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Rules restrict political activity by Department of Defense personnel

With election activity steadily picking up, defense officials are in the process of issuing regular election-year guidance to remind military and Defense Department civilians that they’re subject to rules regulating their involvement in political activities.

Several sets of rules help to protect the integrity of the political process. DoD Directive 1344.10 applies to members of the Armed Forces, whether they serve on active duty, as members of the reserve components not on active duty, as National Guard members in a non-federal status, and military retirees.

In addition, the Hatch Act applies to federal civilian employees, and employees also are subject to widely published DoD guidance that discusses participation in political campaigns and elections.

These rules are designed to prevent military members’ or federal civilian employees’ participation in political activities that imply official sponsorship, approval or endorsement, officials said. The actual or perceived partisanship could undermine the legitimacy of the military profession and department.

DoD has a long-standing policy of encouraging members to carry out the obligations of citizenship, officials said. DoD encourages its military and civilian members to register to vote and vote as they choose. Both groups can sign nominating petitions for candidates and express their personal opinions about candidates and issues.

However, they can do so only if they don’t act as — or aren’t perceived as — representatives of the Armed Forces in carrying out these activities.

 

Blackmarketing in Germany is not a victimless crime

Ever wondered why products in the PX and commissary sometimes disappear so quickly? One reason is that some authorized customers buy more commissary or exchange goods than they need and sell the rest to unauthorized personnel.

That is blackmarketing and unlawful because items sold in U.S. forces stores in Germany are exempt from German customs duty and taxes. Only authorized customers may buy them.

"Blackmarketing is the illegal transfer or possession of tax and duty-free goods," said Fred Evans, director of customer service operations at U.S. Forces Customs, Europe. Examples of illegal transfer are selling PX goods to someone who is not a U.S. ID cardholder, giving away rationed items to pay rent or other debts, or giving away excessive amounts of these items.

"You can only give 25 cigarettes or one bottle of alcohol, not to exceed 1.2 liters, to a local national as an occasional gift," Evans added. Any more than this is an illegal transfer.

Only authorized individuals may shop in the PX or commissary. These include, among others: U.S. service members and civil service employees who are stationed in Germany and their dependents, NATO Soldiers assigned to international military headquarters in Germany, military retirees and U.S. diplomatic personnel based in Germany.

Friends who are not allowed to shop in U.S. sales facilities may ask to go with you to the exchange or commissary. But just because there is no one to stop them going in with you, does not make it legal for you to buy them anything.

It is easy for MP customs investigators to monitor these transactions. If they are improper, both buyer and recipient can get in trouble. It does not even matter if you are trying to sell the tax-free goods for profit or not.

In addition to Uniform Code of Military Justice and U.S. Forces civilian administrative action, anyone abusing the system may also face German fines and penalties. The investigation may also become part of your permanent record and can adversely affect your future employment options and your security clearance.

Also, making ends meet is not easy these days, but how far would your paycheck go if you could no longer shop in the PX or commissary because of a customs violation? One of the potential administrative actions is loss of shopping privileges.

Evans recommends you stay honest and report any customs violations you see to your local U.S. Forces Customs Office.

 

Who's allowed to shop at the commissary?

People sometimes ask who is actually authorized to shop at local commissaries in Germany? Members of the Wiesbaden Customs Office provided the following information to explain who is and who is not authorized according to Army in Europe Regulation 600-700:

F Active duty military, civilian component personnel and their accompanied dependents assigned to or on TDY status in/to Germany are authorized.

F Active duty military and their dependents stationed in Europe or North Africa on leave status visiting Germany are authorized.

F Contractors managed by the Department of Defense contractor personnel office, who are in possession of a CAC card indicating the level of support authorized.

