McGuire, Fort Dix, Lakehurst unite for joint basing Published April 3, 2007 By Airman Rebekah Phy 305th Air Mobility Wing MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Several joint basing initiatives are currently underway here as 305th Security Forces Squadron, Lakehurst and Fort Dix personnel team up for "Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst." The goal for joint basing is for all three organizations to come together and utilize the best practices available, said Capt. David Haigh, 305th SFS operations officer. "Now we can share with the Army and Navy to find the best way to do things." One of the most current joint basing initiatives was the Broidy gate, which connected McGuire and Fort Dix, becoming unmanned March 5. "We are working together," said Captain Haigh. "We currently have joint standards we are all abiding by, which is why manning at the Broidy gate has ceased." The initiatives also seem to go along with the Global War on Terrorism efforts. "In the Global War on Terrorism, we're a 'purple war,'" Captain Haigh said. "We're learning to operate together, so when we get deployed, we're not just thrusted into a joint environment - it's a smarter way to do things." So far, things seem to be running smoothly, and the benefits seem to outweigh any obstacles that arise. "In the future, we're going to save resources, manpower and money," Captain Haigh said. "We pride ourselves in using the best system before all else, and to go along with AFSO 21, we're finding leaner, smarter ways to do things." "Just like two companies merging together in the civilian sector - there are going to be obstacles," Captain Haigh said. "But we wouldn't be doing this if there weren't long-term benefits." Several other joint basing initiatives are underway here as well. The "Joint Visitor Pass," now complete between McGuire and Fort Dix, allows visitor passes to be accepted on both installations. The "Patrolmen Exchange," approximately 90 percent complete, will allow Air Force security forces and DoD police to ride together on patrols - one step closer to one team, one theme. The "Checkpoint 9 Joint Commercial Vehicle Search Facility," currently operational, is a joint facility for trucks to be checked for McGuire and Fort Dix entry. These are only some of the initiatives the Joint Base Protection Services team is working on. "We are excited about the progress that the Joint Base Protection Services team has made," said Col. Michael Polhemus, Director of the Joint Basing Program Integration Office. "They have really embraced the essence of the Joint Basing concept and have stepped out to make it happen. Joint basing is not necessarily about saving money, but it is absolutely about increasing mission effectiveness with the resources we have. They hit the nail on the head here. Kudos to the entire team!"