A forum for West Point visitors and community members to ask questions about our access procedures or anything about West Point.
West Point Visitor and Community Discussion Forum
This forum is to inform, answer and ask questions about installation access procedures or general questions about West Point. Post your question or concern here and the West Point Garrison Command team will answer it as quickly as possible and as best they can. Please understand we cannot always answer your questions immediately, but we will answer your questions as soon as possible.
Before you ask about installation access click here for our » Frequently Asked Questions
For access to West Point, if you are in possession of a valid (not expired) Department of Defense-issued identification card, you may enter West Point and other federally controlled nstallations.
☆ A listing of the current state-by-state compliance is available at » REAL ID Act Status of States & Territories. Please read this website carefully, several states have not received extensions or their extensions have expired. ☆
If you are not a Department of Defense issued identification card holder you must obtain a Local Area Credential (LAC) by filling out a »Local Area Credential Request Form and visiting our Visitor Control Center at 2107 New South Post Road, West Point, NY 10996, Tel: (845) 938-0390 or (845) 938-0392. Click here for the » Map Location of Visitor Control Center.
The Visitor Control Center is open Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. When the Visitor Control Center is closed, visitors will be directed by electronic signs to proceed to Thayer Gate
For more information on identification requirements click the Visiting West Point webpage link on the right hand side of this blog.
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To have deployed this on Facebook with less than a week's notice astounds me, let alone without having developed a list of FAQ's proactively. It would have been a smart move to have thought through this more and deployed it through the AOG, AAA (for season ticket holders), and West Point Societies - they could have served as a sounding board and facilitator for making it happen right. Instead, you're now going to deal with a large "you've got to be kidding me..." population.
ReplyDeleteThe Association of Graduates and Army Athletics have been a part of the process, are aware of this information and are disseminating is through their channels of communication.
DeleteAre Foreign Nationals (non-U.S. Citizens) under the age of 17 allowed to participate in the Army West Point Athletic Association Sports Overnight Camps without having a qualified escort at all times?
DeleteSo... my question... once I show up at the Visitors Center, what is going to happen and how long does it take (minutes, hours, days?) Can I do anything remotely (i.e., fill out an application online)? Once I complete the process, what do I receive, and how long is it good for?
ReplyDeleteJay Joyce '74
Thank you for you patience Sir. When you go to the Visitor Control Center, and the background check is complete, you will be issued a Local Area Credential card that is good for entry only for West Point and valid for one year.
DeleteThe process should take 5 minutes or less.
There is no pre sign-up due to the personally identifiable information given for the background check.
I went yesterday to get a permitand it is only good for 3 months That is what I was told by the officer issuing the permit.My wife and I are Marquee Subscribers to all the IKE HALL SHOWS . We and our guests will now have to get 4 renewals before the end of shows in April 2017. I don't think this was properly thought out as to the financial effects this will have on the purchase of tickets to shows ,football, band concerts etc. I certainly am going to reconsider spending $2000 for tickets this year
DeleteThank you for your patience, We have three month passes issued in the the following situations:
Delete- People with open legal cases
- Individuals where a questionable background check has occurred. Example; 40 years ago somebody was convicted of something that meets the criteria of being against the good order and discipline of the installation. They will then be issued a three month pass until they bring back necessary documents to clear the situation. When the situation is cleared they will then be issued a credential for one year.
It appears that this officer issued this pass erroneously. This information will go directly to our Security Office and we will reiterate that a one year pass should be issued unless the conditions as stated above prevent it.
DeleteHere's another...
ReplyDeleteI've gone through the TSA's Global Entry program, and am a photo-ID, card-carrying traveler. This included fingerprinting and a background check by the US Government. Does this count for anything? (as a taxpayer, I'm hoping we won't waste money on redundant screening processes)
You must still be screened at the Visitor Control Center and obtain a Local Area Credential prior entering West Point, starting June 7.
DeleteWe are planning on coming up for the July 4th concert this year and will be staying with a friend on post. We will arrive on a Saturday. What will the process be for obtaining our LAC when the VCC is closed?
ReplyDeleteThe Visitor Control Center is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. When the Visitor Control Center is closed, visitors will be directed by electronic signs to proceed to the entrance gates.
DeleteDoes that mean that the guards at the gate will do the LAC? or we will be permitted entry without the LAC? It is not clear what happens when we get to the gate.
DeleteDue to Operational Security, we will not discuss the exact procedures the gate guards will do. We know this sounds cryptic but we need to ensure that those who might want to do us harm are kept guessing on the measures we take to keep Cadets, Soldiers, Staff, Faculty and Families safe in our Army home.
Delete1. "When the Visitor Control Center is closed, visitors will be directed by electronic signs to proceed to the entrance gates." ---- so we can get in on Saturday 6/11 to pick up our cadet? Driving 12 hours from Ohio, turning around and driving home. I need to know that we can get in.
ReplyDelete2. I thought LAC IDs were only for parent of cadets - to allow easier entrance and access to places on post (like the library) without a cadet escort. But now anyone can get one? And have that access too?
Thank you for your question. Follow the signs and you will be able to get in on a Saturday.
DeleteLAC ID's are available to everyone now.
