What is the policy on international travel to a country such as China for a Reservist?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 08:43:50 -0400

I am a current reservist, however, I have family that lives in China, and I would like to find out what’s the policy on visiting family in such country, let’s say for about a month or so. Obviously I will not carry anything that will reveal that I am in the United States Army, but do I need to get permission as a reservist? What do I have to do?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 28 at 2019 8:46 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 08:46:06 -0400

My best advice is to check with your higher ups and see what they have to say.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2019 8:50 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 08:50:13 -0400

Check with your S2 for overseas travel.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Jun 28 at 2019 9:00 AM

LTC Eugene Chu — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 09:00:32 -0400

Along with checking with unit S2, remember your dates of travel. For security clearance renewal paperwork, you need to put down when your travel occurred.

There is also an online anti-terrorism course that many uniformed personnel must take. Check with unit S2 if you need to take that training via internet.

Response by SPC David S. made Jun 28 at 2019 9:30 AM

SPC David S. — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 09:30:23 -0400

This is a link to the DoD's Foreign Clearance Guide (.mil email required) for military and civilian personnel which provides specific country visa and passport information, medical and immunization standards, customs inspections procedures, and State Department alerts. The site also provides specific Command Theater requirements and points of contact. But as others have stated check with your S2. Keep good records of the the where when and who. As well very smart of you to ask - I think you need to give notice 30 days prior to traveling.

https://www.fcg.pentagon.mil/fcg.cfm

DoD Electronic Foreign Clearance Guide

If you are on a non-.mil/.gov domain and require access to the site as a DoD employee, US military member, DoD contractor supporting a DoD contract, or for official DoD or government business, please request a username and password from the webmaster at EFCG@leidos.com.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Jun 28 at 2019 10:38 AM

MSG Danny Mathers — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 10:38:14 -0400

You need to know the State Department restriction on travel to China. You might want to think twice. You might end up in a foreign prison for political reasons.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jun 28 at 2019 10:51 AM

LTC John Shaw — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 10:51:24 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member All of the comments are correct regarding obtaining a briefing from the S2 or G2 shop. If this is a reserve position and not filled then go to your commander and the higher unit S2 / G2. Bottom line: You must have an overseas briefing before your travel and when you return to need to check in with the S2 / G2 on any observations / foreign national contacts that occurred.

Response by MSG James Davidson made Jun 28 at 2019 2:00 PM

MSG James Davidson — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 14:00:27 -0400

I almost visited a couple of years ago and the paperwork they wanted for entry into the country asked way to many questions about things they didn't need to know. Also one of my friends who had gone before warned me against taking a laptop or any data device that I would leave in my room. He took a laptop and said that when he came back to the room the computer was on and some files had been moved. I cancelled out of the trip.

Response by CWO4 Roberto Obong made Jun 29 at 2019 1:23 AM

CWO4 Roberto Obong — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 01:23:45 -0400

You will have to contact your S2 (intelligence unit) so you can be briefed on the do's and don't! This also include the State Department pertinent information for your safety, etc.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2019 3:22 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 03:22:49 -0400

If you have a security clearance you have report any intended travel. It would be best to inform your COC whenever you travel regardless if you’re leaving the US or not. That way if there ever is a recall they know where you are and how to reach you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2019 9:32 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Jul 2019 09:32:57 -0400

If you have a security clearance, you may have a few hoops to jump through, being as they typically don't want people cleared for classified information visiting countries like China. That does not mean you will be barred from visiting. Ask your S2 POC for details.