Isn't it time to get rid of stickers and plates that mark Americans overseas?

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 07:40:11 -0400

Americans in select countries within Europe and Asia still use ID Stickers and license plates that mark them as Americans. In some cases, the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) requires it, effectively reducing costs for soldiers, yet marking their vehicle as a potential target. NATO issues Red plates similar to embassy. Japan insists on having the "Y" mark commonly known as Yankee.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2014 7:48 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 07:48:56 -0400

Yes, SGM Private RallyPoint Member, it's long past time to eliminate these OPSEC hazards. In Germany we went to more German-like license plates. The idea is to blend in to the best of our ability, and getting rid of these stickers and plates that mark Americans as Americans (and potential targets) overseas is a big first step in that direction.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2014 7:56 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 07:56:20 -0400

Isn't it time to get rid of stickers and plates that mark Americans overseas?

Americans in select countries within Europe and Asia still use ID Stickers and license plates that mark them as Americans. In some cases, the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) requires it, effectively reducing costs for soldiers, yet marking their vehicle as a potential target. NATO issues Red plates similar to embassy. Japan insists on having the "Y" mark commonly known as Yankee.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 29 at 2014 8:25 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 08:25:59 -0400

Yes ... This was studied years ago when I was in Germany and Italy. The idea was to issue "cover plates", which were identical to the tags used by citizens of those countries, but have USAREUR (US Army Europe -- tags used by all services as the Army was the "Executive Agent" for motor vehicle registration) or AFI (Armed Forces Italy) mounted inside the trunk of the car (which was the real registration). That was never accomplished, except for General Officer official vehicles.

There was an issue in the mid-90s with USAREUR tags being stolen and the fear was someone would use a stolen USAEUR tag on a vehicle with a car bomb. To combat that, USAREUR Vehicle Registry started issuing decals with the USAREUR tag number. The decal was placed inside the front windshield so security personnel at the installation gates could verify the tag and decal together. The decals could not be peeled off in one piece, once applied, which thwarted someone from stealing both an using them.

One of the problems with issuing "civilian" tags overseas is that most American service members drive American cars and trucks that are generally not available to the local population. Putting a German tag on a Ford F-150 pickup, for example, really serves no purpose, as far as concealing the identity of the owner as an American.

In addition, service members need to refrain from putting military decals or "Dallas Cowboys" (for example) on their vehicles. Kind-of reminds me of one of my pet peeves ... We authorize Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and Military Police Investigator (MPI) personnel to wear civilian clothing in the performance of their duties, yet many of them wear jackets with "CID" or "MPI" emblazoned on them... Duh. Same for vehicles with cover tags/civilian tags and military or other decals that clearly indicate the person is a military member/American.

Having said that, something needs to be done to keep Americans from telegraphing the fact that they are Americans in overseas locations. Use of civilian tags is one of the methods to do that.

Response by SMSgt Raymond Hindle made Oct 29 at 2014 9:41 AM

SMSgt Raymond Hindle — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 09:41:06 -0400

We have been dealing with this for decades! During the 80's red terrorist cells were blowing up cars and setting bombs wherever they could distinguish an American owned automobile. We responded by posting security forces at the gates and required a 100% ID check! We need to get rid of the plates and stickers that clearly ID our troops as American. Not only does it expose us, but it endangers our dependents, as well.

Response by CW2 Paul Beiss made Oct 29 at 2014 9:56 AM

CW2 Paul Beiss — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 09:56:51 -0400

You have to show or swipe an ID at the gates anyways...what's with all the overkill on every little thing in the military? Oh wait, that's right, lobbyism and job security, my bad, I forgot!!!

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Jul 29 at 2020 12:36 PM

SSG Paul Headlee — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 12:36:06 -0400

Excellent idea!