Friday, January 16, 2009

Marines, Sailors Need Permission to Visit Mexico

Permission denied?

Marines and sailors in San Diego County looking to make a run south of the border to Mexico must obtain written permission from their superiors as a result of escalating violence in Mexico.

The directive from Lt. Gen. Samuel Helland impacts some 40,000 Marines and sailors from Camp Pendleton's 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, according to The North County Times. The ruling also impacts armed forces stationed at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station.

At least 5,300 people were killed in drug violence in Tijuana last year, and at least 12 have been killed so far this year.

Armed forces wanting permission to visit Mexico must be at least 18 and agree to use the buddy system by traveling with at least one other person who is also 18 or older. They must also carry the telephone numbers of the American Consulate in Tijuana, the border Shore Patrol and their unit command. Finally, before they exit the country, they must register online with the American Consulate in Tijuana.

1 comment:

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