MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Federal holidays are probably the most awaited time for service members to take a well deserved break and visit their hometown.
Since the span of time between President’s Day and Memorial Day is the longest dry spell of the year for observed holidays, troops often spend their weekends exploring hangout spots near base.
Because of this, safety issues are continuously evaluated to provide troops with the most up-to-date information, allowing them to better enjoy their leisure outings.
The latest Commanding General Marine Corps Installations West message, released Feb. 11, 2009, informs West Coast Marines and sailors of the areas of concern, particularly in Southern California and Mexico.
The message constitutes a lawful general order, and violation by U.S. military personnel is punishable under article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The current off-limits establishments to military personnel due to violent criminal and gang activity, include Club Mustang, Club San Diego, Get it On Shoppe, Main Street Motel, and Vulcan Baths, all located in San Diego; and Dream Crystal and Sports Auto Sales, located in National City.
Other areas of concern are the Otay Mesa district, the San Diego City Park, and the Willie Henderson Park in San Diego.
The area outside the perimeter of Naval Base San Diego and the nearby trolley stations are considered areas of caution, but are not officially off-limits.
Because of the West Coast military installations’ vicinity to the Mexican border, many service members are tempted to supplement their weekends with a mini vacation to the neighboring country.
The message directs unit leaders to ensure that all personnel traveling to Mexico possess authorization signed by a commissioned officer, in the traveler’s chain of command. This policy is effective immediately until further notice.
Frequent visits due to official business, permanent residence or presence of immediate family, may be granted approval covering travel over a period of up to thirty days, at the discretion of their commanding officer.
There are also a number of other measures that the message deems appropriate to be completed prior to traveling to Mexico. Some of these actions include completing an anti-terrorism course, having a communication plan with emergency numbers available, receiving a security brief for the areas of travel and registering with the American Consulate.
While traveling, service members often witness situations that may seem illegal or against good order. Therefore, all incidents occurring in Mexico should be reported to the Border Shore Patrol immediately, especially incidents involving extortion or assault by Mexican police or uniformed private security personnel, such as club bouncers.
Personnel should not resist lawful arrest or attempt to settle disputes by offering or giving money to police.
Although the message constitutes a lawful general order, individual commands retain the authority to increase restrictions based on indications or warnings.