DECEMBER 2, 2025 – The Automated Installation Entry (AIE) system continues to revolutionize access control and security across U.S. Army installations worldwide to protect Soldiers, families, and facilities.
AIE is on track to expand to more than 200 sites over the next five years, with more than 100 additional fieldings planned globally. This cutting-edge force protection capability streamlines access control by vetting individuals, authenticating identities, and ensuring compliance with U.S. Army regulations.
Kevin Palgutt, Army Office of the Provost Marshal General Security Specialist, said AIE protects Soldiers and their families.
“In the first year of AIE, there was an approximate 20 percent drop in crime stats across most installations, a lot of which is attributed to denying people at the installation access control points who could do harm to people and property, along with impacting good order and discipline,” Palgutt said.
Recent Milestones & Key Updates
The AIE program has achieved several significant milestones in recent months, underscoring its commitment to enhancing security and efficiency:
- 100th Fielding Achieved: On August 15, the AIE team successfully completed installation and testing at Fort Devens, MA, marking the 100th fielded location. All acceptance documentation and property accountability procedures have been finalized, solidifying this achievement.
Product Manager Force Protection Systems (PdM FPS) is the life cycle manager for the AIE program. Lt. Col. Matthew Einhorn, the PdM for FPS, said achieving each installation is a major undertaking.
“The successful installation of AIE at an installation takes the coordination and dedication of countless individuals from garrison leadership, emergency response directors, local and regional network staff, site preparation contractors, AIE installation and maintenance contractors, the PM FPS program office, and numerous others,” Einhorn said.
He added that personnel have achieved 100 AIE installations over the past 15 years.
“However, even more remarkable is that our team has accepted the challenge to double the total number of fielded AIE systems over the next five years as we turn our focus to fielding at OCONUS installations,” Einhorn said. “With this expanded footprint, AIE will continue to safeguard our Soldiers, their families, and our facilities for years to come.”
- INDOPACOM AOR Breakthrough: The AIE system was recently fielded at U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Kwajalein, completing the process ahead of schedule—two weeks early. This marks the first AIE deployment within the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Area of Responsibility and the inaugural fielding under the AIE-Next contract.
- PACOM Software Enhancement: Performance Verification Testing (PVT) for Capability Drop-1 of the PACOM Software at Kwajalein Atoll has been completed. This update significantly enhances security through personnel tracking (entry/exit), escort limitations, and PACOM-specific reporting capabilities.
Facial Recognition Express Lanes:
A New Era of Access Control Fort Bragg and Fort Riley are set to implement Facial Recognition (FR) “Express Lanes” in early 2026, following a successful pilot program at Redstone Arsenal. This innovative technology promises to improve both security and efficiency at installation access points. “Security vetting has actually gotten better because the facial recognition tool can do the identification and authentication of personnel much more efficiently than a guard looking at a photo on the screen of a laptop or handheld device,” Palgutt said.
Upcoming Efforts at Fort Bragg & Fort Riley
The rollout of FR Express Lanes at these installations involves several lines of effort:
- FR Express Lane Installation: Contracts have been awarded, and work is underway to install FR technology in designated access lanes.
- Faceprint Enrollment: Personnel with base access will need to enroll their facial data into the AIE system. Enrollment procedures will be communicated through USAG Public Affairs Offices.
- System Testing & Validation: Comprehensive testing and validation will ensure seamless integration with existing security infrastructure.
- Personnel Training: Security personnel will receive specialized training on operating and maintaining the FR system, with a focus on proactive threat detection and monitoring.
- Infrastructure Preparation: Modifications to existing access control points are being made to accommodate the FR Express Lane technology.
- Procurement & Logistics: Efforts are ongoing to ensure the timely delivery and installation of all necessary hardware and software components.
- Data Security Protocols: Strict adherence to data security protocols will be maintained to protect personal information throughout the implementation process.
Overall Expectations
The desired end state of the FR roll out is to increase vehicle and pedestrian throughput, enhance force protection, and allow security personnel to focus on proactive threat mitigation. Soldiers, civilians, and families are encouraged to stay informed through official installation channels for updates and enrollment instructions.
The AIE system and FR Express Lanes represent a significant leap forward in access control technology, ensuring the safety and efficiency of Army installations worldwide.
Courtesy Story
Capability Program Executive – Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors