Prior To Foreign Travel All Dod Personnel Must

Navigating the complexities of international travel for Department of Defense (DoD) personnel requires meticulous preparation. Ensuring compliance with established protocols is paramount to safeguard national security, maintain operational effectiveness, and guarantee the safety and well-being of the individuals involved. Prior to embarking on any foreign travel, all DoD personnel must adhere to a comprehensive set of requirements, designed to mitigate risks and facilitate smooth, secure journeys. This article will delve into the key prerequisites, offering a detailed guide for DoD travelers.

Understanding the Scope: Who is Affected?

The regulations governing foreign travel for DoD personnel are broad in scope. They apply to:

• Active Duty Military: This includes all members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating as part of the Navy).
• Reserve Component: Members of the National Guard and Reserve forces are subject to these regulations when traveling in an official capacity.
• DoD Civilian Employees: Civilian employees of the Department of Defense are also required to comply with pre-travel requirements.
• DoD Contractors: Depending on the terms of their contract, contractors working for the DoD may be subject to similar regulations.
• Dependents: In many cases, the dependents of DoD personnel traveling with them are also subject to certain pre-travel requirements, particularly those related to security and medical considerations.

It's crucial to understand that these regulations apply to official travel, which is travel conducted in the performance of official duties and funded by the DoD. They may also apply to unofficial travel, particularly when traveling to certain high-risk areas or when the travel could be perceived as representing the DoD.

The Essential Pre-Travel Requirements: A Step-by-Step Guide

The specific requirements for DoD personnel prior to foreign travel can vary depending on factors such as the destination, the purpose of the trip, and the individual's security clearance. However, the following are the core elements that apply in most cases:

1. Official Passport and Visa Acquisition

• Passport: A valid U.S. passport is the fundamental requirement for international travel. DoD personnel must ensure their passport is current and will not expire within six months of their return date. Applying for or renewing a passport can take time, so it's essential to initiate the process well in advance of the planned travel. A no-fee passport should be obtained for official travel.
• Visa: Depending on the destination country and the purpose of the travel, a visa may be required. DoD personnel should consult the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) to determine the specific visa requirements for their destination. The FCG is a comprehensive resource maintained by the DoD that provides detailed information on entry requirements, customs regulations, and other relevant information for countries around the world. The visa application process can be lengthy and require specific documentation, so it's crucial to start the process early. Official visas are typically obtained through the traveler's command or agency.

2. Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) Compliance

• Consultation is Key: The Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG) is the definitive source for all foreign travel requirements. All DoD personnel must consult the FCG before initiating travel plans.
• Comprehensive Information: The FCG provides details on:
  • Passport and visa requirements
  • Entry and exit requirements
  • Customs regulations
  • Medical requirements and advisories
  • Security threats and advisories
  • Local laws and customs
  • Points of contact in the destination country
• Up-to-Date Information: The FCG is regularly updated, so it's essential to consult the most recent version before traveling.
• Specific Requirements: The FCG will outline any specific requirements for DoD personnel traveling to a particular country, such as mandatory briefings or security training.

3. Security Awareness Training and Briefings

• Threat Awareness: DoD personnel must be aware of the potential security threats in their destination country. This includes understanding the risks of terrorism, crime, and political instability.
• Security Training: Security awareness training is typically mandatory for all DoD personnel traveling overseas. This training covers topics such as:
  • Personal security measures
  • Counterintelligence awareness
  • Cybersecurity awareness
  • Reporting security incidents
• Pre-Travel Briefings: In addition to general security training, DoD personnel may be required to attend pre-travel briefings specific to their destination. These briefings provide up-to-date information on the security situation and any specific threats or risks.
• Continuous Vigilance: Security awareness is not a one-time event. DoD personnel must remain vigilant throughout their travels and be aware of their surroundings.

4. Medical Readiness and Immunizations

• Medical Evaluation: DoD personnel should undergo a medical evaluation to ensure they are fit for travel and do not have any underlying health conditions that could be exacerbated by travel.
• Immunizations: Depending on the destination country, specific immunizations may be required. DoD personnel should consult with their healthcare provider to determine which immunizations are necessary and receive them well in advance of their travel date. Some immunizations require multiple doses or take time to become effective.
• Medications: DoD personnel should ensure they have an adequate supply of any necessary medications and that these medications are legal in the destination country. It's also important to carry a copy of the prescription.
• Medical Insurance: DoD personnel should ensure they have adequate medical insurance coverage for their travels. TRICARE, the military health system, provides coverage for overseas travel, but it's important to understand the specific terms and limitations of the coverage.
• Contingency Planning: Developing a plan for how to deal with medical emergencies while abroad is crucial.

5. Antiterrorism (AT) and Counterintelligence (CI) Awareness

• Antiterrorism Training: All DoD personnel are required to complete annual antiterrorism (AT) training. This training provides information on recognizing and responding to terrorist threats.
• Counterintelligence Awareness: Counterintelligence (CI) awareness training focuses on protecting sensitive information and technologies from foreign intelligence threats. This training is particularly important for DoD personnel who have access to classified information or who are traveling to countries with a high risk of espionage.
• Reporting Requirements: DoD personnel are required to report any suspicious activity or potential security threats to the appropriate authorities.

6. Country-Specific Threat Briefings

• Understanding the Risks: Prior to travel, DoD personnel should receive a comprehensive briefing on the specific threats and risks in their destination country. This briefing should cover topics such as:
  • Political instability
  • Crime rates
  • Terrorist activity
  • Health risks
  • Natural disasters
• Tailored Information: These briefings should be tailored to the specific location and purpose of the travel.
• Sources of Information: Threat briefings are typically provided by the traveler's command or agency, as well as by the U.S. embassy or consulate in the destination country.

