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Posted on Dec 8, 2013
SGT Counterintelligence (CI) Agent
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I'm on active duty, but I'm wondering if it's possible to go on leave to Mexico while on Active duty or not? Are there any special instructions for going on leave out of the country? My family (parents/siblings) are going to Mexico and February and I'd like to go with them, but not sure how this works since I'm active duty?
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SGT 94 E Radio Comsec Repairer
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I just went through this process because I was planning on going to Cancun/Cozumel for New Year's Eve.  After informing my 1st line supervisor, I had to talk to the battalion S2 NCOIC. 

The NCOIC said that Cancun and Cozumel are on the approved list, but unless you're arriving by cruise ship, it's recommended that you check in with the U.S. Consulate in Merida when you get there.  U.S. soldiers are prime targets for kidnapping in Mexico. 

It isn't worth the risk for me, so I changed my plans. 
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SFC James Baber
SFC James Baber
12 y
Right on pint SPC, I gave that recommendation countless times, but people will do what they want to at times as well, thinking it won't happen to me. I would rather make other arrangements for my safety than run the risk of being the next victim of the Zetas or the Sonora cartel. Those are the primary cartels for the area in question. 
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SGT Counterintelligence (CI) Agent
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12 y
Oh wow! How far is the US consulate from the airport in Cancun? I've been there several times before on vacation but not since I've been active. I definitely want to make sure I plan it as safe as possible to avoid any situations like that, so I definitely appreciate the help!
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SGT 94 E Radio Comsec Repairer
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12 y
I'm unsure where the consulate is or how far it is from the airport, unfortunately.

As for the time frame for approval, you should be fine.  I was told to submit my packet 2 months in advance, and that's taking into account the holiday block leave. 

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SGT Counterintelligence (CI) Agent
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Awesome, thank you very much!
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SGM Matthew Quick
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It's important to note that the entire country of Mexico is not off limits, just selected states within the country...most border the U.S. though; so driving would probably be out of the question.<br><br>COL/Brigade Commanders are currently the approval authority for travel to Mexico.
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SGT Counterintelligence (CI) Agent
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Thank you MSG! That let's me know it's probably going to be a tedious process to get this going. I will be flying into Cancun and meeting my family who will be leaving straight from home. Thank you!
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SFC Instructor/Writer
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Check with your unit first, you might need a clearance from them, before you make that travel some location are not permitted.  
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SGT Counterintelligence (CI) Agent
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Thank you! I wasn't exactly sure what needed to happen, so I will start going through step by step starting tomorrow! Thank you.
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SGT Counterintelligence (CI) Agent
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Sorry, I meant to say Thank You SFC!
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Vacation to Mexico? Is it allowed?
SSG Claims Representative
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It depends on your situation do you have a clearance, are you driving or flying.  If you plan on driving in to Mexico you will probably not be authorized to go.  If you are flying and staying only at a resort area like Cancun you will probably be authorized.  Any time you leave the country you should talk to your security manager and they will give you a country brief.  If you have a security clearance the securtiy manager will tell you what countries your absolutely not allowed to visit.
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SGT Counterintelligence (CI) Agent
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I do have a clearance so hopefully that will help. I will be flying and staying just outside of Cancun at a resort that my family always goes to. I will make sure to speak to my security manager ASAP. Thank you!
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SSG Claims Representative
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No problem, I don't think it will be a problem considering its Cancun but you know the Army sometimes it just depends on who you report to.

 

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SFC James Baber
SFC James Baber
12 y
Having a clearance has no bearing on the trip, but you will have to go to your BN or above S2, who is most likely your first level security manager for your brief and memorandum verifying you have been briefed and cleared for the destination area of approval
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SSG Laureano Pabon
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Your better off talking to your NCOIC and CO about that, so they can inform you correctly on that matter. If you get approved have a great time with your family.
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SGT Counterintelligence (CI) Agent
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Thanks SSG. I will make sure to bring it up to my NCOIC tomorrow!
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SFC James Baber
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Being that my last duty before retiring was BDE S2 NCOIC, I can tell you from the AT/FP Security POV is check with your BN S2, they have the updated OPSEC and AT info as it is incorporated into their positions and most installations also require you to get an approval and security briefing from your S2 anytime you are going to a country on the State Department's hot list. You will get a briefing and have your itinerary reviewed and they will issue you a letter stating you have received the current brief and for your Commanders endorsement to attach to your 31 for record, and your will also need to keep a copy of that letter with you to go with your passport for departure and return to country to help with the expediting your re-entry in country as well. At least that was part of my responsibilities 3 years ago, so doubt it has changed much since then.
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SFC James Baber
SFC James Baber
12 y

