The Finale!! Re: [MilCom] RE: 'On Scene" Alternatives for the Hobbyists??!!

[Ken]

Thanks to all who responded (rights activists, noted columnists, & the
normal bunch who respond) Well here's the facts, sir, nothing but the
facts!!! with this entire "On Scene" discussion:

1. Base Security Forces have orders that they follow as given out at guard
mount.  They have NO authority to deviate from the orders.  One order MIGHT
say "any vehicle(s) or person(s) next to the base fence line will be
challenged, temporarily detained, & complete id information obtained for
entry into XXXX system".  "Order vehicle(s)/person(s) to leave area & not to
return".    YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GET PERMISSION TO LINGER OUTSIDE THE FENCE
LINE FROM BASE SECURITY OFFICIALS!!!!!

2.  ANYONE who approaches an entry gate and starts to ask for permission to
do anything (and holds up the rest of the traffic trying to get in) is
considered suspecious &  at the very least basically going to have the
inside of that vehicle carefully looked at.  So your binoculars, scanner,
note pad, reference materials, two way radio, & cameras are all going to be
noted.  You MIGHT be asked to move your vehicle to a particular inspection
area & also asked to get out of the vehicle. You may also have to explain
about what you are using all that equipment for.   My advice:  If you don't
have official business to conduct at a military base, than STAY AWAY FROM
THE BASE ENTRY CONTROL GATES!!!!!!

3.  The Public Affairs Offices really has NO authority to allow taking
pictures from an off base site.  If there's base tours, they might offer you
the opportunity to take a tour.  EVEN the 'credible'  news media, has been
restricted to taking pictures ONLY at certain locations on many bases.

4.  I still think that the "near scene" activity (being away from the fence
line) may be a viable alternative.  Surely there is some risk of law
enforcement encounters, but it's probably not going to be as intense.  Some
locations may also possibly have joint operations airports covert
surveillance/ overt enforcement teams that patrol a much wider 'area of
interest' so to speak & the response intensity may vary.

5.  This is only a hobby -- Hobbies are for enjoyment & relaxation.  You
shouldn't be placing yourself in danger or for that matter anyone else. Life
WILL still go on without being "ON SCENE" or even "NEAR SCENE"!!!

Right now I'm in my underground air conditioned bunker (well not really just
the ground floor on a split level home) watching the DNC activity on TV.
I'm also monitoring the Boston CAP activity "HARRASS 31 & 32 " & air
refueling on 260.9, etc. with just a portable antenna on my BC895XLT (albeit
not the best of reception, but readible), this of course is also exciting,
no danger to anyone (including me) & really is a VERY large part of the
overall milcom monitoring hobby!!!


Ken
Springfield MA Monitoring Area