I determined it was prohibited by reading it in the TAFB Instruction with my own two eyes. It specifically states “metal detecting on Tyndall AFB is prohibited”. There are exceptions that require installation commander approval.JCinPC, curious how you determined that it's off-limits there ? Is there a specific rule there that says, explicitly "no md'ing" ?
The paragraph is directive in nature and it’s not open to interpretation.
Because you didn’t have a problem, does not mean you did it legally. It could have just as easily gone south on you and especially for Dirty Nails since he might have had more to lose, and it’s clearly written. Not doom and gloom, just facts. Dirty Nails understands the implications of blatantly disregarding a command directive. He didn’t do that. He just didn’t know, but that doesn’t always matter in military circles. Military folks understand this.I've hunted scores of military bases, no problem . Oh ... sure, you need to steer clear of obvious historic sensitive monuments. And ... sure ... the post-9/11 era has buttoned down bases (but nothing to do with md'ing.
A few legit reasons are open houses, official business or seasonal hunting permissions. Way more details but you’re not getting through the gates by telling the gate guard you want to metal detect.And you can be on a base as long as you have legit reason to be there in the first place).
Besides native burial grounds, Tyndall AFB was a training grounds for aerial gunners. Jeeps would pull targets around a field, while live fire was used to shoot the targets. There is also a very large EOD range. So besides historical purposes, perhaps safety, liability, and even wildlife preservation have a play. Just speculation though.
Just because you’re not aware doesn’t mean it’s not regulated.But no, I'm not aware of any rule that touches/affects all military bases that somehow makes them off limits.
I would suggest at least do the research for the particular installation before arbitrarily metal detecting assuming no consequences are in store. To answer your (really not so) sneaking suspicion, lest they make a rule, in the end that’s all you have, suspicion and speculation. Your guess is as good as mine.
Your remark about “someone coming along” blah blah blah, is condescending. This “someone” is very familiar with military instructions and manuals. 43 years military and federal service combined. Regs (AFIs on AF installations) are the first thing I look at if something is in question. It’s ingrained. If you’re gonna metal detect (or attempt anything questionable) on a military installation do your research first (or don’t, it’s your call). I did. I shared what I know. Ain’t allowed. Hope this clarified it for you.