Staying on base

[Tack]

I've heard rumor that US citizens can stay on US military bases overnight. Can anyone confirm or deny this rumor for me?
I've looked at several military bases websites that are in germany and none of them really say anything about civilians other then family. With all the recent realignment can any base be a safe place to count on being there?

[tumblezweedz]

My husband's in the military and we've moved a bunch of times, so have been in plenty of base lodgings over the past decade or so. I have never, ever, ever met anyone staying there who wasn't connected to the base in some way. Civilians (other than family) can stay if they are base or gov't employees there on official business, as can military retirees if there is room available, but I've certainly never heard of regular civilians using the base lodgings. Now, with the security situation as it is, I'd highly doubt that you'd be able to get onto the base - some places even I can't, as a military spouse.

Anyway, they're more expensive than hostels, and tend to be isolated with not great transportation (no public buses, trains etc. stop nearby) so I don't think there would be many benefits for the non-military traveller.

[morte]

I am an army brat and have stayed on base many times. Although I have never herd of civilians being able to just walk on, there are a lot of military campgrounds and rec. centers in Europe and I was told that if you are with someone associated with the military you can get a visitors pass. If it is a rec. center they can be very helpful and the USO is always providing information and transportation and such.