My TWIC experience

I proceeded to my nearest TWIC enrollment center to begin the strange process of getting a TWIC. It honestly has to be one of the strangest things I’ve paid over $100 for. Expecting something similar to a mini-DMV, I walked into an old warehouse turned into an office park, full of mostly empty offices. Upon walking into the room, the first thing that struck me was how temporary it seemed. There were stacks of portable plastic containers, several folding tables, and two rooms with some laptops, printers and camera equipment. It seemed like you could have the entire office packed up and ready to go in a matter of an hour. Two civilian employees worked in the so-called center, and were courteous and efficient. I had to wonder what it must be like to work in such an apparently temporary environment. As I was sitting getting my fingerprints taken, and certifying that I was a U.S. citizen, I couldn’t help but notice the Lockheed Martin symbols on a few things. Yes…the enrollment centers and TWIC process is run by Lockeend Martin contractors. I couldn’t help but note that I was doing the exact same process that I had just completed with the Coast Guard upon renewing my license…getting fingerprints taken, criminal background check…nothing was different, except the destination of my fee. Lockheed Martin. I also paid the “discounted fee” since I have completed a “comparable security threat assessment.” The regular fee is 132.50, and the reduced fee is $105.25….hmmm…so what am I paying for? $105 for a plastic card? Maybe I’m missing something here, but the entire TWIC process, seems like a process dreamed up by the huge defense contractor for an extra few bucks. It’s certainly not a strike fighter, but it sure seems like a lot of money to complete a redundant process. It’s hard to believe the Coast Guard bit off on this, without even a struggle, let alone the Department of Homeland Security.