Editors note: This article was written in March 2013 by DeAntha Wright-Thornburg and is used by permission.

We all know the military has a rule or regulation or instruction manual, for just about everything. Anyone who has had any association with the military will recall the rules that guided their lives and careers. What to, where to, and how to accomplish even the simplest task from making the infamous hospital bed corners, to setting up a GP Median, or the more primitive task of digging a latrine.

Fast forward to 2013, we have come a long way; many of the same rules, regulations and instruction manuals still govern out lives even today. But today we have transcended our lives into retirement from setting up a GP Median, to setting up a RV Trailer or Motor Coach costing sometimes more than $100,000.

Our soldiers have been rewarded with several programs and amenities. We now have medical and retirement facilities, commissary and PX privileges, travel programs and other activities to explore. One of the military’s programs is sadly being abused by a select few. That being our MWR Outdoor Recreation programs or FAM Campgrounds located on many of our military bases. The unfortunate thing these FAM Camps or rather Family Campgrounds, lack of a uniform code between the Army, Navy and the Air Force. Remember those rules and regulations and don’t forget that instruction manuals we mentioned. The wording that stands out in all three regulations between all branches of service directed at our FAM Camps is ‘NO Homesteaders’. That means any military person active or retired cannot establish a residency at our Outdoor Recreational facilities or Family Campground. The intended use of the MWR Fam Camps is for ‘short term’ recreational use for both active duty and retired veterans. The statement of ‘short term’ does not mean establishing your family in a 5th wheel trailer in a military campground.  The term ‘short term’ is not intended to mean 6 months or more of residency.