Anyone who passes the background check and is issued a LAC may access West Point.
I currently work on post and am waiting for my ID card to be issued at a later date. Will it be required for me the go through this process until I get my ID card in order to get to work?
ReplyDeleteUntil the time that your Department of Defense identification is issued, you must obtain a Local Area Credential.
DeleteOur son is reporting for R-Day n June 27, fairly early in the morning. We are planning on accompanying him. Do we need to acquire the LAC on that morning? Or can we get one the day before, Sunday, June 26?
ReplyDeletePlease contact the Parents Club Coordinators and they will ensure you will have access to West Point
Deletehttp://www.usma.edu/parents/SitePages/Contact.aspx
For those of us attending our reunions at USMA this year, does that mean all of us- hundreds showing up in a short period of time, along with family members- all have to do this to get onto post for reunion activities?
ReplyDeleteAll personell, who do not have a Department of Defnese issueed Identification, must go through this process. Please contact the Association of Graduates for more information, they will assist in pre-screening reunion attendees.
DeleteI just received this notification through AOG USMA Class Distribution. I checked with my brother who is a football season ticket holder (for 30 years) and lives in NJ. He has heard nothing through AAA about this new requirement (despite an earlier answer on this Forum to the contrary). Please clarify:
ReplyDelete1. How is this notification being made and by whom?
2. Will all season ticket holders who are civilians need to go through this process? He lives an hour away!
3. I am also a USMA 50 Year Affiliation representative for the Class of 1970/2020. I am briefing parents of new cadets who will be entering USMA on 6/27 this weekend on 6/11. Many of them may be traveling from Florida for R-Day. What do I tell them, since they will renting cars and arriving early Monday morning or perhaps on Sunday?
All personell who do not have a Department of Defense issued Identification, must go through this process.
ReplyDeleteAOG and AAA are aware of this new requirement but we cannot attest to how they are contacting their constituents.
If someone arrives during the hours the Visitors Control Center is not open, they will be directed to the entrance gate and the process will be completed there. If the VCC is open and someone goes to the entrance gate, they will be directed back to the VCC To complete the process.
For questions about briefing the parents of the class of 2020, please contact the Parents club coordinator http://www.usma.edu/parents/SitePages/Contact.aspx
Please pardon my skepticism and persistence, but how will this be implemented on football Saturdays when 20,000 or more fans and their unregistered cars/occupants "invade" the Academy for a Noon game?? If the process takes 5 minutes/car or individual, traffic will be backed up to the Bear Mountain Bridge at half-time! Hopefully we are not communicating completely in this Q&A exchange about the implementation and applicability of this process, or else IMHO someone needs to think this through a little more, or the Army team will be playing in front of empty stands! Yes, I will be calling AAA tomorrow!
DeleteI am so confused. We live on post. So do my foreign parents have to be escorted by me or my husband at all times as per the foreign visitors rule or do they fall into the unescorted visitor category and get a local pass? Can I meet them at the gate so that after 9 hours of driving they don't have to wait in a line to get a background check at the visitor center?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your patience, this new procedure is as frustrating to us as it is to you and we apologize vehemently for the inconvenience. Your parents are considered immediate family and may obtain unescorted access.
DeleteThat's what I was hoping to hear. Thanks for your response.
DeleteThis is embarrassing. It confirms what many have heard about stupid military bureaucracy. Do we really think a terrorist won't have access to a utility bill? I feel sorry for the guards at the gates dealing with scores of irate visitors.
ReplyDeleteWell I would imagine, unfortunately, the person reading this is not the Garrison Commander because he should bear the brunt of the consequences for the complete lack of communication to West Point Alumni/staunch supporters of our hallowed alma mater. Whoever the current Garrison Commander is couldn't possibly be a West Point Grad since I remember learning at the naive age of 17 the value of the five P's. I can make myself available for a private lesson. I am a lifetime member of two State Societies, a football season ticket holder for ten years, and never heard a word about this policy. I can guarantee your gross lack of communication of this new misdirected policy will go a long way to offending many, many who, were it not for their generosity, the Corps may no longer be. A simple prior planning notice would have went a long way, especially for those who live far away and will require special handling to accommodate. Bad news never gets better with age. Paul Angresano '84
ReplyDeleteI graduated in 1965 and entered the reserves when I resigned from active duty in 1975. On 23 Jun 1975, I was issued an ID card with the grade of "CPT USAR" and with the expiration date stated as "Indefinite". I am no longer in the reserves but I still have that ID card.
ReplyDelete1. Will that ID card allow me to enter West Point and to escort my wife and the other 11 people (comprised of our children, their spouses and their children) who will be with us? If so ...
2. My understanding is that the requirement to obtain the Local Area Credential pertains only to un-escorted visitors who do not have a DoD-issued ID card. Does that mean the 12 people I am planning to have with me to attend the home football game on October 22nd will be allowed to enter West Point with me -- WITHOUT needing to obtain a LAC?
How long will the LAC be vaild for? I live 15 min away from West Point and wanted to know if I would need to get a LAC each time I visit.
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate your patience as we implement this change to policy in order to protect our Army Home and enhance the security of our Cadets, Soldiers, Civilians and Family members.