7. Compliance with DoD Foreign Clearance Program

• APACS (Automated Personnel Accounting and Control System): DoD personnel traveling overseas must register their travel in APACS. This system allows the DoD to track the location of its personnel and provide assistance in the event of an emergency.
• Travel Orders: Official travel must be authorized by official travel orders. These orders specify the purpose of the travel, the destination, the dates of travel, and the funding source.
• Security Clearance: Ensure that your security clearance is up-to-date and appropriate for the destination and purpose of travel.

8. Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Understanding Local Laws: DoD personnel are subject to the laws of the country they are visiting. It's important to understand these laws and to comply with them.
• Standards of Conduct: DoD personnel are expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct while traveling overseas. This includes avoiding activities that could damage the reputation of the U.S. military or the Department of Defense.
• Reporting Misconduct: DoD personnel are required to report any misconduct they observe or are involved in to the appropriate authorities.

9. Personal Preparedness and Contingency Planning

• Emergency Contacts: DoD personnel should provide their family and their command with emergency contact information.
• Communication Plan: Develop a plan for communicating with family and colleagues while traveling overseas.
• Financial Preparedness: Ensure you have access to sufficient funds to cover your expenses while traveling.
• Copies of Important Documents: Carry copies of your passport, travel orders, and other important documents in a separate location from the originals.
• Contingency Plan: Develop a plan for dealing with potential emergencies, such as illness, injury, or natural disasters.

10. Pre-Departure Checklist and Final Review

• Comprehensive Review: Before departing, DoD personnel should conduct a final review of all pre-travel requirements to ensure they have completed all necessary steps.
• Checklist: Using a pre-departure checklist can help ensure that nothing is overlooked. This checklist should include items such as:
  • Passport and visa
  • FCG compliance
  • Security training and briefings
  • Medical readiness and immunizations
  • Antiterrorism and counterintelligence awareness
  • Country-specific threat briefings
  • APACS registration
  • Travel orders
  • Legal and ethical considerations
  • Personal preparedness and contingency planning
• Peace of Mind: Completing this final review will provide peace of mind and help ensure a safe and successful trip.

Specific Considerations for High-Risk Areas

Traveling to high-risk areas requires even more stringent preparation and adherence to specific protocols. These areas may be designated as high-threat locations due to factors such as terrorism, political instability, or high crime rates. In addition to the general requirements outlined above, DoD personnel traveling to high-risk areas must:

• Obtain Specific Approvals: Travel to high-risk areas may require approval from higher levels of command.
• Undergo Enhanced Security Training: Enhanced security training is often mandatory for travel to high-risk areas. This training may include topics such as:
  • Defensive driving techniques
  • Surveillance detection
  • Evasion and escape
  • Weapons handling (if authorized)
• Travel with Security Escorts: In some cases, DoD personnel may be required to travel with security escorts.
• Use Secure Communication Devices: Secure communication devices may be required to protect sensitive information.
• Adhere to Strict Security Protocols: DoD personnel must adhere to strict security protocols at all times, including avoiding high-risk areas, minimizing their visibility, and being aware of their surroundings.

The Importance of Compliance: Why These Requirements Matter

The pre-travel requirements for DoD personnel are not merely bureaucratic hurdles; they are essential safeguards designed to:

• Protect National Security: By ensuring that DoD personnel are aware of potential security threats and are trained to protect sensitive information, these requirements help to protect national security.
• Ensure Operational Effectiveness: By ensuring that DoD personnel are medically fit for travel and are prepared for potential emergencies, these requirements help to ensure operational effectiveness.
• Safeguard the Well-being of Personnel: By providing DoD personnel with the information and resources they need to stay safe and healthy while traveling overseas, these requirements help to safeguard their well-being.
• Maintain Positive International Relations: By ensuring that DoD personnel are aware of local laws and customs and are expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct, these requirements help to maintain positive international relations.
• Mitigate Legal and Financial Risks: Compliance minimizes legal issues and potential financial burdens arising from unforeseen incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Where can I find the Foreign Clearance Guide (FCG)?
  • The FCG is available online through the DoD official website or through your command's security office.
• How far in advance should I start the pre-travel process?
  • It is recommended to start the pre-travel process at least 60-90 days before your planned travel date, especially if you need to apply for a passport or visa.
• Who is responsible for ensuring that I comply with all pre-travel requirements?
  • Ultimately, you are responsible for ensuring that you comply with all pre-travel requirements. However, your command or agency should provide you with the resources and support you need to do so.
• What happens if I don't comply with the pre-travel requirements?
  • Failure to comply with pre-travel requirements can result in disciplinary action, denial of travel authorization, and potential legal consequences.
• Are there any exceptions to the pre-travel requirements?
  • In rare cases, exceptions to the pre-travel requirements may be granted. However, these exceptions are typically only granted in emergency situations and require approval from higher levels of command.

Conclusion: Ensuring Safe and Successful Foreign Travel

The journey to foreign lands for DoD personnel is paved with responsibilities and requirements. By meticulously adhering to the guidelines outlined in this article, service members, civilian employees, and contractors can navigate the complexities of international travel with confidence and security. Prior to foreign travel, all DoD personnel must prioritize compliance with the FCG, undergo necessary training, secure proper documentation, and remain vigilant throughout their journey. This commitment not only safeguards national security but also ensures the well-being of individuals representing the United States abroad. Remember, thorough preparation is the cornerstone of safe and successful foreign travel for all DoD personnel. Diligence in fulfilling these pre-travel obligations is a testament to professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of service.