I guess this would be also be my introduction. Been a stalker for the 2 years I've been looking for a bike.
I finally just picked up a '13CAAD8 Tiagra. Really hard decision between a 29er and a Road bike. I tried looking for a classic/vintage but could never find any in my size that I liked. I was going to introduce and add some brike prons after I at least get a pump or inner tubes or at least bottle cages, but something came up that I wanted some insight on.

I just recently started commuting to work. It's about 12mi one way probably longer; I haven't checked exactly since I've tweaked my route to be a bit safer and avoid what seems like restricted areas. I work on a AF Base (half my commute). I've asked my supervisor who asked higher up, and from what I was told as long as I have proper safety gear they don't see a problem with me riding on base. I also see a few people riding so monkey see monkey do I guess. I recently got stopped by security forces and this was the conversation.
Cop: "I can't have you riding your bike here because its unsafe. We were following you for about 150 yards. With you and the other vehicles its not safe for you" "They are building a path from gate to gate that you can ride on."
Me: "The path that they haven't finished and stopped construction on?"
Cop: "Yeah well you can use it when its done."
Me: "Ok but it's not done so how do I get to work and back home"
He then goes to explain the route I'm taking but tells me to go up a few blocks, over a few blocks, and down a few blocks only to be back on the road he stopped me on just down 2 blocks which is one block away from the gate. Yeah basically I was 3 blocks away from the gate. Going about 16mph (probably faster but whatever) in a 35. I work nights right now and it was about 7 so starting to get busy but I was leaving base which there isn't many people going my direction. I stop at lights and stops. Didn't realize I'd be able to ride my bike on a path designated for runners. I was trying not to be a dick to the guy.
I just wanted some insight or advice or an ear to vent too really. Thanks for reading. Didn't realize I was going to write so much I'm not really a good writer.