'On Scene" Challenges Re: [MilCom] Pentagon New Terrorism Stategy to Affect HobbyMail lists?

[Ken]

Dan & The Group:

I think you will find that at least some military bases have implemented 
what I would term a "clean" security fence perimeter policy.  Basically if 
you are next to the fence, they are going to respond, identify, & give you a 
move on order. Partially I think this policy is due to security camera 
surveillance requirements, in that the operator would have to spend too much 
time concentrating on just that area of the fence line versus other 
potential threats throughout an installation.   Recently at a new US Army 
Reserve Field Training Facility (Granby, MA), security fence perimeter signs 
went up that basically stated "NO TRESPASSING, US GOVERNMENT PROPERTY, 
BOUNDARY EXTENDS 70 FEET FROM THIS SIGN" (I'll take some pictures in the 
next few weeks).  What was interesting is that the 70 foot boundary actually 
impacts a right of way to a home approx a good mile in the woods from the 
government site (actually behind the field training site property) &  on the 
other side it basically eliminates the homeowner's yard.  Kind of looks 
assine where the signs were erected in relation to private property 
abutters, but may be the new security stance that one has to be at least 70 
feet away from a perimeter fence.  I've also seen some "No Parking At Any 
Time" signs go up @KCEF, so it does give local law enforcement a method to 
move people on also with maybe a ticket!

Again, though, I still think it's possible to get some, albeit "limited" "on 
scene" activity at most military bases, if you are situationally aware & 
monitor the "appropriate" support frequencies in addition to the typical 
ATC, Command Post, Base Ops, Base Metro radio systems as well as follow the 
'local' gawking rules!

I've noted on responses that sometimes it's a quick "move on please" and at 
other times it appears that they run all the record checks that are 
possible, but I'm not there so perhaps there's a very good reason they are 
doing this!!!!  With the exception of airshows (including preshow arrival), 
for the most part there doesn't seem to be that many people in my monitoring 
area who are out next to the military flight line watching & scanner 
monitoring the aircraft traffic, BUT I'd assume that this varies in 
different parts of the country.

Personally, again I'd like to see every base set up a spectator gawking area 
& than put no stopping, standing, parking signs everywhere else.  This would 
put enthusiasts in one area & make it easy to observe them!  I'd even be 
willing to pay an annual fee for this.  Perhaps a gate with card access 
could be erected. (and gives us a porta pottie PLEASE!!!! ;) :)  )...

Generally at home monitoring can be more relaxing, because you have all the 
comforts of home (eat, drink, restroom, environment controlled (heat, cool), 
etc as well as it's easier to monitoring all the radios...  "On Scene" 
subjects you to environmental factors (heat, cold, wind, noise), somewhat 
limited radio usage since you are also watching & perhaps photographing; 
limited/no access to restrooms; as well having to be "situationally aware" 
of your surroundings at all times.
Some hobbyists do both types of monitoring.. Others only one or the other. 
Hey some folks even "disappear" from the lists for the entire winter.

Again if you know anyone in law enforcement or in military/federal 
security.. Most will tell you that on any traffic stops or perimeter 
responses, in many instances they don't know who it is or what may happen 
when they affect the stop/check.  So surely they are going to be very 
cautious and "in control"........

Remember that in the final analysis THIS IS ONLY A HOBBY!!!!   Hobby is 
defined as
.."An activity or interest pursued outside one's regular occupation and 
engaged in primarily for pleasure".....

Ken
Springfield MA Monitoring Area


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <domyers at voicenet.com>
To: "Larry Van Horn, N5FPW" <n5fpw at brmemc.net>; <domyers at voicenet.com>; 
<Milspec390 at aol.com>; <wb9omc at nlci.com>; <rfinder1 at verizon.net>; 
<milcom at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2006 6:55 AM
Subject: Re: [MilCom] Pentagon New Terrorism Stategy to Affect HobbyMail 
lists?


> My harrasemnt comment had nothing to do with posting to MILCOM. IF you had 
> read what was
> written, the posting was talking about being harresed at a publicly 
> accessable facility.
> The same has happen to me and some air show friends near military bases.
snip..snip...snip...
>Do you ever think they will relialize we are not the enenmy?
> I guess it justifies their job and gives them SOMETHING to do.
>