Are Military Campground Hosts Homesteaders?

I expect that a good host contributes alot to the success of a MCG, and 'earns' the site. As in all areas of "work and play" there are those that work and those that loaf ... so some are good and some not so good.

But the complaints in my thinking are those individuals that contribute little, do not assist in runnning the MCG, but only do as little as possible to 'earn' the site and maintain the position.

Second, when a 'friend of the host' gets a 'title' that should not really exist and does practically nothing - 'the bulletin board watcher' for example, that is an instance of 'cronyism' and 'good ole boy' manipulation, and is where the favoritism applies.

If the MCG is large enough to require more than one host, then fine, just make sure there is actually work to be done by that position, and not just the title and site.

I agree 100%,depending on the size of the cg 2 to 3 hosts are needed and they do deserve a free site.

There are many different ways to look at how a camp host is perceived by the campground users that are just casual users of the facility. Take Fort Bliss for example. Excellent facilities throughout. Normal every day operations are handled by a staff of well trained MWR employees. Camp hosts fill in for the employees off duty hours. Here’s the catch. This park strictly enforces a first come first serve policy with very few exceptions. There is a length of stay policy that is also strictly enforced. To allow those camp host sites is actually allowing “Homesteading”.

I just left the RV Park at NAS, Jacksonville, FL. I’ve stayed there numerous times over the past six years and they have never had a comp host. Works for them. I’ve also been to the RV Park at NAS Lemoore, CA a few times. No camp host. I’m sure others can also attest to other military campgrounds that are not operating with camp hosts. It seems that once a Military campground starts operating with the assistance of camp hosts the position becomes permanent thus a homesteading site is established. The most abused Military campground I’ve been to is NS, Mayport, FL where their power and number is magnified. Next time you’re there just take a look at one of their sites when you are being regulated to a back lot site and pass by their site all set-up for the winter or summer.

FastEagle

I have used Larry's site for (2) years now but this is the first time I have delved into the forums. As a retired Navy E9 with 30 years active duty I say to all the retired senior enlisted (E7-E9's) and officers; as on active duty so goes retirement and MCG. You are either part of the problem or part of the solution. Get off your ass and do something or shut up and quit complaining or go to civilian CGs'. EVERYTIME I have had a problem with MCG I go straight to the MWR director prior to leaving or that day if it is a time critical situation to get it corrected. THEN, I tell the MWR director what is going to happen after I leave. I write a letter after I leave to the base commander, cc the senior enlisted/MWR director about the conversation the director and I had and what I expected to be done to correct the problem and my cell phone number if he has a question. I WILL NOT tolerate my military recreational facilities being run improperly as a retiree just like I wouldn't/didn't tolerate it as the senior enlisted at (3) major commands. We can change these MCGs to make them better. If you can't take the time out of your busy retiree schedule, sit back and I and others will take the bull by the horn. If you doubt me, ask the MWR director at Ft Blis TX, Holloman AF NM, Fourth Cliff Rec Area, MA about the bald headed Navy Master Chief.

I'm new here and we are just getting to the point where we can think about getting an RV and start enjoying the lifestyle. I'm so glad to have found this site. This thread in particular. Folks like Curt, the camp host, are to be commended for his conscientous attitude and all the good he does for military campers. I agree with the last poster too. In general, this military campground benefit is tremendous. It's good that they can get almost free help from hosts. I just hope that the impending budget cuts don't curtail it before we can get out there and enjoy it!

NAVYBLUE wrote:

I have used Larry's site for (2) years now but this is the first time I have delved into the forums. As a retired Navy E9 with 30 years active duty I say to all the retired senior enlisted (E7-E9's) and officers; as on active duty so goes retirement and MCG. You are either part of the problem or part of the solution. Get off your ass and do something or shut up and quit complaining or go to civilian CGs'. EVERYTIME I have had a problem with MCG I go straight to the MWR director prior to leaving or that day if it is a time critical situation to get it corrected. THEN, I tell the MWR director what is going to happen after I leave. I write a letter after I leave to the base commander, cc the senior enlisted/MWR director about the conversation the director and I had and what I expected to be done to correct the problem and my cell phone number if he has a question. I WILL NOT tolerate my military recreational facilities being run improperly as a retiree just like I wouldn't/didn't tolerate it as the senior enlisted at (3) major commands. We can change these MCGs to make them better. If you can't take the time out of your busy retiree schedule, sit back and I and others will take the bull by the horn. If you doubt me, ask the MWR director at Ft Blis TX, Holloman AF NM, Fourth Cliff Rec Area, MA about the bald headed Navy Master Chief.

Bravo! Well said!!!