Pretty much since Day 1, US military stationed at Fort Bliss and other nearby installations have enjoyed good times in Juarez. Can they go whenever they want?
Fort Bliss is home to about 20,000 troops at any given time. While the military does quite a bit to keep them entertained and El Paso, Las Cruces and Alamogordo offer lots to see and do; Juarez has always been a destination. Are they allowed there though?
The short answer is no. Not at the moment anyway but the rules are subject to change and exceptions can be made as to whether or not Jua-zoo is a go or a no-go.
Is Juarez Off Limits To US Military?
As of today, yes. Juarez can, (and often has been), declared off limits to US military personnel for various reasons, namely safety and security. Local commanders make that call but it can be ordered from above too.
Service members may be required to obtain travel clearances, and complete security briefings when traveling internationally, particularly to higher-risk areas, according to the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Program. – elpasomatters
Our troops work hard and deserve to be able to have a good time. Restricting that is a serious matter, not taken lightly by the high up’s.
Why Would Juarez Be Off Limits?
Military commanders may declare establishments or geographic areas off-limits to service members for off-duty or personal travel for safety and security reasons under federal regulations governing Armed Forces disciplinary control. – elpasomatters
Who Sets Travel Policies?
Policies on travel to Ciudad Juárez in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, across the border from El Paso, Texas, are set by local commanders, such as those at Fort Bliss, and can change based on security conditions. – elpasomatters
READ MORE: Mexico’s Easiest Entry/Exit Point
Who Can Get Special Clearance?
Special clearance to head south of the border, or to any foreign destination can be arranged in certain situations like official business or family visits. I’m pretty sure some vetting takes place when these requests are made.
They’ll probably need a little more than “I have to meet my primo at the Kentucky Club.”
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