Posted on 07/17/2012 2:01:23 PM PDT by Timber Rattler
U.S. troops will no longer carry guns during off-base patrols, following a highly publicized confrontation earlier this month in which South Korean civilians were handcuffed over an illegally parked car outside Osan Air Base.
U.S. Forces Korea spokeswoman Jennifer Buschick said the decision to ban town patrols from carrying sidearms was made Friday evening and implemented at all USFK installations over the weekend. U.S. security forces and military police routinely patrol entertainment districts frequented by troops, usually at night.
The off-base patrols will continue, but the military has determined that it is pertinent to make an immediate adjustment to off-base community patrols, a USFK statement said. We are continuing to review our procedures and evaluate the need for adjustments related to community patrols outside of our USFK installations ... we continue to work closely with and cooperate with the community, business leaders and Korean National Police in the ongoing investigation.
(snip)
USFK commander Gen. James Thurman and 7th Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas issued apologies and five airmen were suspended from town patrol duties following the July 5 incident, which is being investigated by both the military and South Korean police. The airmen will remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
(Excerpt) Read more at stripes.com ...
Personally, I think it's well past time to get the hell out of South Korea and let the ROKs take care of themselves.
Time to leave. BTW, why are we still in Germany, the Balkans, Afghanistan, etc, etc...
I agree, and pull out of Japan, and Germany. No longer need to be there in my opinion.
Recently saw this South Korean, sub-titled flick on Hulu called, “The Man From Nowhere.”
http://www.hulu.com/watch/278635
Wiki on it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Man_from_Nowhere_%28film%29
Yes, yes they do. Barfing on one is not a way to make friends. Good old days.
/johnny
I think there’s too much happening currently in that area of the World to just pick up, and get the “H” out. We have established bases there in S. Korea, as well a long standing relationship with the people, and their government. We don’t need the expense, nor will we have the convenience of time to start up all over again if something happens with say China, or N. Korea.
Having been an MP in S. Korea many moons ago I wonder what happened to the joint patrols we used to have at night. We used to work with KNP, ROK, and USMP together specifically because of the possibility of such problems with local civilians. They handled their own people, we handled ours.
This shouldn’t have happened.
.........running the Ville!
.........running the Ville!
Keep all military personnel on base and see if the local businesses change the minds of the cops.
“U.S. troops will no longer carry guns during off-base patrols, following a highly publicized confrontation earlier this month in which South Korean civilians were handcuffed over an illegally parked car outside Osan Air Base.”
Wait so let me get this straight, these troops were doing their jobs since most likely this car illegal parked may have posed a security threat, and now the penalty is a no-carry?! What the hell is going on with people in this world! Where’s the brass on this?!
South Korea can take care of themselves.
“Wheres the brass on this?!”
No balls...maybe looking for some to borrow?
I liked it.
Our military has not been cannon fodder since the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Why make them that in 2012?
“Having been an MP in S. Korea many moons ago I wonder what happened to the joint patrols we used to have at night.”
I’m guessing but the actual article indicated this was a ‘courtesy patrol’. When I was in SK back in the early 70s, we did run courtesy patrols in the local ville. Only remember one time when we were armed (sort of).
The actual courtesy patrols were to keep the GIs out of trouble in the bars as well as enforce certain guidelines. For example, we had to ensure the drinks were served in paper cups, we had to make sure there was soap in the latrines, etc. We were also required to check whether the ‘business girls’ had their monthly vd checks. Also, had to ensure the bars were playing an appropriate ethnic mix of songs.
The one time we were armed was after the race riot in 74. The division commander decided he would send courtesy patrols into an area which was officially off limits. It was off limits because the black solders had declared it their territory and would assualt any whites entering. Usually, a CP was an officer and an NCO. These patrols also included a US MP who was armed with an unloaded 45 and a loaded clip on his belt. We also were accompanied by a Korean MP who was locked and cocked. The officer and NCO were unarmed.
Wheres the brass on this?!
***********
From the article: “USFK commander Gen. James Thurman and 7th Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas issued apologies and five airmen were suspended from town patrol duties following the July 5 incident, which is being investigated by both the military and South Korean police. The airmen will remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.”
##
It sounds like the order came from the brass.
Next, our troops will each be required to carry a large “Kick Me” sign everywhere they go, especially in places where we are not well liked. Perhaps with a target design, as well.
THIS IS AN OUTRAGE !!!! They should at least be armed as well as our Border Patrol agents on the Mexican border....give them bean bags.
Thanks for your response. I was in Uijongbu S.Korea ‘66-’68 as an MP at the 55th with duty at Camp Red Cloud Hq I Corps (Gp).
We patrolled with Korean National Police, and Republic of Korea MP’s when we went on the patrols at night. We too had off limits areas, but at that time they were just off limits to any military as they were pretty rowdy areas that weren’t in compliance with specific agreements we had with Korean National Health, and the community.
It’s amazing the difference a few short years can make as we never gave a thought to what music was being played, and it was up to the locals to keep their places clean, and healthy as they didn’t want to lose the GI business.
We were always armed with loaded 45’s, and really never thought much about the fact. It was part of the uniform.
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