WIESBADEN, Germany -- In light of the recent terrorist attacks, Army Europe's Antiterrorism and Force Protection Office is reminding personnel about the importance of taking appropriate actions to ensure personal safety while taking part in off-post celebrations and public events.
This is especially important at large commemorative events such as the Bastogne celebrations that will be going on beginning mid-December. These commemorations offer a unique opportunity for service members, civilian employees and family members who are living in Europe the chance to relive history.
"The Bastogne events encourage attendees to wear their military uniforms, but we want to remind all personnel stationed in Europe to make sure they're aware of the most current uniform wear policies before participating in any events," explained Keith Horne, force protection specialist, U.S. Army Europe.
Current policies prohibit the wear of uniforms off-installation without general officer approval. Leaders at all levels understand these type of events are inspirational and offer effective team-building opportunities.
The current off-post uniform restrictions don't mean personnel stationed in Europe can't participate, it just means they can't wear their duty uniforms.
"The Bastogne event organizers also encourage the wear of re-enactment uniforms," Horne said. "Current policy does not specifically restrict the wear of these types of uniforms, but participants must refrain from altering current military uniforms in an effort to circumvent this policy."
The Department of State recently updated its worldwide travel alert, indicating that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL; Al-Qaida, and other terrorist groups and self-inspired persons continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions.
Large events such as the Bastogne commemoration may appear as targets of opportunity for terrorism, so it is prudent for all participants to take appropriate measures to reduce risk for themselves and others.
U.S. Army Europe encourages all service members, civilian and contract employees and their family members to review the Travel Safe website, which highlights travel restrictions, travel alerts and warnings, and contains links for the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide, and the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP.
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About us: U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned in its 51 country area of responsibility to advance American strategic interests in Europe and Eurasia. The relationships we build during more than 1,000 theater security cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly to support for multinational contingency operations around the world, strengthen regional partnerships and enhance global security.
Related Links:
State Department: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Worldwide Travel Alert, Nov. 24, 2015
DoD: Foreign Clearance Guide (accessible from government system only)
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