F In Germany, retirees and their accompanying eligible family members (dependents) who reside in Germany or visiting Germany for at least 30 days may be granted the use of U.S. Forces sales facilities to purchase non-rationed items with payment of duty to local German Customs officials un-remarried widows of military members who reside in Germany may also be eligible to shop in the commissary. For both retirees and widows, presentation of documents and registration at the local U.S. Forces Customs Office and issuance of a German Customs certificate are required.

F Active duty military and their dependents on leave status visiting Germany from the United States outside of Europe or North Africa are not authorized to use the facilities. This also applies to any retiree visiting for less than 30 days, and visiting widows.

Military Police investigators are assigned to every U.S. Forces Customs Office. One of their primary missions is to survey all U.S. Forces sales facilities to combat black marketing and the illegal transfer of tax-free goods. Each facility is responsible for checking the documents of the shopper to ascertain if he or she is an authorized shopper.

In recent years the Defense Commissary Agency got command approval to permit facility entry of personnel who are not members of the forces as long as they are guests of and accompanied by an authorized shopper. These individuals may not buy tax- and duty-free merchandise, nor can such merchandise be purchased for these guests. Authorized personnel who are unable to shop, such as in the case of a medical disability, may apply for an exception to policy from the Customs Executive Agent NATO Status of Forces Office requesting designation of an individual normally not authorized store patronage to shop on their behalf; however, approvals must also be vetted through host nation authorities and require written justification.

The aforementioned categories are not intended to be all encompassing, Customs officials explained, as it is difficult to say one situation fits all when dealing with technical laws.

For a detailed list of persons authorized to shop in these facilities, visit your local U.S. Customs Office or the U.S. Army European Command Customs website at www.hqusareur.army/opm/customs.mil.

 

No live fire on Wiesbaden Army Airfield

Wiesbaden Army Airfield may be host to a number of military activities, but live firing exercises are not one of them. The noise that might sound like a cannon going off is actually a procedure used to clear the airfield’s runway of birds.

"There are 40 acoustical bird ‘scare devices’ installed around the runway," said Anemone Rueger, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden public affairs officer. "They work by gas ignition and produce a noise level of about 200 dba."

The noise devices are radio-controlled from the air traffic control tower. They are similar to devices used in vineyards throughout Germany, as well as other airfields.

They are tested after 7 a.m. every morning and then used as necessary thereafter to clear birds from the runway area. If the tower crew observes birds in the vicinity of the runway before an aircraft take-off or landing, they trigger the devices to clear the runway and to keep birds away.

The devices were installed in 1984. In the wintertime the birds such as seagulls that nest in the Main River area, crows and hawks, are more likely to stop by the airfield in their search for food.

 

Pet rabbits can suffer myxomatosis

At the end of summer and into the fall many wild rabbits become sick or die of myxomatosis, a severe viral disease, in Germany. Infected rabbits become lethargic and develop lumps and swelling around the head and genitals. The virus is spread by insects such as fleas, flies and mosquitoes.

Pet rabbits can also get myxomatosis. Those living outside are at greater risk. They should be kept indoors so there is no contact with wild rabbits or insects that spread the virus. An annual vaccine is available at German veterinarians. You should also consult a veterinarian for appropriate flea prevention for pet rabbits (flea medications for cats and dogs may not be safe for pet rabbits).

Myxomatosis is a rabbit disease and is not spread to humans. However, proper hygiene, such as wearing gloves, if handling an ill or dead rabbit should be used. If you find a dead rabbit on post, contact your local Directorate of Public Works Pest Control for removal. (Courtesy of the Wiesbaden Veterinary Treatment Facility)

Old Glory code of conduct

Caring for Old Glory not only means correctly displaying it, but calls for appropriate public and private use. Many Americans are not familiar with common flag violations and how to avoid them.

Alan Walden, a historian and executive committee member of the American Flag Foundation, said he finds the most common mistakes occur at homes and workplaces. "There are several things that are done without thinking whether they are disrespectful, but they are."

A common violation is hanging the flag in the wrong direction. When a person hangs a flag either horizontally or vertically, the blue field must always be on the top left.

