Security measures have soared to new levels since the global war on terrorism began. The nation and most of the world has seen everything from expanded intelligence and law enforcement capabilities to bolstered transportation security and airline passenger screening.

While the Department of Homeland Security has increased security at U.S. borders, ports and critical infrastructure, flightline security here will soon be at an all-time high with the installation of a $9 million integrated base defense security system.

“This cutting-edge technology will let us detect intruders before they get to the boundary of the restricted area,” said Tech. Sgt. Yvette Blanton, 116th Air Control Wing advance programs security manager. “That gives security forces more time to respond.”

The state-of-the art security system includes long and short range radars, fence sensors, video motion detectors, as well as infrared and other specialized cameras. The restricted area also features a passive and automated active cable barrier system for keeping out unwanted vehicles.

This system’s capabilities include intrusion detection; tracking and reporting; unmanned entry control; day and night all-weather alarm assessment and surveillance; integrated command, control and display, said Ricky Wimsatt of the wing’s plans and programs office.

“This application, to the best of my knowledge, is the first of its kind in any aircraft parking apron -- military or civilian,” Mr. Wimsatt said.

The system will include one automated unmanned entry control portal for vehicles and three for personnel and will allow remote monitoring from the security forces control center.

“The wing just did a mass reissue of restricted area badges,” Sergeant Blanton said. “When the system is implemented, instead of a cop checking you in, you’ll get in using your new badge by proxying and using a personal identification number for access.”

Once the system is fully operational and certified, the red line that currently identifies the restricted area will extend from fence line to fence line including three hangars –- the new fuel cell, isochronical dock and the multipurpose hangar.

While the system increases security and provides early intruder detection, it will also affect manning, said Tech. Sgt. David Bertrand, 78th Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of physical security. It will reduce the number of security forces Airmen required to man entry control points each day from eight down to two.

One will facilitate entry control by signing in visitors and checking vehicles, said Master Sgt. Keith Wynne, the squadron’s NCO in charge of installation security.

“We will still have security response teams inside and outside the area to respond to any alarms or situations,” he said. “We will also continue to rely on maintenance troops to let us know if they see something out of place.”

The other Airman will monitor the entire restricted area from the comforts of a heated and air conditioned facility.

“When I came in, cops were still walking around the aircraft and were considered the first line of defense,” Sergeant Blanton said. “The intruder was already there by the time we would find out. Now we can actually get him before he even gets close to our resources.”

The system will be owned and operated by the 78th SFS. The unit will be responsible for everything from system operation and maintenance to manning and training, Sergeant Blanton said.

Construction and installation is complete, but there’s a lot of testing on the horizon.

“Everyone from the contractor and security forces to ACC and AFMC will test it,” she said. “We have to work all the little bugs out before it can be certified.”

Contractor testing and modifications should be finished this month, Sergeant Blanton said.

“Initially, things might be a little slower. Some people will probably forget their PIN or something like that,” Sergeant Blanton said. “But after a couple of months, it’ll just be standard operating procedure.”

Initial planning for the system began in 2003 and was a combined effort from various 116th ACW and 78th Air Base Wing units, Air Combat Command, AFMC, Electronic Systems Center and contractors. Construction began in September 2004.