thedrifter
01-15-09, 06:26 AM
Warning to Marines: Stay Out of Mexico!
Updated 4:31 PM PST, Wed, Jan 14, 2009
Camp Pendleton Marines from First Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) are ordered not to travel to Tijuana or any part of Mexico under tough new restrictions because of recent border violence.
A Public Affairs Officer with the First Marine Expeditionary Force confirms a note went out Jan. 9, updating the policy for travel to Mexico.
“I MEF has continued to carefully monitor the violence in Mexico associated with the ongoing war between rival drug cartels and assess the associated risk to reward for I MEF personnel travel. Due to the degree of prolonged, escalating violence, I MEF will extend the current liberty policy to a standing policy for all travel to Mexico,” the Marine Corps said in a message sent to all Marine units in Southern California.
Marines now have to have sign-off from a Lt. Colonel or higher to cross the border and that includes Marines living in Mexico or visiting immediate family members there.
“This is a prudent step in addressing the real threat to our personnel by ensuring a baseline level of oversight for any travel into the area,” the Marine Corps said.
The troops also have to complete an on-line level one anti-terrorism training class or train with a certified trainer.
“It is the Commanders priority to ensure their safety and well-being,” Marine Corps spokesperson Mike Alvarez said. "It provides an opportunity also for the officer to ensure that the Marine has taken the proper training."
The policy is in effect until further notice.
I MEF, as it's known to Marines, is the command for almost all Marines based in this region.
Ellie
Updated 4:31 PM PST, Wed, Jan 14, 2009
Camp Pendleton Marines from First Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF) are ordered not to travel to Tijuana or any part of Mexico under tough new restrictions because of recent border violence.
A Public Affairs Officer with the First Marine Expeditionary Force confirms a note went out Jan. 9, updating the policy for travel to Mexico.
“I MEF has continued to carefully monitor the violence in Mexico associated with the ongoing war between rival drug cartels and assess the associated risk to reward for I MEF personnel travel. Due to the degree of prolonged, escalating violence, I MEF will extend the current liberty policy to a standing policy for all travel to Mexico,” the Marine Corps said in a message sent to all Marine units in Southern California.
Marines now have to have sign-off from a Lt. Colonel or higher to cross the border and that includes Marines living in Mexico or visiting immediate family members there.
“This is a prudent step in addressing the real threat to our personnel by ensuring a baseline level of oversight for any travel into the area,” the Marine Corps said.
The troops also have to complete an on-line level one anti-terrorism training class or train with a certified trainer.
“It is the Commanders priority to ensure their safety and well-being,” Marine Corps spokesperson Mike Alvarez said. "It provides an opportunity also for the officer to ensure that the Marine has taken the proper training."
The policy is in effect until further notice.
I MEF, as it's known to Marines, is the command for almost all Marines based in this region.
Ellie