Barrier testing ensures Sheppard family and personnel safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Have you noticed the Sheppard main gate, Missile Road and Clinic gate barriers are being tested every Wednesday during duty hours? These tests are an essential part of keeping Sheppard families and personnel safe.

Byron Harps, 82nd Security Forces Squadron installation physical security manager, said while one gate is closed the other two gates will be available to use.

"The barriers are an antiterrorism tool," Harps said. "These barriers are used to stop or mitigate a VBIED (vehicle borne improvised explosive device) from entering the base."

Harps said one barrier is checked each night by Security Forces personnel and all three are checked on Wednesdays by the Defense Support Services (DS2).

"The manufacturer of the barriers recommend daily testing to make sure they are fully functional and not requiring maintenance," he said. "As part of our contract we have DS2 conduct tests and maintenance processes on the barriers weekly. It is more cost efficient to maintain the barriers during the day, rather than paying more for workers to come after duty hours."

Harps said drivers should be aware of rules and signs near and around the barriers. One example is the "stop here on red" sign at Sheppard's main gate.

"The sign is posted to make sure a car stops on the detection loop located behind the barrier," he said. "Once stopped at the sign and the intersection is clear you may proceed to turn right, just don't stop and rest on top of the barrier. These barriers rise in just a few seconds at 2500 pounds per square inch."

Maj. Robert Moore, 82 SFS commander, said barrier testing during the day helps to ensure the base populace that the barriers are working.

"Testing during the day also helps our drivers be more cognizant of the barrier warning signs," Moore said. "The public should be aware that when the lights come on, the barriers can and will come up. These barriers are operational and dangerous, so it is most important for drivers to be paying attention and know when to stop."

The gates will continue to be checked every Wednesday until further notice. Gate testing times are as follows:

Clinic Gate tests 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Main Gate tests 10-11 a.m.
Missile Road Gate tests 2-3 p.m.