In time for holiday travel, the Transportation Security Administration announced Monday it is extending its expedited airport screening program to midshipmen and cadets from the U.S. service academies.

Students at the Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Coast Guard Academy are now eligible for TSA Pre-check.

To use the express security lanes, cadets and midshipmen must enter their DoD identification number as their "known traveler number" when making reservations and updating their frequent-flier profiles.

TSA Administrator John Pistole said the move was "the least we can do for our military and service academies."

"This week, as we recognize veterans of our armed forces, we are grateful to the brave men and women in uniform who continue to serve our nation with honor and distinction," Pistole said.

Last year, the Defense Department and TSA agreed to expedite screenings for all active-duty service members as well as Coast Guard members and National Guardsmen.

TSA also has special programs to help wounded personnel travel, with personalized service and expedited screening.

With TSA Pre-check, travelers do not have to remove footwear or light outerwear while going through security screening and they can leave laptop computers in their cases.

They also don't need to comply with the "3-1-1 rule," which dictates that carry-on-bags can contain liquids of only 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in clear, plastic, quart-sized bags.

The agency also announced Monday that it has extended expedited screening to civilian DoD employees who opt in online.

The service is available for travelers using 11 major airlines at 120 airports and is available to frequent travelers who submit to a background check and interview.

Midshipmen and cadets in ROTC programs still will need to pass through regular security lines; they are not covered under the recent change.

TSA recommends that all wounded warriors wanting assistance with travel as well as expedited screening should contact TSA Cares toll free at 855-787-2227 with the details of their travel plans.

Patricia Kime is a senior writer covering military and veterans health care, medicine and personnel issues.

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