U.S. troops deploy biometrics in the field

Biometric databases in Iraq and Afghanistan are helping U.S. troops combat violent insurgents.

In an ambitious move, troops have sought to capture iris scans, facial photographs, and fingerprints from men of fighting age especially those who have been detained for insurgent or terrorist ties. This data is then used at checkpoints, government job applications, or at recruitment centers to help ensure that malicious actors are not infiltrating U.S. bases.

Last April, 475 detainees from an Afghan prison made a daring escape by tunneling under the walls, but biometric scanners deployed at checkpoints across the country have led to the recapture of many. Within days, thirty-five escapees had been caught and returned to the prison after passing through checkpoints where their identities were discovered by biometric scanners.

In Afghanistan the biometric databases are particularly useful as the nation has no history of birth certificates, driver’s licenses, or other identity documents. The prevalence and ease with which forged documents can be obtained has plagued U.S. troops.

Officials are taking pains to ensure that data is collected in a way that respects civil liberties and protected to ensure their privacy.

“To be sure, there must be sound and responsible policies and oversight regarding enrollment and the storage, use and sharing of private individual data,” said Brig. Gen. Mark S. Martins, commander of the military’s new Rule of Law Field Force in Afghanistan.

He stressed that biometric systems “can combat fraud and corruption, place law enforcement on a sounder evidentiary footing and greatly improve security.”