thedrifter
11-14-08, 09:16 AM
Liberty order outlines Courtesy Patrol policy
Lance Cpl. Antwain J. Graham
Editor's note: The following is part of a continuing series of articles highlighting the Marine Corps Bases Japan and III Marine Expeditionary Force order 1050.7, the Liberty Campaign Order, signed by III MEF and MCBJ Commanding General Lt. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer Sept. 29.
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (November 14, 2008) -- Marines and Sailors who go off base for liberty should expect to see uniformed Marines and officers patrolling the streets, clubs and bars. These uniformed patrols are called "Courtesy Patrols" and their actions are mandated and regulated by MCBJ and III MEF Order 1050.7, the Liberty Campaign Order.
According to the order, it is Courtesy Patrol's responsibility to deter acts of misconduct while providing leadership and assistance to Status of Forces Agreement personnel and local businesses.
Courtesy Patrol consists of teams of three or four service members in uniform. The teams patrol during weekends and holiday liberty periods in areas frequented by Status of Forces Agreement members during liberty hours, according to the order. Courtesy Patrol is intended to build positive relations with the community by projecting a visual representation of responsible ambassadors of the U.S. military. Courtesy Patrols have been conducted in Okinawa throughout the years.
Since its implementation, Courtesy Patrol has proven to be an effective measure to deter and minimize off base incidents resulting from misconduct.
"Courtesy Patrol is a proactive presence in the sense that when our service members see them, they will reconsider their actions while on liberty in town," said Sgt. Maj. Daniel J. Fierle, the sergeant major for III MEF. "They will be less likely to make the wrong choices."
Unlike gate sobriety and Okinawa and military police gate guards, courtesy patrol monitors the actions of service members in the local community. The service members on Courtesy Patrol serve as a preventive measure, not as a military law enforcement activity. If a Courtesy Patrol encounters a situation that cannot be resolved with verbal instructions, appropriate military law enforcement authorities will be notified.
Sgt. Maj. Cevet A. Adams, the sergeant major for Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, clarified that Courtesy Patrol is not a police force that stops criminal acts or hostile situations out in town, but that their job is to intervene if they see signs of a situation that may escalate into an incident.
Courtesy Patrol's duty is to ensure Marines and sailors adhere to the rules and regulations of the Liberty Campaign Order, to include demonstrating proper behavior, adhering to the liberty buddy and liberty card policy, wearing proper liberty attire, and preventing alcohol abuse and illegal consumption.
Service members on courtesy patrol are responsible for patrolling areas to include, Henoko, Kin, Kadena Air Base Gate 2 and Chuo Park Avenue, and the American Village Districts south to Futenma. Courtesy Patrols in Okinawa are conducted at popular liberty locations during the most active times.
The MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7, the 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
Lance Cpl. Antwain J. Graham
Editor's note: The following is part of a continuing series of articles highlighting the Marine Corps Bases Japan and III Marine Expeditionary Force order 1050.7, the Liberty Campaign Order, signed by III MEF and MCBJ Commanding General Lt. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer Sept. 29.
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (November 14, 2008) -- Marines and Sailors who go off base for liberty should expect to see uniformed Marines and officers patrolling the streets, clubs and bars. These uniformed patrols are called "Courtesy Patrols" and their actions are mandated and regulated by MCBJ and III MEF Order 1050.7, the Liberty Campaign Order.
According to the order, it is Courtesy Patrol's responsibility to deter acts of misconduct while providing leadership and assistance to Status of Forces Agreement personnel and local businesses.
Courtesy Patrol consists of teams of three or four service members in uniform. The teams patrol during weekends and holiday liberty periods in areas frequented by Status of Forces Agreement members during liberty hours, according to the order. Courtesy Patrol is intended to build positive relations with the community by projecting a visual representation of responsible ambassadors of the U.S. military. Courtesy Patrols have been conducted in Okinawa throughout the years.
Since its implementation, Courtesy Patrol has proven to be an effective measure to deter and minimize off base incidents resulting from misconduct.
"Courtesy Patrol is a proactive presence in the sense that when our service members see them, they will reconsider their actions while on liberty in town," said Sgt. Maj. Daniel J. Fierle, the sergeant major for III MEF. "They will be less likely to make the wrong choices."
Unlike gate sobriety and Okinawa and military police gate guards, courtesy patrol monitors the actions of service members in the local community. The service members on Courtesy Patrol serve as a preventive measure, not as a military law enforcement activity. If a Courtesy Patrol encounters a situation that cannot be resolved with verbal instructions, appropriate military law enforcement authorities will be notified.
Sgt. Maj. Cevet A. Adams, the sergeant major for Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, clarified that Courtesy Patrol is not a police force that stops criminal acts or hostile situations out in town, but that their job is to intervene if they see signs of a situation that may escalate into an incident.
Courtesy Patrol's duty is to ensure Marines and sailors adhere to the rules and regulations of the Liberty Campaign Order, to include demonstrating proper behavior, adhering to the liberty buddy and liberty card policy, wearing proper liberty attire, and preventing alcohol abuse and illegal consumption.
Service members on courtesy patrol are responsible for patrolling areas to include, Henoko, Kin, Kadena Air Base Gate 2 and Chuo Park Avenue, and the American Village Districts south to Futenma. Courtesy Patrols in Okinawa are conducted at popular liberty locations during the most active times.
The MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7, the 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