CAMP ZAMA, Japan – This year will mark the first time since 2019 that eligible personnel will be able to bring guests onto the installations here for trick-or-treating, making it an ideal time to review the escorting policy.
The Registration and Pass section here explained the installation’s policy for escorting guests onto Camp Zama and Sagamihara Family Housing Area in advance of Halloween festivities, happening Oct. 31 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Although Halloween is not an “open post” event like Camp Zama’s annual Cherry Blossom and Bon Odori festivals in the spring and summer, respectively, those with valid escorting privileges are allowed to bring guests on base for trick-or-treating, which typically attracts hundreds of costumed Japanese children and their families.
During the designated period for trick-or-treating, all residents and guests are expected to ensure supervision of their children and those they are escorting, and that children are highly visible during nighttime hours in order to prevent any mishaps. Those driving on both installations during trick-or-treat hours must take extra care to drive carefully and pay attention to their surroundings both on the road and sidewalks.
Those who fall under the Status of Forces Agreement—Department of the Army civilians, dependents with valid DOD identification cards, retirees with valid retiree ID cards—as well as current Japanese Master Labor Contract, Indirect Hire Agreement civilian employees, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members can escort up to seven adult guests (18 years or older) each and one vehicle onto Camp Zama or SFHA.
Each of the seven adult guests can additionally have up to three children under the age of 18 with them, meaning each person with valid escorting privileges may escort up to 28 personnel (seven adult guests and 21 children), plus up to three additional children under 17 themselves. Children 17 and under will not require passes, but must be escorted by an adult.
Each adult guest coming onto either installation must bring with them a valid form of ID. These include a Japanese driver’s license, a passport, a Japan Self-Defense Forces ID card, or any government-issued ID that includes the person’s photo.
JGSDF personnel must be registered in DBIDS in order to sponsor personnel, and will be limited to Camp Zama.
All Y- or A-plated vehicles, and vehicles with a valid pass for driving on base, will be allowed. Vehicles that are not registered must be searched.
Sponsors must request passes in advance for all guests 18 and older. Passes will not be issued on the same day due to safety concerns and potential traffic congestion. The deadline to submit a pass request is Oct. 26.
Personnel can request the forms and also submit them via email to usarmy.zama.imcom-pacific.list.usagj-des-pass-office@mail.mil. Requests should specify from which Pass Office (Camp Zama Bldg. 235 or SFHA Bldg. 101) they will be picked up.
Pass pickup will begin at noon on Oct. 28 during regular duty hours and continue through 6 p.m. on Oct. 31. Personnel can call the Pass Office at 263-4670 for further information or if they have any questions.
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