Any advice or experiences for working "on base" ?

[Bulldog13]

Tuesday I start working at a Marine base doing webwork and possibly some programming. Does anyone have any hints or tips as far as how this might differ from a regular job ? I met with a Major and a bunch of Lieutenants for the interview and they seemed real cool. Any advice on how to deal with Marines ? During the interview they mentioned there are a lot of "Type A" personalities I'd be dealing with. Am I allowed to scream back at a Sergeant ? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[HannibalX]

I worked on a military base years ago as a civilian.

From my experience you are not going to be yelled out or need to yell back at anyone. All the people I worked with were extremely professional.

If your base has a McDonalds or other chain restaurants don?t go there on pay day, the line will out the door.

If you want to watch a bunch of young gate guards sweat wear a white shirt and tie to work every day. See how many salute you.
Good luck!

 

[dmw16]

What does a white shirt and tie indicate?

 

[HannibalX]

On the base where I worked (Orlando Naval Training Center) most of the enlisted guys didn't wear ties. The officers and instructors often wore white shirts and ties.

 

[sager66]

Find out what the base vehicle protocal is during "Reveille" and "Retreat" . . stopping your vehicle may be expected.

Always remove any headgear before entering an on-base club . . if you forget, the penalty may be the expense of you buying a drink for everyone present.

Improper conduct may result in your entry permit being revoked by the base commander . . end of job.

 

[Linflas]

The most enjoyable federal contracting I have done was with the military. Treat them with respect and they will do likewise.

 

[FoBoT]

I don't recommend screaming as a means of communicating with Marines

just act "normally", military people know how to deal with civilians, many of them have families that are civilians, even children!

 

[Tobolo]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
I don't recommend screaming as a means of communicating with Marines

just act "normally", military people know how to deal with civilians, many of them have families that are civilians, even children!

DEAR GOD! I didn't know we allowed Marines to procreate!!!! There goes the neighborhood!

 

[Linflas]

Originally posted by: Tobolo

Originally posted by: FoBoT
I don't recommend screaming as a means of communicating with Marines

just act "normally", military people know how to deal with civilians, many of them have families that are civilians, even children!

DEAR GOD! I didn't know we allowed Marines to procreate!!!! There goes the neighborhood!

I thought they operated on the principle that if the Marines wanted you to have a wife and children they would issue them to you.

 

[NoShangriLa]

I don't know what it is like working in US base, but years ago in Canada they treat me very well on & off base except for the salary.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

I could be wrong but I would imagine the military is like a really large corporation. There will be plenty of red tape and a bureaucratic mess. Fairly simple operations may take ridiculously long to complete as a result. Just relax and deal with it you are on the clock anyways.

 

[BoomerD]

I've done several crane jobs on military bases over the years. Nothing really out of the ordinary, but be sure to obey base speed limits exactly...the MP"s LOVE writing tickets...

BE prepared for increased delay in getting approval for things...everyone seems to be unable to make a decision on without approval from someone higher up the food-chain...(except Gunnery Sergeants...they RUN the Marine Corps...)