I lived in the women's barracks on the main base there. I worked in a small command on the base. It was a depressing base. There wasn't much to do there, the climate was uncomfortable, and most of the men there were disgruntled draftees back from Vietnam. Drug use was rampant and open. Guys would flash and hoot obscenities at the women as we walked by. Lack of discipline was terrible.
The civilian community outside was much better in North Chicago. It was dingy and dangerous. The area around the base and train station was streets of bars, pawn shops, fast food joints, etc. I got mugged there once (purse snatched).
I mentioned the date because I hope things have improved since I was there.
