Alcohol, Liberty Ban for US Troops in Japan After Deadly Car Crash

SCPO (Join to see) I did understand it was only Okinawa. The death of a local man in this DUI accident intoxicated Marine is a horrible thing, but I would guess there may be upwards of 10,000 or possibly many more military on Okinawa, and to lock down bases prohibit drinking alcohol by all military and recinding liberty for every one serving in Okinawa seemed a bit harsh for the actions of one drunk Marine that was the cause of a local man's death in a car accident. Mass punishment is not our way of life in the civilian world nor in the military in which I served for 23 years.

CWO3 Dennis M. I think Japan is the only region that uses mass punishment. Unfortunately, as my wife(who is Japanese) reminded me when I mentioned this, than it’s the Japanese way and what they expect.

As much as I love Japan, being stationed the last few years has become a real pain.

SCPO (Join to see) - I understand your position Chief. When I was stationed in Okinawa (18 months) WWII had only been over about 25 years prior to my tour there and I am sure it was not the Okinawa of today. As a division LCPO I would never consider pulling Liberty cards for an entire division for the actions of one my crew, I would consider that very poor leadership and a bad example to set. Even more so, when I was a Department Head those kinds of actions would not even enter my mind. To see flag officers take those kinds of actions is beyond comprehension and a display of the worst leadership I have ever seen in my Navy career! What kind of leadership example did thousands of military personnel observe in the actions of their Generals or admirals? And how will that reflect on their decision making in the future when they are the leaders? Will they say to them selves it must be okay, a General did it! I am sure you are a good Chief who displays good leadership, so please don't think I am putting you in the same boat...That is not my intention.