Proactive Airmen get jump on passport process

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shad Eidson
  • Air Force Print News
SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) --  Airmen control the first steps to a successful passport process -- saving time, money and ensuring mission success downrange.

The process to get the Department of State-issued document takes three to six weeks because of mailing, screening and coordination through official channels in Washington, D.C. Until completed, it prevents Airmen from deploying to countries that require one.

The Air Force Liaison office that receives applications processed more than 120,000 requests from the Air Force, Army and Navy last year. Add the biggest challenge -- Airmen waiting until the last moment to apply -- and the passport system can quickly become inundated with applications, said Master Sgt. Carolyn Taylor, superintendent of passport matters at the Pentagon.

Others roadblocks that cause a rejection include submitting photos in uniform and other than an original birth certificate or naturalization certificate.

"My advice to anyone who needs to submit an application -- submit as soon as possible," said Capt. Angel Lugo, director of executive services with the Air Staff at the Pentagon.

If the member is proactive, they will be that much more ahead of the game, he said.

Airmen can get face-to-face help from the designated passport agent available at all active-duty and many Reserve bases, Sergeant Taylor said. The agent can also answer all questions about the process and is responsible for reviewing the application, processing the authorization for a no-fee passport and submitting it to the State Department.

"What really drives the necessity of a passport is the requirement," Captain Lugo said.

For example, listing Germany on the application will result in a passport rejection because Germany doesn't require one. However, the Airman's job there might require travel to a country that does. The base agent can verify country requirements or Airmen can look at the DOD foreign clearance guide at www.Fcg.pentagon.mil, which lists documents needed for travel to each country.

Airmen should look at the passport process as part of their predeployment checklist and start gathering any missing documentation. When the time comes to deploy, there will be nothing to worry about, Sergeant Taylor said.