Further information on TSA Precheck for military members can be found at www.TSA.gov  and www.defensetravel.dod.mil. (Air Force News Service)

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