Can a commander enforce a battle buddy policy when you take leave?

2016-10-11T21:51:22-04:00

This may sound dumb, but S2 is saying the BDE commanders policy is that if you want to go to a third world country (in this case, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines) you must bring a battle buddy with you on leave. I have never heard of anything like this before. Is this actually enforceable?

Response by SFC Daniel McIntire made Oct 11 at 2016 10:36 PM

2016-10-11T22:36:39-04:00

I have not heard of this before. I think your BDE commander is looking at it as a force protection issue. You may need to consult with S-1 shop to review regs and policy. Also there may be a list of countries with travel advisories to service members. Hey battles, who can shine a light with this issue?

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Oct 11 at 2016 11:39 PM

2016-10-11T23:39:01-04:00

I have no clue because I have been out for a while. However, agree with the concern if your traveling to those countries by yourself. You might be able to reach a compromise on the policy by either agreeing to stay with chaparoned tours and check in / check out with Embassy. Doubt it though and I would not travel to Vietnam, Phillipines or Cambodia by myself while in service either especially with things the way they are in SE Asia with China asserting itself and Russia stating it wants to move back into Vietnam. Any moment China could have a snap war or severe border skirmish with Vietnam or Phillipines.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 11 at 2016 11:58 PM

2016-10-11T23:58:03-04:00

Bingo, force protection issue. Also you'll see in many of these countries the AMEMB sets a policy for being out in town that MIL forces must comply with. We were 2 minimum in Phnom Penh and 3 when up north or more. Then you had to figure out what RCAF or "contractor" assets you might need depending on how much you were off in the sticks. BTW same rules for work or play. We usually had a local driver with AK hardware in the trunk for immediate access. If he gets knocked off, it's not US assets that get taken.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 5:36 AM

2016-10-12T05:36:14-04:00

Access Aircraft and Personnel Automated Clearance System (APACS) via:
https://apacs.dtic.mil/apacs/login.jsp

When you fill out the countries you want to visit you need to click on the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) icon next to the countries you are visiting. The FCG will outline everything you need in order to visit the country. The two main points are Country Clearance, Theater Clearance and/or Special Area Clearance. All training (AT Level 1, ISOPREP, SERE, etc.) needs to be up to date as well as other training requirements which are country specific. Additionally, you will have lead time requirements for submitting your request (usually 14-30 days before travel). All this should be known to your S2, start with them first if you have questions. How do I know all this about APACS? I work in the U.S. Defense Attaché Office (USDAO) and we handle these all the time.

One final note. If you thoroughly enjoy filling out this tremendous headache of bureaucracy to take leave in a foreign country, then you may enjoy a tour as an Attaché NCO working in a USDAO. Of course, we do much more than just grant clearances into a country. It is a great Special Duty Assignment and I would highly recommend it to anyone, especially those who love to travel.

Aircraft and Personnel Automated Clearance System

The USG routinely intercepts and monitors communications on this IS for purposes including, but not limited to, penetration testing, COMSEC monitoring, network operations and defense, personnel misconduct (PM), law enforcement (LE), and counterintelligence (CI) investigations.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Oct 12 at 2016 2:11 PM

2016-10-12T14:11:07-04:00

If you're going to another Country, they may be able to simply to minimize the risks. You are a government asset of course. On normal shore leave that would be ridiculous, but overseas it might be more enforceable. Especially considering some of those countries you list are involved in both sex trafficking and drug trafficking. I don't know if there's an order saying he can't enforce it, but I don't think you'll get your leave approved otherwise.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2016 5:51 PM

2016-10-12T17:51:47-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I have seen policy like that before, but you can ask their definition of a battle buddy. I seen it where it has to be military, and I have seen it where it can be your girlfriend, husband, whatever as long as it's not the taxi driver or something like that

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2016 1:09 PM

2016-10-13T13:09:26-04:00

Why would you risk your safety by going to such places !! that's just dumb in my opinion. Europe or Caribbean seem like much safer places and as long as you don't walk around waiving an American flag saying "look here, American walking here" and present yourself as a potential target you should be fine plus grow some facial hair and don't look like a GI.

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Oct 13 at 2016 2:41 PM

2016-10-13T14:41:51-04:00

I would discuss this with JAG.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Oct 14 at 2016 10:59 AM

2016-10-14T10:59:29-04:00

If memory serves, there are threat areas which require Commanders approval-even if the service member is from that region. Tying the Buddy System to it may be a stretch, having said that, if the area is restricted the Commander can otherwise disapprove. I would contact JAG for an opinion.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2016 8:06 AM

2016-10-18T08:06:41-04:00

Must be an Army thing - I've traveled to the Philippines (Jan 2016) and Bali (Indonesia) by myself (Sep 2015). Not a big fan of traveling by myself but my friends and hubby were too busy to join me those times.

Response by SGT Matthew Schenkenfelder made Oct 18 at 2016 10:07 PM

2016-10-18T22:07:17-04:00

They are 3rd world countries with locals and governments having a tendency to be hostile towards Americans and especially American military service members.