mtfester@netMAPSONscape.net wrote:
> CL <flothru@yahoo.com> wrote:
>> The 2-Belo wrote:
> 
>>> http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080222/ap_on_re_as/japan_us_military_1
>>>
>>> "The U.S. this week imposed tight new restrictions on troops, their families and
>>> *civilian expatriates* [emphasis mine] in Okinawa and *elsewhere* [emphasis
>>> mine], limiting them to bases, workplaces and off-base housing. The military
>>> held a 'day of reflection' Friday to urge troops not to commit crimes."
> 
>> Interesting to see that the J-cops are unable to verify any of the 
>> charges against the individual whose alleged actions triggered this mess 
>> and they've had to let him go with no charges filed.
> 
>> "Decided not to file charges" is police code for "she lied to the 
>> investigators".
> 
> True, but the guy admitted to forcing her down to kiss her, which,
> given that she's a minor would be a felony in the US.

It used to be only in _some_ states.  A number of "crimes" are applied 
pretty much for purposes of entrapment or revenge in the towns around a 
number of training bases.  There was a system at several bases in the 
South; especially the Carolinas, Kentucky, and Tennessee to provide 
lightning reassignments to enlisted men who the sheriff had requested 
permission to interview.

The JAGs (Judge Advocate General / military lawyers) would take a look 
to determine whether the inquiry was in relation to a crime that was 
non-violent, didn't involve weapons, wasn't robbery, seemed to be 
consensual, and was non-capital.  If it met those standards, the service 
member was given a reassignment and flown to a different facility from 
an airfield within the base.  Of course, the downside was no promotion 
for at least two years and a possible court martial at the new base.  I 
know that the same was employed in Okinawa at around the time if Reversion.

I understand that this has changed and that the DOD no longer protects 
commanders who sneak service members out, but it used to be quite common.

> He's got a case of the galloping stupids.

Or, as a Marine Corps colonel said "There's a man whose last promotion 
is behind him."

Even though no charges were filed, there's a pretty good chance that 
he'll lose at least one stripe (in reality, he'll probably be busted 
from E-7 to at least E-4), receive a pay cut for a year, and may have 
his permission to live off base revoked in the next couple of weeks.  If 
he hasn't got his 20 at the end of his current enlistment, he won't be 
permitted to re-up and will lose his pension.

That kind of behavior just isn't worth it.

-- 
CL