MTFCA Forum

Just curious. Can we enter US military bases without such equipment as turn signals and seat belts, etc.

Jeff in Florida

Yes you may. Military regulations state the same as DOT, in the year of manufacturing. Been there done that. But out of courtesy, please pull over if holding up any traffic.

All the Best,

Hank

Thanks, Hank.

You should check with Security at the specific base you are talking about. If you have a military ID card there should be no issues, but if not, you'll need to get a special access pass, and that's where you may find some sticky local rules that make it more difficult.
Terry (Retired USN).

Things changed a lot post 9/11

As a (then) active employee for a defense contractor, I once had a mixup on my arrival date and was stranded outside for a number of hours before my info was updated for that date. Knowing who I was, why I was there was not enough, when the date of arrival was 1 day off. Once allowed in, my rental car was searched inside/outoutside/underside.

Compare that to MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL airshow, where cars flood in (must assume the area is sanitized and traffic/personel highly restricted to specific routes). The type and location of the base may have some bearing on it, but it is usually no walk in the park, regardless.

Those with either of the following; active duty, active guard/reserves, or a retiree card are not normally under the same scrutiny, except for when there is a security risk above "Bravo". The security condition is posted now at the all gates showing what is called posture.

Just a little info.

Hank

Read Terrys post above. You must have a valid Military ID card to get on a base. Under certain circumstances you may gain access.

Yes, read Terry's post. But a Defense Contractor is not in the same rule book as other civilians, ie, DOD Employee (GS level(s)), AFRIT, And those under the DOD control. I drive multiple cars to Arnold AFB (UT Space Institute) with no car pass on them, show card, scan, go on my way. Just Saying.

Henry K. (Hank) Lee, (US Air Force, Retired)

I think this was to clarify about seat belts and the likes of folks.

Little OT but I worked for DOD for many years and had a streak of having my truck looked over every time I hit the gate. I had to get out and they looked it over under seats etc. Got tired of this so one day as I got out of my truck, I told the guard pay no mind of my snake under the seat, he does not bite. I got a stern stare and told go on. Never stopped again.

Make sure you have a current insurance certificate.

Taken model A's on many bases not a T though had no issues
Had get clesrance though bring my black powder cannon
With powder on base for shoot they had

Are we heading to Area 51 next month?

I went to Vandenburg AFB last year to spend the night. They have lodging for retired military. They made me go to a special gate where I guess they let the trucks in. I suppose the reason is I had my T on a trailer. They checked everything, like it was the bomb squad! I passed the test, and in I went. Gosh, that base is huge. I'm sure it would take a few visits to get used to it.

You need to be invited or have a good reason if no military ID.

The rules are different if it's a joint-use base. Hanscom Field in Bedford, MA is such a base. I have flown my airplane into it many times and it's just another airport. To drive in however, you must tell the guard where you are going and why. I have never had my car searched, but I have heard that others have. Once I was asked for my vehicle registration ( In Massachusetts, the registration is proof of insurance).

Jeff, since you live in Pensacola FL, I will assume you are asking if you can drive your model T on to NAS Pensacola. Yes. The guard at the gate may ask you where you are going or why you want to enter the base. If your answer is to visit the museum, or the fort, or the light house you should have no problem. Best gate to enter as a visitor is the back gate. As others have stated, different bases have differnt rules, but NAS Pensacola is visitor friendly due to the museum, fort, and light house.

also, no firearms allowed.

While everything above is generally true, it really is up to each base. I've been to bases where I've had to have my military ID, some that required driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance, and still others that just took the driver's license. Some require stopping by their entrance control and getting a pass and that's even with military ID. The type and difficulty of access really is predicated on a base's particular mission. You have to check each one. As for your vehicle, as long as it is licensed you should be fine. - Matt

This discussion brings back memories from about 50 years ago when I was in the US Navy. First of all, having been a submarine sailor I can testify to the fact that we were a little irreverent. Rules were meant to be tested.

When we were in a US port typically the base guards were US Marines, a natural target for a bunch of sailors. When we'd come back to base after a night on the town we knew the Marines would waive us through if we all held up our ID cards in plain sight. So, we'd each buy a pack of Salem cigarettes, the package being green and white looking very similar to an active duty ID card from a distance. We'd all hold up the Salem packages as we approached the gate. the Marines would waive us through. Once though the gate we'd have a really good laugh.

I know, childish behavior. Of course at the time we were children. We'd probably go to prison for life if we tried something like that today.