Another mistake is flying the flag without illumination at night. Whether at home or at a workplace, if a flag cannot be lit at night then it should be taken down at dusk.

Flags should also never be flown during inclement weather. This prevents unnecessary wear and tear and keeps the flag clean.

Finally, the American flag should never be worn. It can be worn as an emblem attached to clothing, but it should never be worn itself. (Courtesy of the American Forces Press Service)

 

Tips for using the Military Postal Service

    Here are some tips for people who have stood in line multiple times to mail the same package because something was missing.
    When you are at an overseas location and want to send something from your APO address to another APO address in theater or to a deployed family member, you use the Military Postal Service.
    The service provides postage free delivery of personal correspondence and parcels up to 70 pounds that do not enter the United States Postal Service network within the United States, except special services like registered certified and insured mail.
    Both the sender and addressee must be authorized to use the MPS, and in lieu of postage, the block letters MPS must be marked in the upper right-hand corner on the envelope or parcel. See example below.
    A customs form is required on any item containing merchandise.
    When you want to send something to any civilian address from your APO address, you pay postage and your mail goes through the public mail system.
    When you are a deployed military member or civilian in support of a mission that has been designated a free mail area with congressional approval, such as Operation Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom or in the Balkans, you are entitled to use free mail for any destination. The words FREE MAIL must be handwritten in the upper right-hand corner where you would normally put the stamp.
    The name of the sender, rank and complete military address, APO in the free mail area, must be placed in the upper left-hand corner and be postmarked from an APO located within the free mail area.
    Customs and postal regulations prohibit the entry of alcoholic beverages of any kind, narcotics, weapons, munitions, explosives and other hazardous materials, securities and currency, pornography and horror comics, and currently rationed items, such as coffee and cigarettes.
    When you send official office mail, Official Business needs to be printed under the sender’s address block. If you mail to an APO address, DoD OFFICIAL INTRA-THEATER MAIL needs to be printed or stamped in the upper right-hand corner instead of postage. If you mail to a different address, the letter or parcel should say POSTAGE AND FEES PAID, US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE instead of postage.
    For more information visit the U.S. Army Garrison Hessen website at www.104thasg.hanau .army.mil, see Information for APO patrons or contact the 1st Personnel Command Postal Operations Directorate at mil 379-7837 or civ (06202) 80-7837 or www.1perscom.army.mil/pod. (From 1st Personnel Command Postal Operations Directorate News Release and Anemone Rueger)


There are different traffic rules in Germany than in the United States

By Anemone Rueger

U.S. Army Garrison Hessen Public Affairs Office

For many people coming from abroad, Germany, the world’s third largest car producer, is a paradise for fast driving.

But without a comprehensive set of rules that drivers at large tend to adhere to, the paradise would soon be lost.

Here are some specialties of German traffic rules that might differ from what you learned in driving school in the United States.

l Speeding on German Autobahns works only because there is a strict rule saying that slower cars use the right lanes and fast-driving cars use the left lanes. That means that a car overtaking another car will always weave out to the left and then back into the lane. Since it is prohibited to overtake from the right, the driver weaving back into the lane doesn’t have to fear another car coming from the right. So, theoretically, no danger can come from the right.

That is different from some traffic situations in the United States where sometimes a highway exit takes the driver, who is usually coming out of a curve at slow speed, straight onto the far left lane of the next highway, forcing faster cars in that lane to brake sharply.

