Did you know that you could get on base even after leaving the military? As veterans, we have many benefits and resources available to us, but maybe none are as exclusive as having base access. Now, I know for some of you, the thought of returning to a military base is the stuff of nightmares. But I'm going to give you some reasons why you might want to reconsider. So here's the who, how, and why of veteran base access.

Back in the day, after you got out of the military, you could only have base access if you were retired, a Medal of Honor or a Purple Heart recipient, a civilian contractor, or a 100% disabled veteran. But that all changed in January 2020. Now, if you have a VA disability rating, even if it's 0%, you can get on base with your VHIC, which is your Veteran Health Identification Card.

In case you were wondering why you should even bother, one reason is your family. Give them a taste of the military life. If it's your old base, show them around. Show them where you used to train, where you used to sleep, where you and your friends used to hang out. It's a great way to share your story and help them understand a piece of your past that they might not fully know.

Plus, they could get in on all the fun stuff, too. Bases offer a ton of events and activities, from family-friendly festivals and movie nights to fitness challenges and holiday celebrations. It's a unique opportunity for your kids to see what it might be like growing up on a military base or for your partner to appreciate the lifestyle that has shaped you.

Another great reason to consider base access is the potential to save money. The commissary and exchange offer groceries and essentials at lower prices, and you won’t pay any sales tax. And don’t forget about the MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) facilities.

Your family can enjoy pools, gyms, bowling alleys, parks, and more. You can rent gear for your next camping trip, take boats out at the marina, or even spend a day on the base golf course if that's your thing. Just remember, not all bases have the same amenities, so do your homework before you go.

To get back on base, the first thing you're going to need to do is get your VHIC. And if you don't have one, it's time to get one. You can do this online or in person.

The second thing you want to do, is visit your base's visitor's center. Here, they'll do an on-site background check that will take a couple of minutes. So if you have any felonies or other criminal history, then this might not be for you.

Once you have access, visit the base on the regular, whether you're there to shop, play, or eat. Make it a part of your routine. The more you go, the more you'll realize what you've been missing.

The bottom line is this, If you rate this benefit, then use it. It's not just about saving money; it's about sharing a part of your past with those who are a part of your present. It's also about having options. When I was in, I didn't have a kid or anything and really thought a lot of that shit on base was pretty lame. But now, my family visits pretty often.

We use the base for our groceries and save about $300 on average compared to the grocery store that's just right by. Remember, things could change with the swipe of a pen. So take advantage.

Let me know what base you look forward to visiting next in the comments.