Ah, the military police at the gates. They’re the ones who stand in the intense heat, bitter cold and torrential downpours as they check ID cards. They stand for hours and skip meals. If they have a moment, it’s a quick one to swallow a few bites.
My husband was military police—or rather, since he is in the Air Force, he’s known as Security Forces. He did this for fourteen years so he knows things. Currently he’s training to be a MTI, but he’ll always have a soft spot for the military police. He always wants to be sure they are treated well, because sometimes while at the gate they encounter all sorts of things.
Here are tips to make life easier for yourself at the military base gates:
Please turn off your headlights if it’s dark. If you don’t, the military police get blinded. I made the mistake of forgetting once. Then they told my husband, “Dude, your wife totally blinded us.” Oops. Sorry. After that, I made sure to always, always turn off my headlights as I go through the gate.
Turn off your windshield wipers if it’s raining when you approach the gate. If you don’t, they get splashed with the water as they check your ID card. They’re probably cold enough as it is standing there.
Please don’t say “stay warm” or “stay cool.” You might be saying it kindly, but to them they hear sarcasm. It’s just how it goes.
Don’t ask “Oh, you’re checking IDs?” It’s safe to assume that there will be 100 percent ID card checks at the gate. Which leads me to my next point…
Be prepared! Have your ID card ready to go. Don’t dig through your purse. Don’t dig through a wallet. Have it out in a place you can easily grab it. I normally put my card in the drink holder. Granted, there have been times when I’ve gone to get my ID card and it went flying out of my hand. I had to pull over and find it in the backseat. Another time it dropped at the military police dude’s feet. He was polite enough to get it for me. Mistakes DO happen, but at least TRY to be ready to go.
If you don’t know where to go on base, don’t ask a billion questions. It’s okay to ask, “Hey, where’s the commissary,” but don’t follow it up with “And where’s the BX? Where’s the bank? What’s in the food court?” The cops have a line of cars to get through and if they take too long with you, the cars in their line get an attitude.
Please don’t argue if you’re asked to do a random vehicle inspection (RVI.) Some people behave like complete brats when asked to pull over. “But I have someplace to BE!” they might whine. Oh well. Let the cops do their job. It’s not always convenient, but know they are doing it to keep us safe.
Understand that sometimes the military police have to say silly things like, “Welcome to Tinker Air Force Base” even though you’ve lived there for five years. It’s because their commander told them they have to say it. It might sound cheesy, but they don’t have a choice. They are limited on what they can say. Tom told me the story about a fellow cop who got in trouble for saying “Have a blessed day!” because the person he said it to complained and said they weren’t religious.
Don’t complain over stupid crap. See above. Remember: these guys are standing out in the cold and in the heat. They don’t need to deal with extra nonsense.
If the vehicle line is long, don’t complain to the cop. They’re doing the best they can.
Remember that the military police are human beings. Sometimes people forget and think of them as robots that mechanically check ID cards. They deserve our respect. The next time you go through a gate, smile and thank them for what they do. They’ll appreciate it.
Amber Myers is a proud military wife and mother to two kids who drive her to eat lots of chocolate. She blogs over at Airing My Laundry. You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
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Eric
I use to link the back of my ID card and stick to my forehead and just stick my head out the window.the Marine MP would just laugh and wave me on,they had a sense of humor.that was back in the 80’s though I guess they must be more careful now.
Amber Myers
Yes, unfortunately leadership wants to to be more professional these days. I know it’s a good thing, but they should be able to have some fun too. Otherwise it can be a tough job.
Bob
Back in the 90s I was a military contractor, after your initial check in with your sponsor you did not have to show ID to get on the base most of the time I was there. Things have sure changed since 9/11.
Sarah
So thankful for all they do!!!
Clint
This is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever read, so understanding! God bless your kind soul. (4yrs as a Military Policeman)
Amber Myers
I’m glad you liked it. And thank you for all you do.
