CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Marine Lt. Gen. Richard Zilmer late Monday lifted restrictions imposed with the “period of reflection” he ordered Feb. 20.
Beginning immediately, all restrictions on civilians connected to the U.S. military on Okinawa and Marine bases in mainland Japan are lifted.
However, a 10 p.m.-to-5 a.m. off-base curfew was imposed on all active-duty servicemembers, according to a Marine Corps Bases Japan press release issued at 10:40 p.m Monday.
It also prohibits active-duty personnel from consuming alcohol at off-base establishments.
Zilmer, the Okinawa Area Coordinator and highest ranking U.S. officer on Okinawa, called for a period of reflection following high-profile incidents involving servicemembers in February, including two alleged rapes and two alcohol-related incidents in the Okinawa community.
Two off-base incidents last weekend involving Americans connected to the U.S. military did not deter Zilmer from lifting the blanket restriction that had kept all Americans on Okinawa and on Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and Camp Fuji on mainland Japan either on the military bases or their off-base homes.
“The curfew, coupled with ongoing cooperative initiatives with our Japanese hosts at the national and local level, will offer the best atmosphere for our servicemembers, family members and civilian employees while reducing the possibility and risk of misconduct,” Zilmer said in the release.
The release noted that “during the past two weeks, leaders from each of the military services have reviewed the procedures and orders that govern the discipline and conduct of all U.S. servicemembers serving in Okinawa.
“The review is ongoing and U.S. military and Japanese officials will continue to discuss ways to work together toward the common goal of reducing off-base misconduct by SOFA-status members,” it stated.
During the period of reflection, status of forces agreement personnel were not allowed to participate in most off-base activities without an exemption letter signed by an officer ranked O-6 and above. It drew sharp criticism from many SOFA personnel who complained it even restricted their ability to walk their dogs in their off-base neighborhoods or allow their children to romp in community playgrounds.
The release stresses that civilians and military family members are no longer restricted in any way.
Regarding the banning of drinking alcohol off-base, the release states that “servicemembers are restricted from consuming alcohol off-base, except within the confines of the off-base residences of SOFA status personnel.
“The curfew and alcohol restrictions will be periodically reassessed by senior service leaders,” it added. “There are no restrictions to alcohol consumption aboard any U.S. base or installation.”
“As we begin to venture outside our gates, I remind all of you that we are guests in Japan and must represent our nation with the utmost pride, professionalism and respect for our hosts,” Zilmer said. “I know the overwhelming majority of you are great ambassadors of America and will strive to reinvigorate the great relationship we have with our Japanese neighbors.
“Please look out for one another,” he said.
During the new curfew hours, servicemembers are limited to U.S. military installations or the off-base residences of SOFA status personnel, the release states. They will be allowed to travel between the bases or to the off-base homes of SOFA status personnel via privately owned vehicle, military supported transportation or commercial taxis, the release said.
The press release ...
Period of Reflection ends, curfew implementedMARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan — Lt. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer,the Okinawa Area Coordinator and senior U.S. military commander on Okinawa,met with senior military and civilian leaders from all the services March3rd to evaluate the effects and impacts of the "Period of Reflection."
During the past two weeks, leaders from each of the military services havereviewed the procedures and orders that govern the discipline and conduct ofall U.S. service members serving in Okinawa. The review is ongoing and U.S.military and Japanese officials will continue to discuss ways to worktogether toward the common goal of reducing off-base misconduct bySOFA-status members. All military units and installations in Japan haverecently conducted education and training that reinforces and encourages thehigh standards of professionalism and conduct expected of U.S. forces livingin Japan.
To capitalize on these efforts and to allow for further discussionsbetween all parties, Lt. Gen. Zilmer has decided the "Period of Reflection"has concluded and that a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew will be implementedimmediately for all service members. There are no limitations, restrictionsor curfew for civilians or family members.
"The curfew, coupled with ongoing cooperative initiatives with our Japanesehosts at the national and local level, will offer the best atmosphere forour service members, family members and civilian employees while reducingthe possibility and risk of misconduct," said Lt. Gen. Zilmer.
Effective immediately, during curfew hours service members are limited toU.S. military installations or the off-base residences of SOFA statuspersonnel. During curfew hours, service members are authorized to transitbetween U.S. military installations or off-base residences of SOFA statuspersonnel via privately owned vehicle, military supported transportation, orcommercial taxi.
In addition, service members are restricted from consuming alcoholoff-base, except within the confines of the off-base residences of SOFAstatus personnel. There are no alcohol restrictions for civilians or familymembers.
The curfew and alcohol restrictions will be periodically reassessedby senior service leaders.
There are no restrictions to alcohol consumption aboard any U.S.base or installation.
"As we begin to venture outside our gates, I remind all of you thatwe are guests in Japan and must represent our Nation with the utmost pride,professionalism and respect for our hosts. I know the overwhelming majorityof you are great ambassadors of America and will strive to reinvigorate thegreat relationship we have with our Japanese neighbors," Lt. Gen. Zilmersaid. "Please look out for one another."
