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thedrifter
10-10-08, 05:45 AM
New liberty card program promotes responsibility
Lance Cpl. Aaron D. Hostutler

Editor's note: the following is the first in a series of articles highlighting the Marine Corps Bases Japan and III Marine Expeditionary Force order 1050.7, the Liberty Campaign Order, signed Sept. 29

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (October 10, 2008) -- The MCBJ and III MEF Liberty Campaign Order's liberty card program is designed to promote good order and discipline among Marines and sailors while on liberty, and reduce off-base liberty incidents.

According to the order, the majority of off-base liberty incidents involving service members exercising poor judgment occur between midnight and 5 a.m.

In light of that information, Base and III MEF officials designed the liberty card policy to ensure only those Marines and sailors who have demonstrated sound judgment are afforded off-base liberty during critical times.

"Our conduct is the most important thing to keep in mind," said Sgt. Maj. Cevet Adams, the MCB Camp Butler sergeant major. "We are ambassadors in this country. If we lose sight of the core values we hold in such high regard, it is only a matter of time before we find ourselves in another period of reflection."

The order states personnel of all ranks who have not demonstrated maturity, good judgment and superior conduct, or who commanders feel require an initial period of observation, will be issued a red liberty card. Those who have demonstrated these traits will be issued a gold card. Liberty cards will not be issued until completion of the Newcomer's Orientation Welcome Aboard Seminar and the Standards of Conduct Class for all newcomers regardless of rank.

Red card holders are required to be physically present at their home camp or their off-base residence from midnight until 5 a.m. Those individuals are still on liberty but they are not permitted out in town.

A command may also decide that individuals, regardless of rank, are required to carry red cards if they have not displayed proper judgment.

Red card holders also must have a liberty buddy, regardless of rank, during off-base liberty.

The red card restrictions also apply when Marines are on leave in Okinawa or mainland Japan. Red card holders with valid leave papers are not required to check in but must be inside either a hotel or private residence during the curfew hours, according to the order.

The order states if a red card holder demonstrates the responsibility required to carry a gold card, the individual may put in a gold card request to their respective commander.

"The choice is really up to the individual Marine," said Adams. "They know it is their conduct that will determine whether they carry a gold or red card."

Individuals issued a gold card are authorized overnight liberty and are not required to check in unless directed to by their commander.

Gold card holders may remain off base all night, but must cease drinking off base by 2 a.m. No Base or MEF military personnel are authorized to be in clubs or bars past that time. However, individuals may be in eating establishments as long as they do not consume alcohol, according to the order.

"Marines who have red cards are going to desire to have their gold cards," said Adams. "They know they will have to work for it. They will have to show they are ready for that responsibility."

The new MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7 Liberty Campaign Order can be accessed on-line at the MCB, Camp Butler adjutant SharePoint homepage at the following CAC-protected site: https://wss.mcbbutler.usmc.mil/G1/Adjutant/default.aspx. Under the directives links, click MCBJ/III MEF orders and locate MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7.

Ellie