DeleteYour Local Area Credential will be valid for one year.
I got a permit 2 days ago and it expires in 3 Months it is written on the LAC If you are a season ticket holder of any thing .You will have to go 4 times to renew this LAC. What about IKE HALL SUBSCRIBERS TO THE SHOWS same thing applies. Very poor planning . Someones head should roll.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your patience, We have three month passes issued in the the following situations:
Delete- People with open legal cases
- Individuals where a questionable background check has occurred. Example; 40 years ago somebody was convicted of something that meets the criteria of being against the good order and discipline of the installation. They will then be issued a three month pass until they bring back necessary documents to clear the situation. When the situation is cleared they will then be issued a credential for one year.
We were issued 3 month passes and were told by the officers issuing these passes to my wife and I that all passes are for 3 months and when I questioned him about a year pass he said there wasn't one. Nor did he say my wife and I had a questionable backround. I don't understand what is going on. Are you saying that the regular pass is for 1 year? Then How do we and Family and guests get a pass for 1 year.Do I bring the present one that we have back for a 1 Year . The officer issuing the pass that that day was the first he heard about this .We both also had with us passports but he only took our license ID #. I am totally confused by your answer.
DeleteIt appears that this officer issued this pass erroneously. This information will go directly to our Security Office and we will reiterate that a one year pass should be issued unless the conditions as stated above prevent it.
DeleteI have a DOD retiree ID card.. my wife does not. Will she be able to come on post with me, i.e. football games, plays etc? APPRECIATE A REPLY
ReplyDeleteI have a DOD retiree ID card.. my wife does not. Will she be able to come on post with me, i.e. football games, plays etc? APPRECIATE A REPLY
ReplyDeleteSir, you are an authorized escort so you may have your wife come on post with you. You may obtain a retiree ID card for your wife if you wish by making an appointment here: https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/appointment/default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
DeleteI am visiting on 10 June and my family and I had background checks done for graduation, will those be acceptable? If they are not, We can go to the visitor center before going on post to get the background check?
ReplyDeleteThis is a new procedure and must be completed before entering West Point.
DeleteWe appreciate your patience as we implement this change to policy in order to protect our Army Home and enhance the security of our Cadets, Soldiers, Civilians and Family members.
As a grad and supporter who enjoys just walking the grounds from time to time, I wonder if it is just a coincidence that this word is now being publicized at the end of the ALL ACADEMY CHALLENGE. I suspect that many other grads will feel slightly "put out" because of these "restrictions", and less generous. I fully realize that we are living in a changed world. Perhaps special allowances can be made for the Service Academies, whose missions are a bit different that other military installations. I am sure all grads and families of Cadets would appreciate the special consideration. Thanks for allowing me to vent. BEAT NAVY
ReplyDeleteThis new procedure is as frustrating to us as it is to you and we apologize vehemently for the inconvenience.
DeleteAs a grad who is also a fairly substantial supporter, I too am "put out" by the requirement to register at Visitor's Center prior to coming on post. In my case, the burden is elevated because the Armed Forces no longer accept as identification a driver's license issued by my home state, although the West Point website indicates the academy will consider as identification a utility bill. I am concerned about the safety of cadets, and recognize that West Point may be an attractive target for terrorism. At the same time, I consider a policy that rejects an Illinois driver's license but accepts a utility bill as proper identification, to approach the height of lunacy.
DeleteThank you for your feedback. Please know that an Illinois drivers license is an accepted form of ID until Oct. 10, 2016. Please refer to the Department of Homeland Security REAL ID website at: https://www.dhs.gov/current-status-states-territories for more information.
DeleteIf our information on our Visiting Us webpage is not clear we apologize and will try to ensure the message is better explained.
A utility bill is an additional form of identification that is accepted, not a singular form of identification.
An example would be, if you have a drivers license from Missouri and you would like access to West Point, you would have to show your Missouri drivers license and an alternate form of identification, such as a utility bill. We will not grant access to West Point with just a utility bill as a form of identification.
Thank you for your patience in this matter, we are continuing to evolve our procedures for entry to our national treasure that is West Point. The safety and security of our Soldier, Cadets, Family members and visitors is our priority and while the process may seem cumbersome in the beginning, we know that through information gathered from this forum and others, we will be able to clarify and streamline the access to our Army home.
I venture to say that if you look up "Charlie Foxtrot" in the dictionary you will be redirected to the West Point Garrison's home page. Wow, the magnitude of this is going to be amazing. Hopefully, someone is working up a contingency plan as we speak, so that this travesty is nipped in the bud ASAP.
ReplyDeleteWe deliver household goods and on the base every other day. Is there tractor trailer parking at the visitor's center? and just want to make sure, that every time I have a delivery or a move scheduled does my entire crew, have to go to the visitor's center every time for a pass and a background check? (even though they were on the base the day before)
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate your patience as we implement this change to policy in order to protect our Army Home and enhance the security of our Cadets, Soldiers, Civilians and Family members.
DeleteOnce a person is issued a Local Area Credential it is valid for one year.
All deliveries should be coming through our Stony Lonesome gate entrance.
