Families urged to register students during spring break Published March 16, 2010 PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- As part of Peterson's ongoing DBIDS registration process, base officials have given registration priority to family members who have children attending schools in the Colorado Springs area. Parents are encouraged to register their children during spring break from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 22 to 26 at the west gate visitor control center or Building 350 at the military personnel section. The Defense Biometric Identification System is a Department of Defense initiative designed to improve the security of U.S. military bases. Peterson is the first Air Force base in the continental United States to fully implement the system. According to Col. Stephen N. Whiting, 21st Space Wing commander, the 21st SW is diligently working to accommodate parents during this process. "DBIDS is a critical security component in protecting our families who live and work at Peterson and attend our local schools," said Colonel Whiting. "Implementing DBIDS is the right thing to do in providing for the security of our people and our national defense missions." In February 2009, Peterson security officials began intermittently using DBIDS for people entering its gates. Beginning April 1, all personnel can expect to be checked. All other Pikes Peak area military ID card holders who have not yet registered are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to help avoid unnecessary delays. Approximately 100,000 servicemembers, civilian employees, family members and area retirees have registered to date, but many others who don't commute to Peterson on a regular basis still need to register. Peterson AFB sustains 12,000 people with installation support and protection, which is in part demonstrated by the implementation of programs such as DBIDS. For information, call Master Sgt. Tristum Darby at 556-4671.