Action Line #90610 -- 24 hr Nannies Published July 8, 2009 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Complaint: My concern is with some of those that have 24-hour gate passes for their nanny. These folks are taking advantage of the meaning of the 24-hour gate pass. It is turning out to be used for their social lives' instead of what it was intended. The reason for the pass has been strictly for those dual military couples who are working shift schedules. It's not for when one parent is working and the other wants to go out with friends on the weekend. Can you please let these Airmen know their nannies have lives also and enjoy having their weekend off just as much as their sponsors do? Response: Thank you for raising this issue. You are correct that the primary purpose of the 24-hour gate pass is to provide child-care coverage for those families with irregular work schedules, not to provide a convenient weekend babysitter. However, if a member has an irregular work schedule and needs a 24-hour gate pass to perform the mission, nothing prevents that member from occasionally hiring a nanny while off-duty to relax and spend some time with friends when his or her schedule permits. That being said, if a member no longer needs a 24-hour gate pass for duty purposes, they have a responsibility to return it. Regarding nannies having time off to enjoy their weekends, nannies are always free to refuse to work, and doing so is completely the nanny's choice. Thank you for your concern for all members of our community...local nationals included!