Military Base Entry Checks

They because they have different missions they do it different. I still remember spending a year (1975-1976) as Air Force Admin in Seoul Korea in an office with 5 Army. At times had to do how Air Force does it and then how Army did. It was an interesting year

We are leaving King's Bay in a couple of days after a month stay. Just wanted to say that the gate guards (civilian security)here are the best I've ever seen. I've never seen another group that is this professional. Maybe it's this Trident base ? They are ready to work, standing fully armed and they look everything over. I've never had the rent-a-cops on Barksdale (or anywhere for that matter) salute & say to me "thank you for your service". These guys (ok, ok. I forgot;"and Gals")are 1st rate.
Also I re-registered my truck here today. So easy & it's good until 2015. Ft. Rich up in AK does it for 2 yrs only. As far as Base stickers, ID checks, gate guards, etc goes.."it's Go Navy" for me. And I'm ret AF. ha !

As I write this, the tragic shooting event at Ft Hood is coming to a close. It’s somewhat closer to home since I live near the installation.

The often stated reason for RVing on a military installation is security. In light of this recent crime, even tho it did not involve other than military personnel, that isn’t as true as it would seem.

There is no standardization in the security of a military installation. None!! At some of them, one can get thru the gate in a rental car and a one day pass. I know because I’ve done it by showing only a driver’s license. It seems that the main concern of those issuing the pass is a lubricious check to see that you have insurance.

And it doesn’t take much more than a two digit IQ for a terrorist to figure out the best way to get thru the gate is to commandeer the beer truck.

Since I’m one of those who would like to think a base/post offers a security peace of mind, I personally don’t mind jumping thru effective security hoops. Unfortunately, because of the lack of standardization most aren’t effective. Most of the time, I can swiftly and easily get thru a gate with an RV - which could have a nuclear bomb in it - by having a DoD sticker and getting a half ass ID check. No searches, no questions asked. That scares me. It should even scare the hell out of those who might be offended by more stringent security measures and a few minutes of inconvenience.

That same two digit IQ terriosist might choose an RV instead of a beer truck to carry the bomb. Hello!

So I guess my question is: What good is a 100% ID check, scanning ID cards, DoD vehicle stickers, or the myriad of other ineffective security measures that individual installations create? 12 people died at Ft Hood at the hands of someone who met those requirements.

Lastly, I used to have a low opinion of the rent-a-cops who man the gates in place of MPs. Since one died today trying to protect soldiers, I no longer have that misguided opinion.

The loss at Fort Hood is so sad, we will never know why he shot so many. The military will be looking at this for a long time. It seems he was unhappy for a long time and the powers that be did not pay enough attention. When anyone kills it is always too late to know why or how to prevent it. It does show that the front line personnel are not the only ones who are affected. Getting on base seems to be easier and if anyone is going to get on they will.

We started full timing right after the war started (or at least until my husband was called back to duty). I remember going to several bases and the guards had us pull over, and checked all our compartments, and came into the RV. Yes it took time, but I felt it was a good thing to do for security.
I also remember seeing the guards holding automatic weapons. How soon we forget, the dangers that are out there. True this was an "in house shooting", but you better believe we are being "watched".

Now for the rent a cops, I have been in total agreement, that many could care less and are there for the paycheck. I must offer kudos to the Sargent of the civilian police, who shot the "killer", in spite of my feelings.

We have found that many of the "rent a cops" are military veterans or military retirees as we talk to them and thank them when we feel they are going the extra yard to do what we expect of them.