Vandenberg Fam Camp ...ughhhh

First off, I have been to most, if not all, of the military FamCamps. Second, I am a believer in base security -- it is needed. No question there. What this is about is HOW active/retirees are treated at Vandenberg AFB commercial gate in RVs, trailers, etc.

I modified my initial post.

I feel it is best not to post on the net information about base security and procedures. Therefore, deleted most, if not all, of the initial post.

Bottom line, wish retirees were afforded more respect going through the commerical gate.

We've been to Vandyland several times and had some "unusual" encounter's and conflicting instructions with the gates after hours. We were fortunate in two visits thru the commercial gate that the guard entered our MH and just made a quick cursory search.

The AF, like most branches has or had a "Random Vehicle Inspection (RVI)" program dictated by the Base Commander where he disignates in writting that every xx number of vehicles entering requires that x number be thouroughly searched. Could you have been caught up in an R V I ?

None the less, I agree separating us from our property seems a little extreme unless we are on some "watch list" or a current validated threat assessment.

After considering whether base security info should be posted on this page, I decided to modify/delete my initial post and subsequent posts to it.

Bottom line: wish retirees were afforded more respect when entering Vandenberg in their RVs.

This whole procedure seems very disrespectful, even to the truckers who are just doing their job. Something wrong with the whole picture.

d.bentley

We also were subjected to the windowless room and found it to be really disconcerting. I didn't like not seeing what they were doing. Guards apologized and told us their orders were to search all commercial trucks and Rvs. Not sure we'll go back and be subject to that kind of search again.

What a difference! We were there shortly after 9/11. The guard couldn't be bothered to get up and even check for a sticker - new rig, no sticker - he just waved us through!! We were shocked!!!!