MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sydnie Colbert, 42nd Security Force Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of pass and registration, and her team at the Maxwell Visitor Center play a crucial role in maintaining the base’s security and mission readiness by handling thousands of visitor passes and coordinating closely with base security and support operations.
“Our primary mission is to process visitor passes,” said Colbert. “We help people bring family members, friends, contractors and merchants on base.”
The Maxwell Visitor Center works in tandem with the 42nd Security Forces Squadron while supporting efforts to keep the base secure and ensuring a smooth experience for those entering the installation. With events such as Officer Training School graduations occurring biweekly, the center prepares in advance by preprinting family passes and conducting background checks.
“This is probably our biggest event,” Colbert said. “OTS graduations bring in a lot of families, and we make sure they’re welcomed but also thoroughly vetted.”
Maintaining security is a top priority for the Maxwell Visitor Center team. Colbert explained that all visitors must be sponsored by a Department of Defense identification card holder and undergo a background check through the Defense Biometric Identification System.
“We run everyone through the national database,” Colbert said. “We follow a strict matrix to determine base access. If someone has a disqualifying offense, they don’t get on base.”
When emergencies or suspicious behavior arise, the team immediately contacts the law enforcement desk, which coordinates with patrols and the command post to ensure a quick response.
“If someone shows up who isn’t supposed to be here, we deny access immediately,” said Staff Sgt. Alexis Cruz, 42nd SFS assistant NCOIC of pass and registration. “If things escalate, we call patrol and let them take it from there, but that first checkpoint starts with us.”
The center acts as the first impression for those unfamiliar with Maxwell. Whether it’s pointing someone to the DEERS office or handing out a base map, the team strives to be helpful and informative.
“We’re also working to expand access for services like Uber Eats to improve the quality of life on base,” said Cruz.
Colbert also highlighted the team’s role during base-wide exercises and real-world contingencies.
“We reduce operations to two people at the counter,” said Colbert. “The rest of us arm up and augment the response force or assist at the gate.”
Despite the stress, the team maintains high standards though monthly training, including DBIDS certification, CPR, self-aid buddy care and combatives. Performance is closely tracked and documented, ensuring accountability and growth.
“Sometimes the line is out the door and wrapped around the building,” Colbert said. “But we move as fast as we can and stay professional.”
Through it all, the Maxwell Visitor Center remains a small but vital part of base operations. This team of defenders acts as a gatekeeper and keeps Maxwell secure, informed and ready.
“I have the best team,” said Colbert. “We work 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every weekday, and everyone’s reliable, knowledgeable and always learning. I couldn’t ask for a better team.”
- Published
- By Senior Airman Tanner Doerr
- 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