My husband and I dropped my son off on Saturday, June 4, 2016, for the SLE. At that time, we were given a paper informing us of the new entrance procedure for visitors to West Point. We will be picking him up and attending the SLE graduation on Friday, June 10. We attempted to obtain West Point Local Area Credentials at the Visitor Center prior to heading home to Ohio on Saturday morning, but were informed that they are only open 8-6 on weekdays. We will be arriving from Ohio on Thursday evening around midnight. If the Visitor Center doesn't open before 8:00, how are we and the families of countless other SLE attendees supposed to get the needed credentials prior to the 9:00 ceremony, given that we are supposed to arrive to the parking area by 8:30 to allow enough time to arrive on schedule?
ReplyDeleteWhen you arrive on Saturday you will be granted access to the installation without going to the Visitors Control Center. This new procedure is as frustrating to us as it is to you and we apologize for the inconvenience.
DeleteCould you please tell me the difference between an LAC (Visitor, Guest, Resident)? I have a Guest LAC and when I went trough the gate I was told I needed to show my drivers license along with my LAC. Is there someplace that explains what each LAC means and what to expect from the guards?
ReplyDeleteThe Visitor Control Center should provide an explanation of what your Local Area Credential is valid for. We appreciate your patience as we implement this change to policy in order to protect our Army Home and enhance the security of our Cadets, Soldiers, Civilians and Family members.
DeleteI sent the message quoted below on June 5th. You have replied to other messages sent on June 5th, 6th and 7th but not to mine. Please respond.
ReplyDelete"I graduated in 1965 and entered the reserves when I resigned from active duty in 1975. On 23 Jun 1975, I was issued an ID card with the grade of "CPT USAR" and with the expiration date stated as "Indefinite". I am no longer in the reserves but I still have that ID card.
1. Will that ID card allow me to enter West Point and to escort my wife and the other 11 people (comprised of our children, their spouses and their children) who will be with us? If so ...
2. My understanding is that the requirement to obtain the Local Area Credential pertains only to un-escorted visitors who do not have a DoD-issued ID card. Does that mean the 12 people I am planning to have with me to attend the home football game on October 22nd will be allowed to enter West Point with me -- WITHOUT needing to obtain a LAC?"
Thank you for your patience. As you describe your "CPT USAR" identification, it may be confiscated at the entrance gate when entering if used.
DeleteWhen attending a Army football game please proceed directly to the entrance gate. You and your party will be screened at the gate and allowed entrance as long as they have a form of ID as listed on http://www.westpoint.army.mil/visitus.html
Any ops/log person worth their salt could have seen this Charlie Foxtrot coming. The five minutes? Once you get through the 30 people waiting to pick up an application, and then the other 20 waiting to be called. And nobody who was proactively trying to help. I hope the kinks get worked out quickly.
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate your patience as we implement this change to policy in order to protect our Army Home and enhance the security of our Cadets, Soldiers, Civilians and Family members.
DeleteWe have updated our information on our Visiting Us webpage and we now have a form that you may print out, fill out and bring with you to the Visitor Control Center. This will help speed up the process.
DeleteVisit http://www.westpoint.army.mil/visitus.html and you will see a link to the form in the second paragraph of the "Unescorted Visitors" section of the page.
To give credit where credit is due, this process is evolving and improvements are evident. I went back after 1630, and was in and out in 30 minutes. Still not the 5 minutes that's posted here...but a process is a process. There were folks available to give direction and answer questions. Thank you.
DeleteThank you for your compliment. We are evolving and trying to make the process as easy and quick as possible.
DeleteIs there a way to submit an application online (hopefully expedite the process)?
ReplyDeleteCurrently there is none, but we are working on a secure way to pre-apply for the credential. We hope to have this in place by this week.
DeleteGreat. Thanks very much
DeleteWe now have a form that you may print out, fill out and bring with you to the Visitor Control Center. This will speed up the process. visit http://www.westpoint.army.mil/visitus.html and you will see a link to the form in the second paragraph of the "Unescorted Visitors" section of the page.
DeleteI already have a contractor ID issued earlier this year from West Point, valid for one year from issue. Do I still need to get an LAC, or is this the same thing? The ID is white/green, has a photo & USMA crest so I believe it (still) should count as a DoD/Gov't issued id?
ReplyDeleteYou do not need to obtain a Local Area Credential.
DeleteHi I'm a soon to be senior in high school and I live in California. I'm planning on visiting West Point for a Campus Tour in a week or two because I would like to attend the academy in the year coming. I'm seventeen and I'm planning on coming alone. So is there anything that I must bring ahead of time or do ahead of time? I have already filled out the Local Area Credential Application. And on the day that I come, where do I go to start my process?
ReplyDeleteThank You.
Please go to the Visitor Control Center with your application. The proper forms of identification we accept are listed on our Visiting Us webpage. There is also a link to the location of the Visitor Control Center in the second paragraph on the page to assist you in planning your trip. Welcome to West Point and good luck!
DeleteThank you for the info.
DeleteAlso, is there anyway to meet an admission officer this week?
