Base Access

[Smokey]

I need a little help from some of my fellow CAPTalkers.
The AF base that I am often at (that also has a CAP squadron on base, but I'm not a member of that squadron) is trying to straighten out base access for CAP members.

It seems there are conflicts and the Base Ops Group commander has asked me to find out how other bases handle providing access to bases for CAP members (without a military ID, retired, reserve, etc.) supporting a contingency operations such as search and rescue, going to the clothing store to purchase uniforms, attending CAP meetings on base, etc. We are especially interested in access to AF bases but please include other (Air Guard, Natl Guard, Army, etc).

Any input would be greatly appreciated.   Thanks.

[PhoenixRisen]

My old squadron met on an ANG station, although, it was a base that only housed one squadron and didn't have 24-7 security and people there (not sure what you'd call that - a "stand alone" facility?).  We simply used a call-down system for all members, and found out if they were going to be there or not, and submitted the list to the base security officer before hand.  (Prospective members and others, i.e. parents of cadets, were added to the list, too.)

That's what I usually hear is the standard way of doing things.  The base MP / SF guys will have a list of those in the squadron, and will simply check that against their ID's.

I've also heard of some bases issuing base-specific ID cards for these types of situations, which simply let the gate guards know you've got business on the base.

[Eclipse]

PM Away.

[arajca]

Peterson in Colorado provides photo id badges (contractors?) for CAP members on the approved list maintained by the wing adminstrator. Allows members to get on, but no escort priviledges. We had to get the badges at the Visitor's center.

[Larry Mangum]

McChord requires that all CAP members who are not assigned to McChord, stop at the Visitor Center and get a vehicle pass. if you are assigned to a unit on MCChord, the state director would add your name to a list that is maintained at the Visitor Center that would allow you to acquire a vehicle pass that was good for a year.  If you were just a passenger in a vehicle, you just had to show your CAP ID card alogn with your driver's license.  Since I left the state I think, since they have gone with a solution called Defense ID at the gates and you no longer even have to stop at the visitor's center for a vehicle pass.

[JoeTomasone]

I'm not terribly sure that we really want to discuss this in an open forum, so I will PM you instead.

[Smokey]

As Joe noted some of you may be reluctant to discuss this in the open forum, if so please PM me with the info.

Thanks

[BrandonKea]

Seems like everyone's different. PM sent.

[es_g0d]

I've experienced similar difficulties getting CAP members in good standing onto Air Force installations.

The CAP ID (with supplemental photo ID, if applicable) may OR MAY NOT be acceptable credentials to enter an AF Base.  The bottom line is whether or not the CAP ID is acceptable is up to the base commander.

The State Director system is set up specifically to address issues of AF support.  If it remains an issue, contact him/her through channels.

[biomed441]

I also sent you a PM. But in general it seems gate hours often play a big part in how CAP'ers get access. Bases that dont have 24 hour gates will often require something more than just a CAP ID.  Biggest thing is respect base ops regs as to what facilities can and can not be used by CAP members. Respect the base, and it will usually return the favor. YMMV

[BrandonKea]

And to add to that, some bases (Offutt for sure) outsource their gate guard duties to a private security company. The Civilian guys don't always know everything that the Security Forces guys do. For us at Offutt, they're used to us. Some check the EAL, some just check our CAP credentials and send us through. Your best bet would be to talk to the CAP unit on the base (if one is available), or contact the Pass and ID folks (again, may be called something different at your local base) to see what you need.

If all else fails, as has been stated, your State Director can get you where you need to go.

[jimmydeanno]

I have found it varies.  When my wife was on active duty, we were stationed in Virginia.  The AFB base accepted CAPID with driver's license.  That was it.

My new unit on a guard base does the same, however, they ask for an updated list of our members once per month but they don't restrict CAP members from other units. 

[DC]

PM sent.

[mmouw]

One thing to keep in mind is even when you think you have all of the problems worked out with the base commander and other military folks, that doesn't mean that you won't have issues at the gate with the contractors that are now at all CONUS AF bases. While working on a base, from time to time I would present my CAP ID to see what they would do. It was always up in the air if it would work or not and that was with an approved list of members at the gates.

One thing....please don't argue with the folks at the gate!! They are doing thier jobs by being vigilant!!

[RADIOMAN015]

Being retired military with an appropriate ID card, I DO NOT feel that CAP members should get access to a military base at all times & restrictions should be in place that all members understand & comply with.

IF there is a "legitimate" need to be on the base so be it e.g. unit meetings, bx shopping for authorized uniforms/accessories, weekend scheduled training/exercises, actual missions (security should have a list of CAP personnel who can authorized entrance at other than "normal" times).

What usually causes problems for CAP is that an individual "wanna bee" will do something on the base that will bring discredit upon the organization (speeding,, shoplifting, or being in area they shouldn't be in)  & then the installation commander will be having a chat with the CAP unit commander, or perhaps someone higher.

Frankly, I think every CAP commander that has his/her unit meeting on a military base, needs to know when the membership (those being granted entry to the military base based upon their CAP ID card)  is going to be on the base and for what purpose.     If the member stops coming to the meetings (inactive) it's time to pull the CAP ID card away from them to ensure they don't get on base for any reason.

Each base determines how parents/guardians of cadets will be granted entry into the installation, and cadets/parents are appropriately briefed by the unit commander.
RM 

[BrandonKea]

Being retired military with an appropriate ID card, I DO NOT feel that CAP members should get access to a military base at all times & restrictions should be in place that all members understand & comply with.

