Gate Access from a jumpy butter bar

I'm looking to do a little summer tour of America using the military campgrounds, but I'm still pretty unsure how gate access works. I've been on certain bases where I just flash my ID and the guards let me through, other required a sponsor, and some simply would not let me through. How does all is work exactly?

Thanks!

I've never had a problem accessing a base with a retired ID card. Two years ago in Corpus Christi, they insisted I get a NAS Corpus Christi decal, but that was no big deal - took 15 minutes and is still valid.

Regarding a "jumpy butter bar", I have never seen an officer anywhere near an access gate and, in fact, more than half the time, the gate guards are private civilian security firms.

The "jumpy butter bar" is me, recognizing my own ignorance. Most of the gate guards I've encountered have been the new rent-a-cops who are about as well informed as I am.

Thanks for the tip.

Only the USAF doesn't require the DOD Vehicle Decals. Your valid Military ID card is all you need there.

For almost all other military installations, you need your ID card and the DOD vehicle decal. If you don't have the vehicle decal, you usually can get a temporary pass. You'll need a vehicle decal on your motor home and your toad, if this is what you use. Some installations are easier, some are harder. Usually, the arsenal's require ANOTHER pass in addition to ID and vehicle decal.

I had a little problem with my new rig, as I'm a Texas resident (USAF retired). I tried to get into 3 different bases (1 Navy, 2 Army) and had to get a temporary pass for the RV. None of them would give me a permanent DOD decal, since I wasn't in Texas. Only when I returned to TX did Fort Bliss give me a decal.

Last Fall I attempted to enter NAS Jacksonville and to my surprise my decal had expired about 6 months prior. I was given the option of a temporary pass or proceed to Pass and ID and obtain a new decal, complete with the NAS Jacksonville portion of it. My vehicle was tagged in Kentucky. All I needed was the typical stuff, insurance, license, ID and off I went. Very accommodating folks.

I've also run into the situation where the installation wouldn't give me vehicle stickers because I wasn't from the area, but I've also been able to get stickers regardless of my home state. It for some reason depends on the the individual issuing the passes. Even the last time I registered near my home, they checked to see if I was eligible. It sure would be nice to everyone if the services would get their act together and make things a bit more standard. It would sure help those of us who wish to travel.