You are welcome. For admission information please visit the admissions Web page at: http://www.usma.edu/admissions/SitePages/Home.aspx
DeleteForgive me if I read past the answer to a similar question, but kindly clarify what the policy will be on football game days. My understanding of this is that season ticket holders that have acquired the proper credentials in advance will still have to go through this process each week with new guests they are taking to the game - is this a correct understanding?
ReplyDeleteAs a graduate who does not have a DOD ID, do both my wife and I have to secure the LAC or just me and she becomes and escorted party?
ReplyDeleteGood morning, both you and your wife must obtain a Local Area Credential. Only those with Department of Defense issued identification may escort.
DeleteI am a Mother of the Bride, and we are set, invitations out, for a wedding at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel on August 13, 2016. This is also "A" Day. We have 4 buses hired for transportation, and 2 dozen guests driving independently. Can you tel me how this procedure will apply to buses of guests for a wedding, as well as guests driving personal vehicles on to the Post?
ReplyDeleteMine is the week before, I'd also love to know this answer!
DeleteDid you ever receive a reply, Leslie? My wedding in on Saturday, July 23, 2016...don't know what our guests will have to do.
DeleteI did not receive a reply here. I called the Garrison, who referred me to the Visitors Control Center, who referred me to the guards office. They offered a process to pre-screen all guests. I am collecting all the guests data at this point. I suggest calling the Visitors Control Center and getting the info.
DeleteGood morning, we apologize for the delay in response. Due to staffing we cannot always answer immediately, we apologize for this.
DeleteAs you stated, calling the Visitor Control Center at (845) 938-0390 or (845) 938-0392 and discussing you individual situation with them will help in ensuring your guests will be able to enter West Point.
We are evolving and trying to make the process of access as painless as possible and keep our Soldiers and Cadets on West Point safe.
Please know that during "A" day traffic in and around the Plain will be very congested. We advise that you have your guests arrive through the Stony Lonesome gate.
DeleteI graduated as a Foreign Cadet (USMA '63) and retired as a Brigadier General in the Philippine Army in 1996. I still have my Cadet ID issued in 1959. How long will it take me to get an approval at the Visitors' Center?
ReplyDeletePlease contact the Association of Graduates at 845.446.1500. They should be able to assist you with visiting West Point.
DeleteI am a parent of a 2019 cadet. For Plebe Parent Weekend, I went to the Visitor Center and got a "Class of 2019 Cadet Parent" ID. It says it expires 6/1/19. Three questions: Will this suffice to use on my visit next week to see Air Assault? Can I still enter through the DOD lanes with my vehicle? If I am bringing my sisters-in-law, do they need anything other than their passports? Thank you, in advance, for answering my questions.
ReplyDeleteThis identification will suffice for your visit and you may use the DOD lane for entry.
DeleteYour sisters-in-law must obtain the Local Area Credential at the Visitor Control Center as you are not an authorized agent to escort others on the installation.
I called the visitor access control point yesterday and inquired about returning alumnae. He said I needed to go to the AOG to get access to WP. I go to the AOG and they send me back to Visitor Control. Oh it is so good to be coming back.........in FORTRAN we called that a do-loop. 1985.
ReplyDeleteReturning Alumni need to go to the Visitor Control Center to complete the background check process. If you visit our visiting us webpage at: http://www.westpoint.army.mil/visitus.html you can download and fill out on your computer the form you will need to turn in to the Visitor Control Center. You will still need to go to the Visitor Control Center in person to complete the background check and receive a Local Area Credential.
ReplyDeleteWhat about driving and parking a rental vehicle on post. I am coming back to WP for my reunion this year in October over several days. I know there is a bus arranged for the major events, but I am bringing family and a couple of rental cars. Not everyone will attend all events, and we'd like the ability to split up, thus the rental cars. Can I drive my rented vehicle on post, and if so, what are the available/allowed parking spots?
ReplyDeleteGood morning. As long as you and all the passengers in you vehicle have a Local Area Credential you may come and go as you please.
DeleteAbout parking; as you know, it is a premium here on West Point. If you arrive during a weekday, visitor parking in Central Area is prohibited. This is to ensure West Point Employees can park their vehicles during the work week.
If you do come during the week and you would like to visit central area, you may park at Buffalo Soldier Field and take the shuttle to and from central area. This is a free service available to anyone on West Point during the work week. Please see our Shuttle & Taxi service webpage at: http://www.westpoint.army.mil/shuttle.html for more information.
If you are here on the weekend visitors may park in central area with no restrictions. We do ask that you obey all signs indicating where you may and may not drive though, in central area there are many places that are designated pedestrian zones and in October there will be many Cadets in these areas.
Thank you for your patience, we are continuing to evolve our procedures and questions like this help us greatly. We hope your visit to our Army home is wonderful.
May I use my TSA issued Global Entry photo id card for entry on post? While the Global Entry card includes my name, photo and date of birth, it does not include my height and weight.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately you cannot, this form of identification is issued by the Department of Homeland Security and not the Department of Defense. You will still need to obtain a Local Area Credential if you do not have a Department of Defense issued form of identification. Thank you for your patience, we are continuing to evolve our procedures for entry to our national treasure that is West Point. The safety and security of our Soldier, Cadets, Family members and visitors is our priority and while the process may seem cumbersome in the beginning, we know that through information gathered from this forum and others, we will be able to ensure the safety of all, and provide a more rapid access to our Army home.
