Off-Limit Areas/Establishments, should there be any?

Keep in mind the command isn't only protecting you, but they are also protecting the various units, and the Army as a whole.

As an example, let's say you are stationed in a state that has legalized Medical or Recreational Marijuana.

These are still banned at the Federal Level under the Controlled Substances Act (Sched 1). The Federal government is only "tolerating" them in specific states like CA, CO, and WA.

As a Service Member, if you were to go into an establishment that sells "contraband" it can give the "perception" that these items are condoned. They are absolutely not, as a matter of DoD policy. Therefore they are explicitly banned by local commanders, and placed on Off-Limits lists.

Yes, you are an adult, but you are also a representative, whether you are in uniform or out. Taking it off doesn't make you invisible. It just provides a medium camouflage.

Couple points
1. All installations have an Armed Forces Disciplinary Review Board that review incidents, look at causes, and sometimes place establishments off limits. There is a legal process. Establishments are given a chance to clean up their act. If they don't, on the list they go. There is a review process to take them off. I can tell you, the business/place has "earned it".
2. Businesses that habitually screw soldiers and their families make the list too, particularly bad land lords. If you are new, you don't know. Again, have to earn this title too.
3. Commanders are obligated to maintaining good order and discipline by regulation. This is one of many tools. Again, if you are new, this is a way to stay out of trouble. Can't tell you how many times I have heard I didn't know. (Marijuana Stores in Colorado)
4. Some places are placed off limits because soldiers DIED there, and they don't want that to happen to you. (Swimming holes around Clarksville TN and Oakgrove KY as examples).
5. You are an adult and thank you for rising to the occasion and acting like one. Not all soldiers are at that point. It is more than buyer beware.
As a former GC , I am a huge proponent of the off limits list. I would ask you why that Gas Station you mention is on it. It is never done lightly. We're they selling inspection stickers (ie giving them out without inspecting). Did they bilk a few joes out of lots of money for BS repairs?

SGT(P) (Join to see). Some notorious off base establishments should be off limits. I can think of a few communicable disease and injury producing dens of iniquity and vice that some of our troops used to patronize on pass and/or leave that cost us enormous amount of time and money in medical care and lost unit effectiveness. Some of these establishments participated in coercion and human / women / child trafficking. Warmest Regards, Sandy