4:3 Slow Death of the Military Club System

I remember growing up as an AF brat in the 70’s/80’s and having a sitter come over or heading to a sitter because the parents were going to “the club.” Then, as I entered the AF and arriving at my first base, being “encouraged” to get my club card from my peers and leadership. An indoctrination to some extent, the club is where we would head every Friday and some Saturday nights. Nevertheless, the club system in the early 90’s began its slow death as bases began their consolidation of clubs to save money and more and more personnel moved off-base. Some would even argue that this “slow death” began in the 70’s. Regardless of when it began, I firmly believe that consolidation of the clubs was the “nail in the coffin.”

I can recall a few great clubs in my travels, the Top of the Rock Club, Lajes; The Wagon Wheel, Incirlik AB Turkey; and The "G" Club, Mildenhall, England. The latter, Mildenhall Galaxy Club sat off the main base allowing an open invite to civilians and was quite the place to visit. On a Friday, there were would be a line leading around the corner and down the street of civilians waiting for an unsuspected rookie to get them in. The club was packed, one-in/one-out policy and bouncers turning some away. The same was to be said at my home base, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. The NCO club on a Friday or Saturday was slammed full of people. I was such a regular that even on nights when there was a one-in/one-out policy, the bouncer with the “curls” would let me in. The club was a place that a supervisor would ask you out, buy a few drinks, and talk about your career. A promotion ceremony would depart the squadron and head to the club to continue the celebration. The club was the place to be.

The Air Force is really big on the consolidation concept, while other branches such as the Marines, in my opinion do not fully believe in it. Marine Corps Air Station Club(s) share the same roof for kitchen purposes, yet still divide the club into a Junior Enlisted, NCO, and Officer club. A sign in the NCO Club states “embers must be E-6 and above and/or escorted by a member.” This particular club is packed on Wednesdays and I have seen the parking lot packed during happy hour. Still, the club doesn’t draw nearly as many personnel as it did in the past. With the crackdown of drinking and DUI’s in the military, the club system will continue its slow death. Compounding that is the continuous decrease in funding of clubs and other activities on base. On the other hand, with the privatization of housing attracting more personnel back to the installations, could the system possibly survive?

Source Story:  Self


Photo Source:  Club Photos