The Defense Department’s Military Entrance Processing Command (MEPCOM) as begun signing military enlistment contracts using fingerprint readers at the Baltimore Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in Fort Meade, Md.
The biometric signature replaces the traditional “wet” signature applicants provide using a pen.
The e-Security program is in Operational Field Test mode at the Baltimore MEPS. MEPCOM plans to begin operational testing at the San Juan MEPS in early May. The initial implementation of e-Security follows a six-year effort by MEPCOM and the program’s prime contractor Northrop Grumman [NOC].
The first biometric contract signing marks the beginning of a multi-year effort by MEPCOM to use technology to streamline the applicant enlistment processes and eliminate more than 70 million pieces of paper used each year, MEPCOM says.
In the ongoing field tests, an applicant will apply for military service by having his or her index fingers digitally captured along with a digital photo. The biometrics are then tied to the individual’s Social Security Number, which must be validated.
Once an individual is enrolled, his or her identity is the validated throughout the accession process. The biometrics are used to monitor the applicants processing time and locations within the MEPS, allowing the stations to identify areas for improvement based on processing time as well as to remove applicants if necessary.
Finally, to bring MEPCOM in line with guidance provided by the Office of the Secretary of Defense requiring biometric signatures to be used instead of wet signatures, MEPCOM is moving toward total digital data within the accession process, the command says.
“The bio-data will follow the enlistee for the life of their military service,” MEPCOM says.
In the field tests MEPCOM is using L-1 Identity Solutions [ID] BTO 500 single fingerprint capture devices.
Over 95 percent of military service members pass through MEPCOM’s 65 MEPS for enlistment in the U.S. military. MEPCOM plans to move the e-Signature process to all accession forms and will work with each of the military services in adopting biometrics.
“There are no reasons by the Recruiting Services cannot execute the initial enroll of applicant at `first contact’ for military service,” MEPCOM tells TR2. “After which, it’s a simple electronic transfer of bio-data to the MEPS for applicant verification for processing upon arrival.”