The only exception applies to slow traffic, or the famous "Staus," where all lanes are moving at approximately the same speed and cars have to go with the flow.

l In most residential areas, often recognized by a 30 km/h speed limit, the rule at intersections is that cars coming from the right have the right of way, unless there is a sign to the contrary. The purpose of this rule is to make cars stop at every intersection and thus slow traffic down to protect the residents and children in particular. That means also that unlike in comparable situations in the United States it doesn’t matter if one of the cars arrives two seconds earlier than the other. As long as the car coming from the right is close enough to hit you, you should let it go first.

l Even though many Autobahns offer drivers the chance to peg the speedometer, speed limits are strictly enforced, especially in towns and cities. Flash traps often sit at traffic lights or on bridges where good road conditions are so inviting to go faster. Once you have passed the yellow sign at your right marking the entrance to a village, town or city, the speed limit is 50 km/h (about 30 mph) unless otherwise indicated. Two-lane highways connecting towns, marked by yellow road signs, let you go 100 km/h (about 60 mph.) The recommended maximum speed at "interstates" or Autobahns, marked by blue road signs, is 130 km/h (about 80 mph.)

 

Keep people informed back home with a Hometown News Release

Mom, Dad, neighbors and school buddies back home in the United States want to know what you are doing over here in Europe. You have plenty of stories to tell — from news about promotions and awards to unique achievements.

Have you ever thought about submitting a hometown news release?

The Army and Air Force Hometown News Program provides a link between you and your home audience across the Atlantic.

The basic version of a "hometowner" is a DD Form 2266 Formflow form. You fill in the address information of your next-of-kin ties and a two-line description of the event you wish to be reported, sign the form and get it to your local Public Affairs Office. If you need help, that is where you get it.

The PAO submits the form to the Hometown News service, where it is worked into a story and sent to the newspapers in the vicinity of the people and places you indicated on the form, choosing from nearly 11,000 daily and weekly newspapers in the United States. Your PAO will receive an electronic confirmation when the story has been released.

If you discover yourself, your unit or your family the subject of a Herald Union news or feature story you think someone in America should read, you can also turn to your PAO to get that story into the Hometown News program, electronically packaged with the accompanying photograph and your DD Form 2266. That way your readership back home will get a tailor-cut, colorful account of your present life and service overseas.

For more information call your PAO at mil 337-1600 in Wiesbaden, mil 485-1600 in Baumholder, mil 343-1600 in Giessen, mil 322-1600 in Hanau or mil 322-1400 in the 104th Area Support Group.

 

Military Spouse Preference

In order to provide greater career opportunities for military spouses, the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Civilian Personnel implemented the Military Spouse Preference Choice program Oct. 7. MSP Choice permits military spouses to accept an unlimited number of temporary, intermittent or flexible schedule positions (non-continuing positions) without loss of their Military Spouse Preference.

Military spouses will be referred using MSP until such time as they accept a continuing position — positions to which appointments are made without time limitation and which are required to have a fixed part-time or full-time work schedule.

Upon acceptance of a non-continuing position, a spouse’s eligibility for preference for other non-continuing positions will be suspended until 60 days before the expiration of the non-continuing position.

Military spouses who lost preference on or after the effective date of this policy change because they accepted or declined an offer of a time-limited position in the federal service, including NAF, would have preference reinstated. Reinstatement of preference is contingent on the spouse meeting all other applicable requirements for MSP.

Military spouses who previously accepted or declined a position with a fixed work schedule and no time limitation will not receive additional entitlement to MSP. Likewise, military spouses whose preference was terminated based on their refusal to participate in established competitive recruitment procedures will not have preference reinstated.

For more information contact Trina Schroeder at civ (0621) 487-2537. (Courtesy of USAREUR Public Affairs)

 

ACAP services are free

The Army Career and Alumni Program can help you explore career, education and veteran’s assistance options when considering transitioning from the military back into the civilian world.

By Congressional mandate, all separating or retiring Soldiers must receive a mandatory preseparation counseling briefing which explains potential benefits and entitlements. ACAP also helps with job searches, resume writing and more.

Contact your local ACAP Center for more information on your transition, separation benefits and job search. Take advantage of these free services.

 

Traffic violators liable for German fines

German authorities strictly police motorists and mete out sometimes stiff penalties for infractions.