DeleteI am a parent of a New Cadet (2020) and secured my DoD "Cadet Parent" ID card during R-Day on June 27. If I have an adult guest in my vehicle on a return trip to WP (who has an approved driver's license; but does not have a DoD card or an LAC), can I access WP through Washington Gate with that person in my vehicle? As I read the ID Requirement document, I interpret that my guest can enter WP with me since I would be considered a "Qualified Escort." I am just not sure which gate(s) I can enter given this scenario. Thank you
ReplyDeleteWe apologize for the confusion. You are not a qualified escort. A Cadet Parent ID is not a Department of Defense issued form of identification, this form of identification is issued by West Point and only valid at West Point. Each person in a vehicle that you are driving must have either a Local Area Credential for West Point or a Department of Defense issued form of identification.
ReplyDeletePeople who have been issued a Local Area Credential my use any of our entrance gates, including Washington Gate.
We will change the verbiage on the Qualified Visitor portion of our Visiting Us webpage to ensure that the explanation of who is a Qualified Visitor is clear.
We apologize for the confusion and thank you for bringing this to our attention so we can communicate our access policy better.
This helps a bunch. And thank you for your diligence in managing what is a hectic process with so many different types of people wanting/needing access to West Point... for so many different reasons. I can't imagine the effort it takes to effectively manage all of that. Thanks again for keeping the cadets and WP staff safe. (West Point parent from Indiana)
DeleteWe could not be the community of excellence we are, without your support. Thank you for your kind words. Have a wonderful Army day!
ReplyDeleteI have still not seen an answer to the numerous questions about football Saturdays and how that is going to be handled. Any updates?
ReplyDeleteWe would advise visiting West Point before the event and obtain a Local Area Credential but understand this may not be possible. When the Visitor Control Center is closed, visitors will be directed by electronic signs to proceed to the entrance gates.
DeleteSo ostensibly there are no changes for game day; is this accurate?
DeletePlease excuse the protracted reply, yes you are correct. When the Visitor Control Center is closed, visitors will be directed by electronic signs to proceed to the entrance gates.
DeleteSo everyone traveling with me that is over 17 will need to go to the visitors center with the required forms and ID is that correct?
ReplyDeletePlease excuse the protracted response. Yes, you are correct. Visitors 17 years of age and above without a valid (not expired) Department of Defense issued identification card are asked report to the Visitor Control Center.
DeleteI am the parent of a New Cadet and I have a Cadet Parent ID. I am planning to come to the March Back on the 8th with a friend of mine from Venezuela. Is he permitted onto the Academy grounds? If so what sort of ID does he need?
ReplyDeleteThank you
Please excuse the delayed response, Foreign visitors must be escorted at all times by a qualified sponsor in order to enter the installation. Currently you are not a qualified escort. Please call the Visitors Control Center at (845) 938-0390 or (845) 938-0392 for clarification.
DeleteI am a grandparent of a 4th year cadet who plays on women's soccer team. My husband and i are planning to watch her play as often as possible but will not be able to arrive by 6pm for weekday games. Will the alternate direction grant us admission to the grounds? Will we need to go through this process for every game and activity?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your interest in West Point. If you could find it in your schedule to arrive one day before 6 p.m. it would be beneficial for your attending your Cadet's soccer games. You can also fill out the application form before you arrive so that you can present it to the Visitors Control Center when you arrive and this will cut down the processing time. You can find the form at: http://www.westpoint.army.mil/documents/LACRequest.pdf
DeleteWhen you arrive after 6 p.m. and when the Visitor Control Center is closed, visitors will be directed by electronic signs to proceed to the entrance gates.
The hours of operation for the visitor control center on your website are different from the actual hours of operation of the visitor control center. Also, will there be any weekend hours of operation for the remainder of the 2016 year?
ReplyDeleteWe have just confirmed that the hours posted on the website are the actual operating hours, were you informed of a different time or what exactly were you informed of so we might ensure that any miscommunication is clarified. We are currently unable to provide weekend operation but we are looking into solutions. We are continuing to evolve our procedures for entry to our national treasure that is West Point and weekend operation of the Visitor Control Center is one of them. Thank you for your patience.
DeleteI called the visitor ID center yesterday and was told by the person answering the phone the hours were 600 to 1730. I guess the question is if you show up at 1745 will you be able to get an ID.
ReplyDeleteWe will make more phone calls to confirm and get you this information as soon as possible. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
ReplyDeleteHello. I'm planning to visit West Point for the first time in November to attend a football game and a hockey game. Will I be able to receive a pass good for the entire weekend or will I need to go through the process at the visitor's center each day when I arrive on campus? Also, if a football game is at noon, how do you plan to process all of the visitors through the visitor center attending the game in time for kickoff? Is there a way to secure the appropriate pass ahead of time to expedite things? I realize that West Point is a very unique place and security needs to be taken to a much different level there. I'm just curious about how this is all going to work on football weekends with a large influx of visitors. Thank you very much in advance for any information you can provide and I look forward to my visit.
