Important paperwork for traveling

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christopher Marasky
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Good paperwork can make for a great trip.

That's especially true when the paperwork involved is a Force Protection Plan. It's required paperwork for military individuals on leave or temporary duty assignment to any Non-U.S. country or territory.

"It's so we know where you are, and how to find you," said Mr. Tony Smith, the 51st Fighter Wing anti-terrorism officer.

There are a number of steps involved in preparing for a trip outside of U.S. territories. The first step is to schedule a briefing with the Office of Special Investigations, which is offered weekly.

After that, the individual will have to fill out the local Force Protection Plan form and forward it to the unit anti-terrorism/force-protection monitor. The unit AT/FP monitor will then review the paperwork and the individuals AT/FP training and forward the paperwork to the unit commander.

The type of area determines the rank the approving official must be. For area's designated Alpha, the officer must be a Lieutenant Colonel or above. For area's designated Bravo, the officer must be a Colonel or above. For travel to area's designated Charlie or Delta, the approving officer must be a Brigadier General or above. For travel to restricted area's, the approving officer must be a Brigadier General or above, and the travel has to be approved by Pacific Command

While the paperwork is mandatory for all military traveling to Non-U.S. territories, it's highly recommended for civilians as they take leave, but required when going on a temporary duty assignment.

The need for a good Force Protection Plan was highlighted during a recent coup in Thailand, when some service members were unable to be contacted.

"The goal is to make sure people are safe, we know where they are and are able to get in contact them," said Mr. Smith.

For any further questions, contact your unit anti-terrorism/force-protection monitor.