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The "Air Force Side"


In a tiny, tucked-away corner of Eagle Base lies "Rock City," home for the U. S. Air Force personnel who operate the Air Traffic Control, passenger terminal, and other Air Force-related services.  Their lair is isolated--some say secluded--and situated to remain clear of the mainstream of the other U. S. military people stationed here.

Actually, you need to show your SFOR ID card to even enter The Air Force Side--something you do when you enter Eagle Base in the first place.  It's all one U. S./NATO installation, so says the Base Commander.  But some here might disagree...

The denizens of Rock City enjoy all the benefits and services of the main part of Eagle Base (dining facilities, theater, gym, APO, laundry, video rental, and more) as well as having their own compact, nicely equipped Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) complex.  And they visit Eagle all the time.
 

But the view for visitors coming in from Eagle Base is somewhat different...

 
 
 
 

If you're not in the Air Force--and especially if you're in the Army, parts of The Air Force Side look a little more like this.
Few new incoming folks have anywhere to go to check their e-mail--THE link to home for today's military.  Until you, as a "newbie" find some way of getting on line, there are precious few places to go. 

Rock City's combination phone and computer center has got it all--but not if you're Army.  They'll toss you out even if the place is empty.
"Can they do that?" you might ask, "After all, we're all in the same military and we're all taxpayers.  Shouldn't everybody--especially in a war-torn trouble-spot like Bosnia--pull together and share what they have?"
Well, I don't know if they "can" do it, but there it is...  Chances are there's some tiny reg somewhere that allows it.

In defense of the Air Force, their oft-contended point that their tiny facilities would soon be overwhelmed if the Army side invaded is well-taken.  But the Army side is reasonably well-equipped now and Rock City's isolation pretty adequate.  The threat seems minimal and easily handled by briefing Army people about it.

I think the Air Force folks surely don't need to approach the situation this way.  As someone who just went over 30 years in this profession, it's a saddening sight.

But nevertheless, if you're on Eagle Base and you're not in the Air Force, Rock City seems to be in the "look but don't touch" category.  It's another one of those unpleasant realities that surely doesn't help when it comes to keeping good, productive people in this profession.

 Back to my Bosnia page.