ReplyDeleteGood morning and thank you for supporting the Army's home team! Once you receive a Local Area Credential it will be valid for one year. When the Visitor Control Center is closed, visitors will be directed by electronic signs to proceed to the entrance gates.
ReplyDeleteSo I'm assuming, then, that there are people at the entrance gates that can issue the credential when the visitor control center is closed. Is that correct?
DeleteWhat happen when you arrive at the entrance gates and the visitor control center is closed?
DeleteI experienced this new process a few weeks ago when visiting a friend who is an instructor living on post. As a graduate, I'm embarressed that this is the first impression that visitors have of West Point. While I understand the need for security here are few observations from my experience:
ReplyDelete1) The waiting room did not have any visible instructions. The start of the process was to ask an annoyed security guard who grunted at a number dispenser, basket of blank forms, and an empty cup with no pens.
2) The process was slow and inefficient. No attempt integrate technology. It was like visiting the DMV/Secretary of State office 20 years ago.
3) The waiting room was dirty and disheveled. Power and network cables randomly poked out from under the cheap looking desks.
4) An obvious first time visitor looking for information about a bus tour was met with a terse response from the guard that it wasn't her job. (no attempt to direct the individual to the appropriate resource)
5) To top it off-- my wife attempted to use the restroom and found feces smeared on the floor.
The process, environment and attitudes do not reflect the excellence that all other areas of the Academy strive to achieve.
Tim S.
welcome to the govt
DeleteI am the parent of a Class of 2016 West Point graduate, so my Parent ID has expired. However, I am still the president of our local Parents Club and, as such, will be making periodic trips to West Point over the next year. I will be at West Point on 26 August to help with our Parent Club's fundraiser that day, and I plan to arrive shortly after 6:00 a.m. to get a Local Area Credential (LAC). Will that LAC be good for one year, or will I have to go through this process each time I visit West Point?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your support to West Point. Your Local Area Credential will be valid for one year when you receive you new one.
ReplyDeleteI am a vendor and one of my suppliers has informed me that the delivery company has to certify select drivers every 17 days and only those drivers can enter the campus, then when they do, they still have to wait for check in and wait at the gate which usually goes well into an hour or so. Can you please explain the 17-day certification process? I thought that LANs were good for a year. And can you also explain the lengthy wait for check-in. The delivery company is now claiming it will be charging for the waiting time. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteActually I read it yesterday but I had some thoughts about it and today I wanted to read it again because it is very well written. Metallsonde
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, we hope that our information assists you in vising West Point.
DeleteSir, I am a Federal Gov't employee in possession of a PIV Card which is supposed to be valid for all Federal Facilities and follows all requirements under HSPD-12. Is this an acceptable form of identification for entry to West Point or must I obtain a LAC?
ReplyDeleteIf you are a US Federal Government Employee and in possession of a valid (not expired) Department of Defense-issued identification card, this includes the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Common Access Card (CAC) you may enter West Point and other federally controlled installations.
DeleteMy family will be in the area for a wedding and I would love to just walk the campus. We like to visit campuses wherever we go so our kids get exposed to all academic institutions. Is this possible, or must we take a guided tour?
ReplyDeleteThanks to you and to all our military family!
Good afternoon and thank you for your interest in West Point. Please excuse the slow response, we have had a severe amount of snow here as of late and the office that monitors this blog was not able to respond to questions.
DeleteTours are available through West Point Tours (http://www.westpointtours.com/) but you may walk on our installation at your leisure.
Please stop by the West Point Museum for a great introduction to our national treasure, and our Army home. Visit their webpages at: https://www.westpoint.army.mil/museum.html
We hope this helps!
Traveling with family to 2017 spring game. Arriving on a Saturday 4/15/17. Any issues with bringing RV on campus? Leaving same day.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Thank you for your support of our Black Knights, GO ARMY!
DeleteThere is no issue with bringing an RV on West Point but please be careful where you drive as you may have issues with our roads as some of them are narrow and steep. If this were a normal Army Football game you would have to pay for parking and be directed to park at North Dock, but for this event you should not have any problems parking.
For more specific RV questions please contact Army West Point Athletics by visiting their website at http://goarmywestpoint.com/index.aspx?path=gameday
Good evening, I was just wondering if I may go through then Stony Lonesome Gate with a Vistors pass(LAC)?
ReplyDeleteI pick my my fiancé everyday for the past 4 month from work. I always go through the Thayer gate but it'll be so much easier to go through Stony because I get off on 9w and that's the first gate I see before going through Highland. Thank you.
Yes you may! If you have a Local Area Credential you may use Stony Lonesome or Thayer Gate, whichever is the most convenient. Thank you very much for asking and for your support in West Point. Have a great day!
DeleteThere's a lot of tour options! Which one would I get to see the Patton and Eisenhower statues?
ReplyDeleteGood morning and thank you for your interest in West Point!
DeleteIf you take a tour that goes by the Jefferson Library you will see both Gen. Patton and Gen. Eisenhower as they are very close to each other. Here is a photo that was taken by one of our visitors showing both statues and how close they are to each other: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagwestpoint/31711182776/in/album-72157669713012455/ We encourage our visitors to share their photos when they visit West Point so that others can see our wonderful, beautiful and historical installation.
