Stand-To!- Biometrics: The Army as executive agent for the Department of Defense - March 24, 2008

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Edition: Mon, March 24, 2008
Rich-text Version
SENIOR LEADERS ARE SAYING
“Having liberated this country, the United States and our coalition  
partners have no intention of allowing extremists to shoot their way  
back into power. We're going to get this job done right, so that  
another generation of Americans doesn't have to come back and do it  
all over again.”

- Vice President Richard B. Cheney, March 20, visiting Soldiers in  
Afghanistan

Vice President Cheney thanks U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan

TODAY'S FOCUS
Biometrics: The Army as executive agent for the Department of Defense

What is it?

Biometrics is the process of using automated methods of recognizing  
an individual by measurable biological (anatomical and physiological)  
and behavioral characteristics. The Department of Defense (DOD)  
Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) is the authoritative  
biometric repository for detainee and enemy combatant data. Future  
DOD ABIS capabilities will include facial, palm print, and iris  
recognition, as well as a DOD-wide architecture to facilitate the use  
of biometric technology across multiple domains. Other biometric  
systems include:

Biometrics Automated Toolset (BAT)
: This self- contained searching and matching system has three  
components—server, laptop and handheld device—that uses fingerprints,  
iris images, and facial photos. The system then enrolls, identifies  
and tracks persons of interest, and builds digital dossiers for  
intelligence purposes.
Handheld Interagency Identity Detection Equipment (HIIDE)
: This self-contained, lightweight, handheld biometric collection and  
matching system collects fingerprints, iris images, facial photos,  
and contextual biographical information on persons of interest. It is  
capable of downloading biometric watch lists to facilitate the  
apprehension of known threat individuals encountered on the battlefield.
Biometric Identification System for Access (BISA)
: This system provides a secure credential enabled by biometric  
characteristic or personal identification number for persons  
requiring access to U.S. facilities and installations. The Army is  
using BISA in Iraq.
Detainee Reporting System (DRS)
: The National Detainee Reporting Center’s DRS is the primary  
accountability tool for detainees’ inclusion in the official detainee  
records administered by the DOD for the U.S. government.
What has the Army done?

The Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7 established the Biometrics  
Task Force (BTF) to execute the Army’s responsibility as DOD’s  
biometrics executive agent. The Biometrics Fusion Center in  
Clarksburg, W.Va., is an operational element of the BTF. The BTF is  
responsible for the following:

* Synchronizing and integrating biometric technologies into the  
greater identity management framework and strategy for the DOD;  
additionally, performing requirements management, test and  
evaluation, product assessment, and standards development activities.
* Partnering with all service (Air Force, Navy, Marines) and Army  
training and doctrine entities to leverage existing documentation and  
develop new analysis documentation to help establish formal programs  
of record.
* Operating and maintaining the authoritative DOD biometric  
repository (i.e., ABIS) in conjunction with the resources and  
management oversight provided by Project Manager-Biometrics. This  
database provides storage, search and match functions, and submits  
results to the user so that operational decisions can be made  
regarding the individual in question.

The BTF maintains a Web site for the use of its DOD and  
intergovernmental partners: Biometrics Task Force Portal

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

In conjunction with the Joint Forces Command and the Army Training  
and Doctrine Command, the Army is working on a capability-based  
assessment of biometrics. The purpose of this assessment is to  
capture future biometric needs (FY10 to FY15), and conduct a gap  
analysis of current capabilities and future needs. In addition, the  
Army is developing a recommended organizational construct that will  
facilitate the organization’s evolution to the Biometrics Defense  
Agency (BDA).

The BTF is also planning future expansion of the two biometric  
forward cells in Iraq and Afghanistan. These cells have succeeded in  
raising awareness of the usefulness of biometrics throughout the DOD.  
The cells will continue to expand in scope and staffing in the months  
and years ahead.

Why is this important to the Army?

The ability to establish an individual’s identity with certitude and  
to link the individual to past aliases or activities gives our  
Soldiers a decisive edge both in fighting the global war on terrorism  
and in aiding other U.S. government organizations. By programming for  
long term investment and consistently enhancing biometric  
functionality, the Army is fulfilling its role as DOD’s executive  
agent for biometrics.
INFORMATION YOU CAN USE
* 2008 Strategic Communication Guide - Read the 2008 Army Strategic  
Communication Guide for key messages and updates

* Strategic Communication Coordination Group (SCCG) Workspace

* Army Public Affairs Portal

* Stories of Valor

WEEKEND SPORTS WRAP-UP
Soldiers triumph at winter world triathlon

Army visit has Red Sox flying high

Three Black Knights hit IC4A qualifiers in outdoor opener

White hits NCAA regional qualifier in Florida

Army blasts Central Connecticut 12-1; ends spring trip on positive note

All Amercian Matt Kyler finishes sixth at NCAA wrestling championships

17/14 Lacrosse takes down Holy Cross, 14-5, in Patriot League play

Kyler assured of all America finish at NCAA Wrestling championships

Army and Dartmouth split wild doubleheader in gusty Florida

Kang improves to third all-time in 5-4 loss at Flagler

Cornell holds on to defeat Army, 1-0

14/17 Army takes on Holy Cross in Patriot League home opener

NEWS ABOUT THE ARMY
Fifteen hepatitis infections tied to ex-nurse (DPC)
Army goes on offense to get Arabic translators (HC)
AER doubles aid to meet rising needs (ARNews)
2nd woman since WWII gets Silver Star (ARNews)
Pilot overcomes injury to succeed (AFIS)
Ammunition plant firefighters rescue (ARNews)
WAR ON TERROR NEWS
War on financing of terrorism stalls (BS)
Terrorism money is still flowing (LAT)
Green Zone attack originated in Sadr City, say witnesses (CM)
Qaida No. 2 urges attacks on Israel, U.S. (CT)
OF INTEREST
Troops are paid fairly, but differently, study shows (WP)
Vets still seek aid for A-bomb illnesses (WT)
The battle-scarred caretakers (BG)
Military kin struggle with loss and a windfall (NYT)
WORLD VIEW
Bush seeks agreement with Russia before stepping down (FT | Story)
Younger leadership for Taliban in Afghanistan (TEL | Story)
U.S. army experimented with ray guns (TOI | Story)
Sunni militia strike could derail U.S. strategy against al Qaida  
(Guard | Story)
Roadside bomb takes American death toll in Iraq to 4,000(TO | Story)
War voices: Camilo Mejia (AJ | Story)
WHAT'S BEING SAID IN BLOGS
Chinese army hackers attack India (MMM)
Al-Qaeda No. 2 Ayman al-Zawahri calls for terror attacks against  
Israel and U.S. (NTA)
Energy victory: Winning the war on terror by breaking free of oil (BFD)
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