New biometric system boosts Marines data sharing capabilities

A new biometric system deployed by the Marine Corps System Command has led to a 154 percent increase in biometric collections submitted, and 11 watch list hits in its first month of use, dvidshub.net reports.

The complete solution is supplied by Aware, according to David Benini, Aware’s VP of marketing and product. It includes an Aware-developed application running on a hardened mobile device from a partner supplier.

The Identity Dominance System-Marine Corps (IDS-MC) captures fingerprints, iris and face images, to aid detainee management and questioning, base access, counterintelligence screening, border control and law enforcement operations. It replaces the Biometric Enrollment and Screening Device (BESD), and allows immediate information sharing with the Tactical Data Network, as well as data management and feedback. The BESD system relied on data transmission through via CD or DVD.

“The IDS-MC is more convenient because it connects directly to the Marine Corps’ Tactical Data Network, allowing Marines to share data and submit biometrics and receive the responses effortlessly,” said Sarah Swift, Identity Operations Team lead for Biometrics and Forensics Systems at MCSC.

The IDS-MC consists of the handheld Secure Electronic Enrollment Kit device, and a laptop computer with specialized biometric capabilities and a badge printer. Biometric, biographical, location, and other reference data is submitted to the Department of Defense’s Automated Biometric Identification System database through a web portal, enabling it to be shared and added to the DoD’s Biometric-Enabled Watch List (BEWL). If biometric data collected from a person matches data on the BEWL, a pop-up notification appears on the device. The BEWL system is based on Aware’s BioSP.

The Marine Corps Intelligence Agency Identity Intelligence Analytical Cell (MCIA I2AC) also reviews submissions from the IDS-MC, and provides analysis and intelligence regarding potential persons of interest, according to the report.

The system capabilities are meant to address requirements specific to Marine Expeditionary Forces.

“The IDS-MC is a game changer and force multiplier as a connected system for the commander on the ground because they can identify the threat and take action much quicker than before,” said Maj. Keystella Mitchell, project officer for IDS-MC.

The number of systems procured was increased from the initial plan after the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force and the Marine Corps Forces Central Command identified a shortfall in the quantity of the systems.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  data collection  |  Department of Defense  |  government purchasing  |  identity verification