Encrypted Military Installations
18 military installations across the United States have encrypted their radio communications, blocking public access to critical safety information.
About Military Installations
Military bases, installations, and defense facilities.
Impact of Encryption
Military encryption is generally accepted for operational security, though civilian-facing activities could benefit from transparency.
Affected Stakeholders
- Military families
- Defense contractors
- Local communities near bases
States with Most Encrypted Military Installations
Encryption Technologies Used
All Encrypted Military Installations
Browse all 18 military installations that have encrypted their communications.
| Agency | State | County | Encryption | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Fort Worth | TX | Tarrant | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Illinois National Guard | IL | Statewide | P25 AES-256 | Specific Channels |
| Fort Carson | CO | El Paso | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Fort Drum | NY | Jefferson | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Fort Wayne Emergency Management | IN | Allen | P25 ADP | Fully Encrypted |
| Anniston Army Depot | AL | Talladega | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Tennessee Air National Guard - McGhee Tyson Base | TN | Blount | P25 AES-256 | Partially Encrypted |
| Minnesota National Guard | MN | Statewide | P25 AES-256 | Specific Channels |
| Virginia Military Institute | VA | Rockbridge | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Blue Grass Army Deport | KY | Madison | P25 AES-256 | Specific Channels |
| Army National Guard | NE | Statewide | P25 AES-256 | Specific Channels |
| Fort Chaffee | AR | Sebastian | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Mississippi Military Department | MS | Statewide | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Fort Huachuca | AZ | Cochise | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Fort Hall Indian Reservation | ID | Power, Bannock, Caribou | P25 AES-256 | Tactical Only |
| Alaska Air National Guard | AK | Brough wide | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Maryland National Guard | MD | StateWide | P25 AES-256 | Fully Encrypted |
| Wyoming Military Department | WY | Statewide | P25 AES-256 | Specific Channels |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many military installations have encrypted their radios?
18 military installations across 18 states are documented as encrypted: 11 fully encrypted and 7 with partial encryption.
Which state has the most encrypted military installations?
Texas leads with 1 encrypted military installations, out of 18 tracked nationwide.
What encryption technology do most military installations use?
P25 AES-256 is the most common, used by 17 of the 18 encrypted military installations tracked here (94%).
Why does encrypting military installation radio matter?
Military encryption is generally accepted for operational security, though civilian-facing activities could benefit from transparency. Stakeholders most affected include military families, defense contractors, local communities near bases.
What can I do if my local military installation is encrypted?
Encryption is a policy choice made by department or elected leadership, not a technical requirement — it can be revisited. File a public-records request for the encryption decision, raise it at a city council or county commission meeting, and connect with others who rely on scanner access in your area.
Take Action for Transparency
Your voice matters. Here are concrete ways to advocate for open police communications in your community.
Contact Your Representatives
Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.
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Public Testimony
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