McNair - Grant Hall Dedication

[Laurie Verge]

I used to attend meetings at Ft. McNair every month for years after 9/11. As a child, we often went there to shop at the PX and commissary. It was a fairly open post at that time, but it did have the old War College there and also what was called Generals' Row because tradition was that old generals were assigned there and lived there right before retirement.

Anyhow, after 9/11, it became quite a chore to get on the base. Even though my name was on the expected list at the gate, I would have to open my trunk, my console, all doors, and lift the hood. I would then stand aside for about three minutes (forfeiting my ID) with an assault rifle pointed at me as two men checked everything inside and under the car. At first, this was done by MPs; it is now done by security contract guards. I understand that the security was not as strict this past Wednesday evening because of the invitees to this special event.

I have been told - but never confirmed - that McNair is a fall-back point for evacuating Congress from D.C. It is quite close to the Capitol and the Library of Congress. Congress can possibly go to McNair via an underground tunnel system and then be evacuated via helicopters.

The old War College is now termed the National Defense University, and high commands from many nations come there for training. It is easy to understand the high security surrounding the post. That said, it is one of the smallest and most beautiful posts you will ever see. There is an ongoing competition between it and West Point as to which is the oldest military post in the U.S.