Ensure you make time to visit our Museum as it is replete with artifacts and historical accounts of West Point and its many famous graduates, visit the West Point Museum website: https://www.westpoint.army.mil/museum.html
We hope this helps!
I'm filling out the LAC Request. Regarding "Contractor/Sponsor Information" my son is a permanently assigned Army member there. Am I using his info then? What is "COR?" Do I need the name of his Supervisor? Help me with that part please.
ReplyDeleteGood morning. Sorry for the protracted reply. You only need to fill out the information in the Administrative Data section and Criminal History, the Contractor/Sponsor Information section does not pertain to you. We hope this helps.
DeleteWe are parents of a 2013 grad, recently retired and are attending the Army Buffalo game on 9/9/17. We are from Texas and we were wondering if we need the background check to attend the football game. Thank you for your assistance. We might also take the bus tour earlier in the week as West Point is always changing.
ReplyDelete
DeleteGood morning and thank you for your continuing support of West Point. If you arrive earlier in the week before the game, you will need to apply for Local Area Credentials. To assist in speeding the process up you can fill out the Local Area Credential request form, print it out and bring it with you. You can find it here https://www.westpoint.army.mil/documents/LACRequest.pdf
Good morning and thank you for your continuing support of West Point. If you arrive earlier in the week before the game, you will need to apply for Local Area Credentials. To assist in speeding the process up you can fill out the Local Area Credential request form, print it out and bring it with you. You can find it here https://www.westpoint.army.mil/documents/LACRequest.pdf
ReplyDeleteGood Morning. Are Washington State drivers licenses sufficient stand-alone IDs for application for LAC? I see on the REAL ID website that their requirements have been extended until October 2017. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYes. A Washington State drivers license, until October 2017, is sufficient as a stand alone document. The two states that currently are not compliant, do not have extensions and need secondary forms of identification when applying for a Local Area Credential are Minnesota and Missouri.
DeleteThank you so much!
DeleteYou are very welcome!
DeleteGood afternoon. My family is traveling to the US in Sept/Oct this year. My daughter plays American Football and is keen to see a college game during our visit. The Army-Buffalo game fits in with our schedule and would like to see the game.
ReplyDeleteI'm ex-military (Australian Army, Artillery officer) and visited West Point almost ten years ago and had to do the escorted/guided tour (which was great).
I'm confused with the entry requirements for non-US citizens to attend a sporting game. The FAQ talks of LAC, but that applies to US citizens. It also talks about unescorted guests being able to attend public events like sporting games. Can you please clarify the requirements for non-US citizens to attend a football game at West Point? Thanks.
Good morning and thank you for your inquiry.
DeleteForeign visitors must be escorted at all times by a qualified escort in order to enter the installation. That requirement can be met by entering with a DoD identification card holder (Qualified Escort.)
I now have a LAC as a parent of a 2021 New Cadet. When I approach the gate, do I use the DOD line or the regular line?
ReplyDeleteThis is a great question, you may use the DoD lane to enter West Point.
DeleteI am a resident of Garrison and would like to bicycle through West Point. I have a NY Enhanced Drivers License. Can I get a LAC on Saturday, or must I go on Monday-Friday? If I have a LAC, can another cyclist accompany me. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWe are grandparents of a Westpoint cadet and we live in Canada. We would like to know how we can get a pass to visit our grandson on campus?
ReplyDeleteThank you
I haven't visited West Point since 1980 (my brother was a 1979 grad). Since things have changed so much since then (we used to just drive on base and cruise around where we wanted), I need to know where all I can go. I am taking my husband there the last week of May and I don't see tours available that week. Can we drive around and park and just walk around different areas? I'm trying to figure out if I can show him the sights without a tour. Thanks! I love West Point, even if it has been almost 40 years since I've been there.
ReplyDeleteWe are visiting this Saturday afternoon to hear the band. Do we enter a specific gate for the Ike Hall Theater? Thank You in advance.
ReplyDeletereading this has proved what CLASSIC CLUSTER FUCK ANYTHING GOVT HAS BECOME LOL
ReplyDeleteOnce we complete the LAC, provide proper identification and pass the background check, are we allowed to tour the campus and facility in our own vehicle or do we need to sign up for a guided bus tour?
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ReplyDeleteTo see the grounds of West Point , do I need to go on a tour or may I just enter after the paper work? Also, I am interested in seeing General Patton's statue and the cemetery where famous Military personnel are buried. Is that possible? With respect, may I take pics of these? I am disabled and very patriotic so it would mean almost the world to me! Thank you for a reply!
ReplyDeleteTo see the grounds of West Point , do I need to go on a tour or may I just enter after the paper work? Also, I am interested in seeing General Patton's statue and the cemetery where famous Military personnel are buried. Is that possible? With respect, may I take pics of these? I am disabled and very patriotic so it would mean almost the world to me! Thank you for a reply!
ReplyDeleteMy great Grandfather Colonel Joy T Wrean graduated from West Point in 1927, and was buried there in 1987. When doing some research, I was told that the locations that some veterans have been buried would have some of their service records.I was wondering if that is true, and if I could get them if I came out there?
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