CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Col Gerald “Jerry” L. Smith, chief of staff for the 3rd Marine Division, sent an e-mail to Marine and civilian leaders urging them to control rumors during the period of reflection imposed by Lt. Gen. Richard Zilmer.

It was obtained by Stripes from an anonymous source but confirmed as authentic Friday by Marines Corps Public Affairs on Okinawa. Here’s the entire e-mail:

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Subject: RUMORS RUNNING RAMPANT

Commanders,

Over the past 24-48 hours there has been a significant increase in the number of rumors regarding the “Period of Reflection” and alleged disciplinary actions. My initial reaction was to disregard the “rumor mill,” however, it has reached a level that merits some clarification for our Marines, Sailors and their dependants. PLEASE PASS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THROUGH YOUR FAMILY READINESS COMMUNICATION LINKS TO KEEP OUR SERVICE MEMBERS AND FAMILIES INFORMED.

Here is what we know:

¶ To date, no dependants or civilians (on the USMC side) have faced any administrative sanctions for alleged violations of Lt Gen Zilmer’s policy. Sorry to dispel the myth(s), but no one has been sent back to the US on 48 hours notice for a policy violation.

¶ The current policy of limited movement pertains to all SOFA status personnel and will remain in effect until further notice. A review of the current policy is scheduled for 3 March (see the attachment).

¶ Selected leaders from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps met again yesterday (Tuesday, 26 Feb) to discuss the current policy and prepare additional information for the 3 March review … no decisions were made at this meeting.

¶ Exceptions to the current policy can be authorized by 0-6 (Colonel) commanders. For our separate battalions (CAB, Recon) with LtCol commanders, their “exception” approvals reside with the Commanding General of the Division. To date, numerous exceptions have been granted in order to accommodate specific events and other obligations in the local community.

The current system for granting exceptions is working well within the Division.

¶ There is no restriction to regularly scheduled activities and facilities aboard any U.S. base or installation.

¶ RUMORS do not help the current situation … PLEASE PASS ONLY VERIFIED INFORMATION.

¶ The leadership of 3d Marine Division is actively engaged with Marine Corps Base and will continue to pass additional information as it is received.

¶ BOTTOM LINE: Although no one has yet faced an administrative hearing as a result of policy violations, administrative sanctions, to include early return of dependents and/or debarment, are lawful remedies if it comes to the Base Inspector’s attention that a civilian/dependent has willfully violated Gen Zilmer’s directive.

Here is what we DON’T know:

¶ When the current policy will be rescinded.

¶ What a new policy may or may not include regarding movement and activities of SOFA personnel off base.

One final thought for our families:

¶ If you have questions regarding the current (or any future) policy, please raise these questions to your unit commanding officer through the family readiness/Key Volunteer Network. If the commanders cannot answer the question, they will forward it to myself. By working with the units and all available resources, we will obtain the answer and provide the most current information possible. Thanks for your support and understanding as we work through this.

Col Gerald “Jerry” L. Smith

3D Marine Division Chief of Staff

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