Military Installation Access

After seeing the quick report of the shooting on or near Ft. Knox it made me wonder about security checks once again at Military Installations. We always show our Military ID's when entering any installations as I am sure all of you do who have one. The sign at the gates to enter Ft. Benning in Columbus, Ga. says "100% ID checked, including all persons in a vehicle" so of course we have always shown our Military ID's. After talking to an MWR person in the visitors center at Sand Hill we find out all you need to show is a drivers license or some state issued ID card and you can gain access to the post. We asked the guard at the gate at the main post who can come into the post and he confirmed anyone with some type of picture ID. Many installations I am never asked for any ID after husband shows his Military ID but is this no military ID needed rule becoming the norm? Being this is an army post for training it might be why but it rankles us to think any whacko can be anywhere waiting to do who knows what.

I always thought at least one in the vehicle had to be AD or Ret or DOD, or have a security pass?

We thought the same thing monkey44 that is why we were surprised when told differently and just wanted to put it on this forum so others are aware we are not as secure as we think. We have several other military installations we are visiting on this trip so will now ask at each entry point what ID is required so we know the level of security. When we were at Parris Island picture ID rule applied but figured that was because of families coming to see the new recruits graduating as a ceremony was held each week, I also believe the campground at Parris Island allowed anyone to use it if they had an invitation to a graduation as we saw no indication on some cars or RVs that they met the usual qualifications needed to use military campgrounds.

I would imagine it is base to base. You do not get onto NOB Norfolk without a vehicle pass or ID. I left my ID in a computer once and had to have the duty driver come get me because they wouldn't let me on base. Noted, there is no campground on NOB Norfolk.

Now, Dam Neck...you don't get on that base without a vehicle pass...except a rental on weekends and you better have a military ID... I had an insurance adjuster come out to look at some RV damage and I had to go get him at the front gate...actually, had to go to the commissary parking lot, as there wasn't any parking near the front gate.

Cheers.

Cale

Most bases will let anyone with an ID into the post because it would be too difficult to screen out the people that work on the base like the people that work at Burger King and all of the other little shops on the base and the people that work for the contractors. For example I have a grandson that is 17 and works stocking shelfs at the commisary and only works 3-4 hrs. a night. He has to get a temporary vehicle pass to let him on the base with his car. Other than that his driver licenses does it.

bill6750 wrote: Most bases will let anyone with an ID into the post because it would be too difficult to screen out the people that work on the base like the people that work at Burger King and all of the other little shops on the base and the people that work for the contractors. For example I have a grandson that is 17 and works stocking shelfs at the commisary and only works 3-4 hrs. a night. He has to get a temporary vehicle pass to let him on the base with his car. Other than that his driver licenses does it.

WOW, is all I can say in this day of heightened security where our country is at war, ANYONE with picture ID can get on a base. Security was tighter before 9/11 in that case.

Anyone that works on base should have a base-issued ID of some sort. Otherwise, what's the sense of paying gate guards? Waste of time and money. That's astonishing!!!