USFJ revises liberty policy

  • Published
  • By Staff Report
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
After conducting a careful and thorough liberty policy review across military installations in Japan, the Commander, U.S. Forces, Japan put into effect a revised liberty policy for all service members in the country. 

Beginning Dec. 9, curfew for all service members in ranks of E-5 and below, regardless of duty status, will be from 1 to 5 a.m. During curfew hours, military members must be on a U.S. military installation, off the installation in a private residence, in a place of lodging, or in the performance of official duties. Public alcohol consumption is still prohibited for all ranks between midnight and 5 a.m. daily.

Additionally, the "buddy system" will only be mandatory for E-5 and below personnel in a TDY/TAD, leave, or pass status in Japan, or who are deployed to Japan for less than 150 days as part of a unit deployment.

Before being granted off-installation liberty, service members must complete Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Training, and a Japan Indoctrination Training with added emphasis on Service Core Values. 

These requirements must have been completed within the previous 12 months.

"The revised Liberty Policy is designed to safeguard the vital relationship the U.S. has with Japan, and ensure servicemembers are prepared to respond in a contingency situation," said Col. Timothy Sundvall, 35th Fighter Wing commander. "Additionally, the core values-based restrictions are intended to promote good order and discipline and reinforce standards of conduct, particularly with respect to behavior outside of military installations across Japan. 

"We value the positive relationship with our Misawa neighbors and friends, and are fully committed to being trustworthy and contributing members of this community," he continued. 

For a complete review of the USFJ Liberty Policy visit www.usfj.mil on Dec. 9 when the policy becomes effective.