MWR Guest Card

I agree and it should also apply to contract workers in the BX.

The issue of regular Civilians is ongoing at Ft.Stewart, GA.,too.. Thank goodness, they are at "space available" only...and they pay a higher rate...but these folks (mostly hunters & contractors) think they own the place, have an attitude that rubs everyone the wrong way, and are the 1st to call and complain when they are "called on the carpet' on CG rules they break.....The active duty, retirees, and 100% DAV that stay there have all done ICE comments, and some have even gone to the MWR Director and CSM about this...like this issue at Corpus Christ, if you all would do a mass ICE complaint, the issue could be resolved at Holbrook Pond, too....and take my word for it....MWR doesn't like to receive these type of comments, so go for it, gang.... Would make our job as camp host there a lot easier...

ejbagley wrote: Twenty-three years in military, nine moves,one eighteen month unaccompanied tour and numerous TDY's. This give me the right to utilize the facilities at military installations and Shields specifically. I guess I’d been better off filling out a form, handing over $20.00 and waiting five days, getting my ID card and going on base. Then I can go to the annexes, dining facilities Arts and Crafts, Hobby Shop ect. As you all know there’s a lot of places on base that never ask for a ID Card (belive me I know after working on base and seeing civilians getting on base, they want to go in and see everything). Personally I really don’t want to camp with civilians at the Famcamps because when were setting around the camp fire (telling war stories) we have nothing in common.

I applaud the above posters service and sacrifice to this country. However; I find one of his comments just a bit disturbing. If he does not want to camp with civilians at the Famcamps, why would he want to camp with them anywhere. It almost seems as if an inherent dislike of civilians is coming to the surface.

One of the beauty's of RV-ing is that the "RV" is something that we already have in common and is a point of reference for conversation. My wife and I have been RV-ing for 15 years and I cannot think of one individual at a campground that I could not find something to jabber about. This includes hundreds of retired military. They or I have never had a problem enjoying one another's company. I think if the above poster ever sat around a camp fire with me he would find it to be a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Just maybe, some of that possible dislike for a civilian could be alleviated.

There is a recurring underlying issue which comes up occasionaly on this forum. It is the question of whether or not DOD civilians should be allowed to use RV spaces on military installations. I would agree with the majority of opinions on this board that in a perfect environment it would be best to limit use to active duty or retirees. However; fiscal constraints make things much less than perfect. Most military RV parks struggle to carry their own load financially. The simplest option is to open the use of the facility to a wider audience. DOD civilian is the most practical. Seems to me, the policy has worked out very well. It is a win/win for both parties. Military RV facilities have better financial footing and the likelihood of losing RV facilites due to finances is lessened. In addition, I have not seen much if any impact this policy has made on available RV spaces at military installations. But this may be because we travel in the off seasons. Also, think about this. I do not know how many civilians contribute to the continuation of this website by purchasing the products and google ads (maybe it is insignificant) but this website has a wider audience due to the civilian activity. I for one would not purchase anything off this website were it not for my DOD eligibility.

I may be about the only one on this forum to take a contrarian point of view over the issue of DOD civilians being authorized to use RV facilities at most installations. I am not a military retiree. I am a DOD civilian retiree and make no apologies for it. Just for the record I served 12 years in the military and another 25 years in the DOD.

We have no direct issue with anyone that is eligible using MCG as long as those individuals abide by policy and engage the concept of "Sharing" and priority use.

We believe (and have seen it first hand) that some DOD attempt to use MCG as housing (as do some retired military as well) ... so, unfortunately, extended stays - primarily again DOD and retired - create a situation wherein the most desired and best operated camps remain full and unavailable to AD or other retired military that would like to use a specific facility.

We agree the DOD help support the upkeep, and assist in balancing the budget - a positive influence, as long as it's not abused. Most of the 'overtime limit' abuse, obviously, comes from those that have the time and are not AD or employed. Altho' we've also seen abuse from DOD civilians "ON THE JOB" and using MCG as a home-base to save money. That should definitely be a "NEVER HAPPEN" condition.

SO, we welcome those DOD that help support the MCG as long as those remain in a priority of use category and don't try to 'hog the MCG' longer than a vacation or visit family. And, as long as AD remain a priority category for camp time.

So, when you 'book your time' try to book it for renewable short stay, instead of months and months at a time, no matter what is the policy. Then, everyone gets a chance to use and appreciate this benefit. And, we should do what we can so it remains a benefit, never a cash cow for MWR ...

95Eagle...please re-read the original post. The issue in this discussion is NOT about DOD Civilians but about Joe S**t the Ragman coming in off the street and getting to use the facilities designated MILITARY campgrounds. The OP is talking about folks who have NO connection whatsoever with military. Apparently Shields is letting any civilian who can pass a 5 day "background check" to purchase a pass that allows them to use the campground equally with those of us who have dedicated our entire adult lives to protecting this country...and YES, as far as I'm concerned that includes DOD Civilians. I know too many DOD Civilians who were right there in the mud with us to ever want to exclude them from the privilege of using military campgrounds.

I do have an issue however with allowing people who have done nothing to earn the right to use these facilities. For all I know, these may be some of the same folks who spit on us when we came back from Vietnam.

On Ft. Stewart I have to agree. I have a child that goes to one of the Shavanna colleges and 9 out of ten times we stay in billiting and not the Famcamp. Cost more but some time worth it....