DA Form 5025-GI-R: Physical Security Checklist Guide

DA Form 5025-GI-R: Physical Security Checklist Guide – This comprehensive guide explains the purpose, use, and importance of DA Form 5025-GI-R for U.S. military facilities, Department of Defense projects, and related construction or renovation efforts. As a key tool in Army physical security planning, it helps safeguard personnel, assets, and installations from terrorist threats through systematic design reviews.

What Is DA Form 5025-GI-R?

DA Form 5025-GI-R, titled “G. Design Data Checklist Physical Security Enhancement Against Terrorist Threat (LRA)”, is an official U.S. Army form issued on January 1, 1987, by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). “LRA” stands for Local Reproduction Authorized, allowing authorized users to reproduce it locally as needed.

It functions as a structured checklist for evaluating and incorporating physical security measures during the design phase of facilities. The form ensures that architects, engineers, security professionals, and project managers address vulnerabilities to terrorist threats in new construction, renovations, or upgrades.

It remains an active, unclassified document with Distribution Restriction Code A (approved for public release and unlimited distribution), making it accessible for relevant DoD and supporting personnel.

Purpose and Importance of the Checklist

The primary goal of DA Form 5025-GI-R is to standardize the integration of antiterrorism and physical security features into facility design. It supports broader DoD and Army physical security programs by helping teams systematically review design elements that deter, detect, delay, and mitigate terrorist attacks.

Key benefits include:

  • Risk Reduction: Identifies and addresses potential vulnerabilities early in the design process.
  • Compliance: Aligns with standards such as those in DoD physical security regulations, UFC (Unified Facilities Criteria) documents, and Army guidelines like AR 190-13 (The Army Physical Security Program).
  • Cost Efficiency: Incorporating security features during initial design is far more economical than retrofitting later.
  • Accountability: Provides documented evidence of security considerations for reviews, audits, and approvals.

In today’s security environment, with evolving threats highlighted in assessments like the DHS Homeland Threat Assessment, such tools remain vital for protecting military installations and critical infrastructure.

Key Sections and Components of DA Form 5025-GI-R

The form is organized into targeted checklist sections covering multiple layers of defense. Typical focus areas include:

Perimeter Security

Evaluates fences, barriers, vehicle barriers, standoff distances, lighting, and surveillance to prevent unauthorized approach or breach.

Access Control

Covers entry points, identification systems, gates, visitor controls, and personnel/vehicle screening procedures.

Building and Structural Hardening

Addresses blast resistance, ballistic protection, forced entry resistance, and other construction standards to withstand attacks.

Internal Security Measures

Reviews restricted areas, secure storage, intrusion detection systems (IDS), CCTV, and emergency protocols.

Site Planning and Lighting

Considers overall layout, security lighting, and integration with natural or man-made features for layered protection.

Users check off items, note compliance, provide comments, or flag items needing further action. Continuation sheets (such as DA Form 5025-G-R) may support longer projects.

How to Use DA Form 5025-GI-R in Projects?

  1. Initiate During Pre-Design or Concept Phase — Integrate into the planning process alongside risk assessments and threat analyses.
  2. Assemble Multidisciplinary Team — Include security engineers, antiterrorism officers, architects, structural engineers, and USACE representatives.
  3. Complete the Checklist Systematically — Review each item against project drawings, specifications, and site conditions.
  4. Document and Mitigate Gaps — Record justifications for any deviations and recommend enhancements.
  5. Review and Approve — Submit as part of the design package for command or engineering review.
  6. Update as Needed — Revise during design iterations or for renovation projects.

This process aligns with DoD guidance on incorporating physical security into facility design, such as MIL-HDBK-1013/1A principles.

  • AR 190-13: The Army Physical Security Program.
  • DoD 5200.08-R: Physical Security Program.
  • UFC 4-010-01: DoD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings.
  • FM 3-19.30: Physical Security.
  • DA PAM 190-51: Risk Analysis for Army Property.

For the most current guidance, consult official Army Publishing Directorate (APD) resources or USACE district offices.

Who Should Use This Form?

  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) personnel
  • Military installation engineers and security officers
  • Contractors and A/E firms working on DoD projects
  • Antiterrorism Officers (ATOs) and Physical Security Officers (PSOs)
  • Facility planners and project managers involved in military construction (MILCON)

Best Practices for Effective Physical Security Design

  • Adopt a defense-in-depth approach (perimeter, building envelope, interior layers).
  • Perform thorough threat and vulnerability assessments tailored to the installation’s location and mission.
  • Balance security with operational needs, aesthetics, and cost.
  • Incorporate emerging technologies like advanced sensors, AI-enhanced surveillance, and resilient materials.
  • Ensure regular training and exercises for personnel on security protocols.

Conclusion: Strengthening National Defense Through Design

DA Form 5025-GI-R serves as a foundational tool in the U.S. Army’s efforts to protect facilities and personnel from terrorist threats. By embedding security considerations into the earliest stages of design, it contributes to safer, more resilient military infrastructure across the United States and overseas.

For fillable versions, templates, or official downloads, visit authorized Army forms portals or contact your local USACE district. Always verify the latest version and complementary standards through official military channels to ensure full compliance.

This article is for informational purposes and does not replace official guidance. Consult current Army regulations and qualified security professionals for project-specific advice.