Misty
I am an Air Force BRAT… And the MPs were always a group I respected. My favorite Christmas memory when I was growing up: we would open our stockings, but before we did the big Christmas stuff, we always got in the car and drove to all of the base hates with Christmas cookies and other homemade goodies for the gate guards stick with that shift. They were usually slick sleeves away from home for the first time that Christmas. (my dad was Supply, and we already had his fresh Airmen coming for dinner.)
Dad has retired and I no longer live near a base….and the one at my parents down has contract security forces instead of airmen…..so we now so this with our firemen.
Much love and respect for the gate guards
Amber Myers
This is so nice of you! I know they MPs appreciated it.
Holly
MP’s don’t even guard most gates nowadays. It’s details of soldiers or civilians depending on where you live and the base/post you’re talking about. There ARE times when you must ask to be given a bye on the inspection — a friend’s son was bleeding and they were on the way to the ER and got pulled over, I took a friend to meet her husband who had been MEDEVACED from a war zone and told them you can follow us but seriously ….
Yes they are just doing their job but that doesn’t make it any more important than anyone else’s. The guards who are polite, laugh a little, speak clearly, aren’t acting annoyed to be there or terribly brusque, and know that everyone has a bad day now and then, are the best.
Amber Myers
I feel it is slightly more important than others seeing as they’re protecting an entire base. But I get what you mean. In the Air Force there are MPs actually guarding the base. I know this as much. Sometimes they do have DAF guards to help, but it’s them as well.
Mandie
I take the nice ones cupcakes every once and a while. The grouchy ones, I doubt they even know what they’re missing.
I’ve started folding in my truck mirror too. It’s a push button so it’s easy. The eager folks reach out quick and brush they’re sleeve on it, I’m always worried they’re gonna hurt themselves!
Amber Myers
That’s so nice! I’m sure they love the cupcakes.
Kathy
When I saw this headline I was expecting more practical advice specific to the gate like “take your sunglasses off,” or “roll the back window down if you have tinted windows.” Not “don’t be mean to the gate guards because they stand out in the heat and cold, and don’t get time to eat.” Standing out in the heat and cold, and not having time to eat, applies to MANY military jobs, and no one should be mean to any of them. Gate guards deserve our respect and courtesy but they’re not special snowflakes. We need to treat all MOSs with courtesy and respect .
Amber Myers
I completely understand what you’re saying but I respectfully disagree. The MPs deal with a lot–not that other people don’t, but they stand in the cold. The heat. The blizzards. The pouring down rain. Most people are in offices and aren’t in the elements like that. So they deserve kind words and treats, maybe a little more than others.
But I do agree that everyone deserves respect and kindness.
Julia Meadows
I’m surprised that any MP or airman no less would be that ruffled by “stay cool” and “stay warm” …a bit sensitive I think. I’ve said those things as a way to acknowledge what they do. If something said genuinely has that kind of effect on them they might be in the wrong line of work. I’ve never experienced disdain for my kind comments by soldiers at the gates so many it’s just an airforce thing.
Amber Myers
They”ll certainly be polite to your face if you happen to say it–otherwise they know they can get in trouble for poor attitude. But trust me when I say that they talk about how much they hate being told “stay warm” or “stay cool” behind closed doors. Not EVERY MP, mind you, but a good portion of them.
Brittany
My boyfriend has been in the Air Force for a little over a year now and he always jokes around with the MPs by saying that and they always laugh and joke back with him, so I think it might be more of the person and location.
Amber creech
I always respected the military police. My dad serve 24 years . Yes I still have my indefinite military I’d card aNd all the military police are cool with me and they know I have a disability too.
Z
My children love the MP they get so excited to know these cops are only on bse. They do a wonderful job and we feel so safe!
Amber Myers
How awesome 🙂 And I agree, the MPs do an amazing job.
Peter Vu
Adhering to the guard, the key is to respect oneself .
Amber Myers
Yes, so true!