We went to three different gaits. One was just simply closed at the time. And the other two well I could not get onto the base. The person I was supposed to meet me at the gate so I can gain entry was a no-show. But the young men soldiers airmen at the gates were professional. I also felt like they were keeping our military base secured. I'm not saying that I felt bullied or anything else. They treated me with great respect. All I did twice was go in and they guide me around a circle and went back out. They did it properly.
I remember when the Air Force had a stellar reputation for their bases and servicemember support that made some of the other branches jealous. That is certainly not the case now. They quite possibly could be the worse and Scott AFB is a prime example of that.
Grade:
Base housing: "D". Rusted fixtures, upstairs hot water heaters that bust and leak to the first floor, people leave junk on the side of the road for days at a time hoping that someone picks it up.
Base infrastructure: "F". Roads have massive holes in it, old buildings (except the massive amounts of money spent on new HQ buildings).
Servicemember Support Facilities: "D". People would rather pay for gym memberships off base rather than use the one on base. Commissary/Base Exchange is very small.
Base Armorer: "F". I would use caution if you store personal firearms there. They will release them without the proper paperwork being completed.
Base Legal: "F". If you need timely legal support of any kind. Good luck. Especially if your career or personal finances depend on it.
Career Opportunity: "F". Talented lower enlisted aren't recognized and aren't promoted. Senior NCO's care more about their deployment stories than caring/supporting their airman. Senior officers are an absolute joke. They live in a black & white world and if one thinks one way, they all think the same way.
If you are considering this base for your next PCS move, look at others. If you are in POL and thinking about this base, for your careers sake, absolutely avoid it.
A complete joke to have soldiers who don’t know their own guidance and regulations to tell veterans just because they serve in a reserved unit or National Guard unit and may have an uncharacterized or general discharge if they’re not entitled to their commissary privileges to get an ID card even though they’re 100% service connected and permanent and total disabled by the VA is a slap in the face. Their injuries are still their injuries and the fact that DOD has a guided setting in place for you guys to follow and you choose to make your own decision of who’s worthy and not worthy of an ID hard is the absolute worst and you guys should be ashamed of yourselves. I would never come back to Scott Air Force Base nor bring another veteran back to Scott Air Force Base. I would rather drive to Fort Leonardwood at this rate!!!
Here's an email that Scott AFB personnel received on Friday 10 May 2024:
" BELLEVILLE GATE CLOSURE.
For Scott Air Force Base,
The Belleville gate is closed today in accordance with the 375AMW Goal day. The Cardinal Creek gate will be open till 0800L for inbound traffic. Please utilize the Shiloh gate.
Published on: 05/10/2024 07:37:54 (UTC-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada) By: DEVANTA IDAHOSA.
Sent by: USAF - AMC - Scott AFB - IL."
Yes. they actually sent that email on the day of the closure. Thanks for the heads up! Lot of good that does. I hope someone gets fired for that.
The traffic into and out of base is a joke. The commander's infinite wisdom has reduced the hours of the Belleville gate, making the traffic worse than it already is. Of course, then you have days like Friday, where on a whim they just decide to close the Belleville gate altogether without telling anyone before the closure.
What a cluster. Can't wait to retire to get away from this zoo.
Put this in a climate survey!
My wife and I will always have a soft spot in our hearts for this base and the medical staff. I was in the Army in 1970 leaving Germany with a desperately sick son flying home to Denver's Fitzsimons hosp. These wonderful people treated us like we were the base commander. Thankfully to God we made it home and our son is alive to this day.
We live here now for about two years and moved on base because they have an amazing elementary school. BUT living on base is not what I ever expected, soldiers doing drugs and even after reporting it, nothing happened, seems to be the norm. It’s just sad here.
Best place all around...been to many bases being former military brat and current wife of a veteran.
This base by far is the most friendliest and cleanest!!!??
Wow! was a very amazing experience, specially the raptor maneuvers that was really unbelievable, the only sad point was the thunderstorm that canceled the Blue Angles show but except that unwanted cancelation eveything was super cool and I really need to thank all US forces members for their services
We went to the air show they put on today. It was an incredible event. Due to it being an active base, they do have restrictions. However, everyone was incredibly kind to us. There were so many planes out on display that you could walk into or helicopters to sit in for photos. They do allow an empty clear (see-through) bottle and had water filling stations. They say no backpacks. However, the loungefly backpacks were getting cleared through, so I believe those are okay, just not full-size backpacks. The parking and traffic directing was excellent. My daughter loved watching some of them dancing around, lol. It did unfortunately get rained out at the end of the show, and the blue angels didn't get to perform. Which was a huge bummer since we aren't able to attend tomorrow. But they quickly directed everyone and had announcements made. The exit was kind of a mad house, but everyone attending stayed calm, and all moved along as quickly as we all could. We just barely made it to our car before the storm broke out in a downpour. Not everyone was as lucky as we were.. many got drenched. And through all of it, they were out directing traffic and helping people find their cars. Even through all of that, they were still very calm and organized. We definitely plan on coming back. We did get a parking pass to park inside the base. However, they do have shuttles running as well. I recommend checking out their Facebook page and their website. They try very hard to answer everyone's questions and keep all the information organized and accessible. Definitely check out their air show event! :) * no my photos aren't professional by any means lol but they were fun to take! *
Been here before but for some reason was turned around being to the card not being registered at base but can clearly see vet stat on the License Plate and also had valid DL. After driving this far I feel they should of allowed this visit and just told us to register before coming back being their last employee failed to tell us this the 1st time. We were going to shop. Thank you Staff Sgt. Brailley smh.
Not fair for me to rate. I retired from the USAF at Scott AFB and I have very positive memory's of our time there. Scott AFB and the units assigned do so much for the community and bring a vast culture diversity to the area.
Called to ask about DEERS phone number is wrong. Called main phone says hit 5 for DEERS, THEN tells me 5 is not a valid number!!!!!!!! Please fixed phones!!!!!
I was trying to go to a thrift store nearby but there directions were NOT very clear at all!! I ended up going to the gate and they HELPED me get turned around. I made a mistake and looked like an idiot. Thanks kindly ! Very sorry!
Scott Air Force Base Personnel are helpful, dont ever help or learn from your real enemies though, so 4 stars, and i'm not your enemy, also i wish Whiteman and Scott had CIA, or Intelligence email addresses on their websites, Whiteman doesnt even allow reviews sadly
Very helpful, very historical and the exchange has the best shops with the nicest employees and great prices. I highly recommend buying your glasses or contacts at the optical center at the exchange on base. They are amazing - very knowledgeable and very friendly! Prices are the best in town!!! All you need is a valid RX from any doctor. And you'll receive the best prices!!
