Right after Tet '68 I had to go to the SFOB on business. When we checked in we were told to check our weapons. We asked what to do in the event of a ground attack and were told to just go to the bunkers and the permanent party garrison would take care of things. RIGHT!! We spent the night in the Nha Trang Hotel and had a pretty good view of the light show over and around the SFOB from the roof. There was a little bar set up on the roof and we could enjoy Ba Mui Ba while watching the war! We figured we were safer there than in the SFOB. This picture is from the roof and may show AM's roof tops.
As for getting away with things, as long as you were willing to beat the bush, those who weren't willing would let you alone.