CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (November 21, 2008) -- The liberty risk program outlined in the Marine Corps Bases Japan and III Marine Expeditionary Force Liberty Campaign Order 1050.7, is designed to provide a means of curtailing the liberty of individuals who exhibit the potential to conduct themselves in a manner that could seriously impair U.S. relations with Japan.

Though the Judge Advocates General Manual states it is illegal to deprive a service member of liberty as punishment, except as specifically authorized under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the manual does allow commanders to curtail or revoke liberty in a foreign country when it is deemed essential to protect host nation relations, the order states.

Reasons for placing a Marine or sailor on the Liberty Risk Program may include a history of unauthorized absence, a documented history of alcohol or drug abuse, an adjudged punitive discharge, violation of a Japanese law or laws or some other act of misconduct indicating the individual may pose a threat to U.S. and Japanese relations, according to Sgt. Maj. Daniel Fierle, the III MEF sergeant major.

According to the order, the initial period of liberty risk will not exceed 30 days, but can be extended in 30-day increments at the commander's discretion.

Service members may submit a written request for reconsideration to their commander within five working days of the initial or extended assignment to the liberty risk program.

While there are three classes of liberty risk of varying degrees of restriction, purchasing or consuming alcohol is restricted under all three on or off base.

"If they are on the liberty risk program, that means they have done something that curtails their regular liberty. So why open up alcohol to create more problems," asked Sgt. Maj. Cevet Adams, the MCB Camp Butler sergeant major.

Fierle said alcohol is a contributing factor in the majority of incidents that occur.

"Alcohol limits your ability to make good decisions," he said.

The liberty risk classes are A, B and C. Under class "A" liberty restriction, a Marine is allowed off-base liberty until 10 p.m. only when accompanied by a noncommissioned officer or petty officer. The Marine must check out with the duty NCO or staff duty NCO prior to commencing liberty.

A Marine under class "A" restriction will turn in their liberty card and be issued a red liberty card with the words "Liberty Risk A/2200 Secured/Escort Required."

The same restrictions apply under class "B" with the exception that the Marines off-base liberty expires at 8 p.m. Under this restriction class the Marine's issued red card will read "Liberty Risk A/2000 Secured/Escort Required."

Service members on the Liberty Risk Program may be required to wear the appropriate service uniform while on or off base during liberty periods.

Fierle said one reason for this stipulation of the order is Marines and sailors are less likely to make poor decisions while in their service uniforms.

Adams added it is also a good way to identify individuals with liberty restrictions.

"You can't blend into the crowd like everybody else," Adams said. "You stand out and you're probably not going to do anything stupid."

A Marine under class "C" restriction is prohibited from leaving base for any reason. Under this restriction the service member's liberty card is revoked.

Marines who continue to exhibit irresponsible behavior while assigned to the program will likely be subject to more disciplinary action at the commander's discretion.

However, the quickest way for a service member to get off the program is to demonstrate genuine positive behavior, Fierle said

A commander will usually consult the Marine's chain of command for positive changes in behavior before restoring regular liberty.

"The commanders are going to talk to the NCOs and SNCOs who work directly with the Marine to see if the Marine is ready," said Fierle. "That Marine has to prove he has the maturity of a red card holder."

The MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7, the Liberty Campaign Order, can be accessed on-line at the MCB Camp Butler adjutant SharePoint homepage at the following CAC-protected site: https: //wss.mcbbutler.usmc.mil/G1/Adjutant/default.aspx. Under the directives links, click MCBJ/III MEF orders and locate MCBJ/III MEF Order 1050.7.