Nationwide Security Review at Military Bases in Wake of New Year's Events

Following deadly events in New Orleans and Las Vegas involving a current and a former service member, military sites throughout the United States have instituted enhanced security procedures, suspending the Trusted Traveler Program and imposing tougher access regulations.

Under U.S. Northern Command, the Trusted Traveler Program—which let screened Department of Defense (DoD) officials escort guests onto bases without obtaining individual passes—has been stopped indefinitely across all locations. Applied immediately, this instruction covers all bases throughout North America, including Alaska.

"Drivers should expect delays and random inspections at entry gate as we enhance the security posture of our installation," Marine Corps Base Quantico said. Now, bases will demand all visitors without a DoD identity card to get a base permit from visitor centers, therefore enforcing harsher entrance policies and random vehicle inspections.

The action comprises two uncoordinated New Year's Day strikes. Driving a leased truck onto Bourbon Street in New Orleans, former Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar killed fourteen before police stopped him. Army Green Beret Master Sgt. Matthew Livelsberger separately destroyed a Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas, causing seven injuries.

Although the Department of Defense (DoD) does not have any proof of threats to locations, officials stress these steps as a proactive approach to guarantee safety.

Retired Air Force Col. John Probst said, "suspending the program sends a message to possible bad actors and permits more scrutiny."

Regarding when the Trusted Traveler Program would start, U.S. Northern Command has not said. Improved security policies will stay in place while investigations go on.

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