An astute reader of the Herald Union pointed out an item missing from the winter driving safety information printed in our Nov. 11 issue:

The legal use of rear fog lights falls under what is generally referred to as the "50-50 rule." Rear fog lights are to be used only when visibility falls to 50 meters or less. At the same time motorists must slow their vehicles to a speed of no more than 50 kilometers per hour.

Motorists who exceed 70 kilometer speeds in urban areas can be fined 425 euros, receive four points on their licenses and have driving privileges suspended for four months.

Motorists who idle their motors while parked or standing still can be fined 10 euros. Those who drive aimlessly about urban areas can be fined 20 euros. Drivers who needlessly block traffic by driving too slowly can be fined 20 euros. Those who pass others on the right in urban areas can be fined 30 euros.

Motorists who litter can be fined from 10-50 euros; those who dump trash on roadsides, 40 euros.

Drivers popping clutches and burning rubber in residential neighborhoods risk 10 euro fines. Motorists whose car stereos are audible outside their cars risk 35 euro fines, and repeat offenders can be fined up to 5,000 euros.

 

Who is authorized to sell insurance and investment options

Nonaccredited life insurance and securities investment agents may not solicit business on U.S. Army Europe military installations. They may not approach Soldiers, Department of Defense civilians or their family members on any installation, housing area or barracks unless an appointment is made.

Authorized agents must present a USAREUR Commercial Solicitation Permit booklet (AE Form 210-70E) signed by an issuing official. It must contain the agent’s name, company, photograph, signature and an expiration date. Be sure to see the permit before entering into any transactions.

The following are accredited life insurance and securities companies:

Life insurance:

American Amicable Insurance Co. of Texas, American Fidelity Life Insurance Co., American National Life Insurance, Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Co., Boston Mutual Life Insurance Co., John Hancock Life Insurance Co., Midland National Life Insurance Co., Pioneer American Life Insurance Co., Sunset Life Insurance Co., TransWorld Life Insurance Co., 5-Star Life Insurance Co.

Securities investment:

Employee Benefits Investment Group, Inc., Integrated Financial Planning Services, Intervest International, John Hancock Distributors, Nelson Securities, Probity First Financial, Signator Financial Network, Sunset Financial Services, U. S. World Wide Financial Services and Wm. B. Austin and Associates.

If the solicitor does not have a permit or refuses to show one, notify your local Commercial Affairs officer or the Military Police to report an unauthorized solicitation. (Courtesy of 1st AD Legal Assistance)

Everything rides on tire safety

Studies of tire safety show that maintaining proper tire pressure, observing tire and vehicle load limits, avoiding road hazards and regularly inspecting tires for cuts, slashes and other irregularities are the most effective steps drivers can take to avoid such tire failures as tread separation, blowouts and flats.

Paying attention to vehicle tire conditions can improve vehicle handling, improve fuel economy, lengthen tire service life and, most importantly, protect drivers and passengers from breakdowns and accidents.

Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction and load-carrying capability of vehicles. Underinflated tires and overloaded vehicles are a major cause of tire failure. Maintain proper tire pressure, observe tire and vehicle load limits, avoid road hazards and regularly inspect tires to avoid flats and other tire failures.

Tire information placards and vehicle certification labels contain important information regarding tire and load limits. They are permanently attached to vehicle door edges, door posts, glove box doors or inside trunk lids. Drivers should be familiar with the important information they contain including recommended tire size, tire inflation pressure, vehicle capacity weight and front and rear axle weight ratings.

Tire inflation pressure is the level of air pressure in a tire that provides its load-carrying capacity. Tire inflation pressure indicates the pounds per square inch required to properly inflate the tire. It affects the overall performance of the vehicle and is a critical factor in driving safety.

Manufacturers of passenger vehicles and light trucks determine tire inflation pressure based on a vehicle’s design load limit, the greatest amount of weight a vehicle can carry safely, and the vehicle’s tire size. The figure is sometimes referred to as the recommended cold inflation pressure. Because tires are designed to be used on more than one type of vehicle, manufacturers also list the maximum permissible inflation pressure on the tire sidewall. This number indicates the maximum amount of pressure that should be applied to the tire under normal driving conditions.