IF there is a "legitimate" need to be on the base so be it e.g. unit meetings, bx shopping for authorized uniforms/accessories, weekend scheduled training/exercises, actual missions (security should have a list of CAP personnel who can authorized entrance at other than "normal" times).

What usually causes problems for CAP is that an individual "wanna bee" will do something on the base that will bring discredit upon the organization (speeding,, shoplifting, or being in area they shouldn't be in)  & then the installation commander will be having a chat with the CAP unit commander, or perhaps someone higher.

Frankly, I think every CAP commander that has his/her unit meeting on a military base, needs to know when the membership (those being granted entry to the military base based upon their CAP ID card)  is going to be on the base and for what purpose.     If the member stops coming to the meetings (inactive) it's time to pull the CAP ID card away from them to ensure they don't get on base for any reason.

Each base determines how parents/guardians of cadets will be granted entry into the installation, and cadets/parents are appropriately briefed by the unit commander.
RM

I don't think you can just pull someones CAP ID Card because they go inactive. As long as they're paying dues, they're entitled to that card.

[Always Ready]

Being retired military with an appropriate ID card, I DO NOT feel that CAP members should get access to a military base at all times & restrictions should be in place that all members understand & comply with.

IF there is a "legitimate" need to be on the base so be it e.g. unit meetings, bx shopping for authorized uniforms/accessories, weekend scheduled training/exercises, actual missions (security should have a list of CAP personnel who can authorized entrance at other than "normal" times).

What usually causes problems for CAP is that an individual "wanna bee" will do something on the base that will bring discredit upon the organization (speeding,, shoplifting, or being in area they shouldn't be in)  & then the installation commander will be having a chat with the CAP unit commander, or perhaps someone higher.

Frankly, I think every CAP commander that has his/her unit meeting on a military base, needs to know when the membership (those being granted entry to the military base based upon their CAP ID card)  is going to be on the base and for what purpose.     If the member stops coming to the meetings (inactive) it's time to pull the CAP ID card away from them to ensure they don't get on base for any reason.

Each base determines how parents/guardians of cadets will be granted entry into the installation, and cadets/parents are appropriately briefed by the unit commander.
RM

I don't think you can just pull someones CAP ID Card because they go inactive. As long as they're paying dues, they're entitled to that card.

But you can pull them off the EAL (base access list).

[Eclipse]

I have to be honest, I haven't responded to the PM yet, but I'm completely uncomfortable with this conversation.

[wingnut55]

Why would you be uncomfortable talking about CAP members having access to US military installations?

What kind of boggey men you affraid of??

ESERVICES knowledge base

"BASE ACCESS"
For additional details on the USAF-CAP relationship see paragraphs below from AIR FORCE INSTRUCTION 10-2701 ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTION OF THE CIVIL AIR PATROL

Installation commanders are encouraged in AF instructions to support CAP activities and members, but may exercise their discretion in determining access to facilities and services by CAP members. You may wish to apply for a one day pass at "Vistor Pass & ID" for puposes of purchasing uniform and insignia items and also inquire about registering your vehicle with base Pass & ID. CAP ID, valid current vehicle registration, valid current proof of insurance coverage are required. If access to a base is a recurring problem, you should ask your unit commander to notify the CAP base liaison officer of the situation and ask for help to allow CAP members access to base facilities. Liaison by CAP with host installations and supporting units is critical for CAP to successfully plan and conduct activities. AF regulations require AF installation commanders to appoint a field grade officer to assist CAP and supporting Air Force units appoint a project officer to coordinate their support and involvement in activities. Commanders will provide the designee's name, rank, office symbol and telephone number to HQ CAP-USAF. Installation commanders will contact CAP-USAF liaison personnel directly to coordinate matters relating to the activity.

[BrandonKea]

I have to be honest, I haven't responded to the PM yet, but I'm completely uncomfortable with this conversation.

Wow, where did this go bad?

Being retired military with an appropriate ID card, I DO NOT feel that CAP members should get access to a military base at all times & restrictions should be in place that all members understand & comply with.

IF there is a "legitimate" need to be on the base so be it e.g. unit meetings, bx shopping for authorized uniforms/accessories, weekend scheduled training/exercises, actual missions (security should have a list of CAP personnel who can authorized entrance at other than "normal" times).

What usually causes problems for CAP is that an individual "wanna bee" will do something on the base that will bring discredit upon the organization (speeding,, shoplifting, or being in area they shouldn't be in)  & then the installation commander will be having a chat with the CAP unit commander, or perhaps someone higher.

Frankly, I think every CAP commander that has his/her unit meeting on a military base, needs to know when the membership (those being granted entry to the military base based upon their CAP ID card)  is going to be on the base and for what purpose.     If the member stops coming to the meetings (inactive) it's time to pull the CAP ID card away from them to ensure they don't get on base for any reason.

Each base determines how parents/guardians of cadets will be granted entry into the installation, and cadets/parents are appropriately briefed by the unit commander.
RM

I don't think you can just pull someones CAP ID Card because they go inactive. As long as they're paying dues, they're entitled to that card.

But you can pull them off the EAL (base access list).

+1, although as we've seen, not all bases utilize EAL's to the extent that us Offutt (or former Offutt) peeps are used to.