You have plenty of time, just don't wait until the last minute, I wouldn't book my tickets until you get approval, unless you have a cancellation window where you won't lose your money. You just need to make an apt with your S2/Security Mgr, the brief is about an hour to get it done fully and to do your memo, if your S2 is like me , I had a pre-made template for each country of origin with the updated DOS info and references, and a generic template that I could fill in at any time with no issues or delays for my last minute "idiots", and I am being nice on that statement, as my biggest last minute offenders were senior EMs and FG/Flags. I love and respect them, but they are the biggest pains at times, but always am prepared for them.


Just get with your S2 asap to get it completed. I would try and get it done before the holidays to best give you time for the follow up with command as well.

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SGT Counterintelligence (CI) Agent
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SFC, since I work in a hospital unfortunately my S2 so to speak is a civilian who is rarely in the office. I have spoken to him in several occasions recently regarding a reclass so hopefully he will be able to provide me the required training/paperwork that goes along with this situation. I am going to try and get this all done before Christmas, I know everyone will be getting into holiday mode soon so I'm hoping I can catch them all before that happens! Thanks again.
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SFC Clinops
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You're S2 will definitely have to advice you and then there will be overseas briefings and what not. But get it cleared via them before you even start planning. Good luck.
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SFC James Baber
SFC James Baber
12 y
SPC Callis, I am very aware of S2s for hospitals, had to deal with quite a few over my career. You have the option of going to your BDE S2 as well, and you won't be stepping on any toes or jumping your chain, many times the command would prefer a military S2 anyway, so if need be go to your Med BDE, also I hadn't mentioned the passport, because stupid me, I naturally assumed you had one, now depending if you filed the process on post or off post will give you a time frame, but either way, I believe if it still applies it should be a minimum of 4-6 weeks you get it normally, but you will have to take into account the holidays. I would jump on that immediately to get it processed and have it in time, and if you go off post, I hope you have a copy of your birth-certificate for the process, when I got my new one in '08 I needed that as a necessary document for mine. Good luck, that will most likely be your long roadblock for now, when I used to give my BN in briefs for new Soldiers coming to BN/BDE I would ask about family or planned out of country trips as part of my brief and advise those whose didn't have one to get it asap to prevent delays later.
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CW3(P) Network Defense Tech
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I hope everyone including you have a passport.
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SGT Counterintelligence (CI) Agent
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Not yet sir, I'm starting that process this week. My family members already have theirs though so mine will be the only issue. Do you know about how long it takes for them to come back?
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SGT Javier Silva
SGT Javier Silva
12 y

SPC Callis,

 

Unless expedited service is requested, the turn around time for passports is roughly 4-6 weeks from the time they receive your application.  It is 2-3 weeks for expedited service and it will cost an extra $60 bucks.

 

You can get all the info here:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

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SGT Javier Silva
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SPC Callis,

 

One of the biggest requirements that falls on the unit is a request through APACS for all types of travel for military personnel (personal or business).  APACS has the most up-to-date information on what areas of Mexico are off limits to personnel, which require a buddy system, and which allow solo travel.  Also, it tells you who is the authorized approver for the travel location.  On top of this, APACS will also provide the information on the consulate in the specific area of Mexico.  You may not be required to personally show up at the consulate but a phone call may be required; however, you may want to know how to get to the consulate if trouble ever starts.  Remember that approval to a certain country does not give you permission to break the law; therefore, you will be held responsible for whatever laws are broken.  Approvals are usually pretty quick depending on the country you are visiting.

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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
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I would not go there until they get that drug cartel influence out of there.  
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