In the wake of recent terrorist attacks and plots, follow-on and copycat attacks throughout Europe are a concern. Now more than ever, it is imperative that U.S. military personnel, Department of the Army civilians, command-sponsored dependents, and contractors follow foreign travel procedures--whether it's for leisure or temporary duty travel.
According to United States Army Garrison Italy operation order (op-ord) 16-045, Foreign Travel Procedures for U.S. Personnel, the intent of the standardized process for travel outside of Italy is to increase visibility of where personnel are physically located in the event of a crisis or terrorist event.
There are specific requirements to take care of before departure to locations outside of Italy. Failure to complete those requirements may result in a violation of the Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA), international treaties, lawful orders, and/or conditions of employment. Anyone traveling must meet all elements before departure in order to increase safety and security while traveling abroad. Requirements vary from country to country, and in some cases, within geographic areas of specific countries.
Pre-travel training must be done before outside travel. Training consists of one or more of a series of modules located in Army Knowledge Online, or AKO. Make sure to pay particular attention as to whether the requirements are for official, unofficial or both types of travel. Such training includes Antiterrorism Level I (updated annually), SERE Code of Conduct training (updated every three years), and filing an Isolated Personnel Report. The ISOPREP is part of an online database, and all personnel stationed in Italy must have one on file. The document is used to store personnel profiles in the event that a U.S. government employee is captured by enemy forces and requires rescue or extraction.
Before taking a trip, travelers should become familiar with the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Manual, which lists all applicable pre-travel requirements including medical, visa and passport requirements of each country. All requirements must be completed before travel. Travelers must also complete an AOR brief, given by command or unit security office.
For temporary duty travel especially, lead time is important. According to the op-ord, the majority of TDY destinations require a 30-day lead time per the Foreign Clearance Manual. Frequent travelers are expected to keep required training up to date to avoid administrative delays. There are exceptions to lead time requirements, and tickets/accommodations do not have to be purchased before submitting a travel request.
A final pre-travel arrangement that is optional but encouraged is to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program through the U.S. Department of State. The STEP is an online program that provides up-to-the-minute phone, text, and email local alerts during the course of the trip. The free service can also assist efforts to rescue or assist U.S. citizens in distress in foreign countries.
Various countries surrounding Italy (France, Greece, Hungary and Serbia to name a few) require Americans to register with the Embassy before leave or TDY travel. The STEP is the method to accomplish this task. Visit the State Department website at https://step.state.gov/step.
Finally, all DA military, civilians and contractors must report all outside travel in advance to their Security Office, per Army Regulation 381-12 Threat Awareness and Reporting Program, and Army Europe Regulation 525-13, Antiterrorism.
Up-to-date requirements can be found on the online Foreign Clearance Guide at https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil with additional requirements for classified travel at http://www.fcg.pentagon.smil.mil. Anyone with questions or needing clarification should contact his or her unit antiterrorism officer or security personnel.
Related Links:
Classified travel requirements
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