Page 5 - Davis-Monthan AFB Desert Lightning News 7-2-15

Desert Lightning News July 2, 2015
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Take the time to fulfill travel requirements prior to departure
Commentary by Miguel Mendez
355 Fighter Wing Antiterrorism
Military members often wonder why they have to fulfill additional re-
quirements in order to take leave outside the continental United States,
whether it’s Aircraft and Personnel Automated Clearance system, the-
ater, country clearance or other requirements put in place. Some of the
responses I hear on a regular basis are: “It’s just leave, not official trav- ments every time when traveling outside the continental United States,
el.” “Base X does not have to do this when they submit for leave travel.”
While there are various DoD and Air Force regulations mandating these
requirements, the main reason is to protect and prevent our personnel
from having an uncomfortable experience.
Late last year, I helped an Airman from the 355th Medical Group who
was preparing her documents for emergency travel to the Philippines.
Obviously she was greatly concerned for her family member and wanted
to depart the United States as soon as possible, thus this Airman also
questioned the process since she had never been required to accomplish
the needed steps in the past. I walked her through the process and aided
her in completing all the needed documents required for her country and
theater clearances.
A few months later, the Airman approached me to thank me for the as-
sistance in preparing her emergency leave travel documents per the for-
eign clearance guide. As the member initiated travel to the Philippines,
she was asked at the port of debarkation for her passport and other docu-
ments regarding theater clearance, country clearance and her documents
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stating she had the appropriate approvals from her unit. Additionally, she
was also stopped when entering the Philippines at the international ter-
minal and once again asked for approved APACs documents and other
pertinent information required entering the country. At any of these two
points, her travel would have ended if she did not have the proper docu-
ments and approvals in hand.
Even though a service member might not get asked for these docu-
wouldn’t you prefer to have them in hand than have your trip cut short
or get denied entry. Worst case scenario is that you, the DoD, traveler
did not accomplish the requirements as outlined by the foreign clearance
guide and get in trouble in the country you are visiting. Remember that
we are members of the US Government. As a military member you might
not be protected by a status of forces agreement or other agreement with
the country you are visiting and as a result you would be subject to their
laws. Additionally, these forms are not optional for military members and
you could wind up facing disciplinary action. Bottom line, the require-
ments are there to benefit you and might end up saving your and your
family’s lives.
Remember, it is best to lose five minutes of your life than to lose your
life in five minutes!
As a DoD member there are certain guidelines one must follow in or-
der to be able to take leisure or leave travel. These requirements are out-
lined in the Foreign Clearance Guide which can be access at the Davis-
Monthan Air Force Base Antiterrorism SharePoint page.
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