Most tires naturally lose pressure over time. They can also experience sudden loss of pressure when driven over potholes or when striking a curb during parking procedures. Note that with radial tires it is usually not possible to determine underinflation by visual inspection. Check tire pressure at least once a month to be sure that proper pressure is maintained.

A tire pressure gauge should be used to determine tire inflation pressure. To properly measure inflation pressure, take readings after the vehicle has been at rest for at least three hours. Heat generated by driving affects tire pressure, and an accurate reading cannot be made immediately after the vehicle comes to rest.

If tire pressure is too high, slowly release air by gently pressing on the tire valve stem with the edge of the tire gauge until correct pressure is achieved. If tire pressure is too low, note the difference between the measured pressure and the recommended pressure. The difference is the number of pounds of air pressure that must be added. Check all tires to make sure they have the same amount of air pressure, except in cases where the front and rear tires are supposed to have different amounts of pressure. (Courtesy of 104th ASG DoL)

 

Guests can drive your privately owned vehicle

Visitors of soldiers and civilians stationed in Germany can get U.S. Army Europe authority to drive a USAREUR-plated vehicle.

"For immediate family members, just go to your local military customs office and fill out an application form," said Anja Rowland, USAREUR Office of the Provost Marshal Customs Executive Agency.

A customs authorization can be provided if visitors have an international driver’s license for Germany issued in the United States or their country of residence.

Any military customs office can approve applications for direct family members. For friends and non-immediate family members, the sponsor must apply to the USAREUR OPM Host Nation Customs Policy Branch.

The exception allows guests to drive a USAREUR-plated vehicle in Germany for up to 90 days after their arrival in Europe.

Surf to www.hqusareur.army.mil/opm/custom3.htm for exact procedures and the link to download an application form. Call any military customs office or mil 381-7610, civ (0621) 730 7610 for assistance.

Eighty percent of all fires occur in the home

More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires, and more than 25,000 are injured. Eighty percent of all fire deaths occur in the home. Each year about 300 people are killed and $280 in property is destroyed in fires attributed to children playing with fire. Having a working smoke alarm more than doubles one’s chances of surviving a fire.

Following these simple fire safety tips can boost survival rates dramatically:

H Keep matches, lighters and other ignitables in a secured drawer or cabinet out of the reach of children.

H Have your children tell you when they find matches or lighters.

H Always dress children in pajamas that meet federal flammability standards. Avoid dressing children for sleep in loose-fitting 100 percent cotton garments, such as oversized T-shirts.

H Teach children not to hide from firefighters, but to get out quickly and call for help from another location.

H Show children how to crawl low on the floor, below the smoke, to get out of the house and stay out.

H Teach children a signal to alert the rest of the family to get out if they hear a smoke alarm.

H Demonstrate how to stop, drop to the ground and roll if clothes catch fire.

H Develop a home fire escape plan and designate a meeting place outside.

H Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke alarm.

H Help your child test every smoke alarm each month and replace its batteries at least once a year.

H Replace mattresses made before the 1973 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard.

H Check under beds and in closets for burnt matches, evidence your child may be playing with fire. (Courtesy of the U.S. Fire Administration and the 104th ASG Safety Office)

'Children Act Fast ... So Do Poisons'

Parents and care givers are reminded to:

N Be continuously watchful when medications and household chemicals are in the immediate environment.

N Ensure all medications and toxic household agents are stored in child-proof containers and are always out of children’s reach.

N Be aware of the signals which assist in the detection of poison ingestion.

Community members are reminded to turn in extra or expired medication to their local pharmacies to reduce the occurrence of accidents. In the event of ingestion of a poisonous substance by a child call the Poison Control Center at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, mil 486-7070 or civ (06371) 86-7070.