"Homesteading"

The big problem here is that there is no one to send the suggestions to.

MWR functions are essentially autonomous. As long as the local commander is happy, things stay as they are. I fear that if we begin contacting base/station/post commanders with complaints the knee-jerk reaction will be to just do away with the problem. Not a good outcome. A squeaky wheel may get the grease but it is also soon replaced with one that doesn't squeak.

MWR or Services staff agencies at higher headquarters are advisory only and the only "across the board" directive I have ever seen at all is the Air Force Frequent Camper Program which enjoys support at the local level that ranges from enthusiastic to grudging.

Some things, I am afraid, we will just have to live with. The exception might be to make it a health or safety issue with the permanent junk.

Glenn

For a view of how Military Campgrounds are thought of in the overall MWR world I recommend u read the testimony of DOD and each of the Services Representatives given on 29 March 2007 to the House Armed Forces Miltary Personnel Subcommittee. The internet address is armedservices.house.gov/hearinginformation. If u have any constructive thoughts on how to improve Military Campgrounds after reading the testimony I would appreciate hearing them, perhaps we can get something going.

A Combat Infantryman and one of the Chosin Few

I think richardcooper101 has got a little off subject of this topic, but it has been evolving. I went and found the statement I think richardcooper101 was talking about and am pasting it in here for all to read.

FastEagle



Statement of Subcommittee Chairman Vic Snyder

Military Personnel Subcommittee

Hearing on Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Programs

March 29, 2007
"Today the Subcommittee will turn its attention to morale, welfare, and recreation or MWR programs.

"These programs are critical components within the military communities and important milestones upon which service members and their families measure the quality of their lives. Activities such as the social clubs, playing fields, gymnasiums, libraries, hobby shops, and child care centers are but a few of the activities that are now considered indispensable benefits of military life and important elements of the military community.

"As I stated during the hearing on military resale programs earlier this month, there are few things that service members care more about than the reliability of the military community in providing services to their families. This is particularly true during war when members are deployed. Let there be no mistake, these programs have a direct affect on troop morale and combat readiness.

"There are challenges confronting these important activities and this Subcommittee will continue to be an advocate for MWR programs. Some of the concerns of the Subcommittee include a decline in appropriated fund support for MWR activities, the construction of new facilities at installations with increased populations, and the need to increase access to quality child care.

So far I haven't been denied a spot because of homesteaders, but here is my take on the topic.

Non-active duty tenants should not have homesteading rights. Period. There should be a reasonable time (2 weeks?) after which they should be 'bumpable' by any new arrival.

Active duty should have homesteading (and bumping) rights during TDY/TAD, or on arrival at new duty station waiting for housing. The RV park should not be a long term housing solution.

I think many of the problems with Miltary Camping Facilities, Homesteading etc, are due to lack of knowledge and proactive action, by us the users. One of the reasons I recommended looking at the testimony by the DOD and individual services was the mention of what is "for profit activities". Three of the individual services gave very detailed reports on Golf Facilities which according to DOD Instructions are in the same category, for profit activities, as military RV Parks. Question have u ever seen a military golf course in a state of neglect like many of the RV parks? My point is starting at the top, example each of the individual service representives who gave testimony didnot not mention military RV Parks, unless you include a remark by one on outdoor recreation. I would say that retirees are the prinipal users of RV parks but retirees were mentioned onetime and the only by the DOD representive. What we need is more modern parks.

One further thought- Homesteading is only one of the manifestations of whats wrong with MWR and the military rv parks