Marine Corps Site Access Control: Gold Star and Surviving Family Members Guidance
This MARADMIN reaffirms procedures for granting Marine Corps installation access to Gold Star and surviving family members following incidents where proper access control guidelines were not applied. Site commanders must review and update access control policies within 30 days and ensure all personnel are trained on the requirements for honoring these families while maintaining proper security protocols.
Issued: November 7, 2025
1. This MARADMIN reaffirms procedures <br> and requirements for access control privileges and <br> requirements regarding Gold Star and surviving family <br> members in accordance with the references. The Marine <br> Corps remains committed to honoring our fallen who have <br> made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms and values <br> we all cherish. Maintaining a continuing bond with their <br> surviving family members is an important part of that <br> commitment.<br> 2. Background. There have been several incidents aboard <br> Marine Corps installations where access control <br> guidelines contained in reference (b) were not properly <br> applied, resulting in surviving family members not being <br> allowed access to an installation. <br> 3. Site Commanders<br> 3.a. Site commanders will direct a review of site access <br> control policies and base access websites for accuracy <br> and update as required to ensure compliance with this <br> message and reference (b). The review will be conducted <br> and completed within 30 days of receipt of this MARADMIN. <br> 3.b. Site commanders will ensure all Provost Marshal's <br> Office (PMO)/Marine Corps Police Department (MCPD) <br> personnel involved in site perimeter access control, <br> including, but not limited to, access control point <br> sentries, visitor control center (VCC), and/or designated <br> site security office staff are trained and understand the <br> requirements.<br> 3.c. Site commanders will direct their Communication <br> Strategy office/section to assist in developing content <br> to support increased awareness.<br> 4. Access Control Guidelines<br> 4.a. Visitor Control Centers (VCC). Gold Star and <br> surviving family members are required to complete the <br> Visitor Control Process (VCP) and enroll in the site <br> electronic physical access control system (ePACS) before <br> being granted access. Requirements for identity proofing <br> and background, as required in reference (b) remain while <br> the purpose for requesting access must be provided. <br> Acceptable purposes include, but are not limited to, <br> visits to on-site memorials and participation in events <br> that are specifically intended to honor the families. A <br> command representative will coordinate with the family <br> member(s) and the VCC for an appointment for enrollment <br> purposes. <br> 4.b. Pass Issuance. Family members meeting criteria for <br> access may request access to a Marine Corps site and be <br> issued a single day paper pass, Local Resident Card (LRC), <br> or be enrolled in the site ePACS with an approved <br> credential identified in reference (b).<br> 4.b.1. Family members are not authorized automatic ePACS <br> enrollment to all Marine Corps sites. Access will be <br> granted for one year. <br> 4.b.2. The requesting family member(s) shall follow the <br> same procedures to renew access privileges in accordance <br> with reference (b).<br> 4.b.3. Family members are not authorized Trusted Traveler <br> status.<br> 4.c. Screening. Family members who do not meet the fitness <br> criteria are required to submit an appeal or redress to <br> the site commander, as directed in reference (b). <br> 4.d. Prior to denying access, all information will be <br> provided to the Site Commander or appointed Site Access <br> Control Officer for final determination. Record of denial <br> will be maintained with a Memorandum for the Record signed <br> by the Site Commander in accordance with reference (b). <br> 4.e. In accordance with reference (b), commanders will <br> ensure that the site maintains an after-hours capability <br> for visitor control and registration. The requirement is <br> not to maintain a 24-hour VCC, the requirement is to <br> maintain an after-hours capability to properly document, <br> screen, approve, and register visitors.<br> 5. Required Documents/Credentials<br> 5.a. Report of Casualty (DD Form 1300) issued to immediate <br> family members of deceased Service Members (e.g., spouse, <br> children, parents) identified on the Service Member's <br> Record of Emergency Data (DD Form 93).<br> 5.b. Marine Corps sites will honor Gold Star <br> Identification Cards issued by other Department of War <br> Services.<br> 6. This MARADMIN has been coordinated with the Deputy <br> Commandant for Installations and Logistics, Deputy <br> Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Commanding <br> General for Training and Education Command, and Commander <br> for Marine Forces Reserve.<br> 7. Direct any questions regarding this MARADMIN to the <br> message points of contact or email at <br> PPO_POP_PhysicalSecurity@usmc.mil.<br> 8. Signal. This MARADMIN is applicable to all Marine <br> Corps sites.<br> 9. Release authorized by MajGen Jason L. Morris, <br> Assistant Deputy Commandant, Plans, Policies, and <br> Operations.