Years ago on a small base overseas, I was working a 5AM to 5 PM shift, 4 on 4 off. Had to pass through a couple of rings of marine security to get the facility. If the weather was good, I'd walk from my quarters to the complex. Now walking in the dark, on a dead quiet base, at 4:30 AM up to an armed Marine checkpoint could be entertaining at times. Never startle the nice, armed Marines.
This particular morning, I hit the first checkpoint and the guard looked at me a little funny. Got to the entrance of our underground facility and removed my cover. The marine in the mantrap entrance smirked at me. Now I'm wondering what these guys have been chatting about on the radio. Checked my gig line, made sure my pants were zipped up, etc.
Finally make it deeper into the facility and tossed my cover up on top of a big monitor at my desk. For the record, Astros baseball caps were not on the approved uniform items list. Had to buy a new command ball